Standard Operating Procedures
Official protocols and ethical guidelines for all sworn Law Enforcement Officers.
Introduction
This document sets forth the policies and procedures of the agency that all law enforcement officers must adhere to in order to perform their duties to the highest standard. It is the responsibility of each officer to comply with these rules and policies.
Authorized law enforcement command staff may make changes to this document at any time. All changes will be clearly stated in the law enforcement bulletin.
1.1 Core Ethics
Respect
Treat others with dignity. Refrain from disrespectful behavior, shouting, or profanity.
Service
Serve with dedication. Protect the community and assist those in need with no bias.
Excellence
Better yourself continuously. Be efficient in policy and maintain training standards.
Justice
Uphold the law for everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or orientation.
1.2 Duties
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Protect Life and PropertyBe proactive and vigilant during patrols to deter crime.
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Maintain OrderUse de-escalation techniques to resolve conflicts and ensure security.
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Enforce the LawAdhere to and enforce all State and Federal laws strictly.
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Community RelationsDevelop a sense of trust with the public through positive interaction.
Chain of Command
All law enforcement officers are subordinate to all ranks above their position, regardless of agency. Any and all departmental issues shall be discussed with respect to the Chain of Command.
| Command Grade | Supervisory Grade | Patrol Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Sergeant | Police Officer III |
| Lieutenant | Corporal | Police Officer II |
| --- | --- | Police Officer I |
Radio Communications
Professional Standards Required
Radio channels are for official communication only. Broadcasts must be clear, calm, and concise.
Standard Key-Up
- State your callsign clearly.
- Broadcast your transmission.
Active Situations
- State callsign and brief situation.
- State current location (include postal).
Radio Frequencies
Callsign Structure
- Sergeants: Watch followed by precinct (e.g. 2-NORA)
- District Units: Watch-Precinct-Unit (e.g. 2-SAM-1)
- Walking Beat: Watch-Precinct-61 to 69 (Sgt: 70)
- Bicycle Beat: Watch-Precinct-81 to 89 (Sgt: 80)
- METRO 40-49 Within City Limits
- METRO 50-59 Outside City Limits
- GUARDIAN-1 LE Ops / GUARDIAN-2 SAR Ops
- MARINE 1-59 Marine Units
Agency Patrol Zones
Law enforcement agencies are assigned specific patrol zones within which they are responsible for maintaining public safety and order. Adherence to designated patrol zones is expected, with the exception of responding to mutual aid requests.
In instances where multiple law enforcement agencies share jurisdiction over a particular zone, the agency represented by the designated color holds primary authority. Secondary jurisdiction extends to any other agencies operating within the shared zone.
Cross-Jurisdiction Protocol
When pursuing a suspect and entering a zone outside of their agency's jurisdiction, law enforcement officers are obligated to promptly notify the primary jurisdiction holder of their entry and the circumstances surrounding it.
Patrol Zone Map (Reference Required)
Divisions
Primary duty divisions and units are the core of law enforcement, responsible for the department's patrol duties. Secondary duty divisions and units are auxiliary assignments.
| Field Operations (Primary) | Support Operations (Secondary) |
|---|---|
| Patrol Division | Aviation Unit |
| Traffic Enforcement Division | Marine Unit |
| K-9 Unit | Special Weapons and Tactics [P-III+] |
| Criminal Investigations [P-II+] | --- |
Divisional Duties
Patrol Division
The backbone of the department, fulfilling emergency response, traffic stops, and local ordinance enforcement.
Traffic Enforcement
Prioritizes smooth flow of traffic, monitoring highways, and investigating traffic accidents.
K-9 Unit
Criminal tracking and apprehension, detecting contraband, and assisting in high-risk searches.
Investigations (CIU)
Specialized detectives focusing on evidence gathering, warrants, and in-depth criminal investigation.
Aviation & Marine
Aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement.
SWAT
Hostage rescue, barricaded suspect intervention, and high-risk warrant execution.
Use of Force Continuum
1. Compliant
Lowest ForceOfficer Presence: Use body language and position to deter or de-escalate.
2. Resistant (Passive)
VerbalVerbal Commands: Clear and concise commands to direct the subject's behavior.
3. Resistant (Active)
Soft ControlSoft Empty-Hand: Technique such as physical compliance holds, wrist locks, and joint locks.
4. Assaultive (Harm)
Hard ControlHard Empty-Hand / Less Lethal: Strikes, pressure points, takedowns, tasers, and batons.
5. Serious Bodily Harm / Death
Lethal ForceDeadly force as a last resort to save life or prevent serious injury.
6.1 Investigation and Accountability
If an officer is involved in an officer-involved shooting (OIS), officers who fired their weapon must relinquish their firearm at the request of a detective or supervisor. The officers must also serve a statement to the requestor, and return to the station to sign out a new firearm.
Traffic Stops
Operational Flow
Activate emergency warning system (Lights/Sirens).
Update dispatch with status and location.
Run vehicle plate and registered owner for warrants.
Approach politely, state reason for stop, and request documents.
Evaluate behavior for signs of impairment or hostility.
7.1 High Risk Traffic Stops
Initiated upon investigation of a serious crime previously, currently, or about to be committed.
- Request backup immediately (Minimum 2 additional units).
- Position secondary vehicle to the left; third vehicle behind/between.
- Primary unit commands suspect: Keys out, walk backwards, knees down.
- Clear the vehicle only once all visible occupants are secured.
Vehicle Pursuits
Tactical Intervention Techniques
Requires supervisor permission. Details: Speed, weather, traffic. Generally restricted above 70 MPH.
Ideal with 4 units. Safe below 40 MPH. Requires supervisor permission.
Safe and efficient termination. Ensure removal after deployment.
Engagement Rules
- Traffic violations alone are NOT sufficient for high-speed pursuit.
- Officers shall not attempt to pass other units in pursuit.
- At least one unit must stop to assess any officer-involved collisions.
Criminal Apprehension
Upon determination of probable cause for arrest and/or detention, law enforcement officers are to operate as directed below:
Official 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 for you by the State of San Andreas. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”
Responding to Calls
General Response
- Determine priority based on number of units and nature of call.
- High-visibility vests REQUIRED on any highway (50MPH+) for investigations.
- Must ask Primary Officer or Supervisor for permission to clear a scene.
10.1 Officer Emergencies
- All units clear current calls and proceed to officer's location immediately.
- Cease all non-emergency communications.
- Reduce response ONLY once the situation is declared under control.
| Code | Definition | Context |
|---|---|---|
| CODE 3 | Emergency lights and sirens | Life threatening / Pursuits |
| CODE 2 | Lights only / Siren at intersections | Urgent, not life threatening |
| CODE 1 | No lights or sirens | Routine response |
When responding, officers are required to slow down at intersections, changing the tone of their siren, looking both ways before continuing.
Briefings
At any given time, a supervisor is authorized to call for a briefing. All officers should finish tasks and proceed to the location immediately. Briefings are held for:
Reporting & Conduct
Should you observe conduct from your colleagues that needs to be recognized or reported, please collect all pertinent information and submit via the official method.
Official Submission Method
Dynamic Gaming Law Enforcement Accolades/Complaint Form
Disciplinary Actions
Failure to adhere to any policy or guideline will result in a negative outlook, reprimand and reports. Continued reports will result in a Disciplinary Action Report (DAR) being filed.
Escalation Protocol
Upon three (3) Disciplinary Action Reports being filed within one (1) month, officers will receive a one (1) week suspension from duty. Breach of suspension will result in an immediate termination.
Activity
Patrol Minimum
Sworn officers are required to fulfill a one (1) hour patrol activity requirement a week. Failure to log for 2 weeks without cause results in removal.
Resignation
Must notify command. Ineligible to reapply for one (1) month. Rejoin starts as Police Officer I grade.
Leave of Absence
Required for absences exceeding 10 consecutive days. Beyond 2 months may lead to involuntary resignation.
Equipment
Officers shall only deploy items listed herein. Officers shall not deploy any equipment not authorized. Exception: BCSO Inner-Facility Correctional Deputies shall not possess a firearm.
Authorized Handguns
Authorized attachment: Rail mounted flashlight.
| Sidearm | Ammunition |
|---|---|
| Hawk and Little Combat Pistol | 9mm 12 Round Magazine |
| Hawk and Little D&P Pistol | 9mm 17 Round Magazine |
| Hawk and Little Gardone Pistol | 9mm 15 Round Magazine |
| Hawk and Little Heavy Pistol | .45 7 Round Magazine |
| Hawk and Little Heavy Pistol MK II | 9mm 17 Round Magazine |
| Hawk and Little Pistol / MK II | 9mm 12 Round Magazine |
| Vom Feuer Service Pistol / VF Pistol | 9mm 15 Round Magazine |
| Shrewsbury Duty Pistol / MK II | 9mm 15/17 Round Magazine |
| Shrewsbury Endurance Pistol | .45 10 Round Magazine |
Patrol Rifles
Attachments: Holo/Red Dot, Flashlight, Suppressor.
Patrol Shotguns
Attachments: Rail mounted flashlight.
Less Lethal
Stun Gun
Mandatory black color. Authorized attachment: Rail mounted flashlight.
Less Lethal Shotgun
Authorized colors: Green, Orange, Yellow. Authorized attachment: Rail mounted flashlight.