¶ Section I - Precursor
This handbook will standardize various procedures and methods of conduct for law enforcement within San Andreas.
¶ Section II - Law Enforcement Basics
Police/Law Enforcement are tasked with protecting people and property as their core functions. Commonly the forefront of most departments are patrolling, and providing a public service; responding to emergency and non-emergency calls. Law Enforcement serve in many ways, conducting traffic stops, investigating crimes, crime prevention, assisting medical and fire personnel, and simply being present.
Law Enforcement enforce the laws, they are not a legislature, a judge, a jury, or an executioner. Citizens have the right to freedom of speech and protest these laws, they can ask their legislators to change the law or fight the law in court to have it forcibly changed. It is crucial to note that Police only enforce valid laws and do not make any.
¶ Section III - Basic LEO Conduct
All officers should remain mature, honest, patient, and respectful - at all times, especially in times of conflict with another officer or member.
San Andreas State has a "No-Retaliation" Policy against reporting anything, unless knowingly creating a false report or intending to ruining another reputations. San Andreas State also has a "Compulsory Reporting" Policy: any member/officer must report any misconduct, violations against SOPs, or malfeasances. (If you fail to report, while knowningly witnessing/privvy to the infraction/violation; you may be subject to discipilinary action for assisting/being complacent.
Respect orders and directives from any senior officers, including that of another department. Below are some positions that also should be respected, regardless of department:
- Scene Commanders are senior officers elected to take command of a priority, they have sole discretion of the scene and officer's assisting. Command members will not intervene unless needed, the scene commander will be responsibile for the scene.
- Watch Commanders are command members that are assigned to be the Patrol/Watch Coordinator and Commander, they are responsible for all doings on a patrol shift. Command Staff will allow this individual to handle all issues on that shift, for their assigned area. Escalations can go up to Command Staff that are online.
¶ Section IV - Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a legal body to administer justice within a defined field of responsibility. Commonly the State of San Andreas has 3 direct jurisdictions.
¶ State Jurisdiction
The direct manifestation of this jurisdiction is the San Andreas State Police [SASP/SAHP]. The State Jurisdiction is responsible for crimes pertaining to violations of State Law, or to the State as a whole. Crimes that happen in multiple jurisdictions that the federal jurisdiction does not want to investigate, will often land in the State. Such as crimes committed on US Highways/Interstates. The State Jurisdiction is large so oftentimes, the State will allow lower jurisdictions to lead the investigation and support where necessary.
- Crimes committed on Federal Property will fall to the Federal Jurisdiction, however if the Federal level wishes to not investigate, the State Jurisdiction will. Such as Federal Aviation Administration Property, but not including Military Installations.
¶ Blaine County Jurisdiction
The direct manifestation of this jurisdiction is the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office [BCSO]. The Blaine County Jurisdiction is responsible for crimes committed within the limits of Blaine County, and/or involving a Blaine County Official/Entity.
- Blaine County will often take the lead on all investigations within Blaine County, however if a case originates in Los Santos and ends in Blaine County, they must first allow the Federal and State Jurisdictions the case; this does not mean that the Department may be excluded from the investigation since they have a valid legal interest.
¶ Metropolitan Los Santos Jurisdiction
The direct manifestation of this jurisdiction is the Los Santos Police Department [LSPD/LSMPD] and Los Santos County Sheriff’s Office [LSCSO/LSSD]. he Metropolitan Los Santos Jurisdiction is responsible for crimes committed within the limits of the Los Santos, and/or involving a Los Santos Official/Entity.
- Los Santos will often take lead on all investigations within Los Santos City Limits, however if a case originates outside of Los Santos and ends in Los Santos, they must first allow the Federal and State Jurisdictions the case; this does not mean that the Department may be excluded from the investigation since they have a valid legal interest.
¶ Jurisdiction Overlap and Exclusions
First Responders are often given certain exceptions to bypass jurisdictions in specific cases, however this does not hold true for the investigation.
The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office may respond to an emergency call on Great Ocean Highway (US-1) as it is in Blaine County, but due to it being a Federally Subsidized roadway, either the State or Federal Jurisdictions should be the lead investigators; unless the case is turned over. As is the same with a Property such as Sandy Shores Airfield.
¶ Section V - Radio Conduct
¶ For Controlled Dispatch:
- Initial Contact: “Central/Dispatch, [CALLSIGN]”
- Wait for Dispatch/Central to respond “[Callsign] 10-4/Go Head”
- Radio Request: “[CALLSIGN] Requesting 10-_ at/on Location, Nearest Postal _,
- Radio Information: “[CALLSIGN] Vehicle Information AND/OR Person Information”
- “Vehicle Description is a (MAKE) (MODEL) (LICENSE PLATE) (OCCUPIED x_)”
- “Person Description is a (GENDER) (RACE) (BUILD) (CLOTHES)”
- Ending Contact: “Central/Dispatch, [CALLSIGN]”
¶ For Self-Dispatch:
- Starting a Traffic Stop: "Central/Dispatch, [CALLSIGN], 10-_ at/on Location, Nearest Postal #### - Vehicle Description is a (MAKE) (MODEL) (LICENSE PLATE) (OCCUPIED x_)."
- Ending the Traffic Stop: "[CALLSIGN], 10-11 is Code 4, 1 Citation -or- No Citation issued. Show me back 10-8
¶ General Information:
- 10-32 is only for requesting for additionals, you do not need to say “No Additional 32s”
- Keep radio channels clear! Clear, consise, informative transmissions are the most helpful!
¶ Section VI - Traffic Stop Procedure
¶ Probable cause:
- In order to stop a vehicle the Officer needs to observe them breaking a law.
¶ Initiating:
- Using Lights and using your siren to ensure the suspect knows the Officer is pulling them over
¶ Pre-contact:
- The Officer must radio in the traffic stop, vehicle description, and the number of occupants.
¶ Contact:
- The Officer must…
- Identify Him/herself
- Inform the suspect why he/she has pulled them over
- Ask for License, registration etc
- Run the persons through NCIC/MDT Database
- Return ID
- Inform the suspect that he/she can leave after the Officer has returned to his/her cruiser
- Ensure traffic is safe for the suspect to merge back and allow the suspect to leave
- Turn off your ELS and resume patrol
- After Contact: Officer must radio in that the situation is Code Four. Follow Ending Contact procedure.
¶ Section VII - High Traffic Stop Procedure/Felony Stop
¶ Initial Tactics:
- Radio vehicle plate, description, occupant info and general dispatch information.
- Communicate high-risk stop decision to other units/dispatch
- Initiate stop & position units (Contact / Cover)
- 3 Parallel Units, Perpendicular to the stopped vehicle
¶ Contact Officer:
- Assume the position of cover
- Announce the following:
- “Turn off engine”
- “Don’t move”
- “Throw keys out the window”
- “Driver / Passenger: put your hands against windshield"
- “Backseat: put your hands on the back of the front seat"
¶ Removal of Occupants:
- Announce (begin with driver)
- “Reach your hand out the window and open the door from the outside”
- “Step out of the car”
- “Put your hands up”
- “Kick the door shut”
¶ Control:
- Maintain cover & announce:
- “With your hands up, walk back toward the sound of my voice” (have subject move to left / right as necessary)
- When positioned correctly instruct subject to kneel
- “Slowly kneel on the ground and keep your hands in the air”
- “Palms facing front”
- “Cross your feet at the ankles”
¶ Clear The Vehicle:
- Clear vehicle — maximize Officer safety
¶ Ending Stop:
- Tow/Impound the vehicle if needed
- Arrest the appropriate parties
- Clear the stop via Radio
¶ Section VIII - Arrest and Detainment Procedure
¶ Initial Procedures
Ensure it is safe to detain and/or arrest the suspect/individual
If possible have another officer present
¶ Contact
Ask the individual “Do you possess anything on your person that can poke me, hurt me, or stab me?”
¶ Searching the Individual
For Arrests Only:
- Document the seized items in either an evidence bag or personal effects bag
- If applicable, search the vehicle “Do you have anything in your vehicle that I should know about or anything that may cause harm to me?”
- Questioning
- Mirandize the suspect before asking him/her any questions.
- Ask basic questions that are pertaint to your investigation - Name, Address, Motive, etc
- If they decline to answer, respect that it is their right
- Inform them of the charges
- Search them for an ID
¶ Transport
- The initiating officer/arresting officer MUST create the arrest report.
- Someone else may transport the suspect and process them so long as the arresting officer, initiating officer and/or scene commander has made an arrest report.
- The time of imprisonment must be told before you can authorize someone else to transport and/or book them.
- You may not respond to ANY calls while transporting.
¶ Section IX - Miranda Warning
- “You have the right to remain silent.”
- “Anything you say 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 of San Andreas”
- “Do you understand each of the rights I have just explained to you?”
If questioning,
- “With these rights in mind, do you wish to continue speaking with us?”
¶ Section X - Breaching Procedure
- Ensure a warrant and probable cause is verified
- Always grab a heavy weapon (AR or Shotgun) and grab your vest
- Always push from Left to Right then Bottom to Top/Top to Bottom
- Always allow SWAT or SRUs to breach first if available, if not push and breach with 2 other LEOs
- Announce yourself and keep focused
- “Police!“ “LSPD!“ Los Santos Police! Blaine County Sheriffs!”
- “Drop the weapon!/Put your hands in the air!”
- “Clear/Not Clear”
- Detain Suspect if applicable, then radio:
- “Scene secured, # suspects in custody”
¶ Section XI - Use of Force
The following is a rough outline of the use of force going from non-severe to severe.
¶ Officer Presence
Offender Threat: Obedient, Compliant, Non-Aggressive
Law Enforcement Actions: Physical Presence of Officer/Law Enforcement
¶ Verbal Commands
Offender Threat: Noncompliant, Physical Intimidation
Law Enforcement Actions: Lawful Commands
¶ Soft Techniques
Offender Threat: Passive Resistance
Law Enforcement Actions: Pepper Spray, Wrist Locks, Come Along
¶ Hard Techniques
Offender Threat: Defensive Resistance and Active Aggression
Law Enforcement Actions: Taser/Electronic Weapon, Baton, Strikes, and Takedowns
¶ Lethal Weapons
Offender Threat: Deadly Force, Deadly Assault, Threat of Officer Safety, Threat of Public Safety
Law Enforcement Actions: Firearms and Strikes to Vital Areas
¶ Section XII - General Security Guidelines:
¶ Initial Response
- One of the most important aspects of securing the crime scene is to preserve the scene with minimal contamination and disturbance of physical evidence. The initial response to an incident shall be expeditious and methodical. Upon arrival, the officer(s) shall assess the scene and treat the incident as a crime scene.
- The initial responding officer(s) shall promptly, yet cautiously, approach and enter crime scenes, remaining observant of any persons, vehicles, events, potential evidence, and environmental conditions.
- The initial responding officer(s) should:
- Note or log dispatch information (e.g., address/location, time, date, type of call, parties involved).
- Be aware of any persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene.
- Approach the scene cautiously, scan the entire area to thoroughly assess the scene, and note any possible secondary crime scenes. Be aware of any persons and vehicles in the vicinity that may be related to the crime.
- Make initial observations (look, listen, smell) to assess the scene and ensure officer safety before proceeding.
- Remain alert and attentive. Assume the crime is ongoing until determined to be otherwise.
- Treat the location as a crime scene until assessed and determined to be otherwise.
¶ General Safety
- Ensure that there is no immediate threat to other responders — scan areas for sights, sounds, and smells that may present danger to personnel (e.g., hazardous materials such as gasoline, natural gas). If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological weapons , or radiological or chemical threats the appropriate personnel/agency should be contacted prior to entering the scene
- Approach the scene in a manner designed to reduce the risk of harm to the officer(s) while maximizing the safety of victims, witnesses, and others in the area.
- Survey the scene for dangerous persons and control the situation.
- Notify supervisory personnel and call for assistance/backup.
¶ Crime Scene Control
- Control all individuals at the scene—prevent individuals from altering/destroying physical evidence by restricting movement, location, and activity while ensuring and maintaining safety at the scene.
- Identify all individuals at the scene, such as:
- Suspects: Secure and separate.
- Witnesses: Secure and separate.
- Bystanders: Determine whether witness, if so treat as above, if not, remove from the scene.
- Victims/family/friends: Control while showing compassion.
- Medical and other assisting personnel:
- Exclude unauthorized and nonessential personnel from the scene
a. (e.g., law enforcement officials not working the case, politicians, media).
- Exclude unauthorized and nonessential personnel from the scene
¶ Section XIII - Punishment, Promotions, and Demotions
¶ Promotions
- In LSPD, BCSO, and LSSO - the first 4 promotions are calculated automatically by our custom database.
- A Command member will need to promote the BCSO and LSSO officers, after the requirements are met so that any additional requirements can be met. (Set by Departments)
- LSPD officers are promoted by either command or server management, reports are only vetted/spot-checked for potential abuse, there can be no alternative requirements.
All promotions are earned, do not ask for promotions, this will result in delay in promotions, or demotion/strikes.
¶ Punishments/Demotions
NOTE: As of 5/19/2022, This is up to department command discretion and can be altered.
- Suspensions are for active investigations and/or punishments (Minor or Major) and will not last more than 10 business days or 14 regular calendar days
- Strikes are given based on the following system:
- Written Warning
- 1-2 Week Suspension (Strike 1)
- 2-4 Rank Demotion (Strike 2)
- Termination (Strike 3)
¶ Section XIV - Vehicle Policy
¶ General Precursor
This structure is designed to keep the vehicles organized and easily identifiable. Anyone from a higher ranking system/more advanced subdivision may drive lower vehicles.
¶ Unmarked Vehicles
- All vehicles are to remain MARKED. State Police Inspector’s Bureau may run an UNMARKED Vehicle, ONLY WHEN on Inspector’s Bureau operations (Stakeout, etc).
- You may NOT conduct a stop in an UNMARKED/UNDERCOVER vehicle.
- You may be an additional unit on a traffic stop, but you may not initiate one. Although, it’s advised against.
- Internal Affairs on official duty are also allowed to use unmarked variants.
- Lieutenants+ and above and above may use unmarked vehicles for official business, however it is recommended they stay marked.
- Commanders+ may use them regardless, however again should stay marked.
- Keynote: Department Wide, MARKED vehicles should be used 95% of the time, and there should always be a 1:4 ratio of unmarked to marked vehicles (again - if the above are met).
¶ Exemptions
No one is authorized to allow a lower rank to drive a vehicle OUTSIDE of their structure, however they may drive your vehicle and you must be presently active with them at all times. This is if you are authorized to complete ride-alongs.
¶ Vehicle Structure
NOTE: As of 5/19/2022: This section is per department and subject to rules by that department's Command Staff.
Departments may specify vehicles to ranks or to sub-divisions/divisions. Liveries on vehicles may also be set to a specific rank or sub-division.
¶ Section XV - Uniform Policy
NOTE: As of 5/19/2022: This section is per department and subject to rules by that department's Command Staff. Official uniform codes can be found on this wiki or by asking a fellow officer or supervisor.
All departments have a set uniform policy, all officers may abide by this with the following exemptions:
- Any Officer II+ in LSPD or Deputy I+ in LSSO/BCSO may alter duty belts or radio placements, etc - the duty belts, radio placements, etc must be on an authorized list from that department's command.
- Any Supervisor may use the rank insignias for the sleeves - the insignias are dependant on rank, set by that's department command.
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