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Show Local police agencies are very strict about transporting females By GARY R. BLODGETT Editor A Utah Highway Patrol trooper under investigation for improper im-proper sexual advances against a female passenger was in violation viola-tion of several UHP policies concerning this type of circumstance circumst-ance that of transporting a female not under arrest. "But this was an isolated incident of wrongdoing that overshadows over-shadows all the good that the UHP and other law enforcement agencies do every day," commented Col. Mike Chabries, assistant assis-tant superintendent of the Utah Highway Patrol. "All police agencies, not just the Patrol, are getting a black eye from this isolated incident. It's unfortunate that it happened. hap-pened. Now we must stand tall and do everything possible from allowing something like this happening again." Davis County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Harry Jones said the department is not changing its policy regarding transportation of female passengers but it will continue to be strict about following the policy already enforce. Bountiful Police Chief Larry D. Higgins said all agencies have a similar policy a good policy when enforced properly. "It's a policy that provides safety for the female involved as well as protects the police officer from allegations of misconduct, miscon-duct, and that's something we don't need," said Chief Higgins. The standard policy of transporting a female passenger is simple and clear. Unless the female is in distress, females usually are not trans- Contlnuod on page two 1 "" "" """L" ' H SHANDELL SMOOT Viewmont High's Shandell Smoot captured the state 4-A 155-pound wrestling title Saturday night at Clearfield High. In addition, Shandell was named outstanding wrestler in the upper weight division. di-vision. See story in today's Sports section. Strict police policy Continued from page one ported in a police vehicle unless the female has been placed under arrest. When transporting a female under arrest, there should be two male officers or a male and female police officer in the vehicle. There should not be other male prisoners in the same vehicle as a female prisoner. Vehicle mileage should be recorded with the dispatcher upon leaving and arriving at the destination. The route followed should be the shortest, most direct route to the point of destination. destina-tion. Time of leaving and arrival should be given to the officer by the dispatcher. Females under arrest should be transported directly to the police station or place of custody and the trip should not be detoured unless absolutely necessary. A stranded female or female in distress may be "given a lift" by a UHP officer, sheriff deputy or local police officer in an : ..emergency. Again, times, locations and destinations must be recorded with the dispatcher. ... A male police officer shall not search a female prisoner except when there is reason to believe that she may have a weapon, according accord-ing to the procedure. A complete search of a female must be done by a female officer or female with authority to search. " Also, the policy continues, at least two male officers should Zl be in attendance during an interview with a female prisoner. 1'j A spokesperson for the Davis County Sheriffs Department said deputies follow a strict policy regarding the shuttle of i.7. female passengers and that there have been no serious prob- lems. -. "We try to serve the public as best we can and when some- ;v thing like this happens it is a black mark on all law enforcement agencies," she said. The issue came to light a few days. ago when Trooper Ernest B. Wilcock, 31, a member of the UHP for about two and one-half one-half years, was accused by a 20-year-old female of threatening to arrest her if she did not submit to having sex with him. She told investigating officers that when she refused, he placed the handcuffs on her. She said he later removed the cuffs and she jumped inside the patrol car. "I intended to lock him outside but noticing the car engine was running, I slid behind the wheel and drove away," she said. 't'j "A short distance down the road. I radioed for heln over the " police radio." ;5 Investigators said Wilcock fired his service automatic 13 r times as the woman fled in his patrol car. The vehicle was not hit. Col. Chabries said the (UHP) code of ethics regarding a H female passenger had apparently been violated. Wilcock has been suspended from the department awaiting a complete inves- fj tigation by the County Attorney's Office. V |
