Policy

The Minneapolis Fire Department's Fire Investigation Team, Car 1050, shall respond to all fires within the city of Minneapolis, to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Car 1050 shall complete a CAPRS report on the suspicious fire.

Car 1050 shall collect and inventory all evidence found at the scene of a suspicious fire. If serious damage or personal injury has occurred, the Crime Lab may be called to the scene to collect and process evidence. Once the evidence is processed, the Fire Department Fire Investigation Team shall property inventory the evidence at the approved flammable liquid storage area.

When sworn employees are called to or come across the scene of a fire that has been extinguished prior to the arrival of the Fire Department, and is suspicious in nature or may have been fueled by an incendiary device (for example, a Molotov Cocktail), Car 1050 shall be requested to the scene to make the CAPRS report. Sworn employees shall assist Car 1050 by locating and interviewing witnesses and completing a CAPRS supplement.

In incidents where a vehicle is burned, Car 1050 shall have the vehicle towed and is responsible for completing the Vehicle Impound Report. 

All arson cases shall be referred for further investigation to the Minneapolis Police Bomb/Arson Unit.

Proper investigation of bias crime incidents is the responsibility of all Minneapolis Police Officers. The actions taken by the MPD after a bias crime has occurred are visible signs of our concern and our commitment to the community.

Report required for bias crimes

1. In accordance with MN Statute section 626.5531, officers shall complete a Police Report for violations of the MN Criminal Code (Chapter 609) or related Minneapolis Ordinances, if the officer has reason to believe, or if the victim alleges, that the offender was motivated to commit the act by the victim's race, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity), age, disability, or characteristics identified as sexual orientation.
2. Sworn employees shall be aware of the following criteria which may also be used to determine whether a criminal act falls within the mandatory bias (prejudice) crime reporting requirements:

• The motivation of the perpetrator, as expressed in statements made to the victim, (e.g., slurs, epithets).
• The victim’s stated viewpoint that the actor’s comment or conduct was motivated by bias.
• The nature of the symbols used to deface public or private property indicate bias or prejudice.
• The date and time of the occurrence corresponds to a holiday or date of significance.
• Observations made by the sworn employee and a commonsense review of the circumstances of the incident that indicate bias or prejudice. Such observations may include the group or groups involved, the manner and means of the crime committed, and recurring patterns of similar incidents in the same area or against the same victim.

Monthly agency report required on bias crimes

In accordance with MN Statute section 626.5531 subd. 2, MPD must file a monthly report describing crimes reported under this section with the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The report shall be coordinated through the Commander who oversees the Business Technology Unit.

Public Accommodation denial

In accordance with MN Statute sections 363A.11 and 363A.30, it is a misdemeanor to deny any person the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of a place of public accommodation because of race, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or sex, or for a taxicab company to discriminate in the access to, full utilization of, or benefit from service because of a person's disability; or for a place of public accommodation not to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical, sensory, or mental disability of a disabled person based on factors in MN Statute section 363A.11. In determining whether an accommodation is reasonable, the factors to be considered may include:

• the frequency and predictability with which members of the public will be served by the accommodation at that location;
• the size of the business or organization at that location with respect to physical size, annual gross revenues, and the number of employees;
• the extent to which disabled persons will be further served from the accommodation;
• the type of operation;
• the nature and amount of both direct costs and legitimate indirect costs of making the accommodation and the reasonableness for that location to finance the accommodation; and
• the extent to which any persons may be adversely affected by the accommodation.

On-scene officer in bias crime incidents

When an on-scene officer makes a determination that an incident is a criminal act in accordance with the section of this policy regarding bias crimes [II-A], the officer shall:

1. Provide necessary assistance to the victims.
2. Conduct a preliminary investigation.
3. Take enforcement action (including arresting suspects) as appropriate in accordance with existing laws and policy.
4. Protect and preserve the crime scene and evidence.
5. Notify a supervisor of the incident so the supervisor can respond to the scene.
6. Ensure the victims receive a Victim Assistance Card (Blue Card), in accordance with P&P 4-608.
7. Complete a detailed Police Report, and ensure that:

• The BIAS indicator on the Offenses section of the front page is set to the correct bias category, and
• The BIAS INFO section of the front page is completed.

Supervisor response in bias crime incidents

Upon notification of a bias crime incident, the supervisor shall:

1. Respond to the scene.
2. Determine the seriousness of the incident and make appropriate notifications (including possible notification of the Watch Commander in accordance with P&P 7-300).
3. When the nature of the incident may warrant it, request a Crime Lab response to photograph the scene and victims and recover any possible evidence.
4. Ensure that officers complete a canvas for witnesses and potential video evidence of the incident.
5. Complete a supplement in the Police Report.

On-scene officer in public accommodation denial incidents

Officers who receive information that an individual is denied public accommodation based on factors in MN Statute section 363A.11 shall:

1. Investigate the potential discrimination as a possible misdemeanor.
2. Notify a supervisor.
3. Ensure the victim receives a Victim Assistance Card (Blue Card), in accordance with P&P 4-608.
4. Complete a detailed Police Report with the offense code “DISCRP” documenting their investigation. The Police Report shall identify witnesses to the alleged discriminatory conduct.

Supervisor response in public accommodation denial incidents

Upon notification of a public accommodation denial incident, the supervisor shall:

1. Respond to the scene.
2. Determine the seriousness of the incident and make appropriate notifications (including possible notification of the Watch Commander in accordance with P&P 7-300).
3. Ensure that officers complete a canvas for witnesses and potential video evidence of the incident.
4. Complete a supplement in the Police Report.

Policy

A police report shall be completed for all bicycle thefts:

• 311 personnel or desk personnel at the precincts will complete the report unless unusual circumstances require an on‑site investigation.
• By the responding sworn employee when a bicycle is taken in a burglary or robbery. It will be included in the loss.

Persons reporting bicycle thefts occurring on Metro Transit property (light rail stations) shall be referred to Metro Transit Police to have a report completed.

Police reports relating to stolen bicycles must include a detailed description reported in the following sequence:

• License or serial number;
• Operation Identification information;
• Brand, make and style; and
• Color and other identifying data

Bicycles recovered by officers shall be property inventoried in the precinct stations by completing a Property and Evidence (P&E) Unit Pick-up Request Form (Form MP-9005, available on the MPD Intranet) and faxing it to the P&E Warehouse.

Policy

Officers shall not make arrests for trespassing in boundary disputes. Parties should be advised that the dispute must be settled through civil litigation, and that any criminal violations will warrant police action.

Policy

Officers investigating crimes to banks, federal or railroad properties during hours when that facility is closed shall, in addition to completing the Offense report, notify the appropriate Property Crimes Unit. 

Policy

When blank checks are reported lost or stolen, the offense/incident code used should be appropriate to the circumstances (LOSTPR, THEFT, TFMV, BURGD, ROBPER, etc). If the victim is aware that the lost/stolen checks have been used in a transaction, that information should be included in the narrative.

The victim of check forgery (FORGCK) is the person or business that accepted the check in exchange for goods or services, not the owner of the checking account.

If a merchant receives a check that is returned by their bank marked NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds), Account Closed or Return to Maker, the merchant, before making a police report (BADCHK), must first send the check issuer a Notice of Demand and Payment (available from most banks or the Forgery/Fraud Unit). The complainant should be referred to the Fraud Information Center on the City of Minneapolis Police Department website.

Policy

Officers are authorized to make forcible entries into dwellings on "Check the Welfare," medical "panic alarm," or other medical emergency situations when they follow the procedures below: 

1. The officers can determine from their own observations that someone inside needs help or call is received, and, if possible, the caller is identified;
2. Facts are evident or presented by the caller that make it reasonable to believe that the subject is inside the dwelling and needs assistance;
3. Officers are unable to elicit a response from inside the dwelling after knocking, phoning or calling out;
4. A supervisor is notified prior to entry, except in circumstances demanding immediate attention. In such circumstances a supervisor will be notified as soon as possible after entry. 

Entry will be made with as little force and damage as possible, and the building will be secured in accordance with Section Securing Open Buildings. The entry will be documented on an Offense/Incident report, and entitled "Forcible Entry," with "BOARD" listed as a second or third incident code if BOARD UP PLUS was called to secure the building.

Policy

Officers shall assist with removing the occupants of buildings posted with a placard of condemnation when called by the Commissioner of Health, Director of Inspections, Chief of the Fire Department or any of their representatives. It is unlawful under Minneapolis Code 244.1450 to occupy any building posted with a placard of condemnation.

Policy

All on-duty employee deaths and serious injuries will be reported by telephone to ECB and to the Watch Commander. The Watch Commander shall notify the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

Although it is the legal responsibility of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office to provide proper notification to relatives of the deceased, the Chief shall inform the Medical Examiner of the special circumstances involved.

The family of the deceased shall be referred the Personnel Section or to the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator for sources of emotional support and benefits assistance.

The purpose of this policy is to establish departmental protocol and procedures for responding to and processing information regarding domestic violence in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes.

It is the policy of the Minneapolis Police Department to:

1. Thoroughly investigate all allegations of domestic violence, make appropriate referrals, and take action according to the totality of the information known.
2. Aggressively utilize the arrest powers granted by the State Legislature. Criminal laws will be enforced without regard to the relationship of the parties involved.
3. Discourage dual arrests in Domestic Abuse situations, in accordance with MN Statute section 629.342.

Domestic Abuse- Preliminary Investigation

1. In the event a domestic 911 call is cancelled officers shall respond to the location and check welfare.
2. Officers shall attempt to determine the Primary Aggressor in a domestic assault.
3. Arrests for domestic abuse, based on probable cause, are expected if any of the following circumstances exist:

• Signs of injury or impairment;
• Dangerous weapon involved;
• Alleged assault- no signs of injury;
• Victim alleges actions by the suspect that were intended to put the victim in fear of immediate bodily harm;
• Terroristic threats (refer to MN Statute section 609.713 Subd.1);
• Criminal sexual conduct (refer to MN Statute sections 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345).

4. A police officer may arrest a person without a warrant, even in the person’s own residence, if the officer has probable cause to believe that in the preceding 72 hours a domestic assault occurred.

1. The 72 hour time period begins at 0001 hours the day after the incident occurred.
2. Officers must have an independent reason to enter the suspect’s residence, such as exigent circumstances or consent. MN Statute section 629.341 does not provide independent authorization to enter a suspect’s residence.
3. An officer may make an arrest for a misdemeanor domestic assault even if the assault did not occur in their presence.

5. An officer may not issue a citation in lieu of arrest and detention for a defendant charged with harassment, domestic abuse, violation of an Order for Protection, or violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order. See MN Statute section 629.72, Subd. 1(a).
6. Officers shall follow the MPD’s Domestic Abuse Incident Response Protocol (see below) when responding to all domestic abuse related calls.
7. Officers shall check the PC Felony Enhanced List on all domestic calls including cases where the suspect is gone on arrival (GOA). Failure to do so will result in a notification to the officer’s commander.

Domestic Abuse- MPD’s Domestic Abuse Incident Response Protocol

1. The Minneapolis Police Department has adopted the following protocol for patrol officers responding to adult arrest and suspect cases for the following offenses:

• Felony 1st degree assault, if the parties are family or household members, which includes those in a significant romantic or sexual relationship.
• Felony 2nd degree assault, if the parties are family or household members;
• Felony 3rd degree assault, if the parties are family or household members;
• Felony domestic assault by strangulation;
• Felony terroristic threats, if the parties are family or household members;
• Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony domestic assault;
• Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony violation of an Order for Protection;
• Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order;
• Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony violation of a Harassment/Restraining Order, if the parties listed in the order are family or household members;
• Gross misdemeanor or felony stalking, if the parties are family or household members; and
• Gross misdemeanor interference with an emergency call.

2. As part of this protocol, patrol officers shall complete the following preliminary investigative tasks when responding to any calls as described above:

1. Check for existence of Order for Protection, Harassment/Restraining Order or Domestic Abuse No Contact Order on every domestic related 911 call.
2. Ask victim if suspect or arrestee has access to any guns or ammunition or if there are any in the home.

1. If victim indicates yes, ask if victim has any safety concerns. Document responses in the Police Report.
2. If the victim has safety concerns, officers may property inventory the guns and ammunition for safe keeping.

3. Obtain a signed medical release with shaded areas completed from victim if victim is seeking medical treatment. Scan the release and attach it to the Police Report. Send the hard copy to the City Attorney’s Office.
4. Ask victim to complete domestic violence victim’s supplement. Property inventory supplement on completion. Scan the release and attach it to the Police Report. Send the hard copy to the City Attorney’s Office.
5. Take photographs. Examples of things to photograph include, but are not limited to: the arrestee; victim; injuries; scene, including any damaged property; and the arrestee in an Order for Protection or Domestic Abuse No Contact Order case at a prohibited address.
6. Collect any physical evidence and property inventory it.
7. Obtain contact information from witnesses to the incident including name, address, and phone number.
8. Question witnesses regarding the incident.
9. If suspect is gone on arrival, remind victim to call police if suspect returns within 72 hours of the incident.
10. If the case is misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor level, check the PC Enhanced Felony. Follow the instructions pertaining to the arrested party or suspect if they are on the list and add the additional charge listed.
11. If the case is misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor level, obtain a squad video Mirandized Scales statement from suspect or arrestee. Document results of the interview in the Police Report. (Miranda statements Do Not need to be taken on felony level cases).

3. Language access

Officers shall provide language assistance when needed, in accordance with the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy (P&P 5-601) and the Communicating with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals policy (P&P 5-602).

Victim Advocacy Services

1. Officers on scene shall inform the victim of domestic violence resources on the Victim Assistance Card (Blue Card), in accordance with P&P 4-608.
2. While on scene, officers shall offer the advocacy services of Cornerstone to victims of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse against other family or household members.

1. Officers shall inform the victim that they will likely be contacted by victim witness staff the following week during business hours, to discuss the case and provide resource referrals.

1. If a victim indicates they would like to speak with an advocate right away, officers shall call the Cornerstone hotline (612-255-9740) from the victim’s phone, identify they are calling from MPD, and hand the phone back to the victim. Officers do not need to remain on scene while victim speaks with the advocate.
2. If a victim has serious safety concerns and does not have a cell or house phone to call Cornerstone, officers shall use their city-issued phone to call the hotline (612-255-9740) so that the victim may speak to an advocate.

1. The officer should identify themselves to Cornerstone and indicate the victim is speaking on the officer’s phone.
2. Cornerstone has been instructed to limit phone calls when an officer’s phone is used and only provide the most urgent of resources.

2. If a victim declines to speak with a Cornerstone advocate, officers shall highlight the Cornerstone number on the Blue Card in case victim decides services are needed later.
3. Officer shall document in the Police Report whether a phone call was placed on scene or if victim declined services.

Arrests for Violation of Domestic Abuse No Contact Order

1. Officers shall verify the existence of the Domestic Abuse No Contact Order.

2. If the suspect or the victim does not have a valid copy of the Domestic Abuse No Contact Order, the existence of the court order may be verified by contacting the Hennepin County Jail Records Unit 612-596-8080.
3. If no telephone is available to the officer, the officer may ask the MECC (Channel 7) for assistance.
4. Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders are stored in the same database as Orders for Protection, and can be verified by following the procedures described in the Order for Protection section in this policy [F].
5. If an officer determines an individual is in violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order, an arrest shall be made.
6. Officers shall complete a Police Report and supplement entitled “Violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order” (VDNCO). Include the Hennepin County Jail SILs number (HCJ's computer ID# of the arrestee) and the original charge which the arrestee had been previously booked on and released.

Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence- Reporting Requirements

1. In all cases of domestic violence or alleged acts of domestic abuse, a Police Report and supplement shall be completed immediately.
2. If no arrest is made, the supplement shall clearly show sufficient reasons for not making the arrest.

Order for Protection- Short Form Notification

Order for Protection service

An Order for Protection (OFP) that has not been served cannot be enforced.

1. MN Statute section 518B.01 Subd. 8a allows any law enforcement officer in Minnesota to effect instant service of process through the Order for Protection Short Form Notification.

2. Regardless of the OFP status, the officer may arrest an individual for other offenses if probable cause exists.
3. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a CJIS “Hot File” database in conjunction with the FBI “Hot File” database to access Orders for Protection information.

1. These files are queried every time an officer queries the wanted person files.

2. At the top of these “hits,” there is a data field indicating if the Order has been served or not.

Hits on unserved OFPs

If an officer encounters a person and receives a “hit” on an unserved OFP through a CJIS Hot File query, the officer shall use the following procedures to verify the hit and serve the respondent by Short Form Notification:

1. Verify that information on the “hit” matches the information on the person’s driver’s license or state-issued ID card, or from appropriate databases (such as DVS).

2. If the information matches, the officer shall ask the Channel 7 dispatcher to perform a “hit confirmation” with the agency of origin (usually a county sheriff’s office). The originator of the message will be identified in the “hit.”
3. After determining that the person the officer has contacted is the same person described in the “hit” the “Order for Protection Short Form Notification” shall be completed by the police officer.

Completing the Order for Protection Short Form Notification

1. The information that the officer needs to provide on the form may be available from the person’s driver’s license or appropriate database (such as DVS) and the CJIS “hit.”

2. There is a data field on the form for the respondent to sign and date for receipt of the form.

1. The respondent does have the right to refuse to sign the form.
2. If the respondent refuses to sign the officer shall check the box marked “Respondent refused to sign acknowledgement.”

3. The officer must fill in both respondent sections on page one and on the “Certificate of Service.”
4. Copies of the form should be ordered from Police Stores by each Precinct or unit. The forms come from the state, in sets of three copies (one for court, one for the respondent and one for the officer). An example copy of the form can be found on the MPD’s internal CityTalk page under Forms (but cannot be used for distribution).

Submitting the form and providing copies

1. The officer shall give the Respondent Copy of the form to the respondent regardless of whether they signed it or not.

2. The officer shall advise the respondent to go to the originating agency to obtain a full copy of the Order for Protection.
3. The officer shall scan and email the Order for Protection – Short Form to police.ofp.shortform@minneapolismn.gov.
4. The Domestic Assault unit or other designated person shall E-file the OFP-Short Form with Court.

Procedures with respondent and petitioner after completing the form

1. The officer shall inform the respondent that the Order for Protection is now enforceable.
2. If the Petitioner is with the Respondent at the time of service, the officer shall ensure the Petitioner goes to a safe place (separate from Respondent).

Documenting the OFP service

1. After serving an OFP, officers shall note in the comments of the call that an OFP was served.

2. If a report is made, officers shall include the offense code OFPSF when serving an OFP. If a routing screen is displayed, HDASLT should be selected.

Policy

It is department policy to not assist persons involved in divorce suits or to obtain information pertaining to adultery situations. Officers shall not demand that a hotel registry be displayed or assist a party in entering a hotel room for the purposes of obtaining divorce information. Persons with domestic problems should be advised to seek the assistance of a private agency or legal counsel.

Policy

A home is community property. Neither party can be forced to leave without a court order. A possible solution is for the officer to advise one party to leave the home for the night. If one party is locked out of the house for the night, the complainant will be advised to contact an attorney as the matter is an eviction and therefore a civil matter. Officers will not assist in breaking in the house. 

Policy

Under Minn. Stat. §387.03, the Sheriff of the county has the authority and duty to serve eviction notices. Upon request of the Sheriff, MPD officers may assist them in executing an eviction. MPD officers can only assist in the serving of an eviction notice when accompanying an officer from the Sheriff's Department.

Policy

Officers may enter a home at the invitation of one cohabitant that is moving while that person removes personal effects from the residence. The officers' responsibility is to ensure that neither party violates the law.

If the ownership of property is disputed, the property shall remain at its original location. In such situations, officers will inform the persons to contact their private attorneys, as a violation of community property rights is a civil matter.

Policy

Officers assigned to holdup alarm calls shall proceed safely to observatory positions near the site, taking care not to alert possible suspects or lookouts. 

The first officer to arrive shall determine if there are any accomplices outside the site. If there are, the dispatcher will be notified. 

If it is not evident that a robbery is in progress, the officers shall wait until a "callback" to the site is attempted. When callback arrangements have not been made with the site or a callback cannot be completed, the officers must proceed as if a robbery is in progress.

During a robbery in progress, officers will maintain their observatory positions until the suspects leave the interior of the business or site. Exceptions are limited to actions ordered by superior officers or circumstances which dictate action to protect someone from great bodily harm. Every effort should be made to prevent a hostage situation. When hostages are taken, officers will remain in position and a superior officer will immediately call for an Operation 100.

The on-site MPD supervisor has the authority to make the final determination of any action that need to be taken during the holdup call by the Department and ECB staff.

Policy

A "callback" is calling the facility by telephone to verify that the holdup alarm is indeed a call for police service, checking to make sure that the alarm was not sent in error.

Once a squad is dispatched to a holdup alarm call, ECC shall immediately contact the MPD supervisor to do a callback to the facility, giving the supervisor a contact person, phone number and other necessary information. If for any reason, the MPD supervisor cannot make the callback, he/she shall direct ECC to do so, and the ECC supervisor shall immediately take responsibility for the callback. ECC shall maintain constant contact with the dispatched squads, advising them of callback and/or robbery status.

Policy

Officers who responded to a holdup alarm and found the call was not a holdup alarm, shall inform the ECC dispatcher of the exact type of call (medical, customer disturbance, shoplifting, accidental/panic alarm signal, etc.). Businesses are charged for false holdup calls.

Policy

Cases of suspected food poisoning shall be reported by telephone to the Minneapolis Health Department. When the Health Department is closed, cases shall be reported to Hennepin County Poison Control (347-3141). Poison control will contact the Health Department to follow up on the case.

Policy

When officers arrive on a call in which suspected product and/or food tampering has caused bodily harm or there has been an attempt to cause harm by tampering, officers shall complete an Offense/Incident Report and it shall be entitled "Adulteration."

Policy

Officers responding to any call in which there is verifiable indication that a firearm has been discharged shall complete an offense report. Verifiable indication of shots being fired includes witness statements, physical evidence, or multiple complaints which indicate that a firearm was actually discharged.

If the weapons discharge is the primary offense, the report shall be title "DISWEA". If the weapons discharge is incidental to another offense, the other offense shall be listed first followed by "DISWEA" as a secondary offense code. In the case of a "MURDR" code, "DISWEA" shall not be listed as a secondary offense code.

Policy

Officers responding to an incident of injury inflicted by a firearm/deadly weapon or receiving information that a person has been treated at a medical facility for an injury inflicted by a firearm/deadly weapon as a result of an aggravated assault or any other crime shall complete an Offense/Incident Report regardless of whether the victim wants to cooperate. The report shall include the following:

• Name of wounded person;
• Physical description of wounded person;
• Description of injury and suspected weapon used;
• Crime involved (if known);
• Date, time, and location injury occurred; and
• Name, address, and business phone of the physician treating the injured party.

Policy

ShotSpotter is a gunfire detection and location system that uses a combination of electronic sensors and software to quickly triangulate the approximate location of an outdoor gunfire event. Once a gunfire event is received and acknowledge by MECC, it will be dispatched to the closest available squad. Officers shall immediately respond to the event location and provide any needed emergency services required.

It is important to note that the ShotSpotter system has a self-learning capacity and needs accurate and timely feedback. Officers shall make every reasonable effort to confirm a gunfire event has occurred. Other operational points to consider;

• Officer shall not respond to a SPOTS call in-service (INS)
• Officers shall not clear the call unfounded (UNF) or firecrackers (FC) unless direct evidence is found to the contrary. If so, officers shall add remarks to the call and inform dispatch of the change in call nature.
• Locations of sensors shall be kept covert.
• Precinct Commanders will direct staff to conduct appropriate follow-up to SPOTS calls as deemed necessary.

This policy is in addition to and does not supersede procedures delineated in the following policies; P&P 7-323 Gunshot/Shots Fired or P&P 7-323.01 or Gunshot/Deadly Weapon Wounds.

Policy

MPD officers do not intervene in hotel or motel owner/client disputes, except where required by statute.

1. In the absence of a court order, a hotel/motel owner may not take possession of a tenant's property for failure to pay the bill.
2. With good cause, a hotel/motel owner may evict a client from the premises without a court order for reasons outlined in Minn. Stat. §327.

Policy

The main responsibility of police officers assigned to duty at a labor dispute site is to maintain law and order. In no manner, word or action shall police officers display partiality toward either of the parties involved. Officers will maintain a courteous but firm attitude in the performance of their duties.

The purpose of a peaceful, orderly labor dispute shall be deemed to be legal, unless advice is received to the contrary from the courts or other authority. When notified of a strike or labor trouble in a precinct, the commanding officer will notify the Chief of Police.

The following procedures will be adhered to by all officers in dealing with disputes relating to strikes and picketing. All officers shall:

• Prevent interference with the free and uninterrupted use of public roads, streets, highways, or methods of transportation or convenience and use such force as may reasonably be necessary for that purpose.
• Prevent disorderly conduct, assault, malicious destruction of property, riot and other similar crimes and misdemeanors defined by law or ordinance and to make arrests for such violations when committed in their presence.
• Use such force necessary to prevent injuries to persons or destruction of property.
• Make arrests for warrants issued by courts.
• Police enforcement action on court orders shall come only after the Police Department Administration consults with the City Attorney's Office. (07/02/90)

Policy

Under Minnesota State Statue 609.606, a landlord, agent of the landlord, or person acting under the landlord's direction or control cannot intentionally remove or exclude a tenant from lands or tenements or intentionally interrupt or cause the interruption of electrical, heat, gas, or water services to the tenant with intent to unlawfully remove or exclude the tenant from lands or tenements. Such unlawful exclusion is a misdemeanor under this statute. (03/19/93)

Officers called to a situation where the tenant alleges a lockout or unlawful exclusion may not make a forced entry into the building. If the landlord is present and refuses to allow the tenant entry, the tenant may make a citizen's arrest. The landlord may be booked or issued a citation. (03/19/93)

If the landlord is issued a citation for unlawful exclusion, officers shall complete an Offense/Incident report (MP 6833) using the offense code "UNEXCL." If the landlord is not present, officers may make an Offense/Incident report using the offense code "UNEXCL." Officers completing on Offense/Incident report shall list the landlord or agent of the landlord as the suspect and the tenant as the victim. (03/19/93)

A landlord also has no authority to take possession of a tenant's personal property. A court order is required even when a tenant has failed to pay rent or overstayed a lease.

A landlord has no right of entry into a tenant's dwelling unless the tenant grants permission or emergency repairs are needed.

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for responding to and investigating reports of missing adults.

Jurisdiction

Jurisdictional conflicts are to be avoided when a person is reported missing.

1. Any missing person believed to be in imminent danger shall have a squad response and NCIC Entry protocol initiated, regardless of jurisdiction. Officers shall complete a Police Report with the code ARMISP.

2. If a missing person either resides in or was last seen in this jurisdiction, the MPD will immediately initiate the required reporting process.
3. If a person resides in this jurisdiction and was last seen in another jurisdiction, MPD will confer and coordinate with the law enforcement agency covering that jurisdiction.

Initial Response

Reporting and MECC Response

1. Adult missing person reports may be made at precinct desks, or a reporting party may call 911/the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (MECC).

1. If a missing person report is made at a precinct desk, the officer shall call MECC.

2. MECC will then dispatch a squad to the incident address.
3. A squad shall respond as soon as possible to verify the status of the missing person.

1. If the person is found at the incident scene, the report shall be considered unfounded.

2. If the officer confirms the person is missing, the officer shall inform notify MECC.

4. MECC staff, reporting officers, and investigators shall advise the reporting person to call 911 if the missing person returns or is located.

Scene of the Incident

Upon arriving at the incident address, officers shall:

Permission to search

If reasonable, officers shall ask for permission to search the residence to verify that the person is missing.

Confirm missing person status

Officers shall contact MECC Channel 7 upon determining whether the report of the missing person is confirmed or unfounded.

1. If no contact is made or the status of the missing person is not determined, officers shall notify MECC that the call was not serviced, so that MECC can attempt a callback and if necessary, return the call to pending until contact is made.

2. If the missing person report is determined to be unfounded, the officer shall inform MECC Channel 7 so that MECC can clear the missing person record from NCIC.

Complete a report

If the person is confirmed missing, officers shall complete a Police Report with the code MISPER or ARMISP (for “at-risk” missing people) and document if a search was conducted and who gave consent.

1. The report shall include the following information regarding the missing person:

• Complete name (including any aliases or nicknames).
• Date of birth.
• Full physical description (including height, weight, hair/eye color, scars, marks or tattoos).
• Clothing description (if available).
• Driver license and Social Security numbers (if available).
• Date of last contact.

2. The report shall include the following information regarding the reporting party:

• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• Address and contact phone number(s).

3. The report shall also include a description of circumstances relating to the missing person including any prior disappearances or “at-risk” factors.

Broadcast description

Officers shall decide if it is necessary to request that MECC broadcast a description.

Determine “at-risk” status

While conducting the initial investigation, responding officers shall determine whether the missing person is considered “at-risk.”

1. An adult shall be considered “at-risk” when one or more of the following suspicious or unusual circumstances are present:

1. The person is:

• A vulnerable adult (MN Statute section 626.5572 and see P&P 7-344).
• In a life-threatening situation.
• Dependent on a care provider.
• Taking critical medication.
• Believed to be with people who could endanger the missing person’s welfare.
• A potential victim of foul play or sexual exploitation (as suggested by credible information).
• Absent under circumstances inconsistent with established patterns of behavior. OR

2. The missing person’s disappearance involves circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to conclude that the missing person should be considered at-risk.

2. If the missing person is determined to be “at-risk,” the officers shall contact and inform the on-duty precinct shift supervisor of the circumstances.
3. The officers shall describe the reasons for their determination in their Police Report.
4. The code ARMISP shall be used for the Police Report if the missing person is determined to be “at-risk.”

At-risk missing person response

If a missing person is determined to be “at-risk,” the following shall occur:

1. The Precinct Shift Supervisor shall notify the MECC on-duty supervisor that the person has been determined to be “at-risk” (MECC can add an alert to the call as necessary).

2. The Precinct Shift Supervisor shall notify the Watch Commander or Inspector (when the Watch Commander is not on duty), and Car 710/Car 712.
3. The supervisor shall evaluate facts as they are known at the time and determine if the totality of the circumstances requires further action.

1. Depending on the situation, the supervisor may determine that additional personnel, including specialized units, should be called to the scene or otherwise assist in the investigation (including the Watch Commander or Car 710/Car 712).
2. The supervisor may also determine that using the MN Crime Alert Network (see Section 8-202 Amber Alerts and MNCAN Activations) is necessary.

4. If further action is needed, the Precinct Shift Supervisor shall assume Incident Command of the call and:

1. Coordinate search and investigative efforts, and through the Precinct Lieutenant or Watch Commander request additional resources deemed necessary.
2. The Watch Commander will monitor the missing person case and assist the Incident Commander with resource management.
3. Ensure that Precinct or Patrol responders continue the response and search.

• Investigators are there to assist the Incident Commander with the search.

4. At the time the missing person is found or located, contact MECC to provide a brief summary and request MECC make required notifications.

5. The “at-risk” missing person case shall be noted on the Watch Commander Log and the Precinct shift bullets.

NCIC Entry

1. Missing adults of any age (over 18) will be entered into NCIC by MECC immediately after the report is made, or within 2 hours of the time reported if the report or squad was delayed. A copy of the NCIC Initial Entry Report is available for guidance on the MPD’s intranet under “Forms.”

2. For all missing adult cases officers shall contact MECC Channel 7 upon determining whether the report of the missing person is confirmed or unfounded.

1. If no contact is made or the status of the missing person is not determined, officers shall notify MECC that the call was not serviced, so that MECC can attempt a callback and if necessary, return the call to pending until contact is made.

1. MECC will enter the missing person into NCIC within 2 hours of the time reported, including cases where the status of the missing person has not been confirmed.
2. If the missing person report is determined to be unfounded, the officer shall inform MECC Channel 7 so that MECC can clear the missing person record from NCIC.

Investigating Missing Persons

Responsibility for investigation

1. The respective precincts shall be responsible for the follow-up investigations on all adult missing person cases.

2. If the initial investigator determines there is information that the case might be a homicide, they shall then route the case to the Homicide Unit.

Contact reporting party

1. The investigator shall contact the reporting party by phone or in-person within 24 hours of the initial contact by the reporting party, or as soon as reasonably possible.

2. The time and summary of the contact shall be documented in the case file for Audit purposes.

Follow-up investigation

1. The investigator shall determine if the person has returned or if additional information is available and shall contact the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) in the Business Technology Unit (BTU) or MECC if changes need to be made in the NCIC entry.

2. The investigator shall perform necessary follow-up as prompted by the nature of the case.

1. The investigator shall document in the case file all systems used during the investigation and follow-up.

2. At a minimum, RMS, DVS, Criminal History and the Jail Management System information must be available in the case file for audit purposes.

Provide materials to reporting person

1. The investigator shall provide the following materials (available on the MPD intranet under “Forms”) to the reporting person no later than two weeks after the date of the NCIC entry:

• A packet titled “NCIC Missing Person File Data Collection Entry Guide.”

2. The investigator shall document in the Police Report the date these materials were distributed.
3. The Missing Person Data Collection Guide shall be kept on file with the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) in the Business Technology Unit (BTU) once it is returned to the MPD.

Missing person located

1. Officers receiving information that a missing person has been located shall add a narrative text to the Police Report documenting the circumstances.

2. The supervisor approving the Police Report change shall notify the assigned investigator regarding the change in status of the missing person.
3. The investigator shall contact the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) in the Business Technology Unit (BTU) to ensure the NCIC entry has been removed.

Kidnapping

1. Officers responding to a reported kidnapping shall conduct a preliminary investigation and shall complete a Police Report entitled "Kidnapping".

1. When a juvenile has been taken by a person determined to be a non-custodial parent or other family member (in accordance with P&P 7-318 Custody of Children), officers shall complete a Police Report entitled "Deprivation of Custodial or Parental Rights".
2. In each of the above cases the assigned investigator shall mail a BCA Missing Person Photo Request Form to the parent or other reporting person.
3. For incidents regarding the abduction or kidnapping where the victim is 17 years or younger, refer to P&P 8-202 Amber Alerts.

The purpose of this policy is to outline codes and procedures to follow when handling motor vehicle theft reports.

CAPRS Offense/Incident Codes:

• AUTOTH: To be used for motor vehicle thefts involving vehicles licensed to be driven on streets/roadways.
• MVTHFT: To be used for motor vehicle thefts involving vehicles not licensed to be driven on streets/roadways. (Examples: 3-wheelers, garden tractors, snowmobiles, golf carts, gators, some scooters, and construction equipment.)

Prosecution for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

The following procedures shall apply when the victim will prosecute for the theft of a motor vehicle:

1. Upon receiving a request to take a police report for a motor vehicle theft the Member shall first ascertain whether the Auto Desk is aware of the matter before completing a report.
2. A police report titled AUTOTH or MVTHFT shall be completed immediately if the information provided by the person reporting indicates the vehicle is stolen. (See Breach of Trust, P&P 7-329.04.)
3. If the person reporting names or identifies a suspect, the member shall attempt to determine whether the suspect had lawful access to the vehicle. An AUTOTH or MVTHFT report will not be taken if the suspect had lawful access to the vehicle. (See Breach of Trust, P&P 7-329.04.)
4. After the AUTOTH or MVTHFT report is completed, the member shall notify the Auto Desk with the assigned Case Control Number (CCN).
5. The AutoDesk shall make the entry into NCIC.

No Prosecution for the Theft of a Motor Vehicle

The following procedure shall apply when the victim will not prosecute for the theft of a motor vehicle:

1. The responding member shall refer the case to the Auto Desk as a ‘locate’ only.
2. No reports are required.

If a vehicle is stolen during the commission of another offense, the AUTOTH or MVTHFT shall be reported on the same police report, in order of the most serious offenses.

Recovery of Stolen Vehicles

All recovered stolen vehicles shall have a CAPRS report entitled RECVEH and a tow sheet completed, regardless of the originating jurisdiction. This includes recovered vehicles missing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plates, or both; as well as vehicles that have been significantly stripped.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) entered on all reports shall be obtained directly from the vehicle.

In situations where an arrest takes place prior to the vehicle being reported as a ‘Minneapolis Stolen’ vehicle, and the arresting members also take the AUTOTH or MVTHFT report, the CAPRS report shall then be entitled #1 AUTOTH or MVTHFT and #2 RECVEH.

A new CCN with a completed RECVEH CAPRS police report shall be done for all other incidents involving recovered stolen vehicles, referencing the original AUTOTH or MVTHFT CCN. This is necessary to track locations where stolen vehicles have been recovered.

If the motor vehicle theft occurred in another jurisdiction, that agency shall make the motor vehicle theft report.

Arrests/Case Control Numbers

Stolen Vehicle – Minneapolis

• The charge listed on the arrest report for a person arrested in control of a ‘Minneapolis Stolen’ vehicle shall be AUTOTH, MVTHFT, or R&C.
• The CCN from the original AUTOTH or MVTHFT report shall be included in the space “Original CCN” on the RECVEH report.
• The original CCN for the AUTOTH or MVTHFT can be obtained from the MDC NCIC screen following the letters ‘OCA.’

Stolen Vehicle - From Another Jurisdiction

• The charge listed on the arrest report for a person arrested in Minneapolis, in control of a stolen vehicle from another jurisdiction shall be STOLMV (Stolen Motor Vehicle) or R&C.
• The other jurisdiction’s CCN (OCA) and city shall be included in the narrative section of the RECVEH report.

Policy

On vehicles that are missing but do not qualify as a Motor Vehicle Theft, a ‘locate’ may be placed on the vehicle. This is done through the Auto Desk upon the request of an officer and/or owner. A ‘locate’ is active for 30 days. 

Policy

1. Officers who respond to take a report on stolen license plates shall take the following actions:

1. Take a police report entitled TMVP (Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts).

1. The report shall include a completed vehicle screen in PIMS, including the vehicle description.

2. The vehicle shall be listed as “other” on the PIMS vehicle screen.
3. The stolen plates shall be listed on the Stolen Vehicle Detail page.

2. Notify the Auto Desk of the license plate number and the assigned CCN.

2. The Auto Desk will make any necessary entries into NCIC.

Policy

A leased vehicle obtained under a written agreement that is not returned to the rental agency (lessor) by the agreed upon return date cannot be considered stolen until five days after the rental agency demands return of the vehicle in writing to the lessee. (See Minn. State. §609.52(9)). Written demand for return of the vehicle may be served personally in the manner provided for service of process of a civil action, or sent by certified mail to the last known address of the lessee. (05/23/90)

No report will be taken until a copy of the lease agreement is provided to officers along with proof that the written demand for return of the vehicle was issued. 311 may not be used to complete the police report in these circumstances. (05/15/89) (05/23/90) (03/10/95) (09/26/07)

Policy

Breach of trust is defined as the taking of a vehicle for temporary use when prior authority has been granted or can be assumed, such as with former or current members of the same household. Breach of trust is also unauthorized use by chauffeurs and others having lawful access to the vehicle. These types of situations are not classified as motor vehicle thefts. In these cases, officers should advise the complainant that:

• No report can be taken for at least 30 days from the date of discovery. A ‘locate’ may be called in to the Auto Desk by the officer. The complainant should also be advised to take substantive steps to recover their vehicle. (05/23/90) (09/26/07)
• After thirty (30) days, if the vehicle is still missing and the complainant still wishes to file a report, a CAPRS report, titled AUTOTH or MVTHFT shall be completed. The officer shall contact the Auto Desk and check if a ‘locate’ was placed on the vehicle and the date of entry to verify if thirty (30) days has expired. (05/23/90) (07/02/90) (03/10/95) (09/26/07)
• 311 may not be used to complete a police report in these circumstances. (05/23/90) (07/02/90) (09/26/07)

Policy

Whenever a vehicle is taken in the commission of another crime, an Offense/Incident Report (MP-6833), titled Motor Vehicle Theft. The same Case Control Number shall be used. 

Policy

Individuals wanting to file a police report for Failure to Pay for Gasoline may be referred to 311.

Policy

MECC personnel shall refer incidents in which the general public has illegally opened fire hydrants to the Minneapolis Water Department, who is responsible for closing fire hydrants. If Water Department personnel need police assistance, they will contact MECC. MECC shall dispatch officers to deal with harassing or threatening individuals on the scene, or if the opening of a hydrant is in progress and the person opening the hydrant can be identified by witnesses. MECC shall not dispatch a squad if there are people loitering or playing in the area of an open hydrant. Responding officers are not responsible for closing hydrants.

Policy

Officers respond to a large number of party disturbance calls. Some addresses generate a high number of calls. In an effort to reduce the number of return calls, officers shall take aggressive action when responding to “Chronic Problem Addresses”. Officers should arrest or issue a citation when responding to a substantiated party call at a Chronic Problem Address.

Upon making a determination of how the call will be resolved, officers shall document in the corresponding CAPRS report or VisiNet comments (if advising only) the following information:

• Party incident address;
• Distance from which disturbance could be heard;
• Estimated number of people in attendance;
• Other disruptive behavior related to the party;
• Name, address and DOB of the resident with whom officer(s) spoke, and if they were identified as a renter or property owner.

MPD Crime Prevention Specialists shall be responsible for reviewing CAPRS reports and/or associated comments in VisiNet and determining the appropriate follow-up action(s) to take, including:

• Mailing warning letters and/or citations to the property owner under Minneapolis Ordinance 389.65.
• Notifying MECC to place an alert on the address. The ‘remarks’ section of the alert will state:
• “The above address is being investigated as a chronic party house. Per Lt. (name of supervising Lt. for Sector), if violation of Minneapolis City Ordinance 389.30 Noisy Assembly exists, responding officers shall tag and arrest those responsible.”

MPD Crime Prevention Specialists may utilize the Rental Licensing Revocation process under Minneapolis City Ordinance 244.2020 to address on-going chronic parties. Repeated documented violations at a rental property can result in a loss of the owner’s rental license, and right to rent the property.

Policy

Prowlers may be potential burglars or criminal sexual conduct suspects. If an adequate description is given or a suspect is known, a memorandum shall be made and distributed to the affected precincts, divisions and units

Policy

Officers shall attempt to notify the owner or other contact person when they encounter unsecured homes or buildings. If such notification cannot be made, officers shall attempt to secure the building in a reasonable manner on their own. If they are unable to secure the building, the contract service provider may be called to secure the building in the following situations:

1. When the building is unsecured as a result of a lawful police action that includes activities such as serving a search warrant or making a forcible entry to "check the welfare," etc.
2. When a business is unsecured as a result of a burglary or damage to property.
3. In other serious or emergency situations when authorization is obtained from the supervisor prior to notifying the contract service provider.

When officers encounter an unsecured building that must be boarded up, but which does not meet the above listed criteria, they shall notify the Inspections Department. The notification will be made to Inspections via inter-office mail by sending a memo to Inspections Department, Public Health Center, Room 300.

The contract service provider shall be contacted through Channel 7 after a supervisor’s approval. The contract service provider has been contracted to respond within 30 minutes. An officer shall remain at the scene until they arrive. In all cases where the contract service provider is called, a CAPRS report shall be made; included in the report shall be the time the call to the contract service provider was made and also the time they arrived at the scene. Officers shall also note the reason the contract service provider was called and the name of the supervisor authorizing the board up if his/her authorization was necessary. The name of the occupant of the property, and the name, address and phone number of the owner shall also be included if known.

The CAPRS report shall be titled "BOARD" if the board up is the primary incident. If the board-up is incidental to another offense or incident, the other offense shall be listed first, followed by "BOARD" as a secondary incident code.

The white and yellow copy of the Minneapolis Police Authorization to Board and Secure Building form (MP-8843) shall be given to the vendor. The vendor will send the white copy, attached with photographs, to the Inspections Department. The pink copy of the form, copies of all CAPRS reports involving the contract service provider, and copies of any supporting documentation given to officers by the contract service provider, shall be immediately forwarded to the Transcription Unit, Room 29.

To cancel a board-up call, the officer shall contact MECC. MECC personnel will contact the vendor to cancel the call. The board-up form for the cancelled call shall be completed by MECC, and the white and yellow copies shall be sent to the Inspections Department. The pink copy shall be forwarded to the Transcription Unit.

Form MP-8843 is available from MPD Stores.

Policy

Juvenile suspects shall be processed according to the policies and procedures set forth in P&P 8-300 Juvenile Arrest Procedures.

Policy

In any situation where a crime is anticipated and officers decide to employ an armed stake‑out or decoy operation within a building or on private property, the safety of the public shall be the major concern.

The manager of the property shall be contacted for permission and on‑scene employees or residents notified for maximum personal safety should they choose to remain. Any employee or person who is expected to be on the scene who is under the age of eighteen or who is unable to give informed consent because they are mentally impaired or physically helpless shall be barred from the area before any stake‑out or decoy operation begins.

Apprehensions of armed or dangerous suspects shall not be attempted inside a building where non‑police personnel are present unless it is obviously necessary to protect human life.

When officers have advance information that causes them to:

• establish a stake‑out or surveillance,
• recognize potential suspects from descriptions or prior knowledge
• have probable cause to believe that a crime of violence is about to occur,
• have any reason to believe that the suspects may be armed and/or dangerous,

An attempt to arrest shall be made before the suspects enter the building if time and circumstances make it possible to do so safely.

Policy

Officers conducting a preliminary investigation of a theft in which there is an extensive loss shall, in addition to completing the required offense report, notify their immediate superior who shall decide whether the appropriate Property Crimes Unit shall be notified.

Officers conducting a preliminary investigation of a theft or attempted theft from a bank, federal government or railroad property during hours in which the property is closed shall, in addition to completing the offense report, notify the appropriate Property Crimes Unit and the Emergency Communications Center.

Policy

A vulnerable adult is defined as any person 18 years of age or older who is unable to adequately care for themselves without assistance due to a physical, mental, or emotional disability. This includes any adult who is a temporary or permanent resident of a health care facility or licensed group home.

Abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a crime. Abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm, great bodily harm, or death is a felony. All other abuse is a gross misdemeanor. Neglect is a gross misdemeanor. Financial exploitation may be a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony depending on the dollar amount lost. The dollar amounts are equivalent to those used to determine charging level in the theft statute 609.52.

Officers who receive complaints or become aware of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult shall complete a CAPRS report using one of the following offense codes as the primary offense. Secondary offense codes may be added as appropriate. A caregiver, as mentioned in the descriptions below, is defined as any person or organization that has agreed to provide assistance with any portion of the vulnerable adult’s care.

• VABUSE: This code applies when a vulnerable adult is physically or sexually assaulted by a caregiver. This code should not be used if the suspect is not a caregiver for the vulnerable adult.
• VANEG: This code applies when a caregiver fails to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, or supervision to a vulnerable adult. This code does not apply in cases where the vulnerable adult is neglecting his or her own needs by refusing services or assistance.
• VAFIN: This code applies when an individual who is legally responsible for the finances of a vulnerable adult via power of attorney, conservator ship, or guardianship, intentionally fails to use those financial resources for the care of the vulnerable adult. It also applies when any individual acquires possession of money or property belonging to a vulnerable adult through undue influence, harassment, or duress.

Officers should document the relationship between the suspect and victim as well as the victim’s status as a vulnerable adult in the narrative portion of their reports. This information should also be reflected in the description and relationship portions of the CAPRS report.

Minnesota law mandates that law enforcement personnel immediately report all cases of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult via the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 844-880-1574. Officers should document in their CAPRS report the date and time of this notification. Intentional failure by law enforcement personnel to report abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center is a misdemeanor. If it results in the death of a vulnerable adult, the failure to report becomes a gross misdemeanor. Officers are immune from any civil or criminal liability that might result from their actions provided they are acting in good faith. 

Policy

1. When an officer is dispatched to a call for service involving injuries to a Traffic Control Agent (including injuries from a vehicle, physical assault or other means), an on-duty supervisor shall also respond.
2. Responding officer(s) protocol:

1. Officers shall immediately, or as soon as reasonably practical, administer first aid consistent with training and request Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as necessary.
2. Officers shall not issue a citation for the incident, even if the suspect is still at the scene. The City Attorney can charge by complaint based on the Offense Report.

1. If the injuries are serious and a suspect is still at the scene, officers shall follow standard arrest and citation procedures.

3. Officers shall take further direction from the on-duty supervisor.
4. Officers shall complete an Offense Report, and send a copy directly to the City Attorney’s Office.

1. The report shall include the names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the incident.
2. Officers shall mark the copy “Attention” when sending to the City Attorney’s Office.
3. The copy may be sent electronically to complaint.intake@minneapolismn.gov.

3. Supervisor protocol

1. The responding supervisor shall direct the officer to locate any potential video evidence of the incident.
2. The supervisor shall complete a supplement to the Offense Report before a copy is submitted to the City Attorney’s Office.
3. If the incident requires mapping or other Traffic Investigation techniques or procedures, the responding supervisor shall notify a supervisor from the Traffic Investigation unit.

Opiate overdose fatalities may be preventable if interventions are introduced quickly. The purpose of this policy is to establish broad guidelines and regulations governing the use of Naloxone by trained personnel within the MPD. The objective is to render aid and ultimately reduce injuries and fatalities associated with opioid-involved overdoses.

1. Department-issued Naloxone shall only be administered by authorized personnel who have completed the training required by this policy.
2. Department-issued Naloxone shall only be administered according to the procedures outlined in this policy.
3. Employees that have received Naloxone Training and have been issued a personal Naloxone Kit shall carry the Naloxone Kit on their person or have it readily accessible for use, at all times while working in an MPD Uniform.
4. If an officer does not have Naloxone, MN Statute § 604A.04 provides immunity for a person who acts in good faith in administering an opiate antagonist to another person whom the person believes in good faith to be suffering from a drug overdose.
5. All administration of Naloxone shall be documented as outlined in this policy.
6. Naloxone kits shall be carried in a manner consistent with proper storage guidelines for temperature and sun exposure, as outlined in training.

1. The kit shall be inspected for damage or expiration when removing from storage.
2. Expired, damaged and missing kits shall be reported to an immediate supervisor as soon as possible.

Department-issued Naloxone Administration

1. Naloxone shall only be administered by intranasal route.

Trained personnel administering Naloxone shall adhere to the following procedures:

2. Request standard EMS response if not already in progress.
3. Maintain scene safety and personal universal precautions.
4. Perform victim assessment to determine unresponsiveness, absence of breathing, pinpoint pupils, and/or no pulse.
5. Provide basic life support practices as needed.
6. Perform situation assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not the victim’s condition is an opiate overdose.

If it is more like than not the victim’s condition is an opiate overdose:

7. Administer one half of the Naloxone capsule (1 mg) to one nostril as trained.
8. If the patient has no improvement in breathing or has not regained consciousness in 2-5 minutes, a 2nd dose of Naloxone may be administered to the other nostril. If the victim’s condition markedly improves prior to the administration of the 2nd mg of Naloxone, the 2nd mg does not need to be administered.
9. Continue to provide basic life support care to the victim.
10. Update responding Paramedics of:

1. Amount of Naloxone given, and
2. Any change in victim’s condition.

11. Obtain a refill for the Naloxone kit as soon as possible.

Documentation

Any personnel who administered Naloxone shall complete the following documentation:

1. Complete an Offense/Incident report titled “OD,” including the EMS run number and hospital to which the individual was transported.

1. Describe efforts to revive the overdosed individual (e.g., rescue breathing, chest compressions, administered Naloxone, other).
2. Amount of Naloxone administered.
3. Change in individual after the administration of the Naloxone (e.g. regained consciousness or failed to regain consciousness).
4. If the individual regained consciousness, the individual’s behavioral reaction (e.g. aggressive, yelling, calm, confused, or seemed normal).

2. Fill out and submit the Naloxone Deployment Reporting Form to the Naloxone Program Administrator prior to the end of your shift.

Supervisor Responsibilities

1. Respond to calls when Naloxone is being administered, whenever possible.
2. Ensure proper protocols are being followed.
3. Review reports documenting the use of Naloxone.
4. Ensure subordinates attend Naloxone training when required and appropriate.
5. Submit a memorandum to the Naloxone Program Administrator after being notified by a subordinate of any used, expired, damaged or missing Naloxone kits.

Naloxone Program Administrator Responsibilities

Training

1. Coordinate and implement initial Naloxone training for personnel, as well as re-certification training as required by policy.
2. Ensure all personnel have successfully completed Naloxone training prior to treating individuals with Department-issued Naloxone.
3. Maintain training records of personnel allowed to carry and administer Department-issued Naloxone.

Naloxone kit supply

1. Ensure an adequate, non-expired supply of Naloxone is available for MPD use.
2. Replace Naloxone kits that are damaged, unusable, expired or deployed after being made aware of issues with the kit supply or via a memorandum from a supervisor.

Administrative Records

1. Maintain records to comply with the requirements of reporting the receipt and administration of Naloxone in accordance with the State of MN and MPD Medical Director.
2. Maintain administrative records regarding departmental use of Naloxone and disseminating these records to the appropriate authorities.

Training and Education

1. Those authorized to administer Department-issued Naloxone shall complete an initial training course prior to receiving and administering Naloxone. This education will include both didactic and practical formats or as required by the Medical Director.
2. Recertification shall be attended every two years as required by the Medical Director.

Expired Naloxone kits

Expired Naloxone will be:

1. Maintained by the department for use in training; or
2. Properly documented and disposed of by the Leadership and Organizational Development Division.

1. The Minneapolis Police Department recognizes sexual assault as a serious problem in society and it is the MPD’s policy to protect victims of sexual assault by ensuring its peace officers understand the laws governing this area.
2. Sexual assault crimes are under-reported to law enforcement and the goal of this policy is, in part, to improve victim experience in reporting so that more people are encouraged to report.
3. This agency will strive to:

1. Afford maximum protection and support to victims of sexual assault or abuse through a coordinated program of law enforcement and available victim services with an emphasis on a victim-centered approach;
2. Reaffirm peace officers' authority and responsibility to conducting thorough preliminary and follow up investigations and to make arrest decisions in accordance with established probable cause standards;
3. Increase the opportunity for prosecution and victim services.

4. It shall be this agency’s goal to decrease the victim’s distress, increase the victim’s understanding of the criminal justice system and process, and promote public safety. All employees should take a professional, victim-centered approach to sexual assaults, proactively investigate these crimes, and coordinate with prosecution in a manner that helps restore the victim’s dignity and autonomy.
5. This agency will aggressively enforce the laws without bias and prejudice based on race, marital status, sexual orientation, economic status, age, disability, gender, religion, creed, or national origin.

1. The Minneapolis Police Department shall accept any report of sexual assault, regardless of when or where the offense occurred. The officer receiving the report shall take the report regardless of which precinct or jurisdiction the offense occurred in.

• By accepting any report, MPD’s goal is to have a victim-centered response. This policy also ensures a timely response which will provide the best chance for evidence collection.
• This policy ensures compliance with MN Statute section 609.3459.

2. Investigators or MPD partners should maintain regular contact with the victim regarding the process of the investigation, so that the victim does not believe it is futile or demeaning to file a report.
3. Individuals making a report of sexual assault will not be cited for underage consumption or other minor offenses, including prostitution, occurring at the time of the report or the reported incident, whenever reasonable.

Initial officer response

In addition to following standard incident response procedures (including providing any necessary medical assistance), officers shall also do the following:

1. Recognize that the victim experienced a traumatic incident and may not be willing or able to immediately assist with the criminal investigation.
2. Make every effort to bring victims into a secluded or protected area to take the report, affording them privacy and dignity.

1. Desk officers should avoid taking the report through the glass, at the desk or at a workspace.
2. Desk officers should notify their supervisor they will be taking the report away from the desk.
3. When notified by a desk officer, the supervisor will ensure the report is taken in a private setting and may reassign resources to the desk as necessary.

3. Make a report titled “CSC”.

1. Responding officers should generally limit their initial interview to questions that will establish only the basic facts of the assault and provide the information necessary for the immediate needs of the investigation and safety of the victim, such as the suspect identity and elements of the crime.
2. Ask about and document signs and symptoms of injury, including strangulation.
3. Identify and attempt to interview potential witnesses to the sexual assault and anyone the victim told about the sexual assault.

4. Inform the victim that a second interview may occur at a later time by a trained investigator.
5. Request preferred contact information for the victim for follow-up. Ask if the telephone number is a safe one (if it is used by others), if it is safe to leave a voicemail message, and if it is safe for the victim if callers identify themselves as members of the Minneapolis Police Department.
6. Indicate in the report whether the victim received a sexual assault exam and the health care facility the victim was seen at.

4. Attempt to determine the location or jurisdiction where the assault took place.
5. If the incident occurred outside of Minneapolis but is being reported in Minneapolis, the officer receiving the information shall prepare a report.

1. For incidents occurring in other jurisdictions, the officer shall use the location where the report is being taken as the incident location (e.g. the precinct, HCMC, etc.).
2. A copy of the report shall be sent to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, as soon as practical.

6. If the crime was recently committed, the suspect’s description should be broadcast over the radio.
7. If the crime was committed within the last 96 hours, the officer should attempt to locate and identify the crime scene.

1. If the incident occurred outside of Minneapolis, the officer shall contact their supervisor. The supervisor will coordinate with the other agency to ensure proper notifications and where applicable, scene response.
2. If a crime scene in Minneapolis is identified, it should be thoroughly investigated and processed, to include photographs and evidence collection, as scene investigation will be a major factor in determining prosecution.

1. The officer shall secure the scene and shall notify a supervisor.

2. The supervisor shall respond to the scene and shall request that Crime Lab respond and process the scene.

1. On extensive or complex crime scenes or in unique circumstances, a supervisor or senior officer shall remain on the scene to direct the Crime Lab.

2. In all other cases, an officer shall remain on the scene to direct the Crime Lab. If available, Sex Crimes investigators or Car 710 may be called to direct the Crime Lab at the crime scene.
3. The supervisor should consider using additional department resources, such as Canine.

3. If the Crime Lab is not available, the officer shall collect any evidence in a paper bag and inventory the evidence in accordance with P&P 10-400.
4. Investigative efforts should focus on the collection of video, DNA, and other trace evidence used for analysis to identify the perpetrator.

8. Reassure the victim that other evidence may still be identified and recovered even if they have bathed or made other physical changes.
9. Explain the reporting process and the availability of confidential victim advocates.

1. Provide the victim with contact information for the local victim advocate.
2. Upon victim request the officer can offer to contact local victim advocate on behalf of the victim.

10. Officers shall obtain a signed medical release from the victim or shall document that the victim either declined or was unable to sign the release.
11. Advise the victim about the importance of a sexual assault exam at the hospital. Offer to arrange for transportation for the victim, if practical.
12. Date rape drugs

"Date rape drugs" may be a contributing factor in cases of sexual assault.

1. Officers responding to a suspected sexual assault should take note of any of the following symptoms being displayed by the victim:

• A loss of memory or blackouts with minimum use of alcohol
• Severe drowsiness
• Difficulty in walking and other motor movements
• Slurred speech and impaired judgment

2. Symptoms similar to intoxication may indicate the use of date rape drugs.
3. All symptoms shall be documented in the report.
4. If the victim complains of any of the above symptoms or similar symptoms, they should be transported immediately for a sexual assault exam. When the victim arrives at the hospital for the exam, the officer should immediately notify the hospital staff of the possible use of a "date rape drug."
5. Hospital staff will be responsible for drawing blood or urine samples from the victim for later processing.

1. It should be noted that the body metabolizes most of these substances within 12 hours, so the samples must be drawn immediately.

2. If possible, officers shall note the time of ingestion of the substance and the time of the sample draw in their reports.

6. If available, the samples should be collected along with the victim’s clothing and property inventoried by the officer. If circumstances do not allow the transfer of evidence at that time, the hospital may retain the samples or clothing for an investigator or Property and Evidence Unit personnel to pick up and inventory later.

Booking suspects

1. When a suspect is apprehended for sexual crimes, officers shall inventory all the suspect's clothing, including undergarments and personal effects. All items shall be packaged separately in paper containers and properly marked for identification.

2. In accordance with MN Statute section 629.73, officers shall complete a Criminal Sexual Assault Victim Notification form (located in the jail intake area) when booking a suspect for CSC (the statute requires that jail personnel notify victims of criminal sexual assaults prior to the release of the alleged suspect).

1. Officers shall be required to complete this form in full; including name, address and phone number of the victim.

3. If a suspect is arrested on a P.C. Pick-up, the officer shall be responsible for obtaining the victim's name, address and phone number for the Criminal Sexual Assault Victim Notification form.

1. Officers shall contact either the Records Information unit or Sex Crimes unit to obtain this victim information.

2. If the victim is a minor, the officer shall list the minor's parent or guardian as a contact person.

Victim interviews

1. The MPD recognizes that victims of sexual assault are best served through trauma informed interviewing techniques and strategies.
2. In recognizing the need for non-traditional interviewing skills for sexual assault victims, officers should consider doing the following:

1. Offer to have a confidential victim advocate present if the victim would benefit from additional support during the process.

2. Whenever possible, conduct victim interviews in person.
3. Make an effort to conduct the interview in a warm, welcoming environment.
4. Let the victim share the details at their own pace.
5. Recognize that victims of trauma may have difficulty remembering incidents in a linear fashion and may remember details in the days and weeks following the assaults.
6. After the initial interview, consider reaching out to the victim within a few days, after at least one sleep cycle, to ask if they remember any additional details.
7. Additional interviews might be needed to gather additional information. Offer support from a victim advocate to help facilitate engagement with the investigative process and healing.

3. During initial and subsequent victim interviews, officers should note the following information:

1. Whether the suspect was known to the victim.

2. How long the victim knew the suspect.
3. The circumstances of their meeting and if there is any indication of the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate the sexual assault.
4. The extent of their previous or current relationship.
5. Any behavioral changes that led the situation from one based on sexual consent to one of submission, coercion, fear, or force.
6. Specifics actions, statements or thoughts of both victim and suspect immediately prior to, during and after the assault.
7. Relevant communication through social media, email, text messages, or any other forms of communication.

Special considerations- minors, vulnerable adults, and family and household members

Minors and vulnerable adults

1. Officers should be alert for victims who would be best served by the use of specialized interview techniques. In making this determination officers should consider:

• the nature of the offense,
• the length of time since the assault,
• the victim’s physical, mental, and emotional state,
• the victim’s age, level of maturity, communication skills, cognitive and intellectual capacity, and
• any other observable factors that would indicate specialized interview techniques would be appropriate for the particular victim.

2. When an officer determines that a victim requires the use of specialized interview techniques, the officer should limit their actions to the following:

1. Ensuring the safety of the victim;
2. Ensuring the scene is safe;
3. Safeguarding evidence where appropriate;
4. Collecting any information necessary to identify the suspect; and
5. Addressing the immediate medical needs of individuals at the scene.

3. Unless evidence or the investigation would be compromised, initial responding officers should not attempt to interview the victim in situations in which a minor or vulnerable adult is involved. Instead, officers should attempt to obtain basic information and facts about the situation, including the jurisdiction where the incident occurred and whether a crime most likely occurred. Officers should seek to obtain this information from parents, caregivers, the reporting party, or other adult witnesses, unless those individuals are believed to be the perpetrators.
4. Officers responding to victims with special considerations must comply with the mandated reporting requirements of MN Statute sections 626.556 and 626.557 and the Vulnerable Adult policy (P&P 7-344), where applicable.
5. Officers investigating cases involving victims with special considerations should coordinate these investigations with the appropriate local human services agency as required.
6. Any victim or witness interviews conducted with individuals having special considerations should be audio and video recorded whenever possible.
7. Not all sexual assaults of minor victims require a mandatory report to social services.

1. The MPD recognizes that in certain cases, notifying or involving parent or guardian can cause harm to the minor or impede the investigation.

2. Officers responding to the sexual assault of a minor victim that does not trigger a mandated report under MN Statute section 626.556 should assess the potential impact on the victim and the investigation of notifying parents or guardians before deciding to involve them.

8. Officers should obtain necessary follow-up contact information for the victim’s caregiver, guardian or parents as well as how or where to locate the victim later.
9. Officers should advise the victim and any accompanying adults, guardians or caregivers that an investigating officer may follow up with information on a forensic interview.
10. The officer should advise the victim’s caregiver, guardian or parent that if the victim starts to talk about the incident they should listen to them but not question them as this may influence any future statements.

Victims of domestic abuse

Officers responding to a report of sexual assault committed against a family and household member shall also follow the Domestic Abuse policy (P&P 7-314) in addition to the guidelines in this policy.

Protecting victim rights

Confidentiality

Officers should explain to victims the limitations of confidentiality in a criminal investigation and explain that the victim’s identifying information is not accessible to the public, in accordance with the MN Government Data Practices Act (specifically MN Statute section 13.82 Subd. 17b).

Crime victim rights

1. Officers shall provide the following information to the victim by providing them with the Victim Assistance Card (Blue Card), in accordance with P&P 4-608:

1. Crime victim rights and resource information required to be provided to all victims as specified by MN Statute section 611A.02 Subd. 2b.

2. Crime victim rights and resource information required to be provided to domestic abuse victims as specified by MN Statute section 629.341 Subd. 3, if the suspect is a family or household member to the victim.
3. The report or incident number and contact information for the Sex Crimes unit.

2. Officers shall provide the victim with the Sexual Violence Resource Card (Teal Card) in addition the Victim Assistance Card. The Teal Card will be stocked at the Precincts and can be ordered from Police Stores.
3. Officers shall also notify the victim of their right to be informed of the status of a sexual assault examination kit upon request as in accordance with MN Statute section 611A.27 Subd. 1.
4. The Lieutenant of the Sex Crimes unit or their designee will be the liaison between MPD and the forensic laboratory and will respond through the Records Information Unit to requests for data from sexual assault victims in accordance with MN Statute section 611A.27.

1. MPD will respond to such requests within thirty days of receipt, unless the release of the data will interfere with the investigation.
2. Releases under this section are limited to:

• date a sexual assault examination kit was submitted to the forensic laboratory for testing
• the date MPD received notice of the results of that testing, and
• whether a DNA profile was obtained from the testing.

3. The Records Information unit will handle the request and response and will coordinate with the Lieutenant of the Sex Crimes unit to collect the data.
4. In accordance with MN Statute section 611A.27, the sexual assault victim can designate another person to request information on the victim's behalf by providing written authorization to the agency.

Language access

Officers shall provide language assistance when needed, in accordance with the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy (P&P 5-601) and the Communicating with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals policy (P&P 5-602).

Considerations for evidence collection

1. If the victim chooses to participate in a sexual assault exam, the collection of evidence on or from the victim would occur during this examination.

2. Officers may attempt to collect evidence in addition to what might be collected through a sexual assault exam by doing the following:

1. Collect evidence regarding the environment in which the assault took place, including indications of isolation and soundproofing.
2. Document any evidence of threats or any communications made by the suspect, or made on behalf of the suspect, to include those made to individuals other than the victim.
3. In situations where it is suspected that drugs or alcohol may have facilitated the assault, officers should assess the scene for evidence such as drinking glasses, alcohol bottles or cans, or other related items.

3. If the victim has declined a sexual assault exam or one will otherwise not be conducted the officer should request victim sexual consent, and once granted, should take photographs of visible physical injuries, including any healing or old injuries. The victim should be given directions about how to document any bruising or injury that becomes evident later after these photographs are taken.

Sexual assault exams

1. Prior to the sexual assault exam, the officer should do the following:

1. Provide the victim with general information about the exam and encourage them to seek further detail and guidance from the sexual assault medical forensic examiner, health care professional, or a victim advocate.
2. Ensure the victim understands the purpose of the sexual assault exam and its importance to both their general health and wellness and to the investigation.
3. Instruct the victim not to wash, change clothes or clean the crime scene until evidence can be gathered.

4. Inform the victim that the sexual assault exam is free and provide information about evidence collection, storage and preservation in sexual assault cases (P&P 10-400 and MN Statute section 299C.106).
5. Ask the victim for a signed release for access to medical records from the exam.

2. Officers should be aware that there might be additional treatments or medications that victims are entitled to and if necessary, officers should relay that to victims who do not want to undergo an exam or have evidence collected.

1. Victims can seek that information from a health care provider or a victim advocate.
2. If possible, officers should transport or arrange transportation for the victim to a hospital for the additional treatments or medications.

3. If the victim undergoes an exam, officers should make arrangements for the victim’s transportation home or to the Sex Crimes Unit after the exam.
4. Officers and investigators cannot deny a victim the opportunity to have an exam.
5. Officers should not be present during any part of the exam, including during the medical history.
6. When the designated person in the Sex Crimes unit (the kit coordinator) is notified by a health care professional that an unrestricted sexual assault examination kit is available for pickup, the designated person will ensure the kit is retrieved within ten days of receiving notification.
7. Within sixty days of receiving an unrestricted sexual assault examination kit, the designated person in the Sex Crimes unit (the kit coordinator) will ensure the kit is submitted to the forensic laboratory for testing, unless MPD deems the result of the kit would not add evidentiary value to the case (in accordance with MN Statute section 299C.106 Subd. 3). If a kit is not submitted during this time, MPD shall make a record, in consultation with the county attorney, stating the reasons why the kit was not submitted.
8. Restricted sexual assault examination kits will not be submitted for testing.

1. Restricted sexual assault examination kits will be handled in accordance with the standards in P&P 10-400.

2. The kits will be recorded under the assigned case number for restricted sexual assault examination kits.

9. When a victim who has a restricted sexual assault examination kit chooses to report the sexual assault to law enforcement and convert the kit to an unrestricted kit, the Sex Crimes unit will:

1. Ensure that MPD has a signed medical release from the victim.
2. Provide the signed medical release to the associated health care facility with a request for the nurses’ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) report.
3. Update the case information for the report and the newly unrestricted kit. This includes reassigning the kit from the assigned case number for restricted kits to the new case number (as needed).
4. Ensure the kit is sent to the forensic laboratory for testing.
5. Contact the victim for any needed information or follow-up.

Contacting and interviewing suspects

1. Prior to contacting the suspect, investigators should do the following:

1. Conduct a background and criminal history check specifically looking for accusations, criminal charges, and convictions for interconnected crimes, especially crimes involving violence.
2. Consider conducting a pretext or confrontational call or messaging.

1. Involvement of a victim in contacting suspects should be based on strong consideration of the victim’s emotional and physical state.
2. A victim advocate should be present whenever possible to offer support.

2. When possible, investigators should attempt to interview the suspect in person.
3. In situations where suspects do not deny that a sexual act occurred, but rather assert that it was with the sexual consent of the victim, officers should do the following:

1. Collect evidence of past communication, including but not limited to all relevant interaction (including through social media) between the suspect and victim.

2. Identify events that transpired prior to, during, and after the assault to help locate additional witnesses and physical locations that might lead to additional evidence.

Forensic examination and the collection of evidence from the suspect

1. Prior to or immediately after the preliminary suspect interview, the officer or investigator should photograph the suspect to include any injuries or the absence of injuries.
2. Officers and supervisors should communicate with Car 710, the Watch Commander or the Commander of the Special Crimes Investigation Division to determine whether a sexual assault exam of the suspect should be conducted.
3. Officers and investigators are strongly encouraged to consider obtaining a search warrant, which should include specific details about what evidence will be collected, and which should include forensic evidence collection.
4. Investigators or Crime Lab personnel should do the following:

1. Collect biological and trace evidence from the suspect’s body;

2. Document information about the suspect’s clothing, appearance, scars, tattoos, piercings, and other identifiable marks;
3. Seize all clothing worn by the suspect during the assault, particularly any clothing touching the genital area;
4. Document the suspect’s relevant medical condition and injuries.

Role of the Supervisor

Supervisors should do the following:

1. Assist officers investigating incidents of sexual assault or if requested by an officer, when possible.
2. Provide guidance and direction as needed.
3. Review sexual assault reports to ensure that necessary steps were taken during initial response and investigations.
4. Contact Car 710, the Watch Commander or the Commander of the Special Crimes Investigation Division for further information or advice if needed.

Case Review/Case Summary

The Sex Crimes unit supervisor should ensure cases are reviewed on an on-going basis. The review process should include an analysis of:

• Case dispositions
• Decisions regarding evidence collection
• Submissions of evidence for lab testing
• Interviewing tactics and decisions

The purpose of this policy is to describe the roles and responsibilities of MPD members in MPD incidents involving a medical emergency.

MPD and its members shall uphold the sanctity of life (P&P 0-102) by striving to protect and preserve human life in all situations and keep the community and MPD members safe from harm.

In accordance with the sanctity of life, sworn members have a duty to provide appropriate medical treatment to those who need it (as described below).

Assess the Situation

Members arriving on scene or encountering an incident shall, as soon as reasonably practical, determine if anyone displays a visible injury or signs of medical distress, has lost consciousness, has complained of injury or medical distress, or has requested medical attention, and shall take actions as detailed below in this policy.

Gathering preliminary information may assist members or EMS in providing treatment. Members should relay pertinent information to MECC, which could include:

• The location and nature of the incident, including any scene hazards.
• Information about the person needing medical treatment such as signs, symptoms and behavior observed by the member, changes in the person’s apparent condition, whether the person is conscious or breathing and alert, and whether the person is believed to have consumed drugs or alcohol.

Acute Medical Crisis

MPD members shall request emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as practical if any member has come into contact with a person having an acute medical crisis (where any delay in treatment could potentially aggravate the severity of the medical crisis).

1. While awaiting EMS, MPD members assisting a person having an acute medical crisis shall provide any necessary first aid consistent with MPD training, as soon as practical. Members should use personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever necessary (P&P 3-509).
2. Naloxone (Narcan) shall be administered only in accordance P&P 7-348.

Other Requests for EMS

1. MPD members assisting people who are not in an acute medical crisis but may need medical attention shall offer EMS response and shall document the offer and answer in a Police Report, or if no report will be made, via added remarks in CAD.

2. If a person requests an EMS response, members shall request EMS as soon as practical, and shall document the requests in a Police Report, or if no report will be made, via added remarks in CAD.
3. In accordance with P&P 7-401, police vehicles should not be used to transport people who are not in custody but need physical medical attention, except when EMS is not available.

People Declining Physical Medical Attention

If a person who is not in custody declines physical medical treatment, members shall not force that person to receive treatment. See P&P 7-803 regarding transport holds.

Medical Courses of Action by Medical Personnel

MPD members shall not make any suggestions or requests regarding medical courses of action to be taken by any medical personnel. Determinations made by medical personnel regarding medical courses of action must be clearly made only by medical personnel.

1. MPD members shall provide medical personnel with any necessary information related to the person’s observed or known conditions and behaviors, to enable medical personnel to conduct a quick and accurate assessment and determine the best medical course of action.

2. MPD members shall provide medical personnel with the names of any MPD members who provided first aid or assisted with a person’s care, so notifications can be made of possible exposure to any pathogens discovered through further medical examination.
3. Responsibilities for medical care shall be transferred to EMS as soon as safe and feasible.
4. Members are prohibited from suggesting or directing sedation to anyone, for any reason, including any person who is acting agitated, disorganized, or behaving erratically.

Canceling EMS

MPD members responding to incidents where EMS has already been requested shall not cancel EMS unless the members determine that the call was unfounded, or the person is no longer at the scene.

Swallowed Narcotics

1. If an MPD member has a reason to suspect that a person in their custody swallowed narcotics or may have narcotics in their mouth, the member shall request an EMS response as soon as practical. Members shall not attempt to remove the narcotics, except for lifesaving purposes; members shall not use contact which would constitute a choke hold (P&P 5-304).

2. If a person in MPD custody shows signs or symptoms of having swallowed narcotics, members shall immediately request EMS response and shall provide any necessary treatment until the arrival of EMS, in accordance with this policy and P&P 7-348. Examples of potential signs or symptoms include if the person becomes lethargic or highly agitated, or appears to be in an altered state of consciousness.
3. If the person in custody is not showing signs or symptoms but tells the MPD member that they previously swallowed narcotics, MPD members shall either request EMS response or bring the person to a hospital for evaluation as soon as practical.

Prone Positioning

1. People in MPD custody shall not be placed in the facedown prone position or any other position that causes a breathing restriction, other than briefly when necessary to secure the person or to prevent the person from causing harm to themselves or others.
2. If a person is in a position that causes a breathing restriction, for the purpose of securing the person or preventing the person from causing harm to self or others, the person shall be placed in a sitting position, or laying on their side, in a recovery position, as soon as safely possible for all parties. The purpose of placing the person in these positions is to allow the person to breathe freely, reducing the possibility of bodily harm or death from any part of the person’s respiratory system being restricted or manipulated.

3. Members shall not secure a person in any way that results in transporting the person face down in a vehicle.
4. Members shall take statements about trouble breathing seriously as a potential sign of medical distress. The ability to speak does not mean a person can breathe freely; a person can talk and still be in physiological decline. When people are restrained face down, their efforts to reposition themselves to breathe better can easily be confused with resistance.

Restraints

If a person requiring medical attention must be restrained (P&P 5-305), the member’s goal shall be to control the person so they can receive medical treatment, not to completely immobilize the person. Complete stillness could be a sign that the person has become unconscious, and members shall immediately request EMS and provide treatment in accordance with this policy.

Supervisor Notification and Review

1. Any injury or complaint of injury caused by force (including handcuffs) shall be reported and reviewed in accordance with P&P 5-302 and P&P 5-303.

2. When a person who is in MPD custody suffers an injury or illness that was not caused by use of force, the MPD member shall notify their supervisor. In-custody illnesses and injuries include, but are not limited to, vomiting, loss of consciousness, injuries the person causes to themselves, etc.
3. When notified of an in-custody injury or illness that was not caused by force, the supervisor shall do all of the following:

• Respond to the scene or to the hospital.
• Review the incident to determine or confirm how the illness or injury occurred, including a review of body worn camera recordings and other documentation if necessary to properly assess the incident.
• Complete the Injury or Illness Supervisor Review form.

4. If the person says they swallowed narcotics (or a similar substance) and is brought to a medical facility for evaluation, supervisor notification and review is not required unless the person exhibits signs of an injury or illness or receives medical treatment beyond evaluation. If the person exhibits signs of an injury or illness or receives medical treatment beyond evaluation, supervisor notification and review shall be completed as required above.

Arrests and Detention

Arrest or detention of people receiving treatment under this policy shall also be in accordance P&P 9-108 (Arrest or Detention of Injured Adults) and P&P 8-306 (Arrest or Detention of Injured or Incapacitated Juveniles in Need of Medical Attention).

Parent or Guardian Notification for Minors

Whenever minors are transported to any health care facility for medical treatment the transporting members shall notify MECC and shall ensure a reasonable attempt is made to notify the minor’s parent or guardian as to the minor’s status (P&P 8-104).

Medical Treatment After Use of Force

In addition to the requirements in this policy, some force options have specific treatment procedures required (such as P&P 5-308 Force Option- Hand-Held Chemical Aerosols and P&P 5-309 Force Option- Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs)).

Documentation

MPD members shall document in a report any assistance provided to medical personnel regarding the medical crisis, including actions taken by the members, the effects of those actions on the person receiving treatment, and the outcome of the situation. Any physical control applied by MPD members shall be reported in accordance with P&P 5-302 Use of Force Reporting. 

• 40mm Round: A direct fire impact projectile round used in situations where maximum deliverable kinetic energy is desired for the incapacitation of a person.
• Acute Medical Crisis: When a person is suffering from a medical event in which any delay in treatment could potentially aggravate the severity of the medical crisis. These events typically develop quickly, can be severe, and demand urgent care to prevent further harm or death. They can arise from conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe allergic reactions, respiratory failure, trauma, medical side effects related to a mental health condition, or any other situation where the person's health is rapidly deteriorating.
• Aggravated Aggressive Resistance or Aggravated Assault:

  The person displays the intent to imminently harm the member, themselves or another person, and the person’s actions are likely to result in great bodily harm or death.

  Examples include:

  • Use of a firearm.
  • Use of a blunt or bladed weapon.
  • Extreme physical force.
• Amber Alert: Utilizes the State's Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Minnesota Crime Alert Network (MNCAN). It allows law enforcement agencies to collaborate with local broadcasters through the use of an early-warning system to alert the public when a child is in danger.
• Assembly: An assembly is a group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose.
• Baton: A handheld, rigid, stick-like intermediate weapon. Batons are typically made of materials such as wood and metal, and come in various lengths and styles. (See the specifications section in P&P 5-310 for authorized types)
• Bodily Harm: Physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
• Body Worn Camera: Portable audio-video recording equipment designed to be worn on a person.
• CEW: An intermediate weapon ("Conducted Energy Weapon") that is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person from a distance, using an electrical current for neuromuscular incapacitation.
• Chemical Aerosol: Aerosol, hand-held, pressurized, containerized chemical aerosol agents that emit a stream or vapor. (P&P 5-308)
• Choke Hold: A method by which a person applies sufficient pressure to a person to make breathing difficult or impossible, including but not limited to any pressure to the neck, throat, or windpipe that may prevent or hinder breathing, or reduce intake of air. A choke hold also means applying pressure to a person's neck on either side of the windpipe, but not to the windpipe itself, to stop the flow of blood to the brain via the carotid arteries. (MN Statute section 609.06 Subd. 3 (b))
• CIC: CIC is the code, which stands for "Crisis Intervention Call," used on a Police Report for situations involving a transport hold, and when a Police Report is completed in other situations involving a person in crisis.
• Complaint of Injury or Pain: A person's claim or expression of pain or injury. The complaint does not necessarily have to be associated with a visible injury.
• Conducted Energy Weapon: An intermediate weapon ("CEW") that is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person from a distance, using an electrical current for neuromuscular incapacitation.
• Confidential Informant:

  A person who cooperates with a law enforcement agency confidentially in order to protect the person or the MPD’s intelligence gathering or investigative efforts, and:

  1. Seeks to:
     1. Avoid arrest or prosecution for a crime; or
     2. Mitigate punishment for a crime in which a sentence will be or has been imposed; or
     3. Receive a monetary or other benefit;
  2. Is able, by reason of the person’s familiarity or close association with suspected criminals, to:
     1. Make a controlled buy or controlled sale of contraband, controlled substance, or other items that are material to a criminal investigation;
     2. Supply regular or constant information about suspected or actual criminal activities to a law enforcement agency;
     3. Otherwise provide information important to ongoing criminal intelligence gathering or criminal investigative efforts.
• Crisis: An event or situation where a person's safety and health may be threatened by behavioral health challenges, to include mental health conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, substance use, or overwhelming stressors. A crisis can involve a person's perception or experience of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the person's current resources and coping mechanisms and may include unusual stress in their life that renders the person unable to function as they normally would.
• Crowd Control: Techniques used to address unlawful public assemblies.
• Dangerous Weapon: Any gun, whether loaded or unloaded, or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, any combustible or flammable liquid or other device or instrumentality that, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm, or any fire that is used to produce death or great bodily harm.
• Domestic Abuse: Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, terroristic threats, criminal sexual conduct, or interference with an emergency call, when committed between family or household members.
• Domestic Abuse No Contact Order: An order issued by a judge in a pending criminal case or during the probationary period following a conviction, prohibiting a defendant from having contact with a victim or their address. The Offense code to use for a violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order is VDNCO.
• Domestic Assault by Strangulation: Intentionally impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of a family or household member. The Offense code to use is DASTR.
• Exigent Circumstances: the need to prevent imminent harm or to provide emergency aid, to prevent imminent destruction or removal or evidence excluding narcotics, when in hot pursuit of an individual who committed or is suspected of committing a felony, or to prevent the imminent escape of a suspect
• Family and Household Member:

  MN Statute section 518B.01 Subd. 2b defines Family or Household Members as:

  1. Spouses and former spouses
  2. Parents and children
  3. Persons related by blood
  4. Persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past
  5. Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
  6. A man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
  7. Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship
• Feasible: Objectively reasonably capable of being safely done or carried out.
• Firearms/Ammunition/Firearm Accessories: A device that projects either single or multiple projectiles at high velocity. Ammunition is a term meaning the assembly of a projectile and its propellant. Accessories include but are not limited to holsters, gun cases, firearm optics, suppression devices, cleaning supplies, etc.
• First Response: First Response (Community Based First Response) social workers are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. First Response handles emergency shelter placements, telephone assessments of families in crisis and takes child & adult protection reports.
• Gender Identity: A person's actual or perceived self-image or identity as expressed through dress, appearance, behavior, speech or similar characteristics, whether or not traditionally associated with the person's physical anatomy, chromosomal sex, or sex at birth.
• Great Bodily Harm: Bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or other serious bodily harm (MN Statute section 609.02 Subd. 8).
• Harassment/Restraining Order: Violating any term of a Harassment/Restraining Order issued by a judge or referee. The Offense code to use for a violation of a Restraining Order is RORDER.
• Incident Commander:

  The Incident Commander (IC) is the first officer or supervisor to arrive on the scene of a call for service where multiple units, scenes, or assisting agencies are dispatched. The Incident Commander has overall command of the incident, until properly relieved by a supervisor of higher rank if necessary, and will be based at the incident command post. The priorities of the Incident Commander include:

  1. Assess incident priorities.
  2. Determine strategic goals and tactical objectives, not related to the operations of SWAT or ESU personnel.
  3. Identify a staging area, if needed.
  4. Develop and implement incident action plan.
  5. Develop appropriate incident management structure.
  6. Assess resource needs.
  7. Coordinate overall on-scene emergency activities.
  8. Authorize information to be released to the media.
• Informant: People who give information to another, including Confidential Informant, and Confidential Reliable Informant
• Intranasal: A method of medication administration where medication is sprayed into the nose and is absorbed by the mucus membranes in the nose.
• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Investigators: All persons from the MPD Homicide unit and Internal Affairs unit who are conducting an investigation of the Critical Incident, unless other Criminal Investigating and Administrative Investigating Entities have been designated by the Chief of Police or their designee.
• Juvenile: An individual who is under the age of eighteen (18) years.
• Limited English Proficiency: Designates individuals whose primary language is not English and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. LEP individuals may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g. speaking or understanding), but still be LEP for other purposes (e.g. reading or writing). Similarly, LEP designations are context specific. An individual may possess sufficient English language skills to function in one setting, but may find these skills are insufficient in other situations.
• MECC: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center is the city's 911 center that answers emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates the appropriate response by public safety services.
• MPD District: A geographical area within a sector usually determined by the precinct Inspector.
• Naloxone Kit: This overdose kit includes (1) Naloxone pre-filled Luer-Lock (needleless) syringe containing 2mg/2ml, (1) mucosal atomization device, and (1) storage bag.
• National Crime Information Center: The National Crime Information Center database helps criminal justice professionals apprehend fugitives, locate missing persons, recover stolen property, and identify terrorists. It also assists law enforcement officers in performing their official duties more safely and provides them with information necessary to aid in protecting the general public.
• Operation 100: An Operation 100 is a SWAT callout where on or off-duty SWAT Tactical, Negotiators, and Tech Team members respond to a hostile event, such as an active shooter or a barricaded suspect, which exceeds the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders and investigators.
• Opioid: A medication or drug that is derived from the opium poppy or that mimics the effect of an opiate. Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system; these will reduce pain, induce sleep, and in an overdose will cause people to stop breathing. Commonly called, but not limited to, Heroin, Morphine, Dilaudid, Oxycodone, Methadone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, and Codeine.
• Parent/Legal Guardian: "Parent" means the birth or adoptive mother or father of a child and does not apply to a person whose parental rights have been terminated in relation to the child. A legal "guardian" is a person who has been appointed by a judge or social services agency, to take care of a minor child (to include foster parents).
• PC Felony Enhanced List: The Minneapolis City Attorney's Office maintains a list of all defendants whom they know to be chargeable with a felony for assault, domestic assault or violation of an Order for Protection, violation of a Harassment/Restraining Order or violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order. The list is on MPD's internal CityTalk page and in a physical book at the jail. The Offense code to use for an enhanced domestic assault is DOMEN, for an enhanced 5th Degree assault is ASLTEN, and for an enhanced violation of an Order for Protection, Restraining Order or Domestic Abuse No Contact Order is OFPEN.
• Police Report: A report or statement in a report that sets forth the officer's account of an incident and is entered into the MPD's Records Management System.
• Police Vehicles:
  1. Fully Marked Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD that has clearly identifying police markings, emergency lights visible from front, sides and rear, siren, and a manufacturer's rating to make it suitable for pursuits. Currently, the Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Police Interceptor SUV, Chevrolet Caprice, and the Chevy Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) are the only vehicles in the MPD Fleet with such a rating.
  2. Low Profile Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD that has a permanent or temporary MPD door marking, emergency lights visible from front, sides and rear, siren, and a manufacturer's rating to make it suitable for pursuits.
  3. Unmarked Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD not clearly identified with a shield, logo or department name that has emergency lights visible from the front, sides and rear, and a manufacturer’s rating to make it suitable for pursuits.
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment is specialized clothing or equipment used by workers to protect themselves from direct exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. It includes, but is not limited to, protective disposable gloves, masks, goggles, boots, gowns and resuscitation masks.
• Primary Aggressor:

  The following criteria shall be considered as a guideline when attempting to determine the primary aggressor:

  • Whether one person in the dispute was acting in self-defense
  • Whether a violation of an Order for Protection or a Violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order has occurred
  • The extent of injuries, if any, to any person involved
  • Who initiated the first act of physical violence
  • The existence of a fear of physical injury, because threats were made
  • The history of physical violence perpetuated by one party against the other
  • The physical stature or physical ability of the persons involved
• Probable Cause: Having reasonable grounds for supporting the requested Court order, to include: search warrants, arrests or other legal process. Probable cause is required by the Fourth Amendment. Officers must have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed or that there is evidence of the crime present in the place to be searched.
• Prostitution: Hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another individual to engage in sexual contact, or being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to be hired by another individual to engage in sexual contact.
• Reports and Statements: Police Report: A report or statement in a report that sets forth the officer's account of an incident and is entered into the MPD's Records Management System. Public Safety Statement: A mandatory statement from the Involved Officers which provides information necessary to ensure public safety. This may include questions about the direction in which the Involved Officer fired their firearm, injured people, location of dangerous weapons or information on any suspects still at large and any other information necessary to facilitate the commencement of the investigation. Voluntary Statement: A statement given by Involved or Witness Officers to Investigations Bureau Investigators which is voluntary and outlines details associated with the Critical Incident. Voluntary statements from officers are essential for bringing criminal charges against suspects, defending officers, and maintaining community trust by providing the Chief of Police with sufficient information to appropriately address community concerns. Voluntary statements will be taken in question and answer (Q&A) format.
• Restricted Kit: A kit that does not have an accompanying release form signed by the patient authorizing law enforcement to submit the kit to a forensic laboratory.
• Safekeeping: Any item of no known evidentiary value surrendered to an employee of the department for temporary custody. The person surrendering the property has the legal right to do so, and the property will be returned to the rightful owner(s), unless disposition by the department, in a manner prescribed by law.
• Search Warrant: A document issued by the Court authorizing the police to enter and search a person, premises, location or vehicle for purposes of evidence recovery.
• Sexual Assault: Sexual contact or penetration with another person in a criminal manner as identified in MN Statute sections 609.342 to 609.3451.
• Sexual Assault Exam: A forensic medical examination of a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, ideally one who has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients. The sexual assault exam may also be referred to as a Sexual Assault Resource Services (SARS) exam.
• Sexual Assault Examination Kit: A collection of evidence, including biological material, gathered from a patient by a health care professional.
• Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner: The health care provider conducting a sexual assault medical forensic examination.
• Sexual Consent:

  MN Statute section 609.341 states:

  1. Words or overt actions by a person indicating a freely given present agreement to perform a particular sexual act with the actor.
     Consent does not mean the existence of a prior or current social relationship between the actor and the complainant or that the complainant failed to resist a particular sexual act.
  2. A person who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless (as defined by MN Statute section 609.341 Subd. 7 and 9) cannot consent to a sexual act.
  3. Corroboration of the victim's testimony is not required to show lack of consent.
• Sexual Orientation: Having or being perceived as having an emotional, physical, or sexual attachment to another person without regard to the sex of that person or having or being perceived as having an orientation for such attachment.
• Short Notice Incident: Incidents requiring a large-scale commitment of officers on typically 1 to 2 hour notice. These incidents are characterized by a short planning window and arise from events occurring which have just become known.
• Social Media: An internet site or application where users create and share content and participate in online communities and conversations, in the form of a page, profile, account, group or other presence. These include, but are not limited to, blogs, forums, chat sites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, Reddit, and YouTube.
• Source Individual: Source Individual (SI) is an individual, living or dead, whose blood, tissue, or potentially infectious body fluids may be a source of bloodborne pathogen exposure to another person. Examples include, but are not limited to, a victim of an accident, injury or illness, or a deceased person.
• Special Weapons and Tactics Team: A specialized police unit trained and equipped to handle high-risk situations beyond the scope of regular patrol, such as armed barricades, hostage rescues, and high-risk warrant service.
• Substantial Bodily Harm: Bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member (MN Statute section 609.02 Subd. 7a).
• Totality of the Circumstances: All facts known to the member at the time, including the conduct of both the member and the person leading up to the action (such as the use of force).
• Training Records: Job-related training documentation received throughout an employee's career including, but not limited to, in-service training, firearms training, unit specific training, seminars/workshops, courses which are law enforcement related or for development of administrative, managerial or leadership skills taken at accredited colleges/universities.
• Transport Hold: When a peace officer or health officer takes a person into custody and the person is transported to a hospital for emergency admission and held until they are evaluated, under the authority from MN Statute section 253B.051, Subd. 1.
• Universal Precautions: Precautions designed for infection control. Under Universal Precautions, blood and certain body fluids of all individuals are considered potentially infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood borne pathogens. Universal Precautions must be posted in a central area at all precincts and division locations.
• Unrestricted Kit: A kit that has an accompanying release form signed by the patient allowing law enforcement to submit the kit to a forensic laboratory.
• Use of Force:

  An intentional contact, directly or indirectly (such as through a weapon or force device), with someone’s body, that causes pain or injury or restricts, controls or directs someone’s movement. Intentionally placing someone in fear of such contact or threatening such contact can also constitute force. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • The use of any weapon, substance, vehicle, equipment, tool, device or animal that inflicts pain or produces injury.
  • Any physical strike to any part of the body.
  • Any physical contact or threat of contact by the member or a weapon that causes or threatens to cause pain or injury.
  • Any physical contact or threat of physical contact by the member that results in physical restriction or manipulation of movement.
  • Unholstering or displaying a weapon when engaged with a subject or subjects, or pointing a weapon at a person.
• Victim Advocate: A Sexual Assault Counselor or a Domestic Abuse Advocate as defined by MN Statute 595.02 Subd. 1, who provides confidential advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
• Victim-Centered: A victim-centered approach prioritizes the safety, privacy and well-being of the victim and aims to create a supportive environment in which the victim's rights are respected and in which they are treated with dignity and respect. This approach acknowledges and respects a victims' input into the criminal justice response and recognizes victims are not responsible for the crimes committed against them.
• Violation of an Order for Protection: Violating any term of an Order for Protection issued by a judge or referee. The Offense code for violation of an Order for Protection is POVIOL.
• Vulnerable Adult:

  As defined by MN Statute section 626.5572 Subd. 21, a Vulnerable Adult is any person 18 years of age or older who:

  1. Is a resident or inpatient of a facility (as defined in MN Statute section 626.5572 Subd. 6);
  2. Receives services at or from a facility required to be licensed to serve adults under MN Statute sections 245A.01 to 245A.15,
     except that a person receiving outpatient services for treatment of chemical dependency or mental illness, or one who is committed as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under MN Statute chapter 253B, is not considered a vulnerable adult unless the person meets the requirements of clause 4;
  3. Receives services from a home care provider required to be licensed under MN Statute sections 144A.43 to 144A.482; or from a person or organization that exclusively offers, provides, or arranges for personal care assistance services under the medical assistance program as authorized under MN Statute sections 256B.0625 Subd. 19a, 256B.0651 to 256B.0654, and 256B.0659;
  4. Regardless of residence or whether any type of service is received, possesses a physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction:
     1. That impairs the individual's ability to provide adequately for the individual's own care without assistance, including the provision of food, shelter, clothing, health care, or supervision; and
     2. Because of the dysfunction or infirmity and the need for assistance, the individual has an impaired ability to protect the individual from maltreatment.