A resource is valuable to you if the information is; Accurate and accessible. There are several resources within the CDC that can help you do your job better. There are also some outside CDC. Heres a few:

Parole Agent - The agent carries the field file on the parolee. This is the source of the most current information on the parolee.
Files - Field / Central / Medical - The central file contains information on the parolee while he was in prison and the medical file has his medical history while he was in prison.
Supervised Release File - This is in CLETS. If a person is on parole in California , he has a SRF. SRF contains parole status , agents name and number , commitment offense and much more. If you run a warrant check through CLETS , the SRF will automatically come up. SRF is an informational document, not a warrant.
Special Services Unit - SSU has four units around the state. They offer many services such as; surveillance of parolees, access to other info within CDC, setting up interviews, polygraph exams and much more. They are good at what they do.
Investigative Services Units - These are detective details within the prisons. They handle crimes inside the institutions.
Institutional Gang Investigator - They are assigned to the Investigative Services Units and handle all prison gang issues inside the institution.
California Prison Gang Investigators Association - Made up of the Institutional Gang Investigators and Officers who work gangs on the street.
The Internet - Use the search word " Prison" . You'll be surprised.
The 24 Hr # in Sacramento - They can give you warrant information and some info that is on SRF. They can also help ID parolees by their CDC #. They can also send you a parole hold but for a new felony charge only.

PAROLE COMPLIANCE CHECKS

Prior to conducting a parole compliance check follow the checklist to assure a safe and legal search.

1. Check with the agent of record:

A. Confirm the subject is on active parole

B. What is the parolees commitment offense

C. Find out if there are any special conditions of parole

D. Inquire if any other agency has any active cases on the subject that you may interfere with if you conduct a search

E. How long has it been since the last parole compliance check

F. Invite the agent to assist on the search

2. Conduct a background on the parolee. Some of the following can be done when contact is made with the parole agent:

A. Criminal history

B. Are there any wants or warrants. Run a check yourself

C. Is he a runner or a fighter

D. Does he have a history with weapons

E. Interior floor plan of the residence of record

F. Known associates who may be at the location

G. Cooperative or uncooperative family members that may be in the residence

H. Vehicles the parolee may drive

I. How many strikes does he have if any

J. Obtain a picture if possible

K. Contact any "war rooms" for your county to confirm that no active narcotics cases are current at the location

3. Conduct a pre-search briefing:

A. All personal that participate in the search must attend the briefing

B. Each Officer must have handout packets of the needed information
(picture, criminal history, floor plan etc)

C. Make personal assignments at briefing. (entry team, search team, search team assignments, evidence collection)

D. If Corrections personnel participate assure they have proper communication equipment

4. While conducting the compliance check:

A. Secure all occupants outside the residence

B. Confirm what room the parole lives in

C. Confirm all rooms that are common living areas. These are the rooms the parolee is allowed to occupy. (living room, kitchen, dinning room, bathrooms, other bedrooms other than his own etc) If he is allowed in other bedrooms they are subject to search as common living areas. If he is allowed in other rooms find out why he is allowed in those rooms. If he is not allowed in other rooms they are not subject to a parole search.

D. Interview other occupants of the location separately as to the living arrangements to identify common living areas and parolee activity

E. Assure all search team members know the scope of the search

F. Run other occupants for wants/warrants and parole/probation status

5. Motel room searches:

A. If the motel room is not the parolee's residence of record then a nexus or connection between the room and the parolee must be established prior to a parole compliance check

B. Common connection sources are; parolee's name on room registration, room key in parolees possession, self admission, admission of another, statement of desk clerk, parolees property in room

C. After the search of the room is completed a search of the residence of record should be conducted if possible

6. Vehicle parole compliance checks

A. Determine ownership of the vehicle

B. If the parolee is a passenger then as a rule of thumb the scope of the search is the immediate area around the parolee. This usually means arms reach

C. If the parolee is driving another's vehicle then the scope of the search is the entire vehicle

D. If by chance the parolee is driving and the owner is a passenger then it would be immediate area (remember that legal standing takes precedence over physical control)

E. Remember to separate and interview at the scene. You may gain information that will widen the scope of your search

After every parole compliance check do not forget to advise the agent of record of the results of the search AND complete a Supervised Release File Contact Message.

For more info contact:

Sergeant Ken Whitley,
P.O. BOX 2623
Corona, CA 92878-2623
or e-mail info@convictsandcops.com