This subchapter may be cited as the "Police Investigations Concerning First Amendment Activities Act of 2004".
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 201, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) "First Amendment activities" means constitutionally protected speech or association, or conduct related to freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.
(2) "First Amendment assembly" means a demonstration, rally, parade, march, picket line, or other similar gathering conducted for the purpose of persons expressing their political, social, or religious views;
(3) "Informant" means a person who provides information to the police department motivated by the expectation of receiving compensation or benefit, or otherwise is acting under the direction of the MPD.
(4) "Intelligence Section" means the Intelligence Section of the Special Investigations Division of MPD, or its successor section or unit.
(5) "Intelligence Section file" means the investigative intelligence information gathered, received, developed, analyzed, and maintained by the Intelligence Section of the Metropolitan Police Department, pursuant to an investigation or preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activity.
(6) "Legitimate law enforcement objective" means the detection, investigation, deterrence, or prevention of crime, or the apprehension and prosecution of a suspected criminal; provided, that a person shall not be considered to be pursuing a legitimate law enforcement objective if the person is acting based upon the race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, lawful political affiliation or activity, or lawful news-gathering activity of an individual or group.
(7) "Mail cover" means the inspection and review of the outside of envelopes of posted mail and other delivered items.
(8) "Mail opening" means the opening and inspection and review of the contents of posted mail and other delivered items.
(9) "Minimization procedures" means reasonable precautions taken to minimize the interference with First Amendment activities, without impairing the success of the investigation or preliminary inquiry.
(10) "MPD" means the Metropolitan Police Department.
(11) "Reasonable suspicion" means a belief based on articulable facts and circumstances indicating a past, current, or impending violation of law. The reasonable suspicion standard is lower than the standard of probable cause; however, a mere hunch is insufficient as a basis for reasonable suspicion. A suspicion that is based upon the race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, lawful political affiliation or activity, or lawful news-gathering activity of an individual or group is not a reasonable suspicion.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 202, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
This subchapter establishes the responsibilities of and procedures for the MPD relating to investigations and preliminary inquiries, including criminal intelligence investigations and inquiries, that may affect activities protected by the First Amendment. This subchapter does not apply to criminal investigations or inquiries that do not involve First Amendment activities.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 203, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
The MPD shall conduct all investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities for a legitimate law enforcement objective and, in so doing, shall safeguard the constitutional rights and liberties of all persons. MPD members may not investigate, prosecute, disrupt, interfere with, harass, or discriminate against any person engaged in First Amendment activity for the purpose of punishing, retaliating, preventing, or hindering the person from exercising his or her First Amendment rights.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 204, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) The MPD may conduct a criminal investigation that involves the First Amendment activities of persons, groups, or organizations only when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the persons, groups, or organizations are planning or engaged in criminal activity, and the First Amendment activities are relevant to the criminal investigation.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a MPD member may undertake an investigation under this section only after receiving prior written authorization from the Commander, Office of the Superintendent of Detectives, or such other MPD commander of similar rank designated by MPD regulations. No MPD member may conduct an investigation involving First Amendment activities without the authorization required by this section.
(c) To obtain authorization for an investigation under this section, a MPD member shall submit a memorandum to the Commander, Office of Superintendent of Detectives, or such other MPD commander of similar rank as designated by MPD regulations:
(1) Identifying the subject of the proposed investigation, if known;
(2) Stating the facts and circumstances that create a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity; and
(3) Describing the relevance of the First Amendment activities to the investigation.
(d)(1) Written authorization of an investigation under this section may be granted for a period of up to 120 days where the designated commander determines that there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
(2) If the MPD seeks to continue an investigation past 120 days, a new memorandum and approval shall be obtained for each subsequent 120-day period. The new memorandum shall describe the information already collected and demonstrate that an extension is reasonably necessary to pursue the investigation.
(3) The Chief of Police shall approve investigations open for more than one year, and shall do so in writing, stating the justification for the investigation.
(e) If there is an immediate threat of criminal activity, an investigation under this section may begin before a memorandum is prepared and approved; provided, that written approval must be obtained within 24 hours from the Chief of Police or his designee.
(f) An investigation involving First Amendment activities shall be terminated when logical leads have been exhausted and no legitimate law enforcement purpose justifies its continuance.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 205, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) The MPD may initiate a preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activities, to obtain sufficient information to determine whether or not an investigation is warranted, where:
(1) The MPD receives information or an allegation the responsible handling of which requires further scrutiny; and
(2) The information or allegation received by MPD does not justify opening a full investigation because it does not establish reasonable suspicion that persons are planning or engaged in criminal activity.
(b)(1) A MPD member may undertake a preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activities, to obtain sufficient information to determine whether or not an investigation is warranted, only by receiving prior written authorization from the Commander, Office of Superintendent of Detectives, or such other MPD commander of similar rank designated by MPD regulations.
(2) Except as provided in § 5-333.09, no MPD member may conduct a preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activities without the authorization required by this section.
(c) To obtain authorization for a preliminary inquiry, a MPD member shall submit a memorandum to the Commander, Office of Superintendent of Detectives, or such other MPD commander of similar rank designated by MPD regulations:
(1) Identifying the subject of the proposed inquiry, if known;
(2) Stating the information or allegations that are the basis for the preliminary inquiry; and
(3) Describing the relevance of the First Amendment activities to the inquiry.
(d)(1) A preliminary inquiry under this section may be authorized for a period of up to 60 days.
(2) If the MPD seeks to continue this preliminary inquiry beyond 60 days, a new memorandum and approval must be obtained for an additional 60-day period. The new memorandum must describe the information already collected and demonstrate that an extension is reasonably necessary to pursue the inquiry.
(3) The Chief of Police shall approve a preliminary inquiry under this section that is to remain open for more than 120 days, and shall do so in writing, stating the justification for the preliminary inquiry.
(e) A preliminary inquiry under this section shall be terminated when it becomes apparent that a full investigation is not warranted.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 206, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) The investigative techniques used in any particular investigation or preliminary inquiry shall be dictated by the needs of the investigation or inquiry.
(b) The MPD shall employ minimization procedures in all investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities. Where the conduct of an investigation or preliminary inquiry presents a choice between the uses of more or less intrusive methods or investigative techniques, the MPD shall consider whether the information could be obtained in a timely and effective way by the less intrusive means.
(c) The following techniques may be used in an authorized investigation or authorized preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activities, without additional authorization:
(1) Examination of public records and other sources of information available to the public;
(2) Examination of MPD indices, files, and records;
(3) Examination of records and files of other government or law enforcement agencies;
(4) Interviews of any person; and
(5) Physical, photographic, or video surveillance from places open to the public or otherwise legally made available.
(d) Undercover officers, informants, and mail covers may be used in an authorized preliminary inquiry after written approval and authorization is obtained from the Chief of Police or his designee. Mail openings and Wire Interception and Interception of Oral Communications, as defined in § 23- 541, shall not be used in a preliminary inquiry.
(e) The following techniques may be used in an authorized investigation involving First Amendment activities, after written approval and authorization is obtained from the Chief of Police or his designee:
(1) Wire Interception and Interception of Oral Communications, as defined in § 23-541;
(2) Undercover officers and informants; and
(3) Mail covers, mail openings, pen registers, and trap and trace devices.
(f) If there is an immediate threat of criminal activity, verbal authority by the designated MPD commander to use the investigative techniques described in subsection (d) and (e) of this section is sufficient until a written authorization can be obtained; provided, that other legal requirements have been met. The required written authorization shall be obtained within 5 days of the occurrence of the emergency.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 207, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) Within 90 days of April 13, 2005, the Chief of Police, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, and in accordance with this subchapter, shall issue rules governing investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities, including the authorization, conduct, monitoring, and termination of investigations and preliminary inquiries, and the maintenance, dissemination, and purging of records, files, and information from such investigations and preliminary inquiries.
(b) The rules issued under subsection (a) of this section shall require the MPD to direct undercover officers and informants to refrain from:
(1) Participating in unlawful acts or threats of violence;
(2) Using unlawful techniques to obtain information;
(3) Initiating, proposing, approving, directing, or suggesting unlawful acts or a plan to commit unlawful acts;
(4) Being present during criminal activity or remaining present during unanticipated criminal activity, unless it has been determined to be necessary for the investigation;
(5) Engaging in any conduct the purpose of which is to disrupt, prevent, or hinder the lawful exercise of First Amendment activities;
(6) Attending meetings or engaging in other activities for the purpose of obtaining legally privileged information, such as attorney-client communications or physician-patient communications; and
(7) Recording or maintaining a record concerning persons or organizations who are not a target of the investigation or preliminary inquiry, unless the information is material to the investigation or preliminary inquiry, or the information would itself justify an investigation or preliminary inquiry under this subchapter.
(c) The rules issued under subsection (a) of this section shall require that all members assigned to the Intelligence Section, Special Investigations Branch, attend training on this subchapter and the rules. The rules shall require that all members of the Intelligence Section sign an acknowledgment that they have received, read, understood, will abide by, and will maintain a copy of this subchapter and the rules.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 208, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) A MPD member may initiate a preliminary inquiry relating to a First Amendment assembly, for public safety reasons, without authorization, as follows:
(1) Members may gather public information regarding future First Amendment assemblies and review notices and approved assembly plans.
(2) Members may communicate overtly with the organizers of a First Amendment assembly concerning the number of persons expected to participate, the activities anticipated, and other similar information regarding the time, place, and manner of the assembly.
(3) Members may communicate overtly with persons other than the organizers of a First Amendment assembly to obtain information relating to the number of persons expected to participate in the assembly.
(4) Members may collect information on prior First Amendment assemblies to determine what police resources may be necessary to adequately protect participants, bystanders, and the general public, and to enforce all applicable laws.
(b) Filming and photographing First Amendment assemblies may be conducted by MPD members for the purpose of documenting violations of law and police actions, as an aid to future coordination and deployment of police units, and for training purposes. Filming and photographing of First Amendment assemblies may not be conducted for the purpose of identifying and recording the presence of individual participants who are not engaged in unlawful conduct.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 209, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be interpreted as prohibiting any MPD member from, in the course of their duties, visiting any place, and attending any event that is open to the public, or reviewing information that is in the public domain, on the same terms and conditions as members of the public, so long as members have a legitimate law enforcement objective; provided, that any undercover activities shall be authorized as required by § 5-333.07.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 210, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) Information to be retained in an Intelligence Section file shall be evaluated for the reliability of the source of the information and the validity and accuracy of the content of the information prior to filing. The file shall state whether the reliability, validity, and accuracy of the information have been corroborated.
(b) The MPD shall not collect or maintain information about the political, religious, social, or personal views, associations, or activities of any individual, group, or organization unless such information is material to an authorized investigation or preliminary inquiry involving First Amendment activities.
(c) No information shall be knowingly included in an Intelligence Section file that has been obtained in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. The Chief of Police, or his designee, shall be responsible for establishing that no information is entered in Intelligence Section files in violation of this subsection.
(d) The MPD may disseminate information obtained during preliminary inquiries and investigations involving First Amendment activities to federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies, or local criminal justice agencies, only when such information:
(1) Falls within the investigative or protective jurisdiction or litigation-related responsibility of the agency;
(2) May assist in preventing an unlawful act or the use of violence, or any other conduct dangerous to human life; or
(3) Is required to be disseminated by an interagency agreement, statute, or other law.
(e) All requests for dissemination of information from an Intelligence Section file shall be evaluated and approved by the Chief of Police or his designee. All dissemination of information shall be done by written transmittal or recorded on a form that describes the documents or information transmitted, and a record of the dissemination shall be maintained for a minimum of one year.
(f) Intelligence Section file information shall not be disseminated to any non-law enforcement agency, department, group, organization, or individual, except as authorized by law.
(g) The Chief of Police or his designee shall periodically review information contained in Intelligence Section files and purge records that are not accurate, reliable, relevant, and timely.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 211, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
(a) Authorizations of investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities are to be reviewed every 90 days by a panel of no fewer than 3 MPD commanding officers designated by the Chief of Police.
(b) The Commander, Office of the Superintendent of Detectives, or a commander of similar rank designated in the MPD regulations, shall monitor the compliance of undercover officers and informants with the requirements of this subchapter.
(c) The Chief of Police shall annually prepare a report on the MPD's investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities. The report shall be transmitted to the Mayor and Council and a notice of its publication shall be published in the District of Columbia Register. The report shall include, at a minimum,
(1) The number of investigations authorized;
(2) The number of authorizations for investigation sought but denied;
(3) The number of requests from outside agencies, as documented by forms requesting access to records of investigations conducted pursuant to this subchapter;
(4) The number of arrests, prosecutions, or other law enforcement actions taken as a result of such investigations; and
(5) A description of any violations of this subchapter or the regulations issued pursuant to this subchapter, and the actions taken as a result of the violations, including whether any officer was disciplined as a result of the violation.
(d)(1) The Office of the District of Columbia Auditor ("ODCA") shall serve as auditor of MPD's investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities in order to assess compliance with this subchapter.
(2) On an annual basis, the ODCA shall audit MPD files and records relating to investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities. In conducting the audit, the ODCA shall review each authorization granted pursuant to §§ 5-333.05 and 5-333.06, requests for authorization that were denied, and investigative files associated with the authorizations. The ODCA shall prepare a public report of its audit that shall contain a general description of the files and records reviewed, and a discussion of any substantive violation of this subchapter discovered during the audit. A preliminary report of the audit shall be provided by the ODCA to the Chief of Police for review and comment at least 30 days prior to issuance of a final audit.
(3) The ODCA shall have access to MPD files and records for purposes of its audit of investigations and preliminary inquiries involving First Amendment activities.
(4) In discharging its responsibilities, the ODCA shall protect the confidentiality of MPD files and records.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 212, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
The provisions of this subchapter are intended to protect persons who are exercising First Amendment rights in the District of Columbia, and the standards for police conduct set forth in this subchapter may be relied upon by such persons in any action alleging violations of statutory or common law rights.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 213, 52 DCR 2296.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 15-352, see notes following § 5-331.01.
