Fugitive Recovery Team Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the operations of the Crime Trackers Massachusetts (CTM) Fugitive Recovery Team. This ensures that all recovery and apprehension activities are conducted safely, legally, and in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All CTM personnel assigned to the Fugitive Recovery Team
  • Supervisors, managers, and executive leadership overseeing recovery operations
  • Operations conducted in cooperation with law enforcement or authorized agencies

Note: CTM is not a bail bond agency and does not perform activities related to bail enforcement outside of lawful fugitive recovery operations.

3. Policy Statement

  • CTM may engage in fugitive recovery and apprehension only in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and with proper coordination with law enforcement agencies.
  • All operations must prioritize the safety of CTM personnel, law enforcement partners, the public, and the fugitive.
  • CTM personnel must follow organizational protocols, including chain-of-command, reporting, and use-of-force policies, during all recovery operations.

4. Operational Procedures

A. Coordination & Authorization

  • All fugitive recovery operations must be authorized by CTM leadership and coordinated with the appropriate law enforcement agency
  • Confirm legal status of the fugitive, including warrants or court orders, prior to any recovery attempt
  • Maintain clear communication with law enforcement throughout the operation

B. Risk Assessment & Planning

  • Conduct a pre-operation risk assessment considering:
    • Fugitive’s criminal history and known weapons
    • Location and environmental risks
    • Presence of civilians or vulnerable populations
  • Develop a plan that outlines:
    • Personnel assignments and roles
    • Safety measures
    • Contingency and extraction procedures

C. Engagement & Apprehension

  • Personnel must use only the minimum level of force necessary to safely effect the apprehension, in accordance with the Use of Force & Defensive Equipment Policy
  • Firearms may only be carried and used by LTC or ARENED-certified personnel following training, organizational policy, and legal standards
  • Non-lethal options should be used whenever possible to minimize risk

D. Scene Safety & Conduct

  • Maintain situational awareness at all times
  • Do not engage in high-risk confrontations without law enforcement support or prior authorization
  • Prohibited conduct includes:
    • Unauthorized entry onto private property without legal authority
    • Excessive force or retaliation
    • Acting outside the scope of the approved operational plan

5. Documentation & Reporting

  • All fugitive recovery operations must be documented in an After-Action Report including:
    • Date, time, and location of operation
    • Personnel involved
    • Coordination with law enforcement
    • Apprehension methods and outcomes
    • Any injuries, use of force, or operational deviations
  • Supervisors are responsible for reviewing reports and ensuring compliance with all organizational and legal requirements

6. Training & Certification

  • All Fugitive Recovery Team personnel must complete specialized training including:
    • Legal authority and Massachusetts General Laws regarding fugitive apprehension
    • Tactical safety, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques
    • Use of defensive equipment and firearms (for LTC/ARENED personnel)
    • Coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical response
  • Refresher training is required annually or following operational updates

7. Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Authorize and oversee all fugitive recovery operations
  • Ensure personnel comply with legal, organizational, and safety protocols
  • Review After-Action Reports and implement corrective actions as needed
  • Maintain communication with law enforcement partners for operational oversight

8. Policy Review

  • This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with Massachusetts law, operational best practices, and organizational safety standards
  • Updates must be documented and communicated to all team members