3.300 STAR Protocol

Question 1

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 1

True.

Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)

Question 2

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

Answer 2

suspect has a firearm or other dangerous weapon and is acting in a threatening manner with the weapon

Question 3

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

Answer 3

An instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

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 5

Who must be dispatched to a STAR Protocol?

Answer 5

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 6

On a STAR Protocol, the Patrol Supervisor WILL:

Answer 6

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
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
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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

1. Upon arrival, attempt to locate cover/concealment, as well as containment positions
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 8

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 8

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