Title: Neighborhood Safety Zones
Topic/Number: SO-08-06
Effective Date: June 4, 2008
Distribution: To Be Determined
Related to: General Order 304.10 (Police-Citizen Contacts, Stops and
Frisks), Effective July 1, 1973
GO-OPS-301.03 (Vehicular Pursuits), Effective February 25, 2003
SPECIAL ORDER
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
I. Background
II. Policy
III. Definitions
IV. Regulations
V. Procedural Guidelines
[VI. Cross References
VII. Attachments
Attachment A: PD Form 907-A (Neighborhood
Safety Zone Manager's Report;
Attachment B: PD Form 76 (Stop or Contact
Report) (Revised 04/19/05)]
The establishment of Neighborhood Safety Zones is an effective law
enforcement tool for addressing violent crime. Vehicles are common
instrumentalities of crime, particularly armed violent crime. It is in the
interest of law enforcement to prohibit vehicles with no legitimate
purpose to enter neighborhoods that have been victimized by spikes in
violent crime. The U.S. Courts have found that such zones are
constitutional when limited in scope, and when conducted for a legitimate
law enforcement purpose.
This Special Order provides guidance for establishing Neighborhood
Safety Zones, consistent with constitutional requirements that provide
high police visibility, prevent and deter crime, safeguard officers and
community members, and create safer District of Columbia neighborhoods.
It is the policy of the Metropolitan Police Department to lawfully
establish Neighborhood Safety Zones to promote the health, safety, and
welfare of the District of Columbia residents and visitors.
When used in this directive, the following terms shall have the meaning
designated:
1. Member: Sworn employee of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
2. Neighborhood Safety Zone (NSZ): Delineated geographic area
designated by the Chief of Police in response to documented crimes of
violence the purpose of which is to provide high police visibility,
prevent and deter crime, safeguard officers and community members, and
create safer District of Columbia neighborhoods.
3. Neighborhood Safety Zone Checkpoint: A location at the perimeter of
the NSZ where vehicles are stopped for the purpose of determining whether
the operator and occupant(s) have a legitimate reason for entering the NSZ.
4. Neighborhood Safety Zone Manager – Member the rank of
Lieutenant or above who manages the individual Neighborhood Safety Zone
operation.
5. Neighborhood Safety Zone (NSZ) Manager's Report (PD Form 907-A)
(Attachment A) – Report completed by the NSZ Manager that documents why,
when, where, and how an NSZ was conducted.
A. An NSZ may be established solely in reaction to crimes of violence
occurring in a designated location.
1. The NSZ shall be established for a specific and legitimate law
enforcement purpose, (e.g., recently reported criminal incident(s)
including homicides, shootings, robberies, and other offenses as
approved by the Chief of Police).
2. The NSZ shall be targeted to promote community safety interests
while minimizing interference with normal community activities.
3. The NSZ Checkpoint shall be conducted systematically so as to
minimize or eliminate police officer discretion in stopping vehicles
from entering the NSZ.
4. The NSZ shall be established for no more than five (5) days,
unless the Chief of Police approves an extension of no more than five
(5) additional days.
B. The recommendation to establish an NSZ, and the selection of the
location for an NSZ, shall be made by an official the rank of Commander
and above.
C. Each NSZ shall be approved, in advance, by the Chief of Police or
designee, provided that the designee shall not hold a rank lower than
Assistant Chief of Police.
D. Only those members who have successfully completed all NFZ-related
training required by the Chief of Police may participate in the
implementation of an NSZ. NSZ-related training shall include
specific limitations on members exercise of discretion in determining
whether a vehicle will be permitted to enter the NSZ.
E. Each member assigned to an NSZ shall wear an MPD-approved visibility
vest and be provided other required equipment (e.g., cones, light tower).
A. An NSZ location shall be selected with the primary purpose of
addressing a neighborhood violent crime problem. Evidence to support
the existence of a neighborhood crime problem may include:
1. Pertinent crime data;
2. Information contained in citizen and community reports and
complaints; and
3. Information gathered from criminal intelligence sources.
B. Documentation of the evidence prepared based on Part V.A above, and
an explanation of how the evidence supports the purpose of the NSZ, as
described in Part IV.A above, shall be preserved and attached to the
PD Form 907-A [Neighborhood Safety Zone (NSZ) Manager's Report] associated
with the NSZ.
C. In selecting an NSZ location, the following criteria shall be
considered:
1. The NSZ shall not unnecessarily interfere with routine community
activities;
2. There shall be sufficient space for deploying members assigned to
the NSZ;
3. There shall be sufficient space on the roadway for deploying one
(1) or more marked MPD vehicles such that the vehicle(s) are clearly
visible;
4. There shall be sufficient space for deploying equipment to alert
vehicle operators approaching the NSZ;
5. NSZ operations shall cause minimum delays to normal traffic
patterns; and
6. The area shall permit a sufficient number of checkpoints for
establishing an adequate perimeter.
D. Each NSZ checkpoint shall be staffed by a minimum of five (5)
officers and one (1) official the rank of Sergeant or above.
E. An official, of at least the rank of Lieutenant, shall be designated
as the NSZ Manager and may increase, but not decrease, the NSZ staffing
depending on factors such as location, level of criminal activity, and
number of stops.
F. Each member assigned to an NSZ shall:
1. Be equipped with a visibility vest, flashlight, cones, flares,
Notice of Infraction (NOI) books, PD Form 61-D (Violation Notice) books,
and PD Forms 76 (Stop or Contact Report);
2. Identify himself/herself, his/her assigned District or element,
the reason for the NSZ, and the reason for the stop;
3. Inquire whether the operator and occupant(s) of a stopped vehicle
have a legitimate reason for entering the NSZ as follows;
NOTE: Absent exigent circumstances, legitimate reasons are:
a. The person resides in the NSZ;
b. The person is employed in the NSZ or is on a commercial
delivery;
c. The person attends school or a day-care facility, or is taking a
child to, or picking up a child from, a school or day-care facility in
the NSZ;
d. The person is a relative of a person who resides in the NSZ;
e. The person is seeking medical attention, is elderly, or is
disabled; and/or
f. The person is attempting to attend a verified organized civic,
community or religious event in the NSZ; or
g. An official the rank of Sergeant or above assigned to the NSZ
approves the entry.
4. Request operator identification when attempting to determine
the legitimacy of the reason for entering an NSZ.
5. Require proof of the reason for entry; the operator must
provide information sufficient for the member to verify the accuracy of
the reason. This may include, but is not limited to, a telephone number
of the address to which the person seeks entry (which the member may use
to verify that the resident/occupant expects the person(s)) and/or an
invitation to a verified organized civic, community, or religious event
located within the NSZ.
NOTE: Persons cannot be compelled to proffer a reason for entry into
an NSZ; however, failing to provide a reason for entry is sufficient for
denial of entry.
6. Deny a stopped vehicle access to the NSZ when it is
determined that the motor vehicle operator does not have a legitimate
reason for entering the NSZ; and
7. Arrest any motor vehicle operator who refuses to comply with
lawful police direction with Failure to Obey (Title 18 DCMR § 2000.2).
G. The NSZ Manager shall:
1. Prior to establishing the NSZ, the NSZ Manager shall:
a. Verify that adequate natural lighting or street lighting is
present;
b. Verify that adequate space is available for safe
operations, deployment of personnel, traffic flow, and parking for the
vehicles of arrested persons;
c. Notify the affected District's Watch Commander of the
anticipated location, date, and time; and
d. Conduct roll call with all members assigned to the NSZ;
2. Ensure all stop locations are clearly defined using
barricades, lights, cones, and/or flares to reduce excessive traffic
backup;
3. Ensure a marked vehicle is positioned in the event a
vehicular traffic stop is necessary;
4. Ensure that members employ the stop method that requires that
every vehicle attempting entry is stopped;
5. Ensure, when practical, at least two (2) members approach
each stopped vehicle;
6. In the event that all assigned members become involved with
multiple stops and/or traffic is affected, approve the temporary
suspension of the NSZ checkpoint stops until the vehicular congestion is
relieved;
7. Ensure that each instance of a stopped vehicle is documented
on a PD Form 76 (Stop or Contact Report) (Attachment B);
a. For vehicles that are denied entry, the PD Form 76 shall
include the operator information, vehicle description, vehicle tag
number, and reason for denial.
b. For vehicles that are permitted entry, and in cases where
the operator elects to leave the checkpoint without providing
information, the PD Form 76 shall include the vehicle tag number, and
where appropriate, the reason for entry.
8. Ensure that the documentation required by Part V.B above is
attached to the PD Form 907-A; and
9. Transmit the original PD Form 907-A and all accompanying
documentation to the Watch Commander prior to the end of the tour of
duty in which the NSZ was concluded.
H. The Police District Watch Commander shall:
1. Record the NSZ notification on the Watch Commander's Report
and notify, in turn, the Command Information Center (CIC);
2. Review, sign, and date the PD Form 907; and
3. Ensure that a copy of the signed and dated PD Form 907 is
forwarded to the CIC and the Police District Administrative Office.
I. The Police District Commander shall:
1. When requesting the establishment of an NSZ in his/her District,
meet the requirements of Part V. A and V.C above;
2. Ensure that only members who have successfully completed all
required training participate in the PSA;
3. Prepare a memorandum to the Chief of Police, through the chain of
command, that includes:
a. Proposed date(s) and times that an area should be declared an
NSZ;
b. Evidence used in making the selection of the location, date(s),
and times;
c. Justification for the determination consistent with Part V.A and
V.C above;
d. Plan specifying the resources to be used to mark the area as an
NFZ and the deployment of personnel and resources to the NFZ;
and
e. Detailed map outlining the boundaries of the proposed NSZ;
4. Upon the approval of the Chief of Police for establishing an NSZ
and prior to the establishment of the NSZ:
a. Ensure the procurement and distribution of a sufficient quantity
of notices containing information regarding the NSZ to residences and
businesses;
b. Ensure the procurement of a sufficient quantity of posters
entitled, "Warning, This Area Has Been Declared A Neighborhood
Safety Zone", from the Reproduction Section, Police Business
Services Division, Corporate Support Bureau;
c. Ensure the NSZ posters are properly completed; located, at a
minimum, around the borders of the NSZ; and secured to available
objects (e.g., lamp posts) or placed on wooden stakes;
NOTE: Any member who observes an individual injuring,
breaking, or destroying any NSZ poster may charge the individual with
a misdemeanor Destruction of Property (D.C. Official Code § 22-303).
5. Ensure that at least one (1) member assigned to the affected
Patrol Service Area(s) included within the NSZ is assigned to each
checkpoint;
6. Upon the expiration of the NSZ time period, direct members of
his/her command to promptly remove all signs and other identifying
documents and equipment from the boundaries and areas within the former
NSZ;
7. Following the expiration of the NSZ time period, submit a report
to the Chief of Police, through the chain of command, within ten (10)
business days, with the following information:
a. Location of the NSZ, including the exact boundaries;
b. Personnel and other resources allocated to the NSZ;
c. Time(s) and date(s) of:
(1) Distribution of notices to the residences and businesses
located within the NSZ;
(2) Period that the NSZ was implemented;
(3) Marking of the boundaries with posters; and
(4) Removal of all posters from the former NSZ;
d. Number of locations at which posters were placed;
e. Number and type of crime index offenses that occurred in the NSZ
during the NSZ time period;
f. Total number of arrests related to the NSZ;
g. Number and type of complaint(s) received as a result of NSZ
activities;
h. Any significant event or unusual incident that occurred in the
NSZ during the NSZ time period, and
i. After-action evaluation of the NSZ operation;
8. When the NFZ abuts the boundary of another Police District, notify
the Commanding Officer of the affected district;
9. Establish and maintain a District file as follows:
a. A separate folder shall be established each NSZ;
b. The folder, at a minimum, shall include:
(1) Copy of the recommendation memorandum submitted to the Chief
of Police with the signature of approval of the Chief;
(2) All documents supporting the recommendation for the
establishment of the NSZ;
(3) Record of when, how, and by whom the NSZ notices and posters
were distributed and posted;
(4) Enforcement documentation and crime statistics for the NSZ
time period;
(5) Information about any unusual or significant incident; and
(6) A copy of the final report to the Chief of Police.
J. The Director, Corporate Support Bureau shall be responsible for the
preparation of the NSZ warning posters.
K. The Assistant Chief, Patrol Services and School Security Bureau,
shall forward to the Chief of Police each request for the establishment of
an NSZ he/she has approved.
L. The General Counsel shall:
1. Review all requests for the establishment of an NSZ for legal
sufficiency; and
2. Advise the Chief of Police, in writing, whether the request for an
NSZ meets legal requirements.
M. The Chief of Police shall:
1. Approve or disapprove each request for the establishment of an NSZ.
A. D.C. Official Code § 22-303 (Malicious Burning, Destruction,
or Injury of Another's Property)
B. Title 18 (Vehicles and Traffic) DCMR § 2000.2
Attachment A: PD Form 907-A (Neighborhood Safety Zone Manager's Report;
Attachment B: PD Form 76 (Stop or Contact Report) (Revised 04/19/05)
Cathy L. Lanier
Chief of Police
CLL:JAE:HB:PAS:JGW
PD Form 907-A (051108)
PD Form 907-A NSZ Supervisor’s Report
Rev. 06/04
Metropolitan Police Department
Washington, D.C.
Neighborhood Safety Zone (NSZ) Manager's Report
|
Date: [DD/MM/YY]
|
District:
|
NSZ Lieutenant: [Print: Last, First, Middle Initial]
|
Checkpoint Locations: [Intersection(s) and/or Address(es)]
|
Purpose:
|
Time Began: [Hour, Minute]
|
Time Ended: [Hour, Minute]
|
Time Paused: [Hour, Minute]
|
Time Resumed: [Hour, Minute]
|
District Watch Commander Notified: [Rank, Last Name,
First Name, Badge Number, Date/Time Notified]
|
Stop Procedure: [For Example: All Vehicles; Every Third
Vehicle]
|
Total # Vehicles Passed Through NSZ:
|
Total # Vehicles Stopped From Entering NSZ:
|
Total # Vehicles Failing to
Stop at NSZ:
|
Total # of NOIs Issued:
|
Total # of PD 76s Completed:
|
Total # of PD 61-Ds Issued:
|
ARRESTS
|
Arrest Number
|
CCN
|
Name of Arrestee
|
Charge(s)
|
Disposition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NSZ Lieutenant's Full Signature: [First Name, Middle
Initial, Last Name]
|
Date of Signature:
|
Reviewed by Watch Commander: [Print Rank, First Name,
Middle Initial, Last Name, Badge Number]
|
Watch Commander's Full Signature: [First Name, Middle
Initial, Last Name]
|
Date of Signature:
|
SO-08-06 06/03/08
PD Form 76 Stop or Contact Report (Revised
04/19/05)
Card # (yymmdd-xxxx): ______________
Date (mm/dd/yy) & military time (hh:mm)
|
Vehicle Spot check Stop
Pedestrian Contact
Stop CCN#(yy-nnnnnn): ______
Bicycle: Contact
Stop
|
Location
|
District and PSA
|
Duration of Stop _____ (minutes)
|
|
Last name
Passenger in vehicle
|
First name
|
Middle name
|
Nickname
|
|
Home address (street number and name, city, state, zip)
|
Phone number
( )
|
|
Gender
Male
Female
|
Race/Ethniclty
American Indian/Alaskan Native Black/African American
Asian Hispanic/Latino
Arab American White
Other
|
D08 (mm/dd/yy)
|
Height
|
Weight
|
Eye color
|
Hair color/style
|
|
Complexion
|
Facial hair, scars, tattoos, clothing, etc.
|
|
Driver's license/permit number and state
|
PO Form 76 Stop or Contact Report (Revised 04/19/05)
Card # (yymmdd-xxxx): ___________________
|
Vehicle type
|
Make
|
Model
|
Year
|
Color (top/bottom)
|
Tag/Bike registration number
|
State
|
VIM
|
Owner's last name
|
Owner's first name
|
Owner's address (St., No#, Name, City, State, Zip)
|
Dents/Other Identifiers:
|
Prlmary reason for contact/stop (choose one)
Moving violation-NOI:
Equipment violation
Registration violation
Call for service (suspect/ vehicle description)
Pre-existing knowledge
Special detail/checkpoints
Suspicious activity
Other ________
|
Dispositlon of the contact/stop (choose
all that apply)
No action Vehicle impounded
Verbal warning (traffic) Report
taken
Other warning issued Drugs seized
Fine issued
Weapons seized
Operator arrested
Search conducted
Passenger(s) arrested
Consent to search?
# of arrests:
Yes No
Other.
_______
|
Additional remarks
|
|
|
Reporting Member (Print Name)
Element/C AD #
|
Signature
|
Reviewing Official (Print Name)
Element/CAD#
|
Signature
|
|