Patrol and Pursuit Operations

Patrol Responsibilities 

One of an officers many duties including patrolling within their jurisdiction. While on patrol you are expected to be following all Legal laws of driving such as driving the speed limit, adhering to traffic signals.

Expected Patrol Responsibilities for a Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) Patrol Officer:

• Conduct proactive patrols within assigned areas to deter crime and maintain public safety.

• Respond promptly to calls for service, emergencies, and incidents.

• Enforce laws, regulations, and traffic rules to ensure public order.

• Conduct traffic stops, issue citations, and investigate traffic accidents.

• Identify and report suspicious activities, persons, or vehicles.

• Conduct field interviews and gather information for investigations.

• Provide assistance, guidance, and support to the public during emergencies or incidents.

• Maintain a visible presence to deter criminal activity and enhance community trust.

• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare reports for incidents attended.

• Participate in community-oriented policing initiatives and engage with community members.

• Collaborate with other officers, agencies, and departments during joint operations or investigations.

• Stay alert and aware of potential threats to personal safety and the safety of others.

• Use appropriate force, tactics, and techniques to safely apprehend suspects when necessary.

• Follow departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines in all patrol activities.

• Continuously update knowledge and skills through training programs and professional development opportunities.

• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patrol activities, incidents, and reports.

• Attend and testify in court proceedings related to investigations and arrests.

• Conduct follow-up investigations as assigned by supervisors or detectives.

• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, fellow officers, and other personnel using police radio and communication devices.

• Maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

Positions of a pursuit

• During a pursuit there are 3 positions

  • Primary unit:
    The Primary Unit's sole responsibility is to maintain visual of the fleeing suspect at all times, whilst keeping other units updated in the case that they lose visual on the pursuit. Primary Unit will also be charged with requesting and executing all offensive maneuvers taken against the suspect vehicle.

  • Secondary Unit:
    The secondary unit will be the 2nd unit in the pursuit and will attempt to maintain a visual on the primary unit and will continue to keep responding units notified of the direction of travel of the pursuit, and will be charged with the planning of road blocks or spike strips.

  • Support Units :
    The support units will be any vehicle behind the secondary unit and will ensure no other vehicles come from the rear of the pursuit to interfere, and will also aid any officer that crashes and is severely injured. The Last support unit will maintain his position with the vehicle in the scenario of a suspect exiting and fleeing on foot after a crash to ensure no outside parties begin tampering with evidence inside.

Units WILL NOT overtake another unit without proper communication before doing so. If the primary or secondary unit crashes, then at that point the units behind them may take over their positions. The crashed unit will stay where he is until all other officers have passed.

Use of Offensive Maneuvers 

The Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) has established specific expectations and guidelines for pursuit procedures with offensive maneuvers. These expectations outline the standards and protocols that LSPD officers are expected to follow when engaging in pursuits involving offensive maneuvers. Here is an explanation of these expectations:

1. Prioritize Public Safety: The primary objective during a pursuit is to ensure the safety of the public. LSPD officers must exercise caution and make decisions that minimize the risk of harm to innocent bystanders, other drivers, and themselves.

2. Authorization for Offensive Maneuvers: Offensive maneuvers, such as PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) or ramming, should only be utilized when authorized by a supervising officer or when there is an immediate threat to public safety or the safety of officers. Officers must use their judgment to determine the appropriate circumstances for employing offensive maneuvers. Note: A Sergeant must clear the Maneuver when it is Safe to do so; ie Non Residential Area, Low Speeds, few pedestrians. 

3. Training and Proficiency: LSPD officers who engage in pursuits involving offensive maneuvers are expected to undergo specialized training and demonstrate proficiency in executing these tactics. Officers must be well-versed in the specific techniques, risks, and potential outcomes associated with offensive maneuvers.

4. Communication and Coordination: Officers engaging in pursuits with offensive maneuvers must maintain clear and constant communication with the police dispatcher and other involved units. Effective coordination and communication help minimize the potential for misunderstandings, ensure situational awareness, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

5. Risk Assessment and Decision-Making: LSPD officers must continuously assess the risks and benefits of employing offensive maneuvers during a pursuit. They should evaluate factors such as speed, traffic conditions, road layout, weather, and the seriousness of the underlying offense when making decisions regarding the use of offensive tactics.

6. Minimal Force Necessary: Officers should use the least amount of force necessary to apprehend a suspect safely. Offensive maneuvers should be applied judiciously and proportionally, with the objective of immobilizing the suspect's vehicle without causing unnecessary harm or damage.

7. Documentation and Reporting: Following any pursuit involving offensive maneuvers, officers must complete accurate and comprehensive reports detailing the circumstances, justifications, and outcomes of the pursuit. Documentation should include a thorough account of the decision-making process, actions taken, and any resulting injuries or property damage.

8. Review and Accountability: The LSPD maintains a rigorous review process to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of pursuit procedures with offensive maneuvers. Supervisors and internal affairs personnel review pursuit incidents to ensure adherence to departmental policies, guidelines, and legal standards. Officers may be held accountable for any violations or deviations from established protocols.

9. Continuous Training and Evaluation: The LSPD is committed to providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities for officers involved in pursuits. This includes regular updates on pursuit tactics, legal considerations, and emerging best practices. Officers' performance and decision-making abilities may also be periodically evaluated to identify areas for improvement.

By establishing these expectations, the LSPD aims to balance the need for effective law enforcement with the safety of the public and officers during pursuits involving offensive maneuvers. Adherence to these guidelines helps promote professionalism, accountability, and public trust in the department's pursuit practices.

 Use of Defensive Maneuvers 

The Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) has specific expectations and guidelines for pursuit procedures involving defensive maneuvers. These expectations outline the standards and protocols that LSPD officers are expected to follow when engaging in pursuits and employing defensive tactics. Here is an explanation of these expectations:

1. Officer Safety and Public Safety: The safety of officers and the public is of paramount importance during a pursuit. LSPD officers must prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved and make decisions that minimize the risk of harm.

2. Appropriate Circumstances for Defensive Maneuvers: Defensive maneuvers, such as blocking or containment techniques, should be employed when necessary to reduce the risk to the public, officers, and the suspect. Officers should use their judgment to determine the appropriate circumstances for employing defensive tactics.

3. Training and Proficiency: LSPD officers engaging in pursuits involving defensive maneuvers are expected to undergo specialized training and demonstrate proficiency in executing these tactics. Officers must be well-versed in the specific techniques, risks, and potential outcomes associated with defensive maneuvers.

4. Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination are crucial during pursuits involving defensive maneuvers. Officers must maintain clear and constant communication with the police dispatcher and other involved units to ensure situational awareness, avoid misunderstandings, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

5. Risk Assessment and Decision-Making: Officers must continuously assess the risks and benefits of employing defensive maneuvers during a pursuit. Factors such as the seriousness of the offense, traffic conditions, road layout, weather, and the presence of pedestrians or bystanders should be taken into account when making decisions regarding defensive tactics.

6. Proportional Use of Force: LSPD officers should use force that is proportional to the threat posed by the suspect. Defensive maneuvers should be applied judiciously to protect officers and the public without causing unnecessary harm or damage.

7. Collaboration with Other Units: Officers engaged in pursuits involving defensive maneuvers should collaborate and coordinate with other units, such as air support or specialized response teams, to enhance the effectiveness and safety of the operation.

8. Documentation and Reporting: Following any pursuit involving defensive maneuvers, officers must complete accurate and comprehensive reports detailing the circumstances, justifications, and outcomes of the pursuit. Documentation should include a thorough account of the decision-making process, actions taken, and any resulting injuries or property damage.

9. Review and Accountability: The LSPD maintains a rigorous review process to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of pursuit procedures involving defensive maneuvers. Supervisors and internal affairs personnel review pursuit incidents to ensure adherence to departmental policies, guidelines, and legal standards. Officers may be held accountable for any violations or deviations from established protocols.

10. Continuous Training and Evaluation: The LSPD is committed to providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities for officers involved in pursuits. This includes regular updates on pursuit tactics, defensive techniques, legal considerations, and emerging best practices. Officers' performance and decision-making abilities may also be periodically evaluated to identify areas for improvement.

By establishing these expectations, the LSPD aims to ensure that defensive maneuvers during pursuits are conducted with the utmost regard for officer and public safety. Adherence to these guidelines helps maintain professionalism, accountability, and public trust in the department's pursuit practices.