Law

Enforcement
Officer
Standard Operating Procedure
Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction
A. Welcome
B. Code of Conduct
II. Law Enforcement Officer
 A. Procedures
1. Communications
2. Traffic Stops
3. “Code 5” High Risk / Felony stops
4. Pursuits
5. Arrest and Detention
6. Use of Force
7. Search Warrant
B. Subdivisions

I. Introduction

Welcome
Welcome to Law Enforcement. This SOP was written to inform you on how to properly conduct
yourself when on duty, how to properly carry out your duties, and inform you of all
information required for you to operate as an officer whatever your role may be.

Code of Conduct
Each Officer is and will be responsible for their own actions both on and off duty. Officers are
the face of the community. It is your responsibility to uphold the laws set forth by butt
RP. It is also your responsibility to ensure the safety of the community, community
members, and visitors while bringing criminals to justice.
Every Officer is always expected to operate at the highest level of professionalism at all times,
At no point should an officer break character unless for extenuating circumstances.
Officers are required to obey, follow, and enforce laws set-forth by the butt Roleplay HA
Team. Furthermore, any questions, comments, or concerns relating to the rules or laws
should be brought to the attention of your commanding officer (CO) or other community
leaders. At no point shall an officer enforce a law, that is NOT written, that they “think”
or “feel” is justified.

As a law enforcement officer, it is also our responsibility to ensure that ALL members of the
community are given a chance to Role Play (RP) their own individual scene. By
accepting the position as a law enforcement officer, you thereby agree to NOT “plant
evidence”, force role play and will abide by the rules and regulations of conduct set forth
by the San Andreas Cops Community.

II. ​Law Enforcement Officer

Procedures

Section 2.0 - ​Communications :

All law enforcement Officers are expected to operate with the utmost professionalism at
all times both on and off duty. Failure to do so OR failure to use the radio properly may
result in verbal or written warning or more severe consequences including but are not
limited to immediate termination of employment.
Section 2.1 - Public Interaction (out of game) : ​This includes talking/hanging out in
discord.
● Must act professionally at all times.
● Must treat all members with respect.
● Do Not rant or argue in “general chat” rooms.
● Do Not disrespect or put someone down
● This includes but it not limited to : Ethnicity, Religion, Race, Cultural
Practices, and/or mental or physical disabilities.
● If there is ever an issue, do your best to defuse the situation and alert a staff
member or commanding officer.

Section 2.2 - Public Interaction ​: ​This includes traffic stops, community events, and
investigations,
● Professional manner at all times.
● Stay in character at all times.
● Refrain from excessive cursing or sarcasm.

Section 2.3 - Communications ​:

● Remain calm at ALL times - Do not “yell” or “scream”.
● Wait for comms to clear before speaking - Do not interrupt.
● Respect a “Signal 100” - Priority Call.
○ Hold all other calls during a “signal 100” until lifted by dispatch.
○ RTO (Radio Traffic Only) Means use the right radio transmissions

Section 2.4 - 10-codes ​:

● It is okay to use common speak however, the use of 10-codes are preferred.
● A complete list of codes and specialities are available below.

Section 2.5 - Status/Response codes ​:

● Code 0 (zero) - Game Crash
● Code 1 - Respond promptly while follow traffic laws. (No lights or siren)
● Code 2 - Response using Lights only, however blip siren to alert traffic.
● Code 3 - Respond immediately using Lights and Siren.
● Code 4 - All clear/Safe/No additionals needed.
 ● Code 5 - Felony traffic stop.
Section 2.6 - Threat Level Colors ​:
● Red​ - High Risk area. Threat level red may indicate war/combat type zone.
● Yellow ​- Medium risk area. Threat level yellow may indicate areas of ongoing
criminal activity with minimal or no active threat
● Green ​- Low risk area. Threat level green indicates minimal or no criminal
activity.

Section 3.0 - ​Traffic Stops :

A standard traffic stop is the most common stop performed while on duty. A
traffic stop should be performed if you visually see the suspect commit an offense such
as; Speeding, running a red light / stop sign, illegal U-turn or passing, etc. . . refer to San
Andreas Cops penal code Document.
Section 3.1 - ​Standard traffic violation​ ​:
● Use full light pattern
● Blip siren three times (3x) in short 1-2sec burts.
○ If the subject does NOT stop - blip the siren a few more times
○ If the subject does NOT stop - Use horn to alert the subject.
○ If the subject continues, radio dispatch to initiate a 10-80.
○ Be sure to give them a reasonable amount of time to find a safe place to pull-over
● Radio :​ dispatch with the following information :
○ Stop type : 10-11, 10-55, code 5.
○ Location
○ Vehicle description and number of occupants.
○ Request backup if needed and a suggested response.
○ Example : ​“1D-01 show me on active 10-11, With a Blue Dukes, on East Route
68 near Harmony 24/7. No additional needed.

Section 3.2 - ​Final Stop​ ​:

● Once the vehicle stops :
○ Radio Dispatch for a 10-28 : plate check.
OR
○ Use the MDT to check vehicle information.
○ Exit Cruiser ​and approach :
■ Never walk in the “dead zone” : Area between vehicles
■ Always walk behind your cruiser to the right.
 ■ Touch the rear brake light to leave your fingerprint.
■ Initial contact with suspect should include :
● Name & Department
● Reasoning for the stop.
● Ask : Any reason for the offense.
● Example : ​“Good afternoon Sir my name is Sheriff Alex with the Blaine County
Sheriff’s Office. The reason for the stop is due to the speed back on Joshua, any reason
you are going so fast?”

Section 3.3 - ​Final Stop : Continued

● Suspect Information : Ask for
○ Driver License or ID
○ Proof of valid Insurance
○ Proof of valid Registration
● Once the information is collected return to your vehicle.
● Radio​ for a 10-27 & 10-29 : Name and warrant check.
○ Use MDT
● If the individual comes back clean & clear.
○ Decide if you want to ​warn​ or ​ticket​ the suspect.
○ Return to the vehicle - Hand back their information.
● If the individual comes back with warrants ask for 2 Additionals for Code 5 Stop.

Section 3.4 - ​Warnings :

● Verbal warnings​ - Issued with no document, fine, or signature.
○ Explain the offence to the suspect.
○ Return their documents and notify they are free to leave when lights go off.
● Written warnings ​- Issued with document of the warning
○ Requires a signature indicating he/she acknowledge the warning given.
○ No individual should receive more than one warning (verbal or written) per
offence.

Section 3.5 - ​Tickets / Citation :

● Tickets​ - Issued directly to the individual committing the offence.
○ It is up to the officer involved to determine:
■ Citation amount ($) up that listed in the penal code.
○ A “Court Date” 4 days (96 hours) from the date received will required that :
■ The citation is paid in full.
OR

■ The citation has been disputed and removed from record.

○ Citation must be signed upon issue.
■ This indicated the suspect agrees to pay OR dispute the ticket.
● If the suspect signs ​- They will be given back all documents (ID, Insurance, and Reg.)
and a copy of the citation and released after.
● If the suspect refuses to sign​ - They are indicating they will NOT pay OR dispute the
citation. They must then be taken into custody and held in the county jail unter their trial
in court. (Maximum 1 month)
● End Stop :​ Radio dispatch to call yourself “10-08 code 4” when done.

Section 4.0 - ​“Code 5” High Risk / Felony stops

A “code 5” or high risk/felony stop is to be used when you believe the suspect to be a
danger to yourself, the community, or other officers. You should also use a code 5 stop if you
believe the suspect to be armed and dangerous, has active warrants, felony flags, or if the suspect
has an active B.O.L.O.

Section 4.1 - ​Initiating a “code 5” High Risk Stop :

● Initiate the stop :
○ Use your full light pattern
○ Blip the siren quickly three times (3x) in a row in short 1-2sec burts
■ If the subject does NOT stop - blip the siren a few more time
OR
■ If the subject does NOT stop - Use horn to alert the subject
○ If the subject continues, radio dispatch to initiate a 10-80.
 ○ Be sure to give them a reasonable amount of time to find a safe place to pull-over.
● Radio : ​dispatch with the following information
○ Stop type : Code 5
○ Location.
○ Vehicle description with the number of occupants.
○ Request backup and a suggested response code.
○ No officer should ever perform a High Risk stop alone.
● Example : ​“1D-01 I’ve got a blue dukes occupied x3 on East Route 68 near Harmony
24/7. Can I get 10-32 to my location, code 3 for a code 5 stop.”
○ Remain inside your vehicle until backup arrives.
Section 4.2 - ​Backup Arrives :
● Once additional officers arrive place both patrol vehicles in a “V” formation facing the
rear of the suspects vehicle.
○ Takedown lights activated.
● Exit your patrol car and draw your side arm (pistol) :
○ Remain behind your driver door for protection.
○ Focus on one suspect at a time… starting with the driver.
● The initiating officer should be the one to order commands.
○ If you are unable or feel that you can not fulfill this action clearly, communicate
that to the secondary officer so they can take over.

Section 4.3 - ​Verbal Commands :

● “Driver of the vehicle, shut the engine off and place the keys on the dash.”
● “Keep your hands up. Now with your left hand reach out the window and open the door.”
● “Step out of the vehicle, keep your hands up and face away from me.”
● “Now walk backwards to the sound of my voice.”
● “Take (# of steps) left/right and continue to come back.”
● “STOP. Get on your knees, put your hands on your head, interlock your fingers and do
not move.”

Section 4.4 - ​Detention and Arrest :

● If there are only 2 officers on scene :
○ One officer will need to cover the car while the other cuffs the suspect and
places him directly into a patrol vehicle
● If there is more than 2 officer on scene :
○ One will cover the car.
○ One will remain pointed at the suspect.
○ One will cuff and place the suspect into a patrol vehicle.
 ● One all suspects are removed from the vehicle clear the suspects vehicle.
○ 2 officers should approach the left and right of the car.
○ Make sure no one is lying in the front or back seats.
○ Have one officer open the trunk to clear it as well.

Section 4.5 - ​End code 5 :

● One the vehicle is clear and all suspects are detained
○ Call dispatch to let them know the scene is now code 4 (all clear)
○ Proceed with searching the suspects and arrests (if applicable)

Thing to remember : Traffic Stops

● Always stay in control of the traffic stop - You call the shots.
● Always play it safe - If something doesn’t feel right, call for backup.
● Safety is your number one priority - Both officer and community.
● Remain calm and do not rush - When you hurry, mistakes will be made.
● Never “make it up” - if you are unsure, call to dispatch or a C.O.

Things to remember : “Code 5”

● Always stay in control - You call the shots.
● Stay behind your cruiser / door for protection.
● Safety is your number one priority - Both officer and community.
● Remain calm and do not rush - When you are in a hurry, mistakes will be made.
● Never “make it up” - if you are unsure, call to dispatch or a C.O.
● Always keep dispatch in formed.

PURSUITS
Section 5.0 - ​Vehicle Pursuits :
Vehicle pursuits are one of the more dangerous pursuits due to speed ranging anywhere
from 20-30 mph all the way up to 120+mph. It is your number one priority to ensure public
safety at all times while in the pursuit of a suspect.
Section 5.1 - ​Vehicle pursuits :
● Initiating a vehicle pursuit :
○ Full code 3 must be used - Lights and siren
 ○ Initiate a signal 100 by alerting dispatch
Section 5.2 - ​Primary Officer Responsibilities :
● Location and direction of travel.
● Speed of the fleeing vehicle.
● Description of the fleeing vehicle and license number, if known.
● Number of known occupants.
● The identity or description of the known occupants.
● Information concerning the use of firearms, a threat of force, injuries, hostages or
other unusual hazards.
Section 5.3 - ​Secondary Officer Responsibilities :
● Should notify dispatch of entry into pursuit.
● Responsible for taking over location and direction of travel.
● Remain a safe distance away from the primary to avoid accidents/collisions.
● Request a marked unit if one has not yet joined the pursuit.
Section 5.4 - ​Pursuit driving Technique :
● First consider the limitation of both your vehicle and your driving capabilities.
Position yourself in a way that allows you to see and avoid road hazards and
maneuver safely.
● Officers involved in the pursuit should :
○ Change siren to “faser”.
○ Check all lanes to make sure it’s clear before proceeding.
● Intersections can present and increased risk :
○ Officers not directly involved should attempt to block cross traffic and
warn pedestrians.
● Officers and Troops should NEVER pursue a vehicle driving left of center (wrong
way) on a freeway. Alternate options include :
○ Call for assistance from an air unit.
○ Maintain visual while paralleling in the proper lane.
○ Request others officers block or observer exits ahead.
○ Officers should NEVER attempt to pass other units involved unless for
extenuating circumstances
Section 5.5 - ​Reduce Code :
● Public Danger :
○ If the primary unit OR a commanding officer feels that continuation of the
pursuit may put danger to public or officers safety you will be asked to
reduce to code one (1) and discontinue the pursuit.
○ A B.O.L.O. will be sent out by the primary officer as well as any
pertinent information to surrounding units and departments.
 ○ SAFE capture of the individual will be tried again later.

● Loss of Pursued Vehicle “10-0 Lost Eyes” :

○ During a pursuit, officers may lose visual contact with the fleeing suspect.
○ Reduce to code 2, and begin a search using an expanding perimeter in the
area where the suspect was last seen.
○ A B.O.L.O will be sent out by the primary officer as well as any pertinent
information to surrounding units and departments.

Section 5.6 - ​When to terminate a pursuit :

● Distance between pursuing officers and the suspect is so great that further pursuit
would be futile and require to continue for an unreasonable amount of time.
● Pursued vehicle’s location is no longer definitely known.
● Officer’s vehicle sustains any type of damage that renders it unsafe to drive.
● If a pursuing officer is injured or killed and no other units are available.
● Hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists.
● The identity of the offender is known and the risk of continuing the pursuit
outweighs the need of immediate capture.

Section 5.7 - ​Pursuit Intervention Technique (P.I.T) :

● Should only be performed by officers who have been properly trained.
● Require approval from dispatch or a supervisor

Things to remember :
● Primary officer is in control and needs to relay all information.
● Secondary officer should take over location and direction once attached.
● Safety is your number one priority - Both officers and community.
● NEVER drive left of center - oncoming lanes.
● If an officer is injured, stop to provide aid unless another officer is available.
● Always keep dispatch in formed.

Section 6.0 - ​Foot Pursuits :

Foot pursuits are inherently dangerous and require common sense, sound tactics, and heightened
officer safety awareness. The decision to initiate or continue the pursuit of suspects on foot must
have a balance between apprehending the suspect and the risk of potential injury to the officer,
the public or the suspect.
Section 6.1 - ​Foot pursuits :
● Decision to pursue :
○ Officers are justified in initiating a foot pursuit if the officer believes the
individual is about to engage in, is engaging in or has engaged in criminal
activity.
○ If an individual who is NOT suspected of criminal activity flees that will not
justify an extended foot pursuit.
○ Deciding to initiate or continue a foot pursuit is a decision that will need to be
made quickly with the dynamic of the circumstances in mind. No officer or
trooper shall be punished if he/she feels the risk to personal or public safety is too
high.

Section 6.2 - ​Rules for Foot Pursuit :

● Stay within eye contact of partner/backup.
● Discontinue pursuit if :
○ Directed by a supervisor to terminate the foot pursuit.
○ If you are acting alone and no backup is available.
○ Location and/or direction of travel is unknown.
○ The suspect’s location is no longer definitely known.
○ Danger to the pursuing officer(s) or public outweighs the need for immediate
apprehension.

Section 6.3 - ​Primary Officer Responsibilities :

● Unless relieved by another officer or supervisor, the primary officer is and will be
responsible for coordinating the pursuit.
● Officers should broadcast the following information as soon as feasibly possible :
○ Location and direction of travel.
○ Reason for pursuit.
○ Number of suspects and a description.
○ Whether the suspect is armed.

Section 6.4 - ​Secondary Officer Responsibilities :

● Minimize any non-essential radio traffic.
● Position to intercept and/ or aid in the foot pursuit.

Section 7.0 - ​Arrest and Detention :

 An officer or deputy who makes or attempts to make an arrest and/or detain individuals
suspected of a crime should NEVER retreat nor desist from his/her efforts by reason of
resistance or threatened resistance of the person being arrested. Furthermore, the officer(s)
involved will not be deemed the aggressor or lose his/her right to self-defense.

Section 7.1 - ​When to Arrest :​ ​(Must read miranda rights)

● Arrest is defined as​ - seize (someone) by legal authority and take into custody.
● When to Arrest :​ (Must read miranda rights)
○ Suspect is wanted for further questioning
○ Officers suspect that an individual will need to be arrested.
○ Individual poses a threat to officer immediate safety.

Section 7.2 - ​Miranda Rights :

● “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 for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these
rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”
● When to Read Miranda Rights :
○ When a suspect is under arrest.
○ When questioning a suspect who is being arrested
○ At the beginning of an interrogation of an arresty.

Section 7.3 - ​Additional restraint devices :

● Spit Bag :
○ Mesh bag placed over the head to stop a suspect from being spit on.
● Restraint chair :
○ Wheelchair style device that had been fitted with straps to restrain an aggressive
individual while in custody.

Section 8.0 - ​Use of Force :

The use of force by officers and deputies requires constant evaluation. Even at its lowest
level, the use of force is a serious responsibility and should never be taken advantage of. These
guidelines will assist officers in the field and make quick decisions on how to handle a wide
variety of situations.

Section 8.1 - ​Factors Used To Determine The Reasonableness Of Force :

● The conduct of the individual being confronted.
● Agent/subject factors :
○ Age / Size / Build
○ Injury or exhaustion.
○ Number of officers to suspects.
● Influence of drugs/alcohol.
● Proximity of weapons.
● Seriousness of the suspected offense or reason for contact with the individual.
● Personal ability / training.
● Danger to officer or public safety.

Section 8.2 - ​Non-Lethal / Pain Compliance Techniques :

● Equipment options :
○ Baton
○ Flashlight
○ X26 Taser
○ ShotGun

● Circumstances to consider :
○ Potential for injury to the officer(s) if the technique is not used.
○ Potential risk of serious injury or death to the individual.
○ Nature of the offense involved.
○ Level of resistance from suspect.

Section 8.3 - ​Deadly Force Applications :

● An officer may use deadly force to protect himself/herself or others from what he/she
reasonably believes would be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
● Officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed, or intends to
commit a felony involving or threatened infliction of serious bodily injury or death, and
the officer reasonably believes that there is an imminent or future potential risk of serious
bodily injury or death to any other person if the suspect is not immediately stopped.
Section 9.0 - ​Search Warrant :
A warrant is a document issued by a Judge biased of probable cause that evidence of a
crime can be found in a particular area. The warrant grants permission to officers to enter a
property or vehicle in search of said/evidence. Officers are required to obtain a search warrant
before searching an individual, home/residence, business, vehicle or other related area.

Section 9.1 - ​Requirements for obtaining a search warrant :

● Must be filled in good faith.
● Must be based on strong reliable information.
● Must be issued by a non-partisan magistrate.
● Must state a specific area to be searched and the items to be seized.

Section 9.2 - ​Rules for performing the search :

● Officers may only search the areas specified in the warrant.
● Officers may only seize items listed in the warrant.
● Officers must have the warrant in hand while performing the search and seizure.
● If searching through a home or business the officer may detain and and all persons within
place until the search is completed

Section 9.3 - ​Exceptions to the warrant : ​(When an officer/trooper does NOT need a
warrant)
● With consent from an individual.
○ This includes their person or vehicle.
● If items relating to a crime are in plain view.
○ Drugs or Drugs paraphernalia.
● If an officer is performing an arrest.
○ Suspect must be searched before transport.
● Exigent Circumstances.
○ If the officer believes that evidence of a crime is located within the suspects
vehicle.
● In Pursuit of.
○ Officers may enter a business or home if they are in active pursuit of a fleeing
suspect.
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