CRITICAL INCIDENTS OUTLINE

I. Association Representative's Role

A. Introduction

1. Opening Comments

2. Describe/Define Critical Incidents

a. Incidents where involved officer(s) have significant exposure to criminal, civil, and administrative liability
b. Provide examples

3. Describe Association Representative's Role

a. Probably should not provide direct representation
i. Exceptions
b. Can provide other valuable services.
i. Examples

B. Stabilize Situation - Secure Representation

1. Stabilize Situation

a. Assume officer is subject of criminal investigation until you know different.
b. Advise officer not to speak to anyone, including you, until he/she consults with attorney.
c. Attempt to have officer moved to secure/comfortable environment, preferably a neutral location

2. Secure Representation

a. Secure representation for officer, if not already done
b. Obtain name of Representative, and an ETA.
c. Inform investigators that officer will be represented and provide name and ETA of attorney, if known.

C. Care for Officer's Needs

1. Take note of indications that officer may be having a difficult time coping

a. Remind officer that it is perfectly normal to be affected
b. Advise officer of whatever professional assistance is available
c. Arrange appointment if appropriate
d. Arrange for immediate response if necessary
e. Notify attorney of your observations/actions in this regard, especially if officer is being moved to another location.

2. Take care of officer's creature comforts

a. Facilitate communications with family members if requested
b. Screen away the curious and the "back slappers"
c. Stay with the officer as much as the circumstances allow

D. Establish/Maintain Contact With Investigators

1. Contact Investigators

a. Introduce yourself if necessary
b. Inform them you are association representative or peer officer.
c. Explain your role

2. Position yourself to serve as facilitator, if possible

E. Watch - Listen - Communicate

1. Put observation skills to work

a. Watch and listen to what is happening around you
b. Look for indicators of how people are viewing the incident

2. If appropriate, ask investigators for a briefing

3. Communicate information to officer's representative when he/she arrives

F. Introduce the Players to Each Other

1. You may be only person present who knows everyone

a. Introduce officer to his/her representative, if appropriate
b. Introduce representative to investigators, if appropriate

G. Make follow-up contact with officer from time to time

II. Attorney's Role

A. Voluntary v. Compelled Statements

B. Officer v. Deputy District Attorney

C. Rights Violations

D. Re-enactments

E. Media