DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update - SAPD Investigative Process Review
SUMMARY:
During the November 28, 2017 Public Safety Committee meeting, the SAPD provided a general overview of the investigative process and the Department's efforts to review and evaluate the investigative process in response to the mishandling of SVU cases identified during a self-initiated internal audit. The review, which is scheduled to be completed by February 2018, is comprised of the following: Internal Investigative Unit SOP Review, Community SOP Review Committee, Independent SVU Case Review and a Subject Matter Expert Review. The goal of the review is to ensure adherence to existing SOPs and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, oversight and accountability.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Internal Investigative Unit SOP Review
In November 2017, the SAPD initiated an internal review of all investigative unit SOPs by a committee comprised of officers of various ranks with investigative experience. The review was conducted November 7-17, 2017 and resulted in several enhancements and recommendations to strengthen existing policies. Among the enhancements and recommendations made by the committee include:
* The creation of a follow-up unit information sheet to facilitate more efficient communication between officers and crime victims throughout the investigative process
* Establish guidelines for communicating with crime victims to provide updates on status of individual cases
* Formalize the supervisory review of case assignments to ensure activity, review progress and establish audit procedures
* Require supervisor review of felony cases prior to final disposition and limit closure of misdemeanor cases without supervisor to detectives and administrative staff with previous authorization from unit director
* Modification of evidence collection and rete...
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