STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Chief - Joe Lame

                                Ass. Chief - Jayden Ropyr 

Hello San Andreas Law Enforcement Divisions personnel. We thank you for taking the time to read this document. We guarantee it will help you further understand your duties. As a member of the Law Enforcement divisions within this state you are held to the highest standard. You are expected to set an example for the rest of the city and to do this the following SOP criteria is to be followed.

Several Divisions Certifications are obtainable within the Law Enforcement entity but to get there, a strong understanding of the SOP's must be mastered to ensure proper knowledge is held. Refer to your department's leads for further information on said Certifications and/or Specialized Divisions.

OUR MISSION 

To uphold the law, protect and treat everyone equally with respect, to see other officers rise in the ranks, we are here to make sure everyone feels safe and secure in this lovely city.

CORRUPTION

There will be no tolerance of corruption within the department if you are reported or seen doing anything to corrupt the department you will be suspended until there is a hearing with a judge and jury. If you see corruption please record and let high command know of it and it will be handled immediately. 

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

The Los Santos Police Department has adopted the following Code of Ethics for all Officers, who will swear to this Code of Ethics upon receipt of their commissions.

Code of Ethics of the Position of Officer

As a Los Santos Officer, I recognize that I am given special trust and confidence by the Los Santos Chief and public that I serve. This trust and confidence is my bond to ensure that I shall behave in accordance with the highest professional principles. In furtherance of this bond, I will hereby abide by the following Code of Ethics:

I shall Ensure that in the performance of my duties, I will administer and enforce the law in accordance with the principles of the San Andreas Laws and all applicable laws of the State so that equal and fair protection of the public and the law, to ensure the people’s rights and the due process is guaranteed to all.

I shall Demonstrate standards of behavior in accordance with the responsibilities, duties, obligations,and commitments of all Officer Duties, to ensure a proper example of standards is set for all to follow.

I shall Adhere to the standards and principles of honesty and integrity at all times, leaving my personal life unsullied or untainted as an example for all to follow.

I shall Ensure there is proper personal accountability and responsibility for all property and persons entrusted within my care.

I shall Practice discretion and logical judgements and decisions to aid the fulfillment of the responsibilities and duties of my position as an Officer.

I shall Accept all responsibilities, duties, obligations, commitments, and will hereby adhere to this Code of Ethics. In so doing, I knowingly accept personal accountability for encouraging my peers to abide by the same Code of Ethics.

Chain of Command

The Department is run by its Chain of Command. Their job is to run the department and as a team, coordinating standard operating procedures for Law Enforcement personnel.

The CoC’s role also is to make sure the LEO Members are well informed with new changes happening and maintain discipline. Do not contact the head of the CoC when an issue is present, start at Corporal and continue up the chain until it can be resolved.

High Command

Chief - Ensure the department is run to the standard of the city and operates with efficiency. Has final say in regards to promotions

Assistant Chief - Direct assistant to the Chief of Police. Oversees the hiring and training of FTOs, and issuance of promotions. Ensures everyone is receiving interviews/training. May serve as a department commander for activities such as patrol, investigations, or support.

Deputy Chief - Works closely with Head FTO to ensure applications / interviews / and training are organized and completed in a timely manner. Ensures the scheduling of interviews between High Command and prospective candidates, scheduling Academy Training. and in charge of hiring and training FTOs. Ensures everyone is receiving interviews/training.

Captain - Manage specific divisions within the department. They direct work and evaluate their team’s performance through written reports. Captains are responsible for making sure officers and detectives are complying with department policies and standards. 

PD Leadership

Lieutenant - Roles are usually administrative in nature. They attend meetings and serve on various committees related to their unit of command. Lieutenants act as assistants to captains, and may even take their place as commanding officer in case of absence. 

Sergeant - Supervise and train their subordinates. They may also coordinate activity at crime scenes, making sure department policies and procedures are applied to law enforcement activities. Since they act as a liaison between upper management and subordinates, the role requires a strong interpersonal leadership ability.

Corporal - Assist in management of the shift as outlined by the active Sergeant on duty. In addition to supervisory responsibilities, corporals still patrol and investigate. They may take over the duties of a Sergeant in case of absence.

Patrol Division

Officer - The backbone of the department. Responsible for patrolling the AOP and general law enforcement duties as assigned by a supervisor. Assists with arrests and prison transports and ensures Cadets/Trainees are adhering to policies and procedures.

Cadet/Trainee - Responsible for learning proper techniques, procedures and policies. Will make stops, detain subjects and arrests. Must have completed at least 6 hours of Ride-Along time with an official FTO and be signed off on all levels of training to be eligible for promotion to Officers. Cadets will not be promoted if the FTO does not feel they are ready and continued training can/ will occur where needed.

Cadets & Trainees CAN NOT PATROL SOLO until signed off by an FTO at which point they must report an FTO when coming on duty to ensure one is present to listen to radio traffic and assist when needed.

Failure to comply with the Chain of Command will result in disciplinary consequences.

Uniform Policies

• Officers in the Los Santos Police Department will wear correct uniforms based on their subdivision.

• Patrol Officers are required to wear the uniforms specified by the Captain of Patrol Operations.

Vehicle Structure

• Each Officer will use the proper vehicle as assigned to his division.

• Patrol Officers will use the Vehicles within MRPD with the standard patrol livery. All patrol officers must have lightbars on their vehicles.

• Detectives must use unmarked vehicles as assigned to them by their commanding detective.

• Lieutenants and Captains are permitted to drive the undercover vehicles on patrol. They may also use undercover variants of the other patrol vehicles. 

• All Officers must follow their vehicle structure unless a subdivision deems necessary the need for a different vehicle, otherwise disciplinary action may ensue.

• All vehicles will be returned back to the garage at Mission Row at the end of each tour. 

Personal Equipment

All law enforcement personnel should have the following items for use during their duty:

⦁ Service Pistol 

⦁ Taser

⦁ Nightstick

⦁ Flashlight

⦁ Handcuffs 

⦁ Radio

⦁ Spare Body Armor

Electronic Restraint Devices - Taser

Officers on duty carry taser devices. This tool is considered less than lethal but not entirely non-lethal due to inherent risks to health, location of prong strike, and the situation the subject is in.

⦁ When preparing to tase a subject, officers should issue a warning to the effect of  “If you do not comply, I will tase you.”

⦁ When a taser is deployed, officers should, when possible, declare ‘taser taser taser’ before firing. 

⦁ No subject should be tased in the water at any depth, edges of rooftops (or when running/walking towards an edge) or near slopes or drops.

Due to the limitation on cartridges you carry, tasers should be preferentially used as a compliance tool, not the first method of stopping foot pursuits. Tasers provide us with a vital tool that allows us to disarm subjects with edged or blunt weapons without using lethal force; it is ideal to save your cartridges for these cases where a life might be saved rather than someone running. 

Strike System

In order for the Los Santos Law Enforcement Divisions to continue to be efficient, we use a strike system to enforce our SOP's and let officers realize what will happen if a rule is broken.

The strike system works like this: 

⦁ 3 Strikes and you’re out

⦁ Strike 1: Written Warning

⦁ Strike 2: Verbal Warning, or Demotion if deemed necessary

⦁ Strike 3: Modified Assignment, Removal, or Re-certification if approved

These strikes may be removed after a certain amount of time by the Department Heads if they deem it is necessary.

Promotions | Demotions | LOA

Promotions - Every rank in the Departments has minimum requirements to be promoted. Supervisors in the departments monitor and report anyone who has met the requirements to High Command for promotion. Department Heads have the right to hold a promotion at their discretion.

Every Rank in the Departments will come with its own set of important responsibilities. Promotions will be given based on activity level, general knowledge of policing, and RP.

Do not ask for promotions. Asking for promotions may lead to a demotion or disciplinary actions.

Demotions - The Department Heads have the right to demote an officer if any of the policies are broken or at their discretion. Department Heads have the right to demote an officer if they do not meet professional standards set by the department.

LOA/Inactivity - Please reach out to your Command staff if you need a leave of absence. If you are absent for seven days without prior approval you could be fired and removed off the roster. We understand that ‘IRL’ comes first but please let us know. Once removed only a Department Head can grant you an exception to the rule. Please know that this is an exception not the rule. 

Phonetic Alphabet          

Supervisors

Supervisors are law enforcement ‘managers’. They can be called to a scene when you need clarification or assistance with something that you have not experienced, and can also be requested by civilians should they disagree with your decision.

If a supervisor is already on scene with you, and one is requested, they get the supervisor already there, they cannot request another.

It is the job of supervisors to manage the patrol, ensure units are spreading out and handling calls in a timely manner, it is their job to also ensure that radio traffic procedure is being followed to standards. They have the power to send units back 10-8 or to send a unit 10-7 should this be necessary.

Reasonable Suspicion vs Probable Cause

Reasonable Suspicion

A police officer may have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed if based on all of the facts and circumstances of the situation, a reasonable police officer would have the same suspicion. The police officer does not need physical evidence in order to have reasonable suspicion. Instead, the presumption of reasonable suspicion is made based on the officer’s training, the circumstances of the situation, and what other officers would do in similar circumstances.

If a police officer has reasonable suspicion, he may briefly stop the person involved, but an officer may not make an arrest based on reasonable suspicion alone. 

For example, if a driver is driving erratically, swerving between lanes, and failing to stop for traffic signals, a police officer may have reasonable suspicion that the driver is drunk. The officer may pull the driver over, but the officer may not arrest the driver unless there is further evidence of drunk driving to establish probable cause for the arrest. If after being pulled over a driver fails a sobriety test, that may provide probable cause for an officer to make a drunk driving arrest.

Probable Cause

Before the police can arrest someone or get a search warrant, they must have probable cause to make the arrest or to conduct the search.

Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion. Probable cause means that the police officer not only has a suspicion that a crime has been or is being committed, but that the police officer also has actual knowledge that the crime has been or is being committed.

In other words, there must be evidence that supports a police officer’s suspicion that a crime has been committed before he can have a search warrant issued and/or make an arrest.

An example which is the easiest to understand would be witnessing someone first hand firing their weapon unlawfully. Evidence is present and probable cause is sound. 

Use of Force

The 5 Levels of Force & Matching:

1. Presence

2. Verbal

3. Soft Hand Controls

4. Non-Lethal

5. Lethal 

Lethal Force is a complex subject within Law Enforcement and a critical one to understand.

In the execution of our duties, we may need to utilize force to gain control of a suspect and make an arrest. Our goal for all situations is to safely secure a suspect and hand them along with a criminal case to the judicial system for trial and sentencing.

Naturally, the level of resistance by a suspect may require officers to deploy increased force to safely detain the individual. You should always aim to utilize reasonable force at all times based on the present circumstances.

For example, shooting someone is in most cases, not an appropriate use of force against an unarmed subject.

The most simple way to explain force is via a process of escalation:

If a subject has bare fists, Utilize your hands or nightstick (Soft Hand Controls).

If they have a bladed weapon, and you have a cover officer with a lethal weapon, you may utilize a taser.

If you are alone and facing someone with a Melee/bladed weapon, utilize lethal force.

At all times when facing a subject with a melee weapon, attempt to maintain a distance of roughly 30ft (10m) this allows reaction time to safely stop the subject should they attempt to reach you.

If they have a firearm, a firearm is a justifiable response, however ensure force is matched. For instance if a suspect is wielding a pistol, ensure you are matching with one. Should the weapon be of a larger variety match force with the applicable counter.

 Always ensure force is matched and not escalated. (ie Don't use an assault rifle or sub machine gun against a pistol threat (unless you can confirm it may be an automatic caliber pistol). Should other suspects in the area be seen with automatic caliber weapons, equip yourself to match.

In the event that you find yourself outnumbered 3:1 with no incoming backup or officers in the vicinity to assist you, or multiple officers down with suspects continuing to circle the area, you may elevate to a higher level of force (shotgun or AR) to either save yourself or disperse the threat.

Lethal force is justified when a suspect presents an imminent threat to your safety, and or the safety of others. (Note: Simply holding a weapon does not justify lethal force is necessarily, treat every interaction as a flexible continuum.)

Presence & Voice

The first levels of force which can oftentimes be the best are an officer's presence and voice. The presence of an officer can deter most crimes before they even become reality. Consider that just being in an area of civilians can be enough to deter an act of violence or theft knowing law enforcement is in the vicinity. Voice as the second level of force refers to word commands delivered by an officer. 

At all times, we should be communicating with the public / potential suspects, and when needed warning them of our intent to use force against them if they do not comply with our lawful orders.

Commands such as “Stop resisting.” or “If you do not stop resisting I may have to use force.” can be utilized to gain compliance. 

Examples of "Back up!", "You're under arrest" or "Can I see your ID please?" are other alternatives, among many.

Commands should be stated in a calm, confident, but firm manner. Commands should react according to the situation. If a situation appears to be becoming more aggressive, commands and the application of additional force may also increase.

Lethal Force

Lethal Force is used when a suspect poses an imminent risk to life (yourself, or others). This means that you reasonably believe your life, or the life of another is in danger or you risk incapacitation.

Remember that civilians have lives too, and that while we have legal grounds in many cases to use lethal force, we should exercise all reasonable steps first to deescalate a situation to save lives. In this same vein, lethal force authorization (by circumstance or command authorization) is not a permanent right to shoot a suspect. If they no longer pose an imminent threat to life, do your best to detain them alive to face judicial punishment.

Be On the Lookout (BOLO) & Arrest Warrants

A BOLO is a description in the MDT of a person, vehicle, or property. These notes are visible to all officers to be on the lookout for them. Criteria for BOLOs are listed below. If the criteria cannot be met, the BOLO cannot be submitted in the system.

If a suspect is not already in custody, the officer can submit a warrant through the MDT. This needs to be done within 24 hours after the crime occurred.

Should an ID not be obtained for a vehicle or individual than a BOLO can only be used for questioning purposes. However if multiple offenses occur at separate intervals and the vehicle has not been reported stolen(and proved) then it can be used as more concrete evidence and the owner of the vehicle can be charged for the crimes that were committed, whether they admit to them or not and can advise them to seek a lawyer. 

Vehicle owners are responsible for the safeguard of their possessions and will be associated to them if enough crimes occur with their property involved

In this instance detailed reports are what make the difference and BOLO's can also be escalated to Warrants.

Person BOLO Vehicle BOLO Warrants

Gender           Type of Vehicle       Suspect

Skin Color   Color Charges

   Shirt (Type & Color) 50%+ of License Plate Summary of Evidence / Reasoning

Pants (Type & Color) Reason

Distinguishing Features   Name of Owner if Possible

Reason

For any form of BOLO/ Warrant you should add your badge number & name / division at the end so officers know who to contact for additional information.

Arrest / Citation Records

Note: All transportation of suspects is conducted routinely. Advise lights and/or sirens and obeying traffic laws on the return to your respective department locations. Entering intersections slow down and proceed when clear. (When approaching intersections when running lights or not, confirm the area is clear and chirp sirens or use your horn to ensure your presence is known prior to passing through)

It is important for officers to maintain arrest and citation records to provide an accurate criminal record for civilians. When a civilian is given a citation, written warning or arrested, the information about that citation or arrest needs to be inputted into the MDT system.

Note: You must acquire the person’s details, either through the information they give to you, ID documents, or fingerprints if they have a criminal record. You cannot solely identify them by asking their full name as it will lead to a potential lawsuit, if they are in fact falsifying their identity. Advisement to finger print any suspect that does not already have a photo on their file to ensure proper identity is obtained, and add a photo where missing.

Utilize the Penal Code to find the correct charges to apply to the arrested party, ensure you are expedient in your charging process, keeping a civilian in the cells for an extended time isn’t fair to them. Write your report after the suspect has been sent to jail, use jot notes if needed to retain the prior information needed to write it. Suspects' time starts as soon as they are put into the jail cell. If you need help with charges, ask other officers or supervisors.

Ensure that an arrested party is properly searched for illegal items or weapons and uncuffed before you send them to prison. Search them again if you are not sure if they are clear before uncuffing them!

Every arrest and citation filed in the CAD/MDT should have officer notes attached.  BE AS DETAILED AS POSSIBLE!

Ensure you have the evidence to charge a person correctly before charges are filed and they are sent to jail, once they begin serving their sentence, no charges may be added or changed unless it falls under a special circumstance and is warranted by a member of High Command (Ex. RICO cases). Be sure to notify the individual of their charges, how much their fine is and the length of their jail sentence.  Be sure to notify the individual that the bus has arrived before sentencing them to jail.

Example:

Charges: Felony Evading, Possession of an Illegal Weapon, Attempted Murder of a LEO, Brandishing a Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Driving, could be added on if wanted

“John Doe was caught after a 10-68 began in the area of 'intersection/postal' in which he drove recklessly until the pursuit ended at 'intersection/postal', he also fired upon officers with an illegal pistol (make) from the vehicle (model & PLATE#).” Vehicle was/was not owned by the suspect. 

Ensure reports are detailed appropriately and any/all evidence is written in the report and stored in the proper location. Include areas of incident and other officers on scene. Rushed reports often lack important information, which can only assist lawyers when civilians attempt to sue the departments due to lack of proper documentation.

Calls & Scenes

Responding to calls and scenes in a timely manner is mandatory. It’s part of our job as law enforcement to care for our city and the civilians residing within it. People rely on us to respond as we are a key part of the city. If during a scene or traffic stop your badge number is requested you must provide it. 

If you are attached to a call of any nature and it has not been resolved, you must remain attached and finish your call properly, unless authorized by a supervisor. ALL SCENES MUST BE CLEARED CODE 4 PRIOR TO LEAVING THE SCENE.

When attending a scene or traffic stop it is required to radio it in. Do not talk over your fellow officers when using your radio, ensure no radio traffic is present and keep the information short but concise. Should other units be in an active 10-68 do not speak over the radio to impede their traffic and cause confusion. 

Supervisors may deem certain units to switch to a different radio if a 10-68 is underway, depending on the number of units on duty to not overflow the radio traffic.

Radio traffic & Traffic Citations:

Traffic Stop Example: 

 1-00 is in a 10-11 with a black in color 2 door Dominator, Northbound on Strawberry Ave, 1 occupant, Plate #LM3L124, no additionals.

Should additional occupants be in the vehicle, call an additional unit in case backup is needed after the approach of the vehicle.

Prior to stepping out of your cruiser, run the plate of the vehicle in the MDT and look for any active BOLO's or Warrants pertaining to the owner if additional units may be necessary. This will also be of use once obtaining their ID. This will also speed up a citation and reduce time when you return to your vehicle with their information if they don't run.

Once the vehicle is approached safely, request the driver to roll down the window and turn off the engine. Following this identify yourself (rank & name), explain why they are being stopped, and request their license/insurance/registration and confirm their name once obtained.

Should the individual be clean, issue their citation/warning or if they are not clean call for additionals from the safety of your vehicle. Advisement would be to try and coax them out of the car with other units on scene before performing a potential code 5 stop on the vehicle as most will flee.

REFER TO FORGED RP RULES FOR PD NUMBERS ON SCENES.

Pursuit Tactics (10-68s)

1. Primary Unit: 

Solely responsible for maintaining a safe distance from the suspect’s vehicle but also maintaining eyes at all times.

2. Secondary Unit: 

Responsible for radio communications. Will inform dispatch of location and direction of travel during the pursuit. Important to relay information such as 10-50s and status of vehicle conditions. Such as if it is smoking and may possibly be disabled soon.

3. Tertiary/ 3rd Unit: 

Following the secondary unit at a safe distance to take over as secondary and comms if primary or secondary were to fall out of the chase. May also be used as traffic control and block off additional suspect vehicles from interfering with pursuit.

4. Parallel Unit: 

Optional 4th- 6th UNITS (still follow Officers numbers rules) to run parallel to the pursuit. Looking to redirect, cut off or block off the route the suspect is taking. This unit is not directly involved in the pursuit but its goal is to anticipate the direction of travel and to intercept when necessary. Trying to block off alleyways or get ahead to spike the road for example.

• Vehicle pursuits require coordination, and as such will constitute a priority on the channel allowing for communication of involved and attaching units. Remember Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Parallel roles are important; do not cut off your fellow officers to gain the Primary position

• With this there are some rules that need to be followed:

• The maximum number of ground units in pursuit is 4 unless necessary (ie. PAC allows all officers on scene to respond, or if a large scale shootout occurs all units at the scene can pursue). Other units should be ready to deploy spikes / roadblocks upon request.

• The secondary unit or Air-1 will give directions.  Utilize your GPS blip on the screen to give updates to the current road and direction of travel.

• Only a supervisor can authorize pursuit ending techniques such as roadblocks, spike strips or PIT maneuvers. These are not to be deployed at will, and misuse will result in disciplinary action.

• If shots are fired during a pursuit, back off to a safe distance and follow safely. 

• Do not utilize oncoming lanes unless absolutely necessary and the primary officer reserves the right to call off pursuits if it becomes too dangerous to LEO or civilian life.

• If a pursuit gets too dangerous, the primary unit, a supervisor or Air-1 can call in tracking mode. This means that all units should reduce to Code 2 and back off to a safe distance.

• When an officer gets injured or is in a traffic collision, the last unit needs to break off and assist the injured officer. Unless additional units are nearby. 

• When a suspect drops an item or leaves a vehicle, the last unit is to secure this object or vehicle.

No vehicle at any time that is not equipped with a push bar should be in the primary position unless they are a HEAT unit and/or the vehicle is too fast for the others to keep up that are equipped with push bars. Should you be on a 10-11 and the vehicle takes off, immediately call for additional units and include the make of the model/color, occupants, and direction of travel in your traffic. 

Should your vehicle not be fast enough radio to a unit in the pursuit that has a better performance and request for them to take over primary and pass on the left while moving to the right to give them space to take over the pursuit. The secondary unit will always take comms to give turn-by-turn direction unless Air-1 is present and capable to do so.

Code 5 Felony Traffic Stop

Felony stops usually occur when a warrant is listed for the owner of a vehicle that has been pulled over. The procedure requires using a minimum of 3 units for one occupant.

The two primary units will perform an upside down V Formation towards the vehicle depending on the street makeup, in order to use their vehicles for cover if needed. While the third positions for a chase. If the vehicle decides to flee then 2 additional units on scene may attach. If the criminals request backup then PD may as well.

Should there be more than one occupant request an additional to assist with 3 total units in a W formation with all cars facing the vehicle to provide cover. Officers' setup in formation will be required to coordinate lethal and non-lethal options. The primary unit will be required to call out to the driver and announce their name & badge number along with specific commands (ensure Shouting):

• "Driver open your window, shut off the engine, remove the key and put your hands in the air"

• "With one hand throw the keys out the window, and using said hand open the door and step out facing away from us"

• "Looking through your eyes walk backwards to the sound of my voice, with your hands up"

Once the suspect has reached a safe distance from the officers to approach, a separate officer who was not issuing the commands will go in and cuff the individual and move them to a safe location from the road. All officers not going for cuffs should have guns/tasers aimed on the suspect to ensure safety. Should a second occupant be present, place the first in a cruiser to ensure they do not run away and repeat the process with basic commands of opening the window and using their hand to open the door, etc.

PIT Maneuver

If during a 10-68 the chase has gone on for an extended period of time and public damages are building, a supervisory rank can call for a PIT maneuver if a vehicle that is equipped with a push bar is in the pursuit. Doing a PIT can be dangerous for both parties if not done properly and in a contained area. Initiating at high speeds or in a high traffic area can have life threatening consequences on both sides.

Speeds of 80 MPH and lower are acceptable to attempt a PIT once cleared. This MUST be requested over the radio to a supervisory rank for approval. Should the primary unit be of such rank or decide it will occur, they must advise the pursuit team of what is planned. DO NOT attempt to PIT a vehicle near a cliff or anywhere that could cause excessive injury to civilians inside or out of the vehicle. 

Vehicles initiating the procedure must be equipped with a push bar and will aim to bump near the back tire side of the vehicle in order to cause a loss of control (ie. spin the car out). When PIT is successful and if possible all available units should move in to wedge the vehicle into submission.

 APET (Rolling Roadblock)

If a pursuit is slow enough and low violence, it is possible to use this technique to bring a pursuit to an end. It is only to be conducted with supervisor approval, and the following conditions must be met:

• Weather: As long as you are able to see a reasonable distance (for safety, no heavy fog).

• Traffic: Light traffic conditions in the immediate area of the maneuver, only due to the unpredictable nature of the suspects.

• Can be used instead of a normal road block, but other methods must be used/failed or deemed inappropriate to use (hostage etc.)

• Sufficient officer presence for the maneuver and back-up.

• The suspect has not fired a firearm or similar devices at officers.

Spike Strips

Spike Strips may be deployed on a fleeing vehicle under the following conditions:

• No hostages are present in the vehicle.

• The road conditions are safe, it isn’t raining and traffic is light.

• Be conscious of where the spiked vehicle will go after it loses control, do not spike people into gas stations or off cliffs.

• Ensure your position of deployment is safe and secure and you are protected from any impacts or engagement to the best of your ability.

Panic Button / Officer In Distress 

When a panic button is pressed by an officer, this initiates an automatic Dispatch notification. Any available officers at the time on the call are to respond to the distress call CODE-3. When the first units arrive on scene they need to advise if any further units are needed for the call.


Ensure force is matched when arriving on scene, just because an Officer may be distressed / down does not allow for elevated force unless appropriate criteria is met (3:1 ratio, or circling cars firing on officers).

Scene Coordination

When an active scene takes place that requires law enforcement mobilization, an officer will take scene command. (If a supervisor is present, this will usually be them). This individual identified as scene commander will issue instructions to ensure the efficient resolution of the scene. If a supervisor isn’t present, then the first responding officer will take command. 

When this is occurring, it is vital that radio traffic be kept to only essential traffic, and more essential than normal that 3-5 seconds are held between communications to make sure traffic is clear, and not cluttered. Do not panic, do not shout where possible, clear coms results in a coordinated scene.

Scene priorities include:

Containment - ensuring that suspects are not able to flee the scene and endanger further civilian life.

Time - Containing a scene provides law enforcement time to safely resolve the incident.

Measured response - Time permits a coordinated response from law enforcement to enact a solution.

Control - It is our job as officers to maintain control of any situation. This is not only vital for the safety of the officers on scene but also for suspects and the public. 

Target Identification

When involved in an incident, ensure you are always identifying targets. It is your responsibility to ensure you are utilizing force against the correct persons. Coordinate with other LEO on the scene and ensure you identify them before firing. **The sole identifying factor of a suspect can not be based on voice alone.** 

When moving through an area with an obstructed view, or a building, immediately call ‘BLUE’ when seeing another LEO to ensure they know you are friendly. (Be mindful of voice radius)

If you cannot safely take a shot because of; obstructed visibility, presence of hostages, or other contributing factors, HOLD FIRE.

It is safer to wait than to accidentally engage a hostage, civilian, or LEO.

Locals are considered civilians and the use of force against them follows the same principle.

Do not get tunnel vision within a scene, always keep situational awareness of the larger picture. Always ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, what is in front of, behind, or near a target or friendly unit.

Ensure at all times you are considering cover… not firing is a lot safer when you have somewhere to hide from the bullets.

Officer Discretion

As a Law Enforcement Officer, you hold a lot of power in your hands. Circumstances depending, you are able to utilize your best judgment to resolve a situation the best way you feel. In non-felony cases, or in cases without a direct victim that wishes to press charges, you may reduce a charge to a citation in lieu of arrest (A fine, with no jail time that still counts as the charge) or a warning, written or verbal for what took place.  Remember that civilians have lives, and our charges can change the path of their life. Accidents happen. Do your best to get the sentencing and fines done as quickly as possible so the civilian may return to their day to day life. Use your judgment, and be a human being.

Miranda Rights

After arresting or detaining someone first thing you must always read them their Miranda Rights:

“You have the right to remain silent, anything you say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you by the state if available. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you today?” 

Afterwards you are clear to ask any questions that are lawful.

Pat Downs 

Pat downs are over the clothing searches for bulky items such as weapons & large amounts of drugs / contraband. (ie 1-8 bags of drugs you may not notice spread throughout their pockets, anything more you would feel, unless a bag is present). The individual is considered detained during a pat down procedure and must be read their rights should anything illegal be felt / found. 

This method does require searching their inventory and the Officer should be expected to not see amounts of items within the reasonable range. Bags however cannot be searched during a pat down procedure.

Example #1 - Instances may occur where an individual may be in an area of, for example a drug call, where evidence has not led the Officer to a case of reasonable suspicion but a civilian is in the direct area. The Officer at the scene at their discretion may approach the civilian if they do not wish to wait for further evidence and request permission to provide a pat down with explanation as to why. The civilian has the right to deny but will assist in raising suspicion towards them. 

Example #2 - When arriving at a shots fired or assault call and an individual is directly in the area an Officer may at their discretion initiate a pat down procedure for their safety when neither reasonable suspicion or probable cause and no evidence prior to arrival is present. The civilian should be asked first if they are carrying a weapon prior to initiating a pat down and cannot deny this motion. Should they be found to be carrying a weapon and denied as such proceed to search their pockets and bag if present as it has become a case of obstruction and should be GSR tested.

Searching 

When you arrest or detain an individual with probable cause present you will always read them their Miranda Rights first. When you are searching a person’s pockets you will say, “Do you have anything on you that will poke me, stick me, or harm me in any way? Or something I should know about?” Afterwards you may search them with or without an answer from them if they choose not to speak. Should a bag be present, proceed to search it and place it back on their person.

Anytime a hostage is released from a situation they should be detained, rights read, and searched to ensure nothing was placed on their persons. Should they have items / weapons they cannot explain then proceed to further law enforcement protocols.

Civilian Ride Along Policy

No Civilian Ride Alongs, unless permitted by High Command.

Off Duty

When you are off duty you have no law enforcement powers and are not covered by department insurance to act in that capacity.

At no point should you interfere with or inject yourself into a scene being handled by on duty personnel and should follow all their instructions. Remember they are your colleagues and you are  a law abiding citizen, you wouldn’t argue or interfere.

You may carry a weapon off duty as long as you fully comply with civilian requirements.

Badges are not to be worn off duty unless on an active crime scene or incident, to do so randomly out shopping is unrealistic. While we do not prohibit the wearing of department t-shirts off duty, be aware that this can potentially make you a target for kidnapping or violence. 

Note, that you can and will be reprimanded for any offenses conducted off duty if you commit crimes and or lose your driver's license due to traffic infractions.

Shootouts

Shootouts are a complicated situation in terms of how to proceed as law enforcement. Especially in the case of organizations / groups in open conflict. Everyone who responds to the shootout should join a different radio channel, such as radio 3, to ensure clear and organized communication throughout the scene. 

In the event of all Officers on scene of a shootout going down, Officers MUST wait until all criminals have left the vicinity and they are certain the scene is Code 4 prior to going on scene and administering first aid/calling for EMS. 

Scenario 1:

If there is no one on scene when you arrive

• When you arrive on scene you should code 6 the immediate area. This is to check if there are any downed individuals in the area, see if anyone is hiding and if there are any vehicles left nearby. 

• If you find no one on scene you should be checking the area, using a flashlight, for any blood or bullet casings in the area.  Any evidence found on scene should be collected into evidence bags by a member of CID / detectives. If no CID members are available you must photograph the scene then any Officers with gloves are able to collect evidence. Send photos of the scene and lab reports to a CID Lead or Lead Detective.

Scenario 2:

If there are suspects on scene but there is no more shooting

• When you arrive at a shots fired scene all individuals in the immediate area are suspects and are subject to being detained on Reasonable Suspicion. Your investigation will determine who needs to stay detained and who doesn’t.

• Once suspects are detained you must secure the scene. Officers should make sure no one else walks on to the scene and there are no bodies or people hiding in the area by code 6-ing. Any blood or shell casing found on scene should be collected into evidence bags by a detective. If none are available you must photograph the scene then any Officer’s with gloves are able to collect evidence. Send photos of the scene and lab reports to a CID Lead or Lead Detective.

• Make sure all suspects are separated from each other and Mirandize all individuals. 

• With Reasonable Suspicion Officers are able to question suspects about what happened on scene alongside doing a GSR test. These individuals are also subject to a pat-down. During a pat-down, you are only able to find and seize large quantities of illegal items and weapons.

Scenario 3:

If the shootout is still active

• If there is an active shootout between groups of people the first thing Officers need to do is organize and create a perimeter around the shoot out. This is to help contain the shooting to one area and minimize risk or other civilians getting hurt. Officers need to keep a safe distance away from the active shootout to ensure they don't get caught in crossfire. 

• Officers can utilize all of the different tools to help gather information on the scene of the shoot out. Take pictures, record plates of vehicles involved, place down speed zones and make notes. Officers can also utilize vehicles available to them such as SUV's to help create roadblocks and Air-1 to get a better view of the scene. 

• Officers should only be getting involved in an active shootout between groups if either they are getting shot at themselves or they are posing a direct risk to civilians in the area. 

• Once the shootout is over Officers are able to move in and secure the scene. Once the scene is Code 4 detain any individuals found on scene and search them to remove any weapons. Then EMS should be called for any downed individuals and CID should start collecting any evidence on scene. If no CID members are available you must photograph the scene then any Officers with gloves are able to collect evidence. Send photos of the scene and lab reports to a CID Lead or Lead Detective.

Radio Traffic

The law enforcement radio channel is to be kept as clear as possible for the passage of information. There should be no conversation on the frequency.  If a supervisor calls for "Radio Silence" while they are on an active scene, ALL units MUST comply.

If you need to speak to another officer that isn’t duty related, use the appropriate means to do so. 

Always attempt to keep your transmissions as short as possible. Think about what you need to say before keying up. This allows for vital information to be transmitted without a channel being locked up with unnecessary communication. 

Channel 1 = Main PD Channel

Channel 2 = Tac Channel 1

Channel 3 = Tac Channel 2

Channel 4 = MUT-AID

10 codes at bottome of page

Code Response

Routine Response

Respond following all traffic laws, no lights, no sirens - For when there is no risk to life and no perpetrator is on scene (Reporting a break in, abandoned vehicle etc)

This is also the only response used while transporting suspects.

Code 1 - Response without Lights or Sirens. (expedited)

An expedited response to not alert people of law enforcement’s presence (used arriving at silent alarms, domestic assault or other tense volatile calls)

Code 2 - Response with lights but no siren.

A response for when there is a risk to property and or a crime is still occurring but there is no violence.

Code 3 - Response with lights and sirens, clearing all intersections.

Response for high risk emergency situations where time is critical - life at risk.

Code 4 – Scene is clear. 

All suspects have been transported, no crime was found, Traffic Stop Complete, Vehicles towed or Impounded, Ready to move to next call or return to patrol.

Code 5 – Felony Warrant Traffic Stop

Suspect has a felony warrant that has been issued.  If called, additional nearby units should respond with Code 2 to the scene as to not alert the suspects or alarm them.

Code 6 - Investigating an Area

When arriving in the general area of a call or unsure of the location of said situation within that area, advise on radio you are changing to Code-6. During this time you may either drive around the area with lights on/off (do not speed around) or advise Code-6 foot patrol and the area you are in if backup is required; if it is a better alternative. This tactic is ideal for drug calls when attempting to gain eyes on a potential seller and a vehicle is too obvious.

Drug Protocol

Discovery of Evidence

If caught, photographic evidence must be passed to a forensics division Lead. Once approved by a forensic division lead, and with enough evidence, a File will be made for the Person and/or location.

Acquiring The Evidence

Acquiring the evidence includes but is not limited to:

• Responding to drug selling calls.

• Responding to Shots Fired and Ongoing GTA calls

• Arresting someone for a crime not related to drugs but finding drugs in the suspect’s possession.

Documenting The Evidence

After acquiring the evidence, pictures must be taken of the evidence in the possession of the suspect(s) along with the suspect’s ID and location (when applicable).

Available and Viable Evidence 

                      To be adjusted with further advisement of drugs confiscated

                          LEGAL                                                     Intent to distribute (equal or greater)
Weed 5 bags/joints                                         10 bags/joints

 LSD- NOT LEGAL TO CARRY     5 tabs

Meth- NOT LEGAL TO CARRY     5 bags

Cocaine- NOT LEGAL TO CARRY                     5 Bags or 1 Brick

Heroine- NOT LEGAL TO CARRY                      5 bags or 3 Syringes

Oxy- 3 Bottles legal          6 Bottles 

• A vehicle's plate at more than 2 location of Drugs sold, or known drug manufacturing  locations, Or suspicious activity

• Processing, Manufacturing, and Collecting locations are viable IF obtained through proper means (investigating a drug call, getting the location through interrogation etc.) 

• You are NOT allowed to go out searching for labs and locations unprovoked or without the investigation asking for it.

• Any information obtained should be documented and logged in the File cabinet system.

Once evidence has been established to the materials used in the manufacturing of different drugs by law enforcement agencies then at that point anyone found carrying 6+ of those materials can be charged with intent to manufacture. 

Tips

• No Stalking - Do not needlessly follow a civilian without reasonable suspicion in the hope they will break the law.
  
  

• Don’t assume every civilian is a criminal - Many are living a normal legal life.
  
  

• Always try to de-escalate (calm down) instead of escalating a situation - Polite, Firm language will elicit more compliance than threats and anger.
  
  

• Professionalism at all times. Do not lower yourself to the criminals level - We follow the laws of the state and do not cut corners.
  
  

• Maintain confidence and control when talking to individuals or suspects - Maintaining control does not necessarily mean detaining an individual.  Maintaining can be obtained verbally at times as well.