Handbook
Handbook
Dear Officer
I would like to use this first sentence to congratulate you on joining the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department and before long I hope to see you on the server personally as soon as possible. You are one of many within the ranks of the LAPD now and where you end up is completely dependent on your drive, where you end up is your choice from this point on.
Within this handbook will be all the information necessary to ensure you will be able to correctly and efficiently do your job. This handbook contains information targeted at new recruits and will reflect that by covering as many aspects as can be covered with paper. And as much information as possible will be provided to those which cannot be fully described with words.
If you are a new officer, we would recommend you read this handbook in full in order to give yourself the most in-depth understanding of what is expected of you within the LAPD and any aspects you are unsure about. You should ask your superiors in order to be given clarification as soon as possible. If you are not new, checking the handbook regularly for any updates would be recommended however any major updates will be announced within the police chat on Discord meaning re-reading the handbook is not a requirement once you have done so once.
Miranda Rights
These MUST be read to anyone you detain, the moment you are detaining them, before you search or ask them any questions.
“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 provided to you by the state, if available.
Do you understand these rights that I have just read to you?”
Booking and Sentencing
You can find the full list of charges in the MDT.
When processing a suspect, try to gather the list of charges and add up the time and fine as quickly as possible, so the suspect doesn’t have to stand there waiting. If you take a very long time to add these up, you may provide “time served”.
Fingerprint Scan
Anyone who has committed a felony should have their fingerprint scanned. This can be used to identify them later or if someone else claims to be that person and the fingerprints do not match.
To scan them, simply escort the suspect to the scanner and open it. Direct the suspect to push their finger on the scanner. When they do, the number will appear and you must document that number. Select the number with your mouse and copy and paste it into the report. Remember to add the fingerprint to their profile. Lastly, create a Fingerprint report for that person by creating a new report under their name. The report title should be “Fingerprint ############## | FirstName LastName”. This makes the fingerprint searchable later.
Mugshots
Mugshots should be done in front of the height chart. Suspects MUST remove their masks and hats if it disrupts a clear view of their face. Mugshots are saved to profiles via URL. This can be done with your in-game phone (twitter camera) or a third party hosting, like taking a screenshot and uploading to imgur.
Lawyers
This is the only way time or fine can be reduced. Negotiations on charges may occur in the event a lawyer is hired. Lawyers may ask for physical evidence if police observation isn’t sufficient. Like for a warrant or the suspect isn’t caught till much later. If evidence is not provided, charges may be dropped. Lawyers can also negotiate lower tiered charges or fine/time reductions. These negotiations are for RP. Be thoughtful and creative in these discussions. If the suspect is paying the lawyer out of pocket, make it worth their while.
Report Writing
Reports should be as detailed as possible. Document as many of the events and details as you recall them from start to finish.
Titles should be easily searchable and follow the format of “Suspect Name | Largest Charges | Date”. Ex. “Klaus Holt | Store Robbery & Evading | 10/15/21”
Descriptions should have the following content;
Date and time (ex. Oct 15, 2021 @ 3:30PM EST)
Officers Involved (callsign and name, ex. 501 - K.Holt)
Detailed description of events
List of charges (ex. 1x Store Robbery)
Time. If time was reduced, put the original time in brackets.
Fine. If the fine was reduced, put the original fine in brackets.
Bullet Casing Serial Number Found
Fingerprint ID Found.
Whether they plead guilty or not guilty
Warrants
If a situation requires a warrant to be written, the report must be written in full detail and then submitted as a warrant. Be sure to have clear documented evidence in order for any officer to be able to execute the warrant. These can be VERY difficult to follow through with and any detail missing can result in the case to be thrown out.
Be sure to delete a warrant if either the suspect is caught and arrested for the warrant, or if there is not enough evidence to support an arrest.
Evidence
Evidence MUST be collected after a crime before all officers leave the scene. If at any point an officer is no longer present, the evidence is at risk of being compromised. In a robbery, the officer in charge of hostages is responsible for collecting that evidence.
If these pieces of evidence are connected to a report or warrant and required for processing. Indicate the location of the evidence in the report. Example “Fingerprint ID:XXXXXXX Locker: 1, Column 3, Row 42”
Never remove evidence from the evidence locker. Items that go in are logged and items that come out are flagged. If you are caught removing something from evidence you will be subject to disciplinary measures in ordinance with the Code of Conduct.
Radio Traffic Etiquette
Radio traffic should be clear, precise and minimal. Do not speak over anyone unless your life is in danger. Do not shout, keep your voice calm, unless the RP fits the situation.
Other Radio Rules to follow;
If you can’t remember 10-codes, use plain speech and try to remember the code for next time.
Never argue with another officer on the radio.
If you absolutely MUST interrupt a transmission, say “break” once, and transmit
Use a different radio station for specific scenes when there are multiple scenarios happening at once.
Confronting Criminals
Always have your weapon holstered if the situation isn’t life threatening
One of your primary duties as an officer will involve handling civilians. There are several important points to remember when approaching a civilian who is considered a Person of Interest.
Always announce yourself as an officer when confronting a suspect, and speak with the suspect before restraining. Never run up behind them and restrain them without first making verbal contact.
If a suspect flees, you are allowed to use non-lethal force to stop them unless the suspect presents a danger to your life or others.
Masks
When confronting someone with a full face mask, they can be subject to be searched if they refuse to remove the mask and identify themselves.
Cuffing / Detaining
In order to cuff a criminal, one of the follow must be true;
Be tazed on the ground
Tackled on the ground
Knocked (bleeding out or dead).
Have their hands up
Do NOT cuff a person if they are just standing there.
Reasonable Suspicion (RS)
A reasonable presumption that a crime has been, is being or will be committed. It is a reasonable belief based on facts or circumstances and is informed by the LEO’s training and experience. Reasonable Suspicion is seen as more than a guess or hunch, but less than Probable Cause. Having Reasonable Suspicion is ground for suspect detainment and questioning, but not search and seizure.
Probable Cause (PC)
Probable Cause to search exists when facts and circumstances known to the officer provide basis to believe that a crime was committed at the place to be searched, or that evidence of a crime exists at the location.
Newcomers to the City
As an officer you are also expected to serve the community. For example if you run into a new person in the city, you will be expected to talk and explain to that person where and how they can begin a life in the city. Even going above and beyond is ok and giving them a ride somewhere. Many times we could be the first interaction with someone that just flew into the city. Make them feel welcome.
Car Impound
When a car has been used in a serious crime such as a robbery, the car can be subject to impoundment, no matter who the owner of the vehicle is.
When Impounding a car, using the mobile MDT, note the owner of the car and license plate. Create a report in the tablet MDT, documenting the owner's name, license, date and time, and reason for impound. See the template at the bottom of the document.
Traffic Stops
Traffic stops should be made when someone has broken a traffic law and poses a safety hazard to others on the road. Small mistakes or infractions MAY be overlooked during busy hours, unless there is belief a traffic stop will result in further justice.
Procedure and steps
Lock speed and plate number.
Radio you are performing a traffic stop;
“<Callsign> performing a 10-38 at, <location>, <brief vehicle description>, <additional units required/not required>.”
When stopped and safe, tell the driver to turn off their engine before exiting
Introduce yourself, scan plate with mobile MDT app.
Get the driver's ID and match the name to the owner of the vehicle.
Ask the Driver if they know the reason they were stopped.
You may go back to your cruiser to document fines or check for warrants. Or call for backup if needed.
Issue fines and have the driver wait for your lights to be turned off before resuming patrol.
If the driver had committed any average or major offenses, they should be brought into the station and dealt with there.
You should radio for backup if;
The reason for the stop is for a severe felony where a code 5 is required
2 or more Officers required.
Suspect is known to be dangerous or becomes dangerous.
Additional unknown vehicles or individuals arrive on scene.
If the traffic stop becomes a pursuit.
Vehicle Pursuits
If the criminal's car is slower than your vehicle, prolong the chase until the car is broken or they are endangering a human life. Other rules;
After 2 minutes pitting is permitted. This should be done with great caution and only when there is no risk to bystanders. No ramming or slamming vehicles.
If the chase continues with no end in sight, you may be more aggressive.
Do not shoot unless human life is endangered. Eg. Suspects begin to shoot or deliberately run people over.
If suspects attempt to taze you out of your vehicle during a chase, give them a warning that you will open fire if they continue. If they continue it is considered endangering human life.
If suspects excessively and deliberately ram pursuing vehicles, you may attempt to disable the tires.
Attempt with tasers first, as suspects may perceive gun fire as an attempt on their lives and may respond erratically.
There should only be max 2 interceptors involved per chase.
Roadblocks
A roadblock is defined as aligning your vehicle perpendicular with the road or direction of travel in an attempt to use the broadside of your car to stop an escaping suspect. Roadblocks are very dangerous and should be used with caution. Although they can be useful for damaging suspect cars you must expect suspects to attempt to ram through these roadblocks. If a suspect rams your vehicle in a roadblock, consider the roadblock a success. The following rules and guidelines apply to roadblocks;
Do not shoot suspects for ramming your roadblock.
Your vehicle should remain stationary, do not attempt to move your car last second to block suspects, this puts pursuing officers at great risk of hitting your roadblock.
Remain in your vehicle unless placing spike strips or objects.
Do not stand behind your vehicle or objects. Expecting suspects will ram your roadblock, remaining in your car with the seatbelt on is the safest place.
Spike Strips
Spike strips should be used to stop a high-speed chase or dangerous criminal when other means have failed. It is important that these are used with caution as they could cause the driver to lose control.
Be sure to radio if you place spike strips and give descriptive detail on location.
See Robbery SOPs related to spike strip demands
Consent to Search
Probable Cause is required to search an individual without their consent. Miranda Rights should be read. You need to ask them if they have anything that will poke you, stick you or stab you prior to a search.
You are allowed to search a civilian if one of the following criteria is met;
Vehicle Search
The license plate or profile of the person have been reported in a crime that is typically connected with illegal items be in their car
Drug Activity Report, any vehicle that you observe in the red circle is subject to be questioned and searched. A vehicle in the area, but not visibly in the red circle is not justified to search.
Any illegal item seen, such as a weapon without a license, flashed in a car window
Any other arrest where items in their car could be connected.
Search of Person
Profile of person has been reported with an illegal weapon, especially after a call of shots fired.
If someone seems to be attempting to escape or avoid being questioned from a crime scene, search them or their car.
Drug Activity Report, any vehicle/person that is observed in the area is subject to a search. If there is no clear visual confirmation of them within the red circle, you no longer have probable cause.
If you don't have Probable Cause, you may ask the individual for consent to search their person. They may refuse if they have something illegal on them. Even though you may suspect they have illegal substances, you cannot search them without their consent or probable cause.
Use of Force
The universal guideline is to match the weapon of perpetrators when possible. Escalating to class 2’s should only be done when it is known a class 2 is present or the crime is of the highest magnitude in the city (Jewelry Store, Pacific Standard Public Deposit Bank, Gang shootouts). Escalating is dangerous and can cause additional harm.
There are 5 stages the use of force continuum to consider;
Officer Presence
An officer simply being present can prevent a crime from occuring.
Voice
Giving commands such as telling people to STOP or DISPERSE can stop crimes, and prevent further escalation.
Soft Hands
Placing cuffs on suspects or physically removing them from a scenario is the first step in physical contact with a suspect. If vocal commands have failed, you may request they put their hands up before cuffing and moving them to a safe location.
Hard Hands or Less than Lethal
Hitting or tazing to cause harm to detain, again, should only be considered when previous attempts have failed. Although these actions are not intended to be deadly, they could kill a suspect and must be used appropriately.
Lethal Force
Lethal force should be used as a last resort measure to prove the loss of innocent life. As soon as shots are fired, lethal force is authorized. If suspects are actively attempting to attack another person, even without a gun, lethal force can be authorized if a life is at risk.
Weapon Licenses
N/A.
Suspects are expected to carry the physical weapons license any time they are carrying a weapon.
Bank / Jewellery / Store / House Robbery
Police should always indicate immediately which roles they will play when dealing with negotiations. These roles are;
Primary
Leads in negotiations
Secondary
Provides necessary backup, either assisting in negotiations, radio traffic ordinance or looking out for additional danger.
Cover
Several officers can play this role, and provide cover and lookout for additional danger. These officers may also run plates on present escape vehicles, place spike strips, or manage any crowd that gathers.
Hostage / Evidence Collector
Minimum 1 officer should remain with any hostages and ensure their safe transition from suspect to officer custody.
Secure location. Breach with weapons out, ensuring no one is hiding and location is clear of danger.
Checking for evidence (fingerprints, blood, bullet casings) must be done immediately. If at any point the location is left with no officer presence you may not return to collect evidence, as it could be compromised.
General Rules
Match gun level being used in robbery
Do not enter if suspects claim to have a hostage
If they cannot prove they have a hostage, claims can be ignored with caution.
If the suspect refuses to surrender but does not shoot, continue negotiations and notify the suspects that we will be breaching. Talk suspects down at all costs.
If outnumbered, use your judgment on how to most safely secure the location. It’s not worth dying to someone stealing a couple of bucks from a store.
Suspects cannot be identified by the sound of their voice or just by their clothes. Gather as much physical evidence as possible if you intend to connect a suspect to the crime in the event they get away.
Free Passage, if demanded for a hostage, means the suspects may get in their car and drive to the nearest road without conflict.
Spike strips may be placed 1 block or out of sight of suspects.
All demands must be followed for the duration of the entire scene and chase. For example, If “No Spike Strips” was demanded in exchange for a hostage, at no point should spike strips be used.
The owners of vehicles used in a robbery are suspects. If they did not report their vehicle stolen prior to the robbery or they are unable to provide a valid alibi, charge with aiding and abetting.
Hostages
The following rules apply when a hostage is present;
Above all, value hostages' lives.
Suspects can take as many hostages as they have people (up to 4).
Suspects get 1 demand per hostage.
Do not jeopardize hostage lives, even if lethal is authorized. If shots are fired from inside, breach is authorized unless a hostage is still present.
Always secure the hostages or assign an officer before pursuing the suspect.
Bank Robbery Scenes are not all about getting the win.
Be creative and enjoy the RP experience and think outside the box!
Chief - Assistant Chief - Captain - Lieutenant - Sergeant - Corporal - Officer / Deputy
Chain of Command
If you have an issue you are to take it up with your direct superior, who will then either solve your issue or move it up the chain to their superior who will then do the same, either solve the issue or move it up. This will repeat until the issue is resolved.
You should never jump your chain of command unless you are within one of two scenarios;
If your issue is an emergency then you are to attempt to contact your direct superior, if they are unresponsive you can either go to a different superior of the same rank or move up the ladder yourself until you find an available superior who can assist you immediately.
If your issue is with your direct superior. In this case, you are allowed to jump over their head and contact their direct superior in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Promotion Policy
Promotions within the LAPD differ between each rank with some ranks being much easier to obtain while others require a lot of work in order to acquire. Being promoted from Officer to Officer II is considerably easier to receive than say a promotion from Lieutenant to Captain. Promotions within the lower end of the ranks are acquired on a feedback system. Good reports increase your chances of being promoted once promotions are coming around and bad reports decrease your chances of receiving said promotion.
Once you are at the rank of Sergeant promotions are handled by the Command team of the LAPD who will base their promotions off feedback given by other Sgt’s.
Following SGT, the next step for promotion is entering the Command Team usually at the Lieutenant spot. This promotion can only happen when the current lieutenant no longer holds their position. Once the spot is open, the Command Team will decide amongst themselves who they feel would be most suitable out of all the supervisors.
Promotions within the Command Team are no longer handled as per usual. Due to each role only having one slot, when a member of the Command Team resigns for any reason, the command members below them will each move up one role to fill in the gap, and then will proceed with a Lieutenant promotion in order to recreate the team.
This is a general view of the promotion policy and how one would make their way through the ranks however circumstances could see you jump ranks if seen required.
Transfer Requests
If you wish to transfer departments, it must be approved by both department heads. In most cases you will be transferred to the equivalent rank in the other department. In cases where there are no available spaces, you may be demoted to the next available open position.
You may ask the LSPD Chief or Assistant-Chief for the transfer form which will notify the BCSO Sheriff of your intent to transfer, this is also the indicator to the Sheriff of Chief’s approval.
Officer Application Eligibility
In order to become a police officer in Los Angeles the following rules apply;
Applicants must not have a felony.
Applicants must have good standing in the server, a cousin who has a bunch of OOC complaints is not likely a good candidate.
If the applicant was previously an officer and quit;
Officers can reapply if they have maintained a clean record.
Officers who left disrespectfully likely will not be re-approved.
If the applicant was previously an officer and was fired;
Depending on the circumstances, in most cases officers will be denied if they were fired.
If high command believes there is a risk of rehiring you, you will be denied, whether it’s a cousin or not.
Vehicle Protocols
Permitted vehicles will be available by rank. Officers should only use vehicles with liveries associated with their department.
All officers are expected to act professionally and become experts at de-escalating situations. In the event you are getting upset with a civilian or another officer you should step away and cool down. We expect you to own your actions while on duty and off duty and be respectful to the citizens and other officers of this city, even in situations where they are not being respectful you stay above it.
In the event that you violate the COC by unprofessional behavior and or corruption as a police officer you will be met with an Internal Affairs Investigations that could lead to Disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Corruption: The act of dishonesty by a person in a position of power, Often by people in government or a police officer. Selling of duty weapons or gear and or assisting criminals in committing crimes is prohibited.
Additional Officer Rules and Expectations
When driving, officers are expected to follow the rules of the road.
Officers must be able to identify out of character rule breaking. Using /report ensures the entire city is able to have a good time by making sure rule breakers stay out of the way.
Do not pull heavy weapons, like shotguns and assault rifles, out of thin air, just because GTA allows it, you must Role-play taking the gun out the gun rack or trunk in your car, this may be done with a /me command or saying you're grabbing it on voice.
Officers are expected to put in a minimum of 10 hours a week.
Document a leave of absence in the correct channel in Discord. Providing your callsign, start and end date. If there is no end date, please provide a reason.
If disciplinary action is to be taken against an officer they are to be disciplined according to this policy. The discipline policy can only be enforced by a Sergeant or above and can only be enforced to those of a lower rank. Meaning is a Sergeant can follow this policy with an officer or officer first class, however cannot enforce the policy to another Sergeant. The following order of action will be taken on anyone who breaks policy. Depending on the severity of the policy breakage, it is possible to bypass certain aspects of the Discipline structure. It should be noted that internal affairs can bypass this policy entirely if required as can any member of the High Command Staff.
Officers with outstanding written warnings are not eligible for promotion!
First Two Infractions - Verbal Warnings
The Verbal Warning is to be given on the officer's first offense. This warning is to be made clear to the offending officer that it is their first step down the Discipline route. This strike is reset if there are no issues with the officer for one week.
Second Two Infractions - Written Warnings
This is to be given to officers who have already been given two verbal warnings. A discord message will be sent to the offending officer detailing why they are receiving their written warning, any evidence to back up the written warning and should also inform the offending officer that action will be taken against them if they continue to disobey policy. These strikes are to be removed if there are no issues with the officer for two weeks.
Fifth Infraction - Demotion
This policy is to only be enforced by a Lieutenant or higher due to the implications it carries. If the offending officer was to fail to obey policy following their first four infractions they are subject to demotion. The drop in rank is to be one rank below their current rank, Captain to Lieutenant, Lieutenant to Sergeant, Sergeant to Officer First Class, Officer First Class to Officer. If the offending officer was already at the rank of Officer, they are to be demoted to the rank of Cadet where they will be required to retake training at the next available training session if it is their first time being demoted to Cadet. Officers who have received a demotion will no longer receive any verbal warnings and are always to be treated as though they have two verbal warnings.
Final Infraction - Termination
This policy can only be enforced by a Captain or higher due to the severity of the punishment. This is to only be carried out if reformation is deemed impossible for the offending officer and they are to be removed from the LSPD as soon as reasonably practicable. This is to be enforced onto officers who should be receiving a demotion to Cadet who have already been demoted to this rank once in the past. This policy can be enforced to those who do not meet the above requirements at the Colonel’s discretion providing adequate reason is provided to the High Command and is given the green light by High command.
Report Template
Tite: Suspect Name | Crime Committed | Date
Date:
Plea: Guilt / Not Guilty
Officer(s):
-
-
Description:
Charges:
-
-
Time: months
Fine: $
Vehicle:
Impounded / Stolen
License Plate:
Bullet Casing ID:
Fingerprint ID:
Car Impounded - Report Template
Title: IMPOUND: Car Owner Name | License Plate | Date and Time
Date and Time:
Officer:
Reason for Impound:
Stolen Car - Report Template
Title: STOLEN: Car Owner Name | License Plate | Date and Time
Date and Time:
Officer:
Victim Statement: