During a large riot with numerous arrests, which statement is correct about master case numbers?

• A. Master case numbers will not be utilized; each arrestee will have a separate PBSO case number.
• B. Master case numbers will be utilized for all arrestees.
• C. Master case numbers will be used for the lead arrestee only.
• D. Master case numbers will be utilized for the most serious cases.

Answer: (A)

Master case numbers are used to tie together related charges from a single incident, but in this situation the policy is to issue an individual PBSO case number for each arrestee. This keeps every arrestee’s charges, booking details, and court timelines separate, which supports precise accountability and straightforward case management. Grouping multiple arrests under one master file can blur who is charged with which offense, complicate bail decisions and disposition tracking, and make it harder to prepare individual juries and witness lists.

So, the correct practice is to assign a separate PBSO case number to every arrestee, rather than applying a master case number to the group.