LOS SANTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT - CORE INFORMATION

[Steven Adams]

LOS SANTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
CORE INFORMATION

[Steven Adams]

DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE:

STAFF Officers:

Chief of Police ():

The Chief of Police is the highest-ranking officer in the Los Santos Police Department. The Chief of Police is responsible for the planning, efficient administration and operation of the LSPD.

The LSPD Chief of Police acts on all matters related to disciplinary issues and recommends awards for exemplary conduct of the department's employees. The Chief supervises the respective bureaus and divisions of the LSPD and is responsible for ensuring they are well-staffed and operational.

The Chief of Police assumes a leadership role in planning, coordinating and directing all activities of the Los Santos Police Department and is overall in charge of the entire department, supervising it and facilitating its effective operation.


Assistant Chief of Police ():

The Assistant Chief of Police is the second highest-ranking officer in the Los Santos Police Department, reporting directly to the Chief of Police. The Assistant Chief of Police is primarily responsible for the same oversight, supervision and duties as the Chief of Police, serving as a trusted adviser and fellow leader of the department.

The LSPD Assistant Chief of Police assists the Chief in acting on all matters related to disciplinary issues and awards for exemplary conduct.

The Assistant Chief plays a major role in the effective operation and leadership of the Los Santos Police Department.

Deputy Chief of Police ():

The Deputy Chief of Police is the third highest-ranking officer in the Los Santos Police Department. The Deputy Chief of Police is primarily responsible for the same oversight, supervision and duties as the Chief of Police, serving as a trusted adviser and fellow leader of the department, though typically in overseeing a specific part of the department such as a Bureau (i.e. Detective Bureau).

The LSPD Deputy Chief of Police assists the Chief and Assistant Chiefs in acting on all matters related to disciplinary issues and awards for exemplary conduct.

The Deputy Chief also plays a major role in the effective operation and leadership of the Los Santos Police Department, assisting with both an overall departmental oversight as well as more specifically tailored duties that correspond to their assignments and specialized skills.


Police Commander ():

The Police Commander is the fourth highest-ranking officer in the Los Santos Police Department and the introductory STAFF Officer rank. The Police Commander is primarily responsible for the leadership, oversight, supervision and duties of a specific part of the department such as a Bureau or division (i.e. S.W.A.T.).

The LSPD Police Commander assists the Chief of Police, Assistant Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs in acting on all matters related to disciplinary issues and awards for exemplary conduct as is consistent with the duties of all STAFF Officers.

The Commander also plays a major role in the effective operation and leadership of the Los Santos Police Department, assisting primarily with specifically tailored leadership duties that correspond to their assignments and specialized skills.


Command Officers:

Police Captain (I-III) ():

The Police Captain is responsible for field leadership, divisional command, administrative duties and representing the Los Santos Police Department to the public. Captains act as divisional commanding officers within the department, usually taking on an assisting leadership role in a Bureau or division, aiding the STAFF Officers with the operation and supervision of the department. The rank of Captain is divided into three pay grades (I–III). Upgrades between pay grades require only an interview, but at each pay grade level, they assume a more complex and difficult level of responsibility within his or her assignment.

Police Captains are also issued with the responsibility of assigning and supervising Police Lieutenants in the field, with divisional, and administrative leadership. Captains may be referred to as Commanding Officers of their respective bureaus or division depending on their assignment.

Police Lieutenant (I-II) ():

The Police Lieutenant is the lowest rank of the command officers, typically assigned as Watch Commanders (though a Sergeant II can also be assigned as Watch Commander). They can be given second in command over a Bureau or division by the Police Captain and receive the title of Commanding Officer in that bureau or division. Typically, the only bureaus assigned to Lieutenants are the CTSOB and the Detective Bureau.

The rank of Lieutenant is divided into two pay grades (I–II). Upgrade from Lieutenant I to Lieutenant II requires only an interview.

A Lieutenant I is usually assigned as a patrol watch commander in a geographical area. They may also be assigned to administrative or specialized assignments at a geographical area or bureau, or at a specialized division or bureau (e.g. adjutant to a Deputy Chief, bureau gang or vice coordinator, task force officer-in-charge, etc.).

Lieutenant IIs are usually assigned to specialized administrative or command positions throughout the department, including: assistant commanding officer of a specialized division; officer-in-charge of a specialized section; commanding officer of a geographical area detective division; task force officer-in-charge; adjutant to a Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, or the Chief of Police; or as a bureau gang or vice coordinator.


Police Supervisors:

Sergeant II ():

Sergeant IIs are typically responsible for leading units in the field. Sergeant IIs are usually assistant watch commanders, though may also be appointed as watch commanders. In this capacity, Sergeant IIs prepare unit deployments and area patrols; prepare and present roll call training; inspect personnel and equipment for conformity to Department standards; supervise the desk and patrol officers on foot or in vehicles; review and approve various types of reports; prepares and investigates personnel complaints; respond to crime scenes at the request of police officers; handle radio calls and dispatch personnel; keep other supervisors informed of issues of concern to them; train and supervise probationary officers; and other related functions.

Sergeant I ():

The Police Sergeant I is the entry rank to the Police Supervisors. Sergeants are trained in supervisory duties, such as organising fellow officers during the day, as well as handling disciplinary action should the need arise. Sergeant Is are often tasked with handling minor duty infringements and must report those to their superiors. Sergeants have shown interest in furthering their careers in the department. As such, they are often tasked with leadership tasks on the field such as assuming the lead role in delegation of responsibilities during situations, organising patrols, enforcing call sign usage, and are sometimes assigned as assistant watch-commanders. As a result, they may assist the watch commanders with assignments to the units they supervise.


Police Detectives:

Detective III ():

Detective IIIs are in supervisory investigative positions and are responsible for training and overseeing the activities of Detective Is. Detective IIIs can take charge of any situation related to a case or related to their duties, however, still report to Sergeant IIs and police supervisors on the field.

A Detective III is responsible for the duties of their respective unit in the Detective Bureau in addition to serving as a leader in high-profile cases. A Detective III is responsible for reviewing reports written by their subordinates, informing the commanding officer of the status of the pending investigations, providing technical expertise, training and supervising newly assigned Detectives and civilian personnel, and performing related administrative duties.

Detective II ():

Detective IIs are senior detectives who have served the Detective Bureau in their respective units, having gained experience and typically running point in the field on most cases. Detective IIs typically lead on the field and report to Detective IIIs and Police Sergeants.

Detective I ():

Detective Is are the introductory rank to the Detective Bureau. Having passed the Detective Training Program, some of the specialized duties performed by a Detective I include conducting narcotics investigations, performing surveillance, establishing and maintaining contacts with informants; investigating gang-related crimes; responding to and investigating scenes of crimes such as homicide, theft, robbery, auto theft, illegal sex related activities and juvenile crimes.


Field Staff:

Police Officer III+1 ():

A Police Officer III+1 is the first rank to be mandated to uphold a decent forum and in-game activity. This rank denotes an officer in charge of a section, incident or unit. A Police Officer III+1 may also be a Sergeant in Training. The rank of Police Officer III+1 means that you are now a senior member of the department and that you have received a qualification allowing you to fulfil more roles such as being a fledged member of a specific division. With this comes the responsibility to organise field units, organizing patrols and making decisions in the field. A Police Officer III+1 ensures that officers remain organised and keep up great work in the field. This rank is not a supervisory or command rank and should not issue disciplinary action to other officers.

Police Officer III ():

Police Officer IIIs are officers who have proved themselves to be trusted with a senior field position. They are often members of a division and are accustomed to both their divisional and field duties. Police Officer IIIs can handle situations as well as take charge in most situations appropriately. With this comes the responsibility of having a wealth of knowledge leading from the front, serving as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and training Police Officer Is, teaching them the basics of being an Officer and setting an example for their subordinates in the field.

Police Officer II:

A Police Officer II is the first non-probationary rank in the Los Santos Police Department, tasked with regular patrol duties, and eligible to apply to a specialized unit such as S.W.A.T., Crime Suppression, Internal Affairs or other specialized divisions. Police Officer IIs make up the backbone of the department and are responsible for primary police duties.

Police Officer I:
A Police Officer I is a probationary officer who automatically advances to Police Officer II upon successful completion of his/her probationary period. A Police Officer I is still learning the regulations of the department, supervised by an Academy Instructor or a Police Officer III in the field, who are responsible for training them to handle situations adequately. Police Officer Is are responsible for the same duties as Police Officer IIs, however under supervision while they remain on probation.

[Steven Adams]

DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS

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.


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 be worn 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, and both 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.

[Steven Adams]

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

Radio codes:

Code 1 - Answer the radio. Units addressed with a Code 1 must immediately identify themselves and reply to the request.

For example: Supervisor: "ROBERT-2 to 5-ADAM-10, code 1." Unit: "5-ADAM-10, copy."

Code 2 - A non-emergency response to a certain situation, without the use of lights and sirens.

Code 2 HIGH - Priority response, without the use of lights or sirens. Officers responding to a Code 2 High may exceed the speed limit, however, to a reasonable extent.

Code 3 - An emergency response to a certain situation, with the use of speed, lights and sirens.

Code 4 - No further assistance is required, return to patrol.

Code 4 ADAM - No further units needed to respond, suspect not in custody, units already en route to the scene position or patrol in strategic areas near the scene.

Code 5 - Stakeout, marked police cars must avoid the location.

Code 6 - Unit has arrived at location, officers investigating.

Code 6 ADAM - Unit has arrived, may need further assistance from nearby units.

Code 6 CHARLES - Dangerous suspect (usually felony want or warrant reported); units stand by for assistance.

Code 8: Fire reported in an area of high fire hazard or threat to firefighting personnel.

Code 8 ADAM - Units requested to the scene of the fire for traffic and crowd control.

Code 10 - Bomb threat situation. If uncertain, a "possible code 10" should be transmitted instead.

Code 14 - Resuming regular activity.

Code 30 - Officer in danger, all units must immediately stop what they are doing and respond to the location of the said incident.

Code 33 - Keep radio clear for emergency traffic only.

Code 37 - Vehicle is reported stolen.

Code 100 - In position to intercept.

Code Purple - Serious gang activity. Only a Police Officer III+1 or above can use this code. If not sure, a "possible code purple" should be transmitted instead.


Ten/Hundred Codes:
10-0: Caution
10-3: Stop transmitting
10-4: Affirmative (OK)
10-6: Busy - Unless Urgent
10-7: Out of Service
10-8: In Service
10-15: Suspect in custody
10-16: Pickup Suspect
10-19: Return(ing) to station
10-20: Report your location
10-22: Disregard
10-23: Standby
10-25: Report in person to [...]
10-31: Crime in Progress
10-33: Roll Call [STATION] (Respond to the station being called, fully armed in the briefing room. SERGEANT I+)
10-38: Stopping suspicious Vehicle
10-50: Traffic Accident
10-53: Officer down
10-66: Suspicious person
10-67: Call for help (911 call)
10-76: En-route to location (on the way)
10-80: Active pursuit
ETA: Estimated time of arrival
10-97: Arrived at scene

Hundred Codes:
148: False 911 call
187: Homicide
207: Kidnapping [Report as a "possible 207" if uncertain.]
211: Robbery [Report as a "possible 211" if uncertain.]
240: Assault
415: Causing a disturbance
417: Person with a gun
480: Hit and Run
487: Grand Theft Auto
502: Drunk Driving
505: Reckless Driving
510: Speeding or Racing Vehicles


Ethnicity Codes:

IC1 - Caucasian.
IC2 - Black.
IC3 - Hispanic.
IC4 - Middle Eastern, Arabic.
IC5 - Asian.
IC6 - Unknown ethnicity.

Radio Terminology:

Officer needs Help - All units respond to the given location immediately code 3.
Officer Down - Officer injured, need immediate medical assistance.
Clear - Available for calls from said location
Standby - Wait for a second transmission to clarify.
Disregard - Don't take the last transmission into account.
Go ahead - Proceed with your transmission.
Come in - Respond to this transmission.


Callsigns:

An active duty unit is identified by a callsign in order to make its responsibilities clear and to increase field and situational awareness.

A callsign is composed of the unit name (ID) followed by the callsign for regular uniformed patrols that includes. Where there are two units (such as with an ADAM unit), you should use (Driver ID)-CALLSIGN-(Passenger ID). This does not apply to specialized callsigns, for instance, DAVID and CHARLES are also used without any additional IDs as per their respective regulations. Other specialized units are assigned callsigns as they're deployed, such as the deployment of an SPS HSU unit. If there are no other HOTEL units, the deployed unit is designated as HOTEL-1, and if one is already deployed, you use the next number (i.e. HOTEL-2 and so on).

When reporting for duty, units should advise as follows: "[RANK] [NAME] #[BADGE NUMBER] Start of Watch from [LOCATION]"

When going off duty, units should advise as follows: "[RANK] [NAME] #[BADGE NUMBER] End of Watch from [LOCATION]"

Carsigns can be shortened down, for example, 9-ADAM-15 can be shortened to "9-A-15". However, callsigns should be written in full.


CALLSIGNS:
The Los Santos Police Department uses the following callsigns:

STAFF: Staff Officers - Responsible for the supervision and leadership of the entire San Andreas Police Department, its Bureaus and personnel.

STAFF-1: Chief of Police
STAFF-2: Assistant Chief of Police
STAFF-3: Deputy Chief of Police
STAFF-4: Police Commander

KING: Command Officers - Typically responsible for supervision and scene management, however, it may exceed that based on the unit's discretion.

KING-1: Police Captain III
KING-2: Police Captain II
KING-3: Police Captain I
KING-4: Police Lieutenant II
KING-5: Police Lieutenant I

ROBERT: Supervisory Officers - Responsible for field supervision, the handling of supervisor requests and managing field staff.

ROBERT-1: Sergeant II
ROBERT-2: Sergeant I

WILLIAM: Police Detectives - Responsible for the conducting of tasks pertaining to the Detective Bureau. Only detectives may operate under this callsign.

[Driver ID]-WILLIAM-[Passenger ID] OR WILLIAM-[ID]: Police Detectives

VICTOR: Vice and Major Crimes - Used by Vice personnel on special operations and undercover duties pertaining to the Vice and Major Crimes division. Only Vice and Major Crimes personnel may operate under this callsign.

VICTOR-[ID]: Vice and Major Crimes


[Driver ID]-ADAM-[Passenger ID]: - Regular unit consisting of 2 officers or more - Responsible for responding to emergencies and non-urgent call-outs, handling 911 calls, and general police duties. Any police officer can operate under this callsign. Usually a partnered (two officer patrol) unit.
 

LINCOLN-[ID]: - Regular unit consisting of 1 officer - Responsible for responding to emergencies and non-urgent call-outs, handling 911 calls, and general police duties. Any police officer can operate under this callsign. Solo (single officer patrol) unit.


MARY-[ID]: - Motorbike unit - Responsible for responding to emergencies and non-urgent call-outs, handling 911 calls, and general police duties. Any police officer can operate under this callsign. The MARY callsign signifies use of a police motorbike by that unit.


X-RAY-[ID]: - Air unit - Responsible for aiding ground units during pursuits, searches for suspects, surveillance and other airborne assistance. Any police officer can operate under this callsign. The X-RAY callsign signifies the use of a police maverick by that unit.


SPECIALIZED DUTY CALLSIGNS:

DAVID: Platoon D (S.W.A.T.) - Responsible for the conducting of tasks pertaining to the LSPD's Special Weapons and Tactics. A select variety of vehicles can be used when performing DAVID duty. Only Platoon D personnel can operate under this callsign.


CHARLES: Platoon C (C.S.U.) - Responsible for the conducting of tasks pertaining to the Crime Suppression Division. A select variety of vehicles can be used when performing CHARLES duty. Only Platoon C personnel can operate under this callsign.


UNION: Internal Affairs - Callsign used by Internal Affairs investigators conducting an investigation.


HOTEL: High Speed Unit – SPS Qualified Personnel. Responsible for efficient response to pursuits involving fast vehicles. Only SPS Qualified personnel can operate under this callsign. HOTEL restrictions exist. HOTEL units may only be deployed for as long as their use is necessary for the apprehension of a fugitive by SPS Qualified personnel. Any non-urgent or otherwise use of a HOTEL unit where a fugitive is not evading law enforcement in a high-powered vehicle may only be deployed with the permission of a Sergeant I or above. This permission is cancelled once the authorizing member goes off duty. HOTEL patrols may not last more than 60 minutes and can only be authorized by a Sergeant II or above.

[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.