LOS SANTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT - OPERATIONAL SAFETY MANUAL

[Steven Adams]

LOS SANTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
OPERATIONAL SAFETY MANUAL

[Steven Adams]

THE SCALE OF FORCE:

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.

[Steven Adams]

EVIDENCE, ARRESTS AND DETAINMENT:

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.