SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
Policy #46

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SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
A. Purpose
The purpose of this policy and these operating guidelines is to make
certain that the Special Investigation Unit (S.I.U.) of the Wildlife
Crime Investigations Division (W.C.I.D.) conducts only appropriate and
approved undercover and overt fish and wildlife investigations in an
organized, safe, lawful and efficient manner.
B. Preface
Pursuant to Administrative Policy I1.1: Administrative Policy Regarding
Enforcement Operations of the Bureau of Warden Service, it is the law
enforcement priority of the Bureau of Warden Service to protect fish
and wildlife; and to focus intensive investigation and law enforcement
efforts on intentional violators and repeat offenders. Often, intentional
fish and wildlife violators and repeat offenders are knowledgeable
about conventional fish and wildlife law enforcement techniques,
thereby avoiding detection and apprehension. In certain instances,
specialized law enforcement investigative techniques may be
necessary to apprehend and successfully prosecute those individuals
and groups who, due to their caution, skill at avoiding apprehension,
and criminal intent are not likely to be apprehended by uniformed
game wardens using conventional patrol procedures and methods. In
Maine, and nationwide, special investigation techniques have proven to
be the most the effective methods to apprehend serious, intentional
fish and wildlife violators who repeatedly abuse, and subsequently
threaten the abundance and well being of the fish and wildlife
resources of this State and Nation.
Special and undercover investigations conducted by the Bureau of
Warden Service will be carried out in accordance with this policy, other
relevant Warden Service policy and applicable work regulations and
law. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and
progressive discipline as outlined in the appropriate employee
contract(s).
C. Organization of Wildlife Crime Investigations Division (WCID)
1. Wildlife Crime Investigations Division (WCID): It shall be the
responsibility of the WCID personnel, or other persons authorized by
the Game Warden Colonel or designee to conduct specialized
investigations of fish and wildlife crimes for the Maine Warden Service.
A Game Warden Captain promoted to that position will supervise the
law enforcement operations of the Wildlife Crimes Investigations
Division under the direction of the Game Warden Major or as otherwise
assigned by the Colonel.
2. Special Investigations Unit: The Special Investigations Unit is the team
of personnel comprised of sworn law enforcement officers appointed

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by the Major, who are assigned to conduct special investigations. The
Captain is responsible for the supervision of the Special Investigation
Unit. Warden Service personnel are assigned to the unit upon approval
of the Game Warden Major. The Game Warden Major may remove
officers from the unit for just cause.
D. Authority to Utilize Special Investigation Techniques
MRSA Title 12, Section 10353 –subsection 2I, permits wardens to do
anything otherwise prohibited by MRSA Title 12, Chapters 811-939, if
necessary to carry out their powers and duties.
E. Summary of Chain of Command, Key Investigative Staff, and Key
Staff Responsibility and Function
1. Game Warden Major: has final approval authority over all special
investigations and related matters, financial authorizations pertaining
to special investigations and all other operations of the WCID of the
Maine Warden Service and of the Special Investigation Unit.
2. Game Warden Lieutenant: has intermittent responsibilities relating
to members of the Special Investigation Unit on active assignment;
supervisory and incident command responsibilities and operational
duties pertaining to investigation take down operations (search
warrants, arrest warrants and other investigative follow up) and other
related activities as assigned. All of these activities must be performed
in consultation and cooperation with the Captain or designated
Investigator or member of Special Investigation Unit.
3. Game Warden Sergeant: during a takedown operation or follow up
to a special investigation, a Game Warden Sergeant may be assigned
to a variety of team leader and supervisory duties. When appropriate
the Game Warden Sergeant will act as the Case OD officer .
4. Game Warden Captain: has first line supervisory responsibilities of
the (WCID) and the Special Investigation Unit. . The Game Warden
Captain shall be responsible for the following (but not limited to)
duties:
a. ensure that all members of the WCID and Special Investigation
Unit maintain adequate, secure and viable undercover
investigation credentials;
b. monitor and supervise the day to day law enforcement
operations of the WCID and Special Investigation Unit;
c. ensure that while special investigations are active that a Case
OD is in fact available for the Special Investigation Unit
member, should a need arise;
d. ensure that before any personnel engage in any special
investigations they have received the BSIT program prescribed
by the Game Warden Major;
e. coordinate and conduct or direct to be conducted a debriefing of
the special investigation in a timely manner.
f. direct and supervise the overt, upfront investigations being
conducted by the WCID;

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g. receive, review, evaluate, and coordinate special investigation
proposals for review with the Major;
h. provide each member of the WCID and Resource Protection Unit
with this policy and provide training of same ensuring that each
officer fully understands the policies and procedures of the
WCID and Special Investigations Unit;
i. ensure that the WCID and Special Investigations Unit is
operating within the guidelines and by the procedures set forth
within this policy and in accordance with all other applicable
policies and laws;
j. monitor the well being of members of the WCID and Special
Investigations Unit who are conducting special investigations to
provide for early detection of problems associated with a special
investigation;
k. keep current on pertinent law court decisions; procedural
changes; fish and wildlife and criminal law; rules of court and
court procedures; and any other relevant information applicable
to the WCID and Special Investigation Unit;
l. schedule and hold meetings with the members of the WCID and
the Special Investigation Unit as necessary to ensure the
smooth and efficient investigation of cases and operation of the
Division and Unit;
m. prepare and administer performance evaluation processes on
direct employees of the WCID and provide input to supervisory
officers overseeing members of the Special Investigation Unit;
n. act as a liaison between the Department and the courts; other
agencies and organizations representing the interests of the
WCID and Special Investigation Unit;
o. perform the necessary administrative duties to insure the safe,
efficient and effective operation of the WCID and the Special
Investigations Unit;
p. keep the Game Warden Major apprised of the status of active
investigations and of any important developments involving the
WCID and the Special Investigation Unit.
5. Game Warden Investigator: has undercover investigation
responsibilities as well as investigative and case management
responsibilities.
6. Special Investigations Unit Investigator: has undercover
investigation responsibilities.
F. Definitions
1. A.D.A.: Assistant District Attorney
2. A.G.: Attorney General
3. A.A.G.: Assistant Attorney General
4. Basic Special Investigations Training (BSIT): the minimum training
required for an officer prior to engaging in or conducting any special
investigation or undercover investigation. This training shall be of
content and duration as directed by the Game Warden Major. The

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Game Warden Major may waive this requirement if an officer has
received similar training in Maine or another State or Province and the
content of such training covers all of the substantive areas of BSIT.
5. Case Agent: the person designated to act as the coordinator of
reports, evidence, interviews, prosecution, and manager of certain
components of specialized undercover investigations. Usually a Game
Warden Investigator will be assigned as the Case Agent, but as
operational needs arise other qualified officers may be assigned this
duty.
6. Case On Duty Officer (Case OD): due to the need to have an officer
available at any time to respond to an undercover officer’s request for
urgent assistance or an emergency need to contact the undercover
investigator during an undercover investigation, a Game Warden
supervisor or Investigator will be used as Case OD.
7. Command Post: the incident command location of overall supervision,
communications and organizational and logistical support during the
takedown operation of a special investigation.
8. D.A.: District Attorney
9. Department: means the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
10. Entrapment: is defined as the act or acts of an officer assigned to a
special and/or undercover investigation that induce a person to
commit a crime not contemplated by that person in order to initiate or
further a criminal investigation. Inducement may consist of but is not
limited to:
a. appeals to sympathy
b. playing on the emotions of the subject(s) of investigation
c. overzealous persuasion
d. severe pressure, coercion and threats
Officers assigned to conduct special investigations on the behalf of the
Maine Warden Service may afford the subject of an investigation the
opportunity to commit a crime. This is not entrapment. The intent to
commit a crime must come from the subject of investigation. It is
when the idea and design to commit a crime originates with the officer
or the Department, who then induces an otherwise completely
innocent person to become involved that entrapment arises.
11. Game Warden Investigator: a game warden promoted to the
rank
of Investigator.
12. Game Warden Captain: a game warden promoted to the rank of
Captain.
13. Investigative Probing- the use of special investigation team
members or covers to further establish pre-disposition or reasonable
cause to initiate a Class “A” investigation. These probes may include
the use of computer based communication or face to communication
with potential subjects of investigation.
13. Operational Phase: means the part of a special investigation when the
undercover investigation has commenced.

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14. Predisposition: documented information establishing the subject of
investigation’s (SOI) intent to violate the law prior to commencing a
special investigation.
15. Predisposition Report – the report required in each investigation case
file prior to the commencement of an undercover operation. It is the
responsibility of the Game Warden Captain to insure this requirement
is met.
16. Special Investigation Unit (SIU) – a team of law enforcement
personnel authorized and assigned to conduct undercover
investigations of suspected violations of Maine’s Inland Fish and
Wildlife laws and regulations. Approval of the Game Warden Major is
required before becoming a member of the SIU.
17. Special Agent (SA) – refers to a Special Agent of the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service.
18. SOI – Subject of Investigation. The primary target of a special
investigation.
19. Special Investigation – means undercover investigation.
20. Takedown Operation – is the physical and/or actual culmination of an
investigation conducted by the WCID or SIU to include, but not limited
to: execution of search and arrest warrants; final collection,
documenting, securing and preservation of evidence; interviews of
suspects and witnesses and informants; and all other functions
required to conclude the operational phase of a special investigation.
G. Requests for Undercover Investigations – Approval and Initiation
of Investigations
1. Collection of Information and Requests for Special or Undercover
Investigation: to facilitate the uniform collection and evaluation of
information and requests for special investigations, all requests for
special investigations and related information will be forwarded to the
Captain on the designated form (see appendix #1). Requests may be
reviewed and submitted first to a Investigator and then on to the
Captain. Upon receipt of a request for a special investigation, the
Captain will acknowledge all such requests. The Captain will review
and organize all such requests for further assessment.
2. Methods of Collection: Information and Evidence: information and
evidence that is forwarded to the Captain regarding a proposed special
investigation must be obtained from a lawful source.
3. Dissemination of Information: when the Captain receives a request for
a special investigation the Investigator assigned to the geographical
area from which the request was made will be notified for the purpose
of informing the investigator and discussing the proposed case. For
reasonable grounds, the Captain may choose not to make such a
notification, however, this shall not be done arbitrarily and may only
be done with the approval of the Game Warden Major.
4. Assessment of Information and Evaluation of Requests for Special
Investigations: the Captain will make a preliminary assessment and
evaluation of investigation requests. When requests are received that

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require additional information, the Captain will contact an Investigator
to work with the Warden submitting the request. After consulting
with the Captain, the Investigator will provide specific direction on
what additional information is needed. If possible, the Captain should
review and discuss prioritization of each proposal using established
priorities with the WCID..
a. Predisposition: before a request for special investigation is
considered for final approval it shall be the responsibility of the
Captain ensure that predisposition exists for the proposed
investigation and that a synopsis report describing
predisposition for the case be present in the investigation file for
that case. The predisposition requirement in the context of this
policy means the totality of information meeting the following
standards: 1) current case law on the matter; 2) Black’s Law
Dictionary and 3) the most current United States Fish and
Wildlife Service Training Manual on ENTRAPMENT if available. In
summary, in this context the predisposition requirement is used
to determine if the target(s) of a proposed special investigation
is predisposed to commit any violations of MRSA 12, Chapters
811-939 or other violations of state or federal law; or the laws
of other states. It is the responsibility of the Captain to ensure
predisposition exists, however, predisposition investigation may
be conducted by any authorized person. No special
investigation will be approved unless the predisposition
requirement is met.
b. Investigation Prioritization Criteria: proposals for special
investigations shall be categorized as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

“A” Category – Major Case Operation
“B” Category – Standard Case Operation
“C” Category – does not warrant special
investigation at this time

1) “A” Category (MAJOR CASE OPERATIONS) –
Proposals that identify a predisposed target or group of
targets based on facts, circumstances and reasonable
trustworthy information within the knowledge of the WCID.
This information will be sufficient to warrant a person of
reasonable caution to believe that an offense has been, is
going to be or is currently occurring in the following activities
(not limited to):
 Illegal buying and/or selling of wildlife – especially
deer, bear, moose, wild turkey and endangered
species;
 Guiding without a license or attempting to do so;
 Illegal taking of fish and wildlife in extreme excess
of the daily/season/possession limit;

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Continuous illegal taking of fish and wildlife during
closed seasons and restricted times of day.;
Illegally buying/selling fish, especially game fish
and smelts;
Any other illegal commercialization of fish and
wildlife that if not stopped would tend to establish
a threat to the specific wildlife being abused or the
spirit of the laws designed to protect that wildlife or
diminish the public’s confidence in the level of
protection provided for fish and wildlife resources.
Exceeding the limits on fish and wildlife in a noncommercial capacity;
Engages in serious fish and wildlife violations but
does not give an indication that the illegal activity
is continuous but more intermittent in nature;
A target who violates fish and wildlife laws that by
violating such laws creates a major source of
complaint and grievance in the community in which
the target resides and/or violates;
Any other fish and wildlife activity determined by
the Game Warden Major or Captain that needs
enforcement effort but does not create an urgency
but might become one if not investigated.

3) “B” Category – (STANDARD CASE OPERATIONS )Proposals that identify a target or group of targets who
clearly have been engaged in past fish and wildlife violations
listed under a Category “A” operation and have
demonstrated the potential to do so. Special Investigation
Team members may be used for investigative probing to
further establish reasonable cause to elevate the
investigation to an “A” Category - Major Case Operation.
Once reasonable cause has been established the case will be
elevated to category “A” investigation.
4) “C” CATERGORY – (DOES NOT WARRANT SPECIAL
INVESTIGATION AT THIS TIME)- proposals and requests
for special investigation in Category C are those that:
1) contain information that is not reasonable to
sustain that fish and wildlife violations have, in
fact, occurred;
2) contain so limited information that no reasonable
assessment may be made;
3) the activity, although it may involve fish and
wildlife violations is not of a nature that warrants
the use of undercover investigation techniques.
5.

Approval and Initiation of Special Investigations

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a. Approval to investigate: once it has been determined that the
investigation request has: 1) met the requirements of either a
Class “A” or “B” operation; 2) has been prioritized in the
appropriate category; and 3) has been reviewed and discussed
with the appropriate Investigator, the Game Warden Captain
and Game Warden Major will review the proposal and determine
whether or not to proceed.
c. Assignment of Investigating Officer: after the approval to
investigate has been made the Captain shall assign an
authorized officer to investigate.
d. Assignment of Case Agent: after the approval to investigate
has been made the Captain shall assign an Investigator as
the coordinator for the case.
e. Assignment of Case On Duty Officer (Case OD): it is the
responsibility of the Captain to assign a Case OD and an
alternate Case OD (Game Warden Supervisor of Investigator) to
be available to the undercover investigator during special
investigations for emergency contact (such as family
emergencies; dangerous developments for the undercover
investigator, etc.) The Case OD will be fully briefed on the
investigation, the target, key locations, etc. in order to be able
to respond quickly if necessary.
f. Assignment of Case Number: the case number will be assigned
by the Captain and used on expense vouchers, case reports and
other documents pertaining the specific investigation. The
numbering system will use the following example:
SIU-01-2005 (this would be the first case of the calendar
year 2005 for the WCID, etc.)
g. Assignment Information/Packet and Briefing: the Captain or
designee shall provide the officer assigned to investigate a case
with a complete briefing and/or packet of information which will
provide the assigned officer all possible materials and
information necessary to effectively, properly and safely initiate
an undercover investigation. This shall include but is not limited
to: investigation funds; directions; maps; recommended
methods of contact; undercover credentials; adequate
undercover transportation and other necessary equipment; Case
OD and alternate Case OD information; contact information; a
comprehensive description of the target and associates;
suspected violations; and any information regarding potential
dangers including behavioral, narcotics, weapons,
substance/alcohol abuse, etc. and any other information
necessary to conduct a safe, successful undercover
investigation.
h. Notification and Briefing of Division Lieutenant: upon approval
and prior to commencement of an undercover investigation, the
Captain or their designee will brief the Lieutenant for the
Division in which an investigation is about to take place. They

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shall be fully briefed on the nature of the investigation, the
investigation time line, the name of the investigating officer and
other pertinent details. Lieutenants are not authorized to
disclose this information to others without the express
authorization of the Game Warden Major or Captain.
H. Operations: Special Investigations Guidelines and Procedures
1. Investigating Officers: those law enforcement officers who are
authorized by the Game Warden Major to participate in undercover
investigations for the Bureau of Warden Service. Investigating officers
will include the Case Agent and the Special Investigations Team
Member assigned to the case. (Special investigation undercover work
is not the same and distinctly different from a district warden doing
“plain clothes” field enforcement work in a number of ways, the most
significant being the use of undercover credentials and using an
undercover identity to carry out an investigation).
2. Captain to Remain Informed: it is the responsibility of the
investigating officer’s (Case Agent, Special Investigation Team
Member) and Captain to ensure that the Captain is informed of the
status of an investigation. As appropriate and necessary, the Captain
will keep the Game Warden Major apprised of case status.
3. Termination of Special Investigation: the Game Warden Major and
Captain have equal decision making authority on when to terminate an
undercover investigation. An investigating officer may also terminate
an undercover investigation if, in the investigating officer’s
professional opinion, there is an unreasonable risk that the
investigating officer’s identity might be discovered or other dangerous
factors causing unnecessary safety risks for that officer. If an
investigating officer terminates a case for emergency reasons, the
Case OD; Game Warden Captain and Game Warden Major will be
informed as soon as possible.
4. Consultation with Counsel: it will be the practice of the WCID and
Special Investigation Unit to consult with legal counsel (Department of
the Attorney General and/or the appropriate District Attorney’s Office)
whenever necessary.
5.
Use of Alcoholic Beverages: the illegal use of alcoholic beverages
is prohibited. During undercover investigations it is sometimes a
benefit to consume or simulate the consumption of alcoholic
beverages to help establish and add credibility to the undercover
role and identity of the undercover investigator. Therefore,
foregoing any separate Warden Service policy prohibiting the
consumption of alcoholic beverages by members of the Bureau
while on duty, undercover investigators may consume or
simulate consumption of alcohol in the minimum amounts
necessary to act out their undercover identity while on duty and
engaged in official special investigations. Undercover officers
should limit alcohol use and consumption to minimal amounts.
Consideration should be given to undercover roles and identities

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that may be utilized and eliminate alcohol use during an
undercover investigation. Undercover investigators may not offer
by design or voluntarily provide by design alcoholic beverages
that are possessed by the officer for the purpose of enhancing
undercover identity to any person other than another
undercover officer.
6. Criminal Conduct by Investigating Officer
a. Fish and Wildlife Violations – MRSA 12, Section 10353 (2I)
permits game wardens to do anything otherwise prohibited by
MRSA 12, Chapters 811-939 to carry out their duties. This very
important authority should be carefully exercised and discretion
must be used at all times.
b. Criminal offenses – except as provided above, law does not
permit the violation of statute by undercover investigators.
Incidents involving the violation of law by the investigating
officer must be disclosed as soon as possible to the Captain and
Game Warden Major and the Office of the District Attorney
overseeing the case.
c. Use of Illegal Drugs and Narcotics – no authority exists to grant
permission for undercover investigators to use illegal drugs or
narcotics. Undercover officers may not willfully use illegal drugs
or narcotics. It is important to note and recognize that there are
a number of documented cases where an undercover
investigator was tested by a suspect by being advised that they
had to prove they were not a law enforcement officer by using
illegal drugs; and if they did not threats were made against the
undercover investigator. Officer safety and public safety are the
most important factors in an undercover investigation.
1. Exposure or compelled use of illegal drugs or narcotics –
when an undercover officer is exposed to marijuana
smoke or drug residue or compelled to use illegal drugs
under threat or other exigent circumstances during the
course of an investigation, upon return from the
undercover investigation do the following:
a. Notify the Captain as soon as possible of the details
and circumstances and the District Attorney, if
deemed necessary. The Captain will notify the
Game Warden Major;
b. Prepare a written report regarding the details and
circumstances of the incident and forward the
report to the Captain and the Game Warden Major;
c. File a First Report of Injury form with the Captain..
7. Investigative Funds: the Captain will be responsible for
operational oversight of the expenditures and disbursement of
undercover investigation funds and administration. The Game
Warden Major will routinely review expenditures.

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a.

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Records: The financial and expenditure records will be
maintained by the Game Warden Captain or designee in
the manner prescribed by the office of the State
Controller. Such records will be kept as confidential and
only released upon approval of the Game Warden Major.
b. Investigative Expense Vouchers: expenses for special
investigations will be provided to undercover investigators
by the Game Warden Captain. Officers conducting
undercover investigations using undercover funds will
record all credits and debits on the Special Investigations
Expense Voucher. Expense vouchers must be submitted
and approved by the Game Warden Captain at the
conclusion of the case, or at required intervals. The Game
Warden Captain will keep vouchers on file for a period of
3 years from the conclusion of the court proceedings for
the investigation that the voucher pertains to. Vouchers
will be kept as confidential and not released without the
approval of the Game Warden Major or designee.
8. Debriefing After Undercover Investigation: at the first possible
opportunity after each undercover contact, the investigating officer(s)
will notify the Game Warden Captain or designee to advise that the
SIT member has returned safely and provide a detailed synopsis of
the mission.
9. Report of Special Investigation: after the conclusion of each
operational phase of an undercover investigation involving undercover
contact, the SIT member will prepare a written report of investigation
in the prescribed format and submit it to the Case Agent (Investigator)
and Game Warden Captain within 7 days. The Game Warden Captain
will review, and approve – and if necessary, edit the report before the
approval. The Case Agent will be responsible for updating and
forwarding detailed information to the Game Warden Captain
regarding the investigation. The Game Warden Captain and Case
Agent will both maintain an updated report of investigation.
10.Evidence Obtained During Undercover Investigation: evidence
obtained during undercover contact shall be processed pursuant to
Maine Warden Service policy and procedures regarding the handling of
physical evidence. Evidence will be stored at a location determined by
the Case Agent or Game Warden Captain or designee.
11.Gifts: gifts given to an undercover investigating officer will be
documented in the case report and secured in the same manner as
evidence obtained during the investigation. Upon final disposition, it
shall be the responsibility of the Game Warden Captain, Case Agent or
designee(s) to make arrangements for the return or legal disposition
of said gifts.
12.Security During Undercover Investigations: Except as provided
otherwise by this policy, information regarding details of an
undercover investigation, or even the existence of an undercover

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investigation will be disseminated on an absolute need to know basis
unless otherwise approved by the Game Warden Colonel or Major.
a. Undercover identity: undercover investigating officers will not
reveal their undercover identities to anyone except authorized
personnel (Colonel, Major, Game Warden Captain, Case Agent,
District Attorney’s, agencies issuing credentials, etc.) at any
time.
b. Record of undercover identity: the Game Warden Captain shall
maintain current and accurate records regarding the true
identity of undercover officers and their undercover identities. A
copy of these records will be kept on file by the Game Warden
Captain and the Game Warden Major.
c. Wildlife Crime Investigations Division (WCID) and SIU Roster:
the Game Warden Captain will maintain a current and accurate
roster of the personnel of the WCID and Special Investigation
Unit.
d. Disclosure of Information Regarding Employees engaged in
undercover investigations: no disclosure will be made of any
information regarding the true or undercover identity, address,
office or duty station location, personal information, or any
other information regarding any officer involved with special
investigations.
e. Use of Undercover Identification: Undercover identification and
credentials issued or obtained by any officer assigned to work in
an undercover capacity are to be utilized for approved special
investigations only. Undercover identification or credentials shall
not be used for any personal reason.
f. Return of Credentials: when any officer who has obtained
undercover credentials or identification to conduct special or
undercover investigations for the Bureau of Warden Service is
no longer assigned to conduct such investigations that officer
must immediately turn in any credentials and/or identification to
the Game Warden Captain.
g. Case On Duty Officer – Responsibilities: undercover
investigations have the potential to become very dangerous for
the investigating officer(s). It shall be a priority for the Bureau
to establish practices that provide for an adequate response to
certain situations. In addition to information pertaining to Case
OD found in Section 5-C the following shall apply to Case OD
duties and responsibilities:
1. Safety and Security - To provide for the safety and
security of investigating officers to the best of the
Bureau’s ability, there shall be a Case OD assigned to
be available to the undercover officer 24 hours a day
while the officer is operating in an undercover
capacity.
2. Emergency Procedures – In the event of an
emergency the Case OD will:

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a. Respond immediately;
b. Notify back-up officers if necessary;
c. Notify the Game Warden Captain and/or Major
and/or other command officer(s) at the first
possible opportunity in order to respond as
deemed appropriate to mitigate any threat or
emergency.
3. Threat to Investigating Officer – in the event of any
threat, threatening communication, intimidation, or
other suspicious activity it shall be the policy of the
Warden Service to:
a. Aggressively investigate or cause to be
investigated the source of the threat;
b. Take any and all reasonable steps to ensure the
security and safety of the investigating officer
and their families;
c. Refer the matter to the appropriate law
enforcement officials and Office of the District
Attorney for law enforcement action and
prosecution.
h. Other Security Concerns
1. Law Enforcement Inquiries – Any suspicious inquiries
generated by other law enforcement officers into the
activities of any special investigation conducted by the
Bureau will be investigated by the Game Warden Captain
and reported to the Major, and investigating officers
immediately. The Major will determine an appropriate
course of action.
2. Requests for Information – any request for information
regarding the status or details of an ongoing or otherwise
closed undercover investigation will be forwarded to the
Game Warden Major for review and response. No
information regarding undercover investigations or
techniques will be disclosed. . The Bureau will not
comment on open investigations, except as required by
law.
13. Investigation Takedown and Other Related Operations:
a. Decision to Conclude and Takedown Investigation: Prior to
planning a takedown operation the Game Warden Captain will
obtain approval from the Game Warden Colonel or Major.
b. Pre-Takedown Briefing with District Warden: prior to take down
planning, the Section Sergeant and District Game Warden
assigned to the area in which the undercover investigation
occurred, will be briefed on the investigation and then utilized
in the take down planning and execution as is appropriate. The
Game Warden Captain will determine who will be responsible for
briefings. In certain instances regarding very sensitive

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investigations this briefing may be waived with the approval of
the Major.
c. Pre-Takedown Briefing for Planning Purposes: once the decision
is made to conclude and take down and undercover
investigation, the Game Warden Captain or designee, Case
Agent and the undercover officer will meet with the Lieutenant
for the Division in which the investigation take down will occur.
In some cases, it may require the participation of more than one
Division Lieutenant and other supervisory staff, as is appropriate
and required to achieve the objective. The purpose of this initial
meeting is to fully brief the Lieutenant, and other supervisors,,
on the details of the case, the objectives and goals of the take
down, identify and discuss concerns and safety issues, conduct
preliminary planning regarding logistics and identify and discuss
any other issues that are present or may develop during the
take down operation.
d. Prosecutorial Coordination: It shall be the responsibility of the
Game Warden Captain or Case Agent to ensure that
enforcement operations are fully coordinated with the
appropriate prosecutorial staff. If the Case Agent meets with
the prosecutorial staff without the Captain, the Case Agent will
brief the Captain on the details of the meeting immediately after
the consultation.
e. Pre-Takedown Briefings for Operational Purposes: operational
briefings prior to the takedown event will be planned and
organized by the Division Lieutenant and Game Warden Captain.
. It will be an operational priority and the responsibility of the
Game Warden Captain or designee to ensure that adequate time
is scheduled for comprehensive briefings with take down team
leaders and teams. The operational briefing is the final pretakedown meeting where operational guidance and full
instruction are to be provided to the assigned teams of law
enforcement officers who will carry out takedown law
enforcement operations.
1. Assignment of Team Leaders and Teams: the Lieutenant
and Game Warden Captain will establish the appropriate
number of teams to accomplish the objectives of the take
down and assign team leaders to each team. Supervisory
officers should be assigned as Team Leaders if possible.
The Game Warden Captain, Division Lieutenant , Case
Agent and undercover investigating officer all have critical
roles in making recommendations regarding the most
strategic team structure. The Division Lieutenant will
make the final assignments to teams.
2. Team Leader Responsibilities: the team leader will have
decision making supervisory authority at the their team’s
assigned takedown location. Team leaders will be
responsible for the following:

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a. Ensure that the team’s objectives are safely carried
out;
b. Ensure that all team members are well briefed and
equipped with all necessary law enforcement
materials and safety equipment;
c. Team leaders will supervise the execution of team
assignments at all times with officer safety as a
priority;
d. To ensure that each team member has access to a
first aid kit on each assignment and has knowledge
of its location;
e. That each team member is wearing soft body
armor during all takedown operations;
f. Ensure that each team member knows the location
and contact method for emergency medical
services in the event of an emergency during
takedown operations.
3. Briefing Packets: during pre-takedown operational
briefing, in addition to the briefing itself, each team will
receive an operational packet containing information
necessary to safely carry out the team’s mission. The
packet shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
a. appropriate search/arrest warrants;
b. Photographs, maps, diagrams;
c. Suspect information;
d. Team objective;
e. Location of medical emergency information;
f. Emergency contact – command post information;
g. Report of takedown/investigation instructions;
h. Evidence handling instructions;
i. List of other teams and team leaders;
j. Other necessary information.
Upon completion of team assignments, all briefing
packets will be returned to the command post.
4. Command Post: the Division Lieutenant in charge of the
takedown operation will designate and secure a location
for the Command Post and briefing location(s). The
purpose of the Command Post will be to provide a
location to safely and successfully supervise, coordinate
and carry out takedown operations and all related
communications. Upon determination of a takedown
command post location, the Lieutenant shall notify the
office of the Colonel and Major of the location, contact
information and takedown schedule.
5. Officer Safety: first and foremost during all takedown
operations will be the safety of the public, including
suspects and law enforcement officers involved. The

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following steps shall be taken to ensure the a reasonable
level of officer safety during takedown operations:
a. Soft body armor will be worn by all officers
involved. Team leaders are responsible to ensure
that this requirement is met;
b. Protective latex gloves will be provided as is
necessary to all officers, and will be worn by all
officers who are involved with searching and
carrying out arrests, as is appropriate;
c. Each team will be required to have a first aid kit at
each take down location;
d. Emergency medical service information and
locations will be identified in advance of the
takedown and each officer involved provided with
this information;
e. Operational briefings must include information
regarding all known potential dangers: drugs,
needles, dogs, firearms, violence, etc.
14. Investigation Closure and Prosecution: the Game Warden Captain or
designee will be assigned as the officer designated to oversee the
many components to investigation closure. Investigation closure
includes report submission and coordination; issuance of citations;
follow up enforcement information; evidence handling and return; pretrial preparation; provide any assistance to the District Attorney’s
office as needed; and ensure that internal processes are complete
(report of convictions, revocations, etc.)
15. News, Media and Press: inquiries from the press, news media and
other public information outlets will be forwarded to the Augusta office
for response by the Colonel, Major or as otherwise directed by the
Colonel or Major.

Approved by Colonel: ____________________

Revised