Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 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? With that being said, do you have any questions for me?" Booking and Sentencing You can find the full list of charges in the public Penal Codes. 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 their 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. This makes the person searchable by their fingerprint. If suspects refuse to have their fingerprint scanned, get his ID by clicking your home button and send them regardless. Lawyers 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.

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". 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 Items confiscated from them during processing. If Incident Report(s) / Warrant(s) / Wanted for Questioning(s)/ BOLO(s)/ or any other form of written report are not fully completed within 24 hours of creation - the creator will be disciplined in accordance with the current striking system as of April 2023 All documents must be ready and viable in any court based scenario within 24 hours of creation -All reports and written documents are held to a high standard within both departments and will be heavily monitored Wanted for Questioning If a situation requires a Wanted for Questioning to be written, the report must be written in full detail and then submitted as a warrant (it's actually a wanted for questioning but our MDT labels it as a warrant). Be sure to have clear documented evidence in order for any officer to be able to execute the case. These can be VERY difficult to follow through with and any detail missing can result in the case to be thrown out. After writing a wanted for questioning it must get approved by the judge before we can validate it as a warrant. If the judge finds enough evidence presented against the suspect we will be alerted that it has been changed to a WARRANT, and be able to update our title in the MDT to represent the case accordingly. The judge will give us the exact time and fine to give the suspect upon arrest. Be sure to mark the suspect as processed and guilty/not after they have served the wanted for questioning/warrant. If you do not mark them after they serve the time it will continue to let our officers think they have a warrant they have priorly served.

The evidence

must then be placed in the locker room on the lowest floor. The evidence locker will request a case number that will be the same as the incident number from the report created. 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 opens fire on an officer or civilians. 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; - Suspects must have their hands up. Be tased on the ground Tackled on the ground - Knocked (bleeding out or dead).

DO NOT CUFF A PERSON WITHOUT INTERACTION

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. The car must remain in impound for 24 hours from the time the crime was committed. When Impounding a car, note the owner of the car and license plate. Create a report in the tablet MDT, documenting the owner name, license, date and time, and reason for impound. See template at bottom of document.

When a person requests their car to be unimpounded, these procedures apply; - Only Corporals and above should remove cars from impound. Obtain ID from the person to ensure they are the owner of the vehicle Confirm in MDT they have not used it in a recent crime. Search for the person in the MDT and check the date/time of the latest crimes. Check other recent reports for indication the car might have been used. Ask them for the make and model, pull from impound, check mobile MDT for owner confirmation, and send the car to the depot for $0.

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;

1. Lock speed (NUM 8, NUM 5) and plate number (NUM 9, NUM 6) on readers.

2. Radio you are performing a traffic stop; a. " performing a 10-38 at, , , ."

3. When stopped and safe, tell the driver to turn off their engine before exiting

4. Introduce yourself, ask the driver if they know the reason for being stopped. Scan plate with mobile MDT app.

5. Get the driver's ID and match the name to the owner of the vehicle.

6. You may go back to your cruiser to document fines and check for warrants. Call for backup if needed.

7. 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 3 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/tase unless human life is endangered. Eg. Suspects begin to shoot or deliberately run people over. If suspects attempt to tase 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. If there are more than 3 police vehicles in the pursuit, additional units should look for ways to "run parallel" and cut off routes and create roadblocks where possible.

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.

-Pit Maneuvers There are 2 different types of pits; physical and playing in the bubble. Playing in the bubble is the safest option to keep from accidental ramming. However, if done right, physical contact pits work just as good and can be a safer pit. Pit timer is two minutes the moment the 10-80 starts. After a successful pit it is one full minute before the next pit attempt is allowed.

Physical contact: There are 2 ways to do a physical contact pit, the first one is to be diagonal to the car you are going to pit lining your front corner of your bumper up to the rear corner of theirs with the bumpers nearly touching. After that gently turn into their bumper. This is the hardest one to do as you have to be so close and match their speed. The other way to do a physical pit is to be diagonal to the car as before but be spaced off a little. Your front bumper matches their rear and swings in at a 35-45 degree angle at their bumper, avoid hitting the gas during this as it will cause it to hit the vehicle and appear as if you're ramming them.

Playing the bubble: The bubble is the small amount of desync when driving at higher speeds creating an invisible hitbox bubble you can hit when going for a pit. This tactic requires you to be very close to their bumper and is hard to execute. When you are within a foot of the bumper you want to swing your vehicle like you would in the physical contact pit but swipe behind the vehicle and not make contact, as stated, you have to be close and try not to accelerate into it.

Always remember no matter how smashed up your car is, your car's hitbox remains constant and is a constant "bubble" for the vehicle. Even though your bumper may be smashed in, the hitbox may still be there to make contact even if your car isn't touching. Remember there are 3 key things you need to think of before going for a pit

1. Is the pit necessary/justified?

2. Is the speed safe to pit? (below 95-100mph)

3. Is the surrounding area safe to pit the vehicle in?

Things to avoid:

- Don't come blazing in at a harsh angle.

-Don't try to pit too far into the vehicle or else it'll become a ram.

-Pitting in hazardous surroundings.

-Pitting in highly populated areas.

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.

- Additional Spike Strip Procedures found in Robbery SOP Interceptor

Interceptors

are law enforcement vehicles that are better equipped for the rigors of sustained high-speed driving, maneuverability and hard braking often associated with traffic enforcement or emergency response.

Usage Interceptors Should only be used during high stakes pursuits such as Fleeca, Paleto, Pacific, or Bobcat robberies or any high speed pursuits that potentially put normal patrol vehicles or civilians in the surrounding area at risk of serious harm or death.

Patrolling Certified interceptor operators may patrol in their assigned vehicle as long as at least 3 other patrol vehicles are out on duty. When another 3 patrol vehicles become available on duty a second interceptor may be out on patrol as well.

Bullying As an interceptor operator you should be making the conscious decision to not bully low-class vehicles with it. If you arrive on the scene and they have, say a Prius, try to get another unit to cover or swap with you, so you can swap to a lower-class interceptor, or just get another unit to take over your spot on the scene. If another unit arrives on a scene first and calls out that they need an interceptor and they already have max units, have one unit break off so you can join the scene.

Certification Interceptor is a rank and application based certification. Each interceptor is assigned to a rank and has lap times that are required to be met to be certified. Captain or higher reserve the right to pull the certifications of an interceptor operator if caught abusing the use of the interceptor in any way.

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 class 2 weapon, 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.

Officer Handbook 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 (Pacific Standard Public Deposit Bank, Bobcat Robbery, Casino Heist, Gang shootouts). Escalating is dangerous and can cause additional harm.

There are 5 stages the use of force continuum to consider;

1. Officer Presence a. An officer simply being present can prevent a crime from occuring.

2. Voice

a. Giving commands such as telling people to STOP or DISPERSE can stop crimes, and prevent further escalation.

3. Soft Hands

a. 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.

4. Hard Hands or Less than Lethal

a. Hitting or tasing 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.

5. Lethal Force

a. 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 Classifications Class

1 - Semi-Automatic Pistols Class

2 - Automatic Pistols / Rifles / SMGs, two handed weapons (Shotguns, Rifles, SMGs) Class

3 - Sniper Rifles, Miniguns, Rocket Launchers, Grenades

Robbery S.O.P.

Bank/ Jewelry/Store Police should always indicate immediately which roles they will play when dealing with negotiations. These roles are; 1. Primary

a. Leads in negotiations

2. Secondary

a. Provides necessary backup, either assisting in negotiations, radio traffic ordinance, or looking out for additional danger.

3. Cover

a. 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.

4. Hostage/Evidence Collector

a. Minimum 1 officer should remain with any hostages and ensure their safe transition from suspect to officer custody.

b. Secure location. Breach with weapons out, ensuring no one is hiding and location is clear of danger.

c. 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 Use /cam ## (store number) when available to get an idea of the situation before officers arrive, and communicate in detail the scene. 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 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.

- Current list of "3 minute rule" demands (If demanded, these demands give suspects 3 minutes before police are able to utilize these tools.

"No AIR 1"

- "No Spike Strips"

"No interceptors"

- 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.

- As stated in previous AIR1 SOPs, if "No AIR1" is requested as a demand. The helicopter can not be used for 3 minutes from the time the pursuit begins.

Officer Response Numbers

There should always be a certain number of officers that respond to different calls. There should be a minimum of two cars responding to all calls listed;

House robbery: 2-4 officers
Store robbery: 2-4 officers
Fleeca: 5 officers Paleto / Vangelico: 6 officers
Bobcat: 8 Officers Pacific: 8 officers

There is no need to have excessive officers at minor calls. Let primary officers on scenes determine how many additionals they require. Otherwise use your best judgment and determine if it'd be better if you returned to patrolling.

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.

- If suspects are not monitoring or have a gun pointed at the hostage, you may attempt a breach as long as the hostages are not put in danger.

- Store clerk “Abdul” cna be a hostage

Robbery Scenes are not about winning its about having fun on both ends

House Robbery

If there is a hostage visible, follow standard negotiation guidelines. In addition, houses should be approached with extreme caution. -

- Officers should not breach a house.

- Suspects should be granted a grace period when leaving a house where a line of communication should be established. Essentially permitted "free passage”.

- Do not immediately tase or shoot suspects. If suspects run straight for their car, officers should get to their cars and prepare for a pursuit. - An officer should remain at the home to clear the house and investigate for evidence.

Chain Of Command

LSPD/BCSO Ranks

LSPD - Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Commander, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Senior Officer, officer II, and Officer

BCSO - Sheriff, Under Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff, Commander, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Senior Deputy, Deputy II, and 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.

The purpose of the High Command team is to set policies and procedures which the entire police department will use to police the citizens of BlueRibbon. The High Command team make ask for the opinions of or present a vote on major policy changes but is not required to do so as they are the "governing body" of the police department.

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.

Vehicle Protocols

Permitted vehicles will be available by rank. Officers should only use vehicles with liveries associated with their department. Officer vehicles are permitted to have window tint but you must be able to see through the from window when in FPV (looking through your eyes), this is to ensure we are able to see if you are needing help when command are monitoring your bodycams.

Code of Conduct

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. 2.
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.
Mute in the RTO Channel in Discord whenever you are on duty!
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.
No facial tattoos allowed, you need to remain looking professional at all times.

Discipline Policy

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 Infraction - Verbal Warning.

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.

Second Two Infractions - Written Warnings (strikes)

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.

Fourth 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.

Helpful Tools

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:

Items Seized: Car Impounded - Report Template

Title: IMPOUND: Car Owner Name | License Plate | Date and Time Date and Time:

Officer:

Reason for Impound:

Car Impounded - Report Template