When first arriving on the scene, make contact with the suspects. Introduce yourself and CLEARLY state that you are a lawman. Do NOT enter the building!
First on the scene (Deputy +) begins negotiations. They must remain at the door unless a higher-ranking deputy takes over or is requested.
When negotiations have begun, it is vital to find out how many suspects are involved in the robbery (inside and outside the building). Try to get a definitive number answer as to how many are inside, but remember criminals can lie. There MUST have a definitive yes or no to marksman, but they do not have to specify how many.
You must demand proof of life of the hostage and check on their well-being (Food, Water, and/or injuries). Inquire about the time remaining until the robbery is "complete."
If there is a hostage inside the bank the robbers are allowed no more than one demand (Free passage is not considered a demand). Any demand granted is to be enacted by all lawmen and robbers.
Ex: If the demand is no horses, then neither Lawmen nor Suspect may use horses.
Proceeding with Negotiations as a negotiator, you must relay important information from the suspects to your lead of operations.
You must give the suspects ample opportunity to exit the bank peacefully with their hands up and surrender themselves for a lesser fine and sentence.
Inform the suspects that if they do not surrender, when they are caught they will be stripped of all weapons on them.
Inform them if they run out of the confines of the Bank and/or Fort during negotiations, they are subject to be shot or arrested.
Ensure the safety of the hostage at all times. The hostage(s) life takes priority over the arrest of the suspects.
Use this information to help de-escalate the situation if the suspects threaten the hostage's life.
Inform the suspects that if at any point during negotiations they attempt to flee the building they could be shot immediately.
If at any point the hostage(s) die, the suspects lose any right to make demands and any current demands are not to be met.
In the case that the hostage(s) are killed, inform the suspects that if they do not surrender you and other lawmen will meet them with lethal force.
If there is no hostage(s), suspects are to be given three warnings that Lawmen will enter the building to apprehend them. They have until the final warning to surrender themselves.
Acceptable Demands
No Marksmen.
No Wagons.
No Horses (on foot only).
Creative Demands (highest rank on the scene must approve).
Unacceptable Demands
Giving a lockpick to a criminal.
Any amount of second(s) head-start.
No Lassos.
Free Passage out of Town.
All Lawmen on one side of the building (Why? You will get blown up most likely).
Two demands.
Do not line up for foot-chases, it will get you killed.
ALL DEMANDS ARE MUTUAL FOR BOTH SIDES, IF SUSPECTS BREAK THE DEMANDS YOU ARE ABLE TO BREAK THEM TOO. HOWEVER, THEY MUST BREAK THEM FIRST.
The highest-ranking deputy must take the responsibility of Lead of Operations (unless delegated to someone else).
As Lead of Operations, it is your job to ensure that all lawmen on the scene know their responsibilities (Positions, Marksmen, Demands) and are working together efficiently.
Position the Lawmen in strategic locations that will ensure the safety of the hostage(s) and help detain the suspects. If numbers allow it, ensure that there is at least one deputy on each major street/exit and block anyone from entering the scene.
Essentially telling people where to go and what to do.
Instruct the deputies to turn anyone away who tried to approach the building. If they do not comply after three warnings arrest them for Obstruction of a Court Officer.
Have Deputies search known marksmen positions and report back to the Lead of Operations.
The Lead of Operations is responsible for deciding the charges of the suspects once they are in custody. This ensures everyone is being treated equally as a group during a robbery.
If you have been selected as a Marksman / Spotter it is your job to get a vantage point on the Bank and or Store.
Before you set up, be sure to secure the rooftops surrounding the active crime scene and report back to the Lead of Operations. (If possible VIA Mail in order to keep an eye on the Marksmen.
If possible, try to silently subdue the suspect Marksman and do NOT bring him to the bank or store. Take them straight to the station or have a lawman pick them up so you can resume your position as a marksman.
Once the rooftops are secure, find a position to get a good line of sight on the building and surrounding areas. In this situation, you will be cut off. do NOT take any shots until it is completely clear that fellow deputies or the hostage(s) are in danger.
While in your position, you should be looking for anything that may seem off. Whether that be on rooftops or on the ground around the building. Be sure to cover the negotiator. Do not move from the position until the scene is called as clear.
Once the scene is clear, meet up with the Negotiator and help clear the building. Help where it is needed.
When arriving on the scene, assess the situation. Find the Lead of Operations and be prepared to take orders. If there is no Lead, prepare to take the role yourself if you are the highest rank on the scene.
Any backup on the scene must proceed to set up, covering any open doors or alleyways and clearing civilians from the area.
Wait for the Lead of Operations to direct you. As backup, try to be seen and not heard. The negotiator needs to hear and be heard by the suspects. This could be a life-and-death situation. Treat it as such!
The Lead will inform you what's going on and what steps need to be taken. Stay at your assigned post until the lead commands you. Even if you can hear the demands.
Once you are moved and are in a position to either breach to take chase, be sure to pay attention to what's going on.
If breaching, wait until the three calls have been made by the Lead of Operations. The negotiator will give them a proper chance to surrender.
Once you have been cleared to breach do not start shouting over each other. Give proper, clear, and short calls so everyone knows what's going on.
If chasing, wait until the suspects get on horses or make a break on foot. Then THREE calls. "Lawmen, STOP! Or you WILL be shot!". Then you may proceed to take down the suspects. Non-lethal force is always the best solution, however, if lethal force is needed it can be taken.
Once suspects are subdued, bring them to the closest station ASAP.
If Lawmen go down and backup is called, then the Lawmen who arrive to the scene are essentially "clean up crew." In other words, Lawmen who were not apart of the original robbery are only there to pick up dead Lawmen and not get involved in the scene.
Full Robbery Scenario
How to deal with unruly citizens during scenario.
Gang v. Gang Shootout.
Lawmen v. Gang Shootout.
Town Shootout.
Wagon Robbery Scenario.