This policy establishes the professional standards and expectations for all report writing conducted by members of the Sheriff's Office. Reports are critical documents that serve as legal records, evidence, and official documentation of law enforcement actions. Whether authoring an incident report, arrest report, citation, warrant request, or use of force report, the standards outlined below must be followed.

All reports shall be written in the first-person narrative style using clear, objective, and concise language. Remember, reports will be read by supervisors and may be read by attorneys, judges, and the general public. Avoid slang, abbreviations (unless defined), or emotionally charged language. Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Example:

• Acceptable: "I observed the offender throw a metal object across the street."

• Unacceptable: "He chucked it down da block like a damn maniac."

Reports should present facts over opinions, unless professional judgement is clearly stated (e.g., based on training and experience).

All narrative reports must begin with the following information:

• Full name and rank (e.g., Master Deputy John Doe);

• Badge Number (e.g., 25-031);

• Date and time of incident (YYYYMMDD);

• Statement regarding Body-Worn Camera (BWC) usage and review status;

• Name and Date of Birth (DOB) of the primary subject/offender;

• A brief (3-5 word) call-type summary.

Example:
"At approximately 1718 CST on 20250415 I, Deputy Rylan Walters (Badge Number 25-031), responded to a disturbance at 2187 Doe Street. During this incident, I was equipped with a Sheriff's Office issued Body-Worn Camera, which was active but NOT reviewed prior to writing this report. I made contact with the offender, James Buchanan (DOB: 20030721)."

1. Scene Arrival and Initial Observations:

   • Describe your arrival and the environment;

   • Identify individuals present and your initial reaction;

   • Record sensory clues (behavior, speech, odors, body language, etc.) that support your observations.

2. Development of the Situation:

   • Explain the subject(s) behavior and your reactions;

   • Justify any investigative steps taken (e.g., requesting EMS, detaining subjects, etc.).

3. Use of Force (if applicable):

   • Clearly articulate the reason for force (e.g., resistance, threat level, etc.);

   • Describe level/type of force used in accordance with the Sheriff's Office SOP section 4.7, Use of Force;

   • Document all commands given and the subject's responses.

4. Assistance from Other Personnel:

   • Identify assisting deputies/officers/agencies;

   • Detail their roles in the incident, and how they contributed.

5. Search, Seizure, and Transport:

   • Record any custodial searches and items recovered;

   • Ensure gender-appropriate searches when feasible;

   • Describe transport details and the destination;

   • Confirm use of restraints, double locking, and fit check.

6. Medical and Welfare Conditions:

   • Record any requests for EMS;

   • Include statements of refusal or treatment provided;

   • Document clearances prior to booking.

7. Charges and Closing:

   • Clearly state the criminal charges and the relevant statutes;

     1. Utilize both SonoranCAD and the Criminal Code to determine sentencing and fine amounts.

   • Conclude with a neutral, fact-based summary;

   • Use "Nothing further to report at this time" to formally close the report.

Example Continuation:

"...Upon arrival, I contacted the offender, who was yelling and flailing her arms. She dropped to the ground and began mimicking what she called a 'chicken dance.' When I attempted to engage, she yelled, 'I'm f***ed up off a bop.' Based on her erratic behavior and my training, I suspected she was under the influence of a stimulant and requested SAFE for a welfare check. Upon hearing my radio transmission, the offender became irate, spat in my direction, and attempted to flee. I informed her she was under arrest and not free to leave. As she resisted, I applied an arm bar and performed a controlled takedown. She struck me three times in the thigh with her left hand before I gained control of her right arm. Officer D. Joe (Badge Number ####), of the Paleto Bay Police Department arrived and assisted in securing the offender. A weapons pat-down yielded negative results. SAFE arrived, medically cleared the offender, and she signed a refusal form. Deputy C. Dony (ID 25-##) conducted a custodial search and located:

• $77 in United States currency (x1 $50 bill, x1 $20 bill, x1 $5 bill, and x2 $1 bills);

• 2 VISA gift cards;

• An expired San Andreas Driver's License;

• A car wash card.

• The offender was then transported to the Paleto Bay Sheriff's Office, booked without incident, and charged under the following:

• R.C.C. Chapter 3040 Resisting Lawful Arrest/Detainment;

• R.C.C. Chapter 410 - Assault on a Government Employee.

• Nothing further to report at this time."

All reports must be typed in plain text format. Paragraphs should be used to separate distinct portions of the incident (e.g., arrival, contact, force, etc.). Try to avoid excessive line breaks or formatting irregularities. Reports should be completed by the end of your shift and, if delayed, notify a supervisor. Extensions may be granted up to seven (7) days from the date of the incident.

Supervisors will review all reports daily and ensure reports are following the aforementioned format. Reports requiring corrections will be marked as "needs corrections," and an email will be sent out regarding the corrections. If a Deputy uses force during an arrest, a Use of Force report must be filed and attached to the arrest report. If a Supervisor assigns a report the “Needs Corrections” tag and sends the appropriate email to the Deputy responsible for the report, the Deputy will have ten (10) days to complete the required corrections. If the corrections are not completed within ten (10) days, the report will be removed from the civilian’s record.

1. LOS SANTOS COUNTY

   • PATROL

     • The LCSO may patrol anywhere within LOS SANTOS COUNTY marked on the map by the YELLOW LINE.

     • The LSPD may patrol anywhere within LOS SANTOS CITY LIMITS marked on the map by the WHITE LINES. 

   • 1.1.2 CALLS FOR SERVICE

     • The LCSO shall be primary on all calls for service outside the LOS SANTOS CITY LIMITS and North of Interstate 2 within LOS SANTOS CITY LIMITS in the BROWN SHADED AREA.

     • The LSPD shall be primary on all calls for service within LOS SANTOS CITY LIMITS south of Interstate 2 in the RED SHADED AREA.

     • The UPD (University Police) shall be primary on all calls for service in the RED SHADED AREA at the Los Santos University, Kortz Center, and the University Annex at 668.

2. 1.2 BLAINE & ROXWOOD COUNTY

   • 1.2.1 PATROL

     • The BCSO & RCSO may patrol anywhere within BLAINE COUNTY marked on the map by the YELLOW LINE.

     • The SAMPD may patrol anywhere within SAMPD CITY LIMITS marked on the map by the RED SHADED AREA. 

   • 1.2.2 CALLS FOR SERVICE

     • The BCSO & RCSO shall be primary on all calls for service outside the SAMPD CITY LIMITS and marked on the map by the BROWN SHADED AREA.

     • The SAMPD shall be primary on all calls for service within SAMPD CITY LIMITS marked on the map by the RED SHADED AREA.

1. MUTUAL AID REQUESTS

   • Mutual aid can be defined as the exchange of assistance or services from one agency to another for a variety of reasons.

     • Routine mutual aid requests pertain to any request that there is not an immediate threat to life.

     • High Priority mutual aid requests pertain to any request that there is an active threat to life.

2. ROUTINE MUTUAL AID REQUESTS

   • For routine mutual aid requests the nearest adjoining agency shall be the first to respond when a mutual aid request is made. In the event that the adjoining agency is unavailable, the next closest agency shall respond.

3. HIGH PRIORITY MUTUAL AID REQUESTS

   • Most high priority mutual aid requests shall be treated the same as routine mutual aid requests except for the following situations

     • A Law Enforcement Officer is incapacitated in any way.

     • A Law Enforcement Officer activates their panic button.

     • Shots fired at Law Enforcement.

     • An active shooter situation.

   • In the above situations, nearby agencies can start to help with the incident without waiting for a mutual aid request, unless the agency says otherwise.

4. ASSISTING OTHER AGENCY PURSUITS 

   • Neither agency may assist the other agency in a vehicle pursuit unless one of the following conditions apply:

     • The pursuing agency requests mutual aid assistance.

     • The vehicle pursuit enters the assisting agency’s primary jurisdiction.

   • Supervisors from both agencies reserve the right to terminate vehicle pursuit for their respective agencies regardless of the initiating agency.

5. SPECIALIZED DIVISION REQUESTS

   • Subdivisions of both agencies shall follow the same jurisdictional policy as regular patrol officers.

     • Any agency may request the assistance from a subdivision at their discretion.

1. The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent standards and procedures for the preparation, supervisory review, and submission of all search warrants, arrest warrants, and warrant-related affidavits generated by members of the Sheriff’s Office. This ensures accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance with departmental expectations and state law.

1. It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office that no warrant application of any type shall be submitted to a judge or magistrate without prior review and approval by a Supervisory Officer. This process is mandatory and designed to safeguard deputies, protect the agency from liability, and ensure constitutional compliance.

Before any warrant is submitted to a judge or magistrate, the following must be reviewed by a Supervisor defined as a Corporal and above.

1. Ensure the warrant meets probable cause and constitutional requirements.

2. Ensure the affidavit does not contain speculative language, personal opinion, or unsupported conclusions.

3. Confirm the warrant does not exceed legal authority or invade areas requiring heightened protection (digital devices, medical records, etc.) without proper justification.

4. Provide clear guidance for corrections, additions, or clarifications.

A Supervisor may deny a warrant draft if it:

1. Lacks sufficient probable cause.

2. Contains legal errors or inconsistencies.

3. Needs substantial revision.

4. Risks constitutional violations.

Supervisors shall document the reason for disapproval and return the draft for correction via the COC Outreach channel.

If a situation requires immediate action and a Supervisor is not available, a Deputy may:

1. Contact a Supervisor via discord, or

2. Seek approval from the next available ranking deputy. (Deputy in Charge)

In circumstances where no Supervisor is reachable, the Deputy may proceed directly to the judge, but must notify a Supervisor as soon as reasonably practical. This exception must be justified and documented in the report.

1. This policy establishes guidelines for deputies regarding the deployment and utilization of Sheriff's Office bicycles while on duty. Deploying bicycle patrol units enhances public visibility, encourages community interaction, and allows deputies to patrol areas not easily accessible by standard vehicles.

Deputies assigned to bicycle patrol must be fully released from their Field Training Program and cleared to patrol independently. Deputies shall exercise sound judgement when responding to calls, remain aware of officer safety, and avoid situations that place them at a tactical disadvantage due to operating a bicycle.

1. Deputies shall not engage in or assist with vehicle pursuits while operating a bicycle.

   • Deputies may still conduct pedestrian stops and initiate consensual encounters.

2. The Sheriff's Office authorizes the deployment of a maximum of four (4) bicycles at any given time throughout the entirety of the State of San Andreas.

3. Bicycles may be utilized in all three counties of the jurisdiction.

   • Bicycle units should be deployed from the nearest station or substation.

   • Deputies operating a patrol vehicle equipped with a bicycle rack or hitch mount may transport their assigned bicycle between jurisdictions when necessary.

4. Deputies shall not deploy their rifle or shotgun while assigned to bicycle patrol and may only utilize sidearms, tasers, and less-lethal equipment appropriate for dismounted engagement. Utilizing a rifle or shotgun from a fellow Deputies patrol vehicle is authorized.

1. While active as a bicycle unit, deputies shall identify themselves as “Bike ###” over the radio. This identifier will be abbreviated in the CAD as “BK###.”

   • Example: “Bike 123, beginning bicycle patrol in Los Santos County.”

1. Bicycles may be used within all three primary patrol counties of the Sheriff's Office. Deputies shall remain within their assigned patrol zone unless directed otherwise by a supervisor or dispatch. Deputies may not leave their assigned county without authorization unless responding to:

   • Mutual aid requests

   • Supervisor-directed deployment

   • Emergency lateral support

1. The bicycle patrol uniform and approved equipment list shall be maintained and posted under the Equipment section of the Sheriff's Office structure and a preset built in the EUP Menu.

2. Approved bicycles will be referenced under departmental assets, and the standard spawn identifier is “sbike.”