3.300 Supervisors Tactic for Armed Subject Response (Star) De-Escalation Protocol

Question 1

What it the overall policy for “3.300 - Supervisors Tactic For Armed Subject Response (STAR) De-Escalation Protocol”?

Answer 1

“For police, the role of the first-line supervisor is critically important. As soon as supervisors arrive at the scene, the more likely they can contain it, ‘slow it down’ and avoid the temptation to feel that immediate action is always required.“

Question 2

What are the criteria for a STAR protocol, requiring a response by a supervisor? (3)

Answer 2

1. There is credible information the subject is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon (not simulated or unseen) AND is using it in a manner that can cause death or serious bodily injury.
2. Subject is acting in a threatening manner with the weapon.
3. This will not include open carry subjects or pocketknives, when carrying the weapon(s) is the sole justification for the call.

Question 3

What is the minimum number of officers that will be dispatched to a STAR protocol?

Answer 3

3 officers (and a supervisor)

Question 4

If an area supervisor is unavailable to respond to the STAR protocol, who will be requested to respond?

Answer 4

A sergeant or lieutenant from another area command.

Question 5

For a STAR protocol, what are the responsibilities of the field supervisor?

Answer 5

1. Acknowledge the call and self-dispatch
2. Be responsible for tactics and supervision of the incident
3. Request the appropriate tools & resources (tactical vehicle, arrest team, medical etc.)
4. If needed, ensure an officer or communications contacts Fusion Watch, to do a work-up
5. Maintain the STAR protocol, unless the first arriving unit determines otherwise

Question 6

Upon conclusion of a STAR protocol, which codes will be broadcasted via radio by the field supervisor to dispatch?

Answer 6

F5 - STAR De-escalation Protocol - Force Used

L5 - STAR De-escalation Protocol - Legal 2000

Question 7

“If the call (STAR Protocol) resulted in a legitimate threat, the field supervisor will…”

Answer 7

“…ensure the information regarding a hazard on property and the subject involved is completed in an After-Action Report.”

Question 8

According to Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), why is a supervisor critically important?

Answer 8

“For police, the role of the first-line supervisor is critically important. The sooner supervisors arrive at the scene, the more likely they can contain it, “slow it down”, and avoid the temptation to feel immediate action is always required” (PERF).

Question 9

In regards to Supervisors Tatic For Armed Subject Response (STAR) De-Escalation Protocol, what does an “armed” suspect mean?

Answer 9

For the purpose of this policy, “armed” will mean the suspect has a firearm or other dangerous weapon and is acting in a threatening manner with the weapon. A “dangerous weapon” will mean an instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury.

Question 10

A supervisor will respond to a STAR protocol under which predefined criteria?

Answer 10

Criteria for a supervisor’s response to the call:

1. There is credible information the subject is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon (not simulated or unseen) AND is using it in a manner which can cause death or serious bodily injury.
2. Subject is acting in a threatening manner with a weapon.
3. This will not include open carry subjects or pocketknives, when carrying the weapon(s) is the sole justification for the call.

Question 11

When dispatch announces a STAR Protocol and dispatches a minimum of three officers, what will a supervisor do?

Answer 11

Patrol supervisor will:

1. Announce their acknowledgement and self-dispatch to the call. If unavailable to respond, will ensure Communications requests a sergeant/lieutenant from another area command to respond.
2. Be responsible for tactics and supervision of the incident (see LVMPD 3.110, Use of Force, “De-escalation”).
3. Make the determination for the use of a shoutgun, rifle, arrest team, less lethal option, or other tools/resources (i.e., shield, Air Unit, K9, and SWAT).
4. Rifle deployment will be determined by department policy.
5. Ensure an officer or Communications contacts Fusion Watch to get a complete work up on the subject when necessary.
6. Maintain STAR Protocol, unless the first-arriving unit confirmed the incident no longer meets the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol response.
   a. In incidents determined to no longer meet the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol, supervisors will ensure units advise Communications of the reasoning and Communications updates the event accordingly.
7. Advise Communications via radio of applicable STAR code (F5 or L5 only).

Question 12

If the STAR Protocol resulted in a legitimate threat what will a supervisor ensure is completed?

Answer 12

After-Action Report: If the call resulted in a legitimate threat, the patrol supervisor will ensure the information regarding a hazard on property and the subject involved is completed.

Question 13

True or false - For police, the role of first-line supervisor is critically important. The sooner supervisors arrive at the scene, the more likely they can contain it, ‘slow it down,’ and avoid the temptation to feel that immediate action is always required.”

Answer 13

True.

Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

Question 14

For the purpose of a STAR Protocol, what does “armed” mean?

Answer 14

The suspect has a firearm or other dangerous weapon.

Question 15

For the purpose of a STAR Protocol, what does a dangerous weapon mean?

Answer 15

An instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury.

Question 16

Criteria for a supervisor’s response to a STAR Protocol: (3 part)

Answer 16

1. There is credible information the subject is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon (not simulated or unseen) AND using it in a manner that can cause death or serious bodily injury.
2. Subject is acting in a threatening manner with the weapon.
3. This will not include open carry subjects, or pocket knives, when carrying the weapon(s) is the sole justification for the call.

Question 17

Who must be dispatched to a STAR Protocol?

Answer 17

1. A minimum of three officers
2. Advise the area supervisor of the call
3. If an area supervisor is unavailable to respond, request a sergeant/lieutenant from another area command to respond.

Question 18

On a STAR Protocol, the Patrol Supervisor WILL:

Answer 18

1. Announce their acknowledgement and self-dispatch to the call. If unavailable to respond, will ensure Communications requests a sergeant/lieutenant from another area command to respond.
2. Manage tactics and supervision of the incident (see LVMPD 3.110, Use of Force, “De-escalation”).
3. Make the determination for the use of a shotgun, rifle, arrest team, less lethal option, or other tools/resources (i.e., shield, Air Unit, K9, and SWAT).
4. Ensure rifle deployment is carried out within department policy (see LVMPD 3.110, Use of Force,
   “Use of Force with a Firearm – Handgun/Shotgun/Rifle,” and LVMPD 8.188, Authorized Firearms, Associated Equipment, and Required Training).
5. Ensure an officer or Communications contacts Fusion Watch to get a complete work-up on the subject when necessary.
6. Maintain the STAR de-escalation protocol, unless the first-arriving unit confirmed the incident no
   longer meets the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol response.
   a. In incidents determined to no longer meet the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol, supervisors will ensure units advise Communications of the reasoning and that Communications updates the event accordingly.
7. Advise Communications via radio of applicable STAR code (F5 or L5 only).
8. If the call resulted in a legitimate threat, ensure the information regarding a hazard on property and the subject involved is completed in an Area Command Investigative Summary Report (LVMPD
   1050).

Question 19

On a STAR protocol, the patrol officer will consider the following tactics:

Answer 19

1. Upon arrival, attempt to locate cover/concealment, as well as containment positions (see LVMPD
   3.110, Use of Force, “De-escalation”).
2. Utilize the contact cover method, if deemed appropriate, to make contact with the subject.
3. Form an arrest team and utilize less lethal options when feasible.

Question 20

When a sergeant and/or officers (3) are not available to respond to an incident, officers assigned to _____________ are exempt from the STAR protocol response.

Answer 20

Resident sections