Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

If a teacher was taken into custody for questioning because it looked like he "might" be complicit with a student who was threatening an act of terrorism would he:

1. Be interrogated by local police or FBI or Homeland Security (or all three) ?

2. Have his personal items like cell phone and wallet confiscated?

3. What is the name within the department that these things would be stored?

4. Would this place be manned by a police officer or regular employee?

5. And last question, if he was found innocent after interrogation, would the person be given a ride home (or back to the school in this case)?

Although this is a minor item in the book that I am writing, my editor wanted me to "check my facts". It just needs to ring true enough that if a real police officer was reading the story he wouldn't think it was ridiculous.
Any insight are welcome and thanks in advance,
Alex

Moved to "Writer's Questions" as a more appropriate forum.

1.) It depends on the nature of the "act of terrorism." If the student was threatening to shoot a bunch of his classmates (like Columbine), then it may be the local police. If there is some larger connection, then Federal Agencies may get involved. Which ones you choose to use for your story are up to you, neither is out of the realm of possibility.

2.) If he is arrested, his personal property will be removed from his person during his detention. He'll get it back when released.

3.) Most departments have evidence or property areas. It largely depends on the size of the agency. Most mid sized agencies that house prisoners have an area with lockers, and each prisoner's property goes into a specific locker which is then secured.

4.) It may not be "manned" at all, depending on the size of the agency. We don't have anyone specifically watching our prisoners' property at my agency. It's locked up and secured; there's no reason to have someone watch a locker.

5.) If he was arrested and brought down to be interrogated, probably not (but maybe). If he agreed to voluntarily come back to talk to the officers agents, then probably so.

-Citicop.