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Evidence

Bodycams and dashcams:
All on-duty personnel are issued a body camera the moment they go on duty. It is attached to the uniform, and the blocking of, or tampering with, the recording device is strictly prohibited and will result in discipline, up to and including termination. The body camera records both audio and video to the cloud.

This is also true for dashboard cameras on departmental vehicles.


Probable cause, reasonable suspicion and search regulations:
Reasonable suspicion is an objectively justifiable suspicion based on specific facts or circumstances that justifies stopping and sometimes searching (as by frisking) a person thought to be involved in criminal activity at the time.

Probable cause generally refers to the requirement in criminal law that police have adequate reason to arrest someone, conduct a search, or seize property relating to an alleged crime. Probable cause to search exists when facts and circumstances known to the officer provide the basis for a reasonable person to believe that a crime was committed at the place to be searched, or that evidence of a crime exists at the location.


Frisking, searching and seizing:
A police officer must have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed by the suspect. Furthermore, if the officer reasonably suspects that the suspect is armed and dangerous, the police may frisk the suspect - a quick pat-down of the suspect's outer clothing. The frisk is also called a Terry Stop or Terry Frisk.


When can you conduct a search of a person/vehicle?

- The officer conducting the frisk was given consent.
- The officer has probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime in your vehicle.
- In emergencies that threaten public safety or the loss of evidence.
- The officer reasonably believes a search is necessary for their own protection (a hidden weapon, for example).
- The person in question was arrested, and the search is related to that arrest (such as a search for illegal drugs).

You must always conduct a Terry frisk looking for weapons before placing a suspect in your cruiser; you can then conduct an in-depth frisk at the station. You can only seize narcotics, illegal weapons or any other objects that may have been obtained illegally.

A police officer stopping a person must be able to point to specific facts or circumstances, even though the level of suspicion need not rise to that of the belief that is supported by probable cause.


Detaining a suspect

A detention is the process by which a law enforcement officer lawfully restricts the liberty of a person for a period of time. Detaining the suspect should be your first step as an attending police officer, and detentions do not necessarily lead to arrests.

Drawing the attention of the suspect and getting them to comply should be your first course of action as a police officer. You should verbally instruct them to get on the ground, by shouting if necessary. This verbal command should be clear and understandable, and not conflict with the orders of other police officers on the scene. Once they comply, one police officer should move in to restrain the suspect while the others provide cover.

In case they begin to run away, you should warn them and proceed to tase the suspect if the taser deployment regulations were met or a supervisor has requested deployment of a taser while taking into account the surroundings as well as the circumstances at hand. For example, if they draw a firearm, do not use the taser as it is dangerous; you must unholster your service firearm. If you do intend to tase them, you must state verbally that you are deploying a taser for other officers to be made aware.

When in a position to cuff the suspect, remain cautious, as they may show intent to escape or become aggressive. If they are indeed becoming aggressive and decide to attack you, you should use your non-lethal weapon (preferably a nightstick, since it's one person) to contain the suspect and possibly immobilise them by striking the back of their knee. It is a modern policing method that is not lethal and, if exercised well, leads to the easy apprehension of the suspect.

Conducting a brief terry search of the suspect's outer clothing will enable you to identify any weapon that is hidden around the waistline, as well as areas where a weapon would reasonably be placed. If you had a reason to arrest the suspect before you reached the point of frisking them, you may carry on with the instructions described below. If not, as in if your first intention was to detain the suspect based on the suspicion that they committed a crime and are armed, your frisk should be limited to where one can seize immediate control of a weapon, and must not be intrusive.

In addition, if your first intention was to detain the suspect based on a suspicion that they committed a crime, but you do not possess sufficient cause to believe that they are armed, you may not conduct the search described above. However, if you have sufficient cause (for instance, an illegal substance is clearly visible to you), you may confiscate it and arrest the suspect for possession of such. Remember, this is still in the case of your intention being one of simply detaining the suspect. On the other hand, if your first intention was to arrest the suspect, you may conduct the search described above and follow what is stated in the following section.


Arresting a suspect

In order to arrest a suspect, you must possess sufficient evidence to charge them with a crime. Crimes that are punished by way of fines or citations are not enough to arrest someone. Arrested suspects are charged and processed in jail.

During an arrest, you should prioritise the first three steps of the scale of the use of force if the suspect is non-compliant and resisting arrest.

- Officer presence
- Verbal commands
- Empty-Handed Techniques

Followed by:

- Less than Lethal (usage of baton, pepper spray or taser)
- Lethal force (if the situation starts to threaten the officer's or civilian's life)

Assuming the above procedures were completed, your next course of action would be to perform a Terry search on the suspect. Lead them to your cruiser and have them spread their legs. You can separate them yourself if necessary.

When searching the suspect, look for weapons. Once the search is done, state their charge(s) and announce that they are under arrest. Only read the Miranda rights when the suspect is about to be questioned, meaning an interrogation. (Not an investigation)

Once you've managed to identify the suspect, use the MDC to check if any outstanding charges were already on them. Add the current charges to their record. Have the suspect secured inside your vehicle, and begin to transport them to the nearest station.

Once you arrive at the station, if there is probable cause to book the suspect before jailing him (such as if he was involved in a felony crime), you may conduct a full frisk of his person looking for smaller items.

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The Scale of Force is a scale regulating where and when different levels of force are used. Without a scale of force, excessive force usage can become a serious problem. To prevent such, force is regulated, in order for the appropriate amount of force to be used where and when appropriate.

The Scale of Force:

Level 1 - Officer Presence
When a marked officer is present, it's often enough to stop a crime in progress or prevent most situations from escalating. Without saying a word, the mere presence of marked personnel can deter crime through mere presence. At this level, officers should act non-threatening and professional. This "zero" level of force is always the best way to resolve any situation if possible.

Level 2 - Verbal Command
Using verbal commands is another way to prevent a situation. If you see something suspicious or a potential threat, such as someone harassing a lady, walking up and asking "Do we have a problem here?", "Move aside, leave this woman alone.", or the likes can draw people away. Raising your voice, being assertive and standing your ground as a policeman can help to prevent situations escalating.

Level 3 - Empty Hand Techniques
There are two types of empty hand techniques. Soft hand, and hard hand. Soft handed techniques are used when physical intervention is required while minimal force is required. Soft Hand Techniques are guiding, holding, and restraining -- applying pressure points, and takedown techniques that have a minimal chance of injury.

Hard hand techniques involve larger amounts of force, such as punches, kicks and blocking tactics. Hard Hand Techniques are used when a person is getting physical and is failing to comply with police directions. This also applies when a fight is breaking out and security are required to intervene against two aggressive people.

Level 4 - Non-Lethal Force
Non-Lethal Force is used when higher levels of force are required while not escalating to a lethal scale. This involves the usage of pepper spray, aluminum batons, and tasers. Pepper spray is really only effective against those who are sober and are not intoxicated or on narcotics. Batons are useful in most cases where extra force is needed.

However, tasers are the most effective. Tasers discharge a high voltage spark (50,000 volts) at very low amperage. A taser fires two small darts, connected to wires, which drops a suspect at a non-contact distance. These devices are easy to carry,  are lightweight and affordable and no extensive training is required. Tasers may be more effective on persons under the influence of drugs that may not respond to chemical irritants. However, a taser should be avoided unless necessary, as they're not a go-to solution whenever force is required. Improper use is considered assault and criminal charges can be pressed.

Level 5 - Lethal Force
Lethal force is used when there is a threat to your own or a civilian's life. Lethal force includes the usage of firearms, which may kill a person. Lethal force is an absolute last resort and any improper use can result in homicide charges.

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In order to be eligible to apply for the Los Santos Police Department, please take your time and read this document. Failure to read it and respect everything that is written here may lead to your denial from the Los Santos Police Department.

Requirements:

• Must be registered in-game for at least a week.
• Must have patience, an open mind, be ready for new challenges, and be respectful.
• Must be able to understand and follow direct orders at all times.
• Must possess valid identification and a driver's license.
• Must NOT have an open application to any other law enforcement agency.
• Have not been banned recently.
• Haven't been removed from the Los Santos Police Department within the last month.

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1.) Application Stage

- Preliminary Background Application (PBA)
- Departmental Interview (DI) This interview will consist of questions surrounding why you wish to join the department, why we should choose you and most of all, basic questions around the procedures and policies within LSPD. It is advised to read our manuals and regulations as soon as you apply.


2.) Academy/Probationary Stage

- 3 Academy Sessions
- 2 Field Training Patrol (FTP)
- Evaluation Phase & Final Exam

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Application (APP): The first step into the recruitment system of the Los Santos Police Department. Citizens interested in pursuing a full-time career as police officers are required to submit an Application, containing questions ranging from personal information to professional tendencies, as well as what motivates them to join the Department. This process allows the Recruitment and Employment Division to assess and decide whether the applicant is eligible to advance to the Academy Stage or not.

Instructions to complete the PBA step:

• Fill in an Application using the appropriate format.
• Read the LSPD manual, operating procedures and regulations. This will help you along your journey to joining the LSPD.
• Remain patient until your application receives a response.

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The Departmental Interview (DI): Upon an applicant's PBA checks having passed, they'll be invited to an interview with an officer from the Recruitment and Employment Division, or a Sergeant or above. This interview aims to gauge the applicant's abilities as well as obtain a clear idea of their personality. Ambition, interest and motivation are evaluated here as well. A short Q&A around the policies and procedures of the LSPD will also take place. Those can be found here:
Regulations
Core Information

Instructions to complete the DI will be received once you've passed your PBA.

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Academy Sessions (AS) and Field Training Patrols (FTP) are the core of your probation in the Los Santos Police Department. The APS represents an opportunity for a student to reflect their theoretical knowledge in the field, with the assistance and supervision of Academy Instructors who will regularly compile patrol reports for each student. There is a total of three sessions to complete in order to take the next step to the Field Training Patrol (FTP).

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Congratulations! You're now a Police Officer I. All probationary personnel have to complete a total of three (3) Field Training Patrols to proceed to their Final Examination. The Field Training Patrols are implemented to ensure the officer learns from multiple LSPD officials, as no two officers or situations are the same. This will make sure they are able to pick the best solution whenever they have to face certain situations on their own. Field Training Patrols can be conducted by any Training Division Instructor and/or Police Officer III+.

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The final stage of your journey within the LSPD Academy - Evaluation Phase and Final Exam. The Examination consists of a theoretical exam and a practical examination. Police Officer Is are entitled to have up to a total of two (2) re-tests for both the Evaluation and Exam. Upon passing your Examination you will be promoted to a fully fledged Police Officer II.

Vision and objectives:

In the Los Santos Police Department, officers are expected to make split-second decisions in situations they encounter and take the most appropriate course of action. The overwhelming majority of the encounters police officers have with the public result in the satisfactory resolution of the problem. In the face of danger or great stress, police-citizen encounters become increasingly complex, but even in those situations, the majority are resolved without complaint. However, on occasion, members of the public believe officers have exceeded their authority, acted inappropriately or have simply not treated them properly. Therefore, it is of critical importance to have a system in place that allows the public to bring these concerns to the attention of the Internal Affairs Division.

The system must create a sense of confidence on the part of the public that their complaint will be taken seriously, properly investigated, and that officer behaviour inconsistent with department values, policies and procedures is corrected. An effective system for addressing citizen complaints and concerns provides the police department with important feedback on the quality of services delivered to the community.

The system must also provide officers with the confidence that complaints will be investigated within a reasonable timeframe and that they will be treated fairly with due process. To do their work effectively, police officers must also know they will be supported when their behaviour is consistent with department expectations. Though most complaints are lodged because of the belief that the officer's behaviour was not appropriate, people occasionally use the complaint system as revenge against the officer or as leverage against criminal charges.

The system must be designed to provide management information to the police department. This information is important in understanding the Department's responsiveness to the community. It is also useful in identifying areas where policy, practices and training might be improved.


Complaint reception:
This first and essential step consists of filling out an Officer Misconduct Complaint form and sending it to the Internal Affairs Division.

[center][img width=200]https://i.imgur.com/1tczBwJ.png[/img][/center]
[hr][/hr][center][size=14pt][b]OFFICER MISCONDUCT COMPLAINT[/b][/size]
[size=12pt][b]INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
LOS SANTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT[/b][/size][/center][hr][/hr]

[b][size=12pt]1. Reporting Party[/size][/b]
[b]1.1. Name:[/b] Firstname Lastname
[b]1.2. Phone Number:[/b]
[b]1.3. Address:[/b]

[b]1.4. Department (If Applicable):[/b] Department Name
[b]1.5. Rank (If Applicable):[/b] Rank Within Agency

[b][size=12pt]2. Reported Employee(s)[/size][/b]
[b]2.1. Name(s):[/b] Firstname Lastname (add or remove as required, if unknown write "Unknown")
[b]2.2. Badge Number(s):[/b] ###### (add or remove as required, if unknown write "Unknown")

[b]2.3. Callsign(s):[/b] Callsign (add or remove as required, if unknown write "Unknown")
[b]2.4. Description(s):[/b] Detailed description of employee if no badge number, callsign, or name is known. Include any evidence that may be used to identify the employee (if the reported employee(s) can be identified, then do not fill this part).


[b][size=12pt]3. Incident[/size][/b]
[b]3.1. Date(s) and Time(s):[/b] DD/MM/YYYY HH:MM
[b]3.2. Location(s) of Incident(s):[/b]

[b]3.3. Detailed Description of Event(s):[/b] Detail the reported incident and explain the reported employee's alleged violation(s)

[b]3.4. Witnesses:[/b] Include any witnesses, other officers, or supervisors that were present. Include their contact information, if known.

[b]3.5. Evidence:[/b] Include any evidence you have (e.g. phone recordings)

[spoiler=TYPE OF EVIDENCE][/spoiler]


[b][size=12pt]4. Information[/size][/b]
[b]4.1. Requested Restitution:[/b] Detail your requested restitution (e.g. have charges overturned and removed, monetary compensation, and so on)

[b]4.2. Additional Information:[/b] Detail any additional information or concerns


[b][size=12pt]5. Declaration[/size][/b]
[b]5.1.[/b] By submitting this complaint and signing below, the signer and reporting party hereby permit the Los Santos Police Department to conduct a background investigation of the signer (and the reporting party), if deemed necessary by the Department, and to contact any person(s) or agency who may add to or aid in this investigation. Furthermore, if applicable, the signer authorises persons, firms, agencies and institutions on this form to release or confirm information pertinent to them and/or the investigation, and any statements they have made as included in the complaint.

Whilst the Los Santos Police Department will attempt to keep the signer and the reporting party's identity undisclosed to accused employees, or other relevant persons, the signer understands that the Department may be required to either disclose their identity, disclose parts of this form, disclose any evidence attached, or any combination of the aforementioned to any appropriate parties if deemed necessary by the Department. The signer understands that the scope of the internal investigation launched as a result of the complaint is not limited merely to the allegations made against the accused employees.

Furthermore, the signer agrees that if they attempt to withdraw their report in any shape, way, or form regardless of what medium is used and regardless if the withdrawal request is fulfilled or not that they shall forfeit any restitution that they requested, are requesting, and/or any restitution that would've been awarded if the investigation from the report is sustained against the reported employee(s) and the circumstances surrounding the incident would call for such restitution.

In signing this agreement, the signer acknowledges and represents that they have read the Declaration, understand it, and sign it voluntarily as a part of their own free act and deed; no oral representations, statements, or inducements, apart from the foregoing signature and agreement, have been made. The signer hereby certifies that the details that have been provided in the complaint are true to the best of their knowledge, and do not include any misleading or false statements. The signer confirms that they have read the entirety of the Officer Misconduct Complaint document and confirms that the complaint and contents within are in line with the regulations stipulated within the information document.


[b]Signature:[/b] Signature
[b]Date:[/b] DD/MM/YYYY
[hr][/hr]

Internal investigation:
Only after a thorough and impartial investigation can an informed decision be made as to a complaint's proper disposition. Decisions based upon such an investigation will support the credibility of the department among its ranks and the public at large. Once a complaint is validated, the Internal Affairs Division launches an internal investigation with the officer in question. Investigators are expected to do their best to arrive at a logical conclusion.


Final disposition and notification:
After interviewing the complainant, all witnesses and the subject officer, and reviewing relevant reports and documents, gathering evidence and conducting other measures as appropriate, the investigator must then submit a report to the Commanding Officer summarising the matter and indicating the appropriate disposition. Possible dispositions include:

1. Exonerated: The alleged incident did occur, but the actions of the officer were justified, legal and proper.
2. Sustained: The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove the allegation, and the actions of the officer violated a provision of the agency's rules and regulations or procedures.
3. Not sustained: The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation.
4. Unfounded: The alleged incident did not occur.

The complainant and the reported party are both informed in writing of the conclusion of the investigation.


Disciplinary measures:
If the complaint is deemed to be sustained, the officer in question becomes liable to disciplinary action, imposed by the Division. It is worth noting that several factors are taken into consideration when determining the best possible disciplinary approach to the situation. These factors include: relatively new experience, background of the reported officer, and the degree of harm.


Concerns and questions:
Any concern, inquiry or question regarding the complaint system of the Los Santos Police Department may be forwarded privately to the following:

Commanding Officer of the Internal Affairs Division
Commander Frank Slade

Reserved. TBA.

Medal of Valor:


The Medal of Valor is the highest law enforcement medal awarded to officers and it is awarded for individual acts of extraordinary bravery or heroism performed in the line of duty at extreme and life-threatening personal risk.

Preservation of Life Medal:


The Preservation of Life Medal may be awarded to an officer who has distinguished himself or herself by employing exceptional tactics and exercising sound judgment, beyond the normal demands of duty, to preserve the life of another during a volatile or dangerous encounter while protecting the safety and security of the public and his or her fellow officers.

Police Distinguished Service Medal:


The Police Distinguished Service Medal is the department's highest award for service and may be awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by performing exceptional service in a duty of great responsibility or of critical importance to law enforcement.

Police Medal:


The Police Medal is an award for bravery, usually awarded to officers for individual acts of heroism in the line of duty, though not above and beyond the call of duty, as is required for the Medal of Valor.

Purple Heart Medal:


The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to officers who sustain a traumatic physical injury as a result of a suspect's actions during an on-duty tactical situation. This medal can also be awarded posthumously to officers who die in the line of duty as a direct result of a suspect's actions.

Police Meritorious Service Medal:


The Police Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by performing exceptional service in a duty of great responsibility or of critical importance to law enforcement, but to a lesser degree than required for the Police Distinguished Service Medal.

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Police Meritorious Achievement Medal:


The Police Meritorious Achievement Medal is primarily designed for the recognition of civilian employees. The medal is awarded for either sustained, long-term, noteworthy achievement or a single significant, noteworthy achievement in the execution of administrative, clerical, or craft-type duties.

Police Meritorious Unit Citation:


The Police Meritorious Unit Citation may be awarded to an organizational unit of the department for bravery or outstanding service by its members functioning as a team.

Police Star:


The Police Star is an award for bravery, usually awarded to officers for performing with exceptional judgment and/or utilizing skilful tactics in order to defuse dangerous and stressful situations.

Lifesaving Medal:


The Police Life Saving Medal is an award for bravery, usually awarded to officers for taking action in order to rescue or attempt the rescue of either a fellow officer or any person from imminent danger.

Community Policing Medal:


The Community Policing Medal is awarded to personnel who have solved a significant community problem, included the community in the problem-solving process, and/or shown a commitment to the Community Policing philosophy.

Human Relations Medal:


The Human Relations Medal is awarded to officers who have in their day‑to‑day activities shown great compassion and have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their response to fellow human beings.

Commendation Ribbon:


A commendation ribbon will be authorized to wear after a sworn employee has received a certain number of commendations and is granted the ribbon by a STAFF Officer. Citizen letters, supervisor/command letters, minor and major commendations will be counted towards the ribbon.

Patrol Service Ribbon:


6 months of service in patrol services as a Police Officer, Sergeant and/or Lieutenant.

Detective Service Ribbon:


6 months of service in investigative units as a Detective and/or Lieutenant.

Urban Police Rifle Cadre Ribbon:


Given to LSPD Officers who are qualified to use an Urban Police Rifle. Police Officer IIIs are eligible to qualify for this cadre.