When an active scene takes place that requires large-scale law enforcement mobilization, an officer will take scene command. (If a supervisor is present or available, this will usually be them) This individual identified as scene command will issue instructions to ensure the efficient resolution of the scene.
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, and clear coms result 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.
Where Detectives are available, they can be called in to provide negotiation during barricade situations. If none are available, a volunteer can fulfill the same role.
Fire and medical assets are not to be called in until a scene is code 4 (safe) unless Tactical EMS assets are on standby, at which point they can respond immediately and provide on-scene care.
Stage any fire/medical units a safe distance away until needed.
Should a suspect barricade themself inside a store, house, or other building, and then flee, there must be officers left on the scene to clear the structure of any threats or gather any evidence left behind. This also goes for cars ditched or other evidence tossed by suspects.
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 LEOs on the scene and ensure you identify them before firing.
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, the presence of hostages, or other contributing factors, HOLD FIRE.
It is safer to wait than to accidentally engage a hostage, civilian, or LEO. (Remember that in real life the buildings around us are not solid boxes in a video game, but potentially businesses or homes with people inside, be mindful of this.)
AI 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 depend, you can 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 instead 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 character’s story. Accidents happen, and in real life, law enforcement understands that. Use your judgment, and be a human being.
Subject Searches
All Subjects should be searched upon arrest, this includes before being placed in a vehicle and after release from the hospital even if searched prior (In case any items have been taken during their stay) When a female requests a female officer for a search, they should be obliged where possible, and if it is not possible, should understand that there isn’t one available and that a search will be conducted (over clothing only) in front of body camera and dash camera for their and the officer’s safety. No member of the opposite sex should search a subject below their base layer of clothing (Under an item of clothing next to their skin) under any circumstances. (If this is required, and no member of the subject’s sex is available for a search, you may utilize county officers at this time. Items found under a subject’s clothing should be verbally identified for the camera and subject before being removed as carefully as possible.