General Orders Details

G13.2.1 Surveillance and High-Risk Operations

Chapter: Chapter 13 – Investigative Services
Sub-Chapter: 13.2 - Special Investigative Operations
Effective Date: 06/10/2024
Revised Date: 06/10/2024
Rescinds: None

Purpose

To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when conducting surveillance, covert details, or executing a high-risk warrant service.

General Order

The IUPD will conduct surveillance and high-risk warrant service in a manner that complies with all constitutional and statutory provisions, promotes the safety of the officers and the public, and ensures the integrity of the criminal investigation.

The IUPD does not independently conduct undercover operations and will refer these investigative needs to the appropriate local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, requesting mutual aid as needed. Upon request from the law enforcement agency and approval from the superintendent for public safety or designee, the IUPD may assist the law enforcement agency in their investigation.

Definitions

For the purposes of this General Order, the following definitions apply:

High-risk warrant service – A pre-planned arrest or search warrant incident where there is a probability the individual(s) may resist, including through the use of weapons, or where there is other reliable information that indicates an increased risk to officer safety.

Surveillance – Involves the covert observation of places, persons, or objects to gather information to determine whether criminal activity is taking place, has taken place, or is about to take place. This may include, but is not limited to, officers who are working in plain clothes as a patrol or investigative assignment.

Undercover operation – Involves the use of deception by an officer, which may include an officer acting under an assumed name or cover identity to infiltrate a group or organization in order to obtain information through the development of personal relationships and other approved information-gathering methods. This does not include officers who are working in plain clothes as a patrol or investigative assignment.

Surveillance

Surveillance is generally the responsibility of all field personnel in the performance of their duties. Surveillance allows for gathering of information, verification of information gained from tips, establishment of probable cause, etc. Short-term surveillance is commonly performed by field personnel and may be conducted at the discretion of those personnel and their supervisors as needed (13.2.1 a).

Surveillance operations that are more complex, high-risk, and/or expected to last more than a single shift will only be conducted after approval from the appropriate investigations unit supervisor. The investigations unit supervisor will be briefed on the situation and circumstances and will determine the need for surveillance, what personnel, equipment, and/or other resources are needed. The investigations unit supervisor may consult with others as appropriate prior to deciding whether to approve or deny the surveillance operation (13.2.1 a).

When applicable, the investigations unit supervisor or designee will contact appropriate local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the IUPD’s actions will not interfere with any other active investigation.

A surveillance operations plan will be developed for approved surveillance operations that are more complex, high-risk, and/or expected to last more than a single shift. The plan will include the following, at minimum:

Name and rank of the designated supervisor in command of the operation (13.2.1 b);
Name and rank of all personnel involved, including their assignments, and any scheduled breaks;
Location of operation;
Radio frequency and/or other forms of communication that will be used (13.2.1 c);
Equipment needs;
Objective(s) of the operation;
All possible information concerning suspects and their habits, associates, vehicles, weapons, methods of operation, etc. that could affect the surveillance;
Any information relating to safety (i.e. presence of weapons, known history, location of nearest trauma facility and/or medical center etc.)

The supervisor will conduct a briefing with all officers involved to review the plan and assign roles and responsibilities.

The supervisor will determine when the surveillance operation is to be terminated and will advise all personnel involved.

The supervisor in charge of the operation will ensure that all pertinent information gathered from the operation is thoroughly and appropriately documented (13.2.1 d).

High-Risk Warrant Service

High-risk warrant service will only be conducted with the approval of the superintendent for public safety or designee (13.2.1 a).

The investigations unit supervisor will brief the superintendent for public safety or designee on all relevant information. The superintendent for public safety or designee will determine appropriate next steps.

The supervisor in charge of executing the high-risk warrant will develop a written plan using IUPD form F2.2.4-1 Search Warrant Operations Plan and gather any other supporting documentation. This plan will include the following information, at minimum:

Name and rank of the designated supervisor in command of the operation (13.2.1 b);
Name and rank of all officers involved, including their assignments;
Location of operation;
Radio frequency and/or other forms of communication that will be used (13.2.1 c);
Equipment needs;
Objective(s) of the operation (i.e. evidence gathering, arrest);
Description of the things to be searched for and/or the suspect;
Any information relating to officer safety (i.e. presence of weapons, known history, location of nearest trauma facility and/or medical center etc.)

When developing the plan, the supervisor will assess the need to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the IUPD’s actions will not interfere with any other active investigation and request mutual aid as necessary.

Prior to executing the warrant, the supervisor will conduct a briefing with all officers involved to review the plan and assign roles and responsibilities.