Understanding the Force Continuum

The Force Continuum Triangle is a model that outlines the levels of force officers may use in response to a subject's actions. Officers must always use the minimum force necessary to safely resolve a situation.

Visual representation of the Force Continuum. Consult department policy for details.

Equipment Access & Allocation

• Spike strips are obtained from the armoury.
• Each officer may take one reusable set.
• Officers are responsible for proper use and retrieval.

Deployment Length Rules

• 1st deployment → Length 2
• 2nd deployment → Length 3
• 3rd deployment → Length 4
• Any deviation requires Command approval.

Deployer & Remote Deployment Restrictions

• These modes are ONLY for major incidents:
  • Pacific Standard Bank
  • Paleto Bank
  • Major hostage situations
  • Large‑scale coordinated criminal events
• Not permitted for routine pursuits unless authorised.

Safe Deployment Requirements

• Must be deployed from a safe position:
  • Behind cover, a vehicle, or a barrier
  • Never in the direct path of the suspect vehicle
  • Must have a clear escape route
  • Must NOT to be used on any 2 Wheeled Vehicles e.g. Motorbike / Bike
• Avoid unsafe areas:
  • Blind corners, heavy traffic, pedestrian zones
  • Bridges, steep inclines, low‑visibility areas
• Ensure the strip can be safely retrieved afterward.

Communication Requirements

• Clearly announce intent to deploy.
• State location, direction of travel, and length.
• Confirm when spikes are active and when they are clear.
• Notify Command if the suspect vehicle has been spiked.

Post‑Deployment

• Retrieve the strip as soon as safe.
• Confirm retrieval over radio.
• Return to armoury if required and complete any necessary reporting.

Policy

Air Units must be flown safely, legally, and only on approved missions. The helicopter is a powerful but expensive tool, and its use carries significant risk—including the possibility of catastrophic loss of life. For this reason, only certified pilots may operate the aircraft, and misuse will result in loss of certification and possible disciplinary action.

Purpose

The Air Unit’s primary role is aerial observation in support of criminal apprehension. Acting as an airborne command post, it guides ground units to criminal activity as it occurs. Secondary roles include service calls, search operations, traffic monitoring, and crowd management, where its flexibility offers critical support.

Standard Operational Procedures - Approved Usage For Air One

• Surveillance
• Raids
• Crowd Control
• MAJOR/Violent Crimes (Bank/Jewellery Store/Bank Truck Robberies, Shootings, Kidnappings, etc.)
• Rescue (If No EMS Rescue Available)
• Any Missions Approved by Command

General Flight Operation

• NO LEO or INDIVIDUAL should enter the aircraft’s pilot seat if they are not “Air One Certified” which requires the individual to complete the “Air One Training Course" set up by Air One Leads and AirDogs Flying School.
• Passengers are NOT permitted to shoot from the aircraft unless approved by High Command.
• Pilots shall maintain a safe altitude when operating the Air Unit. Reasonable elevations would be approximately 100-200 feet above the surface, unless deemed necessary based on the nature of the approved mission.
• Pilots are ultimately responsible for the safety of the aircraft and all passengers.
• The aircraft is to Return To Base (RTB) in the event of inclement weather.
• Air One can only be involved during a chase for 15 minutes at a time before RTB for refuelling unless directly authorised by Command.

Personnel Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft.
• Responsible for the safety of the aircraft and occupants inside.
• Only in extreme circumstances should a trained pilot operate the aircraft alone.

• Responsible for the operation of the on board camera.
• Responsible for radio communications.
• Alerts the pilot of any hazards pertinent to the safety of the aircraft.

Disciplinary Guidelines

• All Air One Pilots must follow the guidelines that have been laid out in the SOP.
• All Air One Pilots must not use the Aircraft for anything other than work purposes unless approved by High Command.
• All Air One Pilots will be required to undergo training and checks when requested by an Air One Instructor or a member of Command.
• If any Air One Pilot is found to be abusing our aircraft for any reason your certification may be revoked.
• Only Certified Air One Pilots are permitted to enter the Pilot Seat of the aircraft, unless undergoing training.

Miscellaneous Procedures

• Co-Pilots are required, unless ranked Officer or Higher (Still Recommended).
• Exemptions for Single Pilot Operations may be revoked on an individual basis due to unsafe flying or poor mission performance.
• If Air One is going down you should call “Mayday Mayday Mayday Air One going down at (Location).”
• Air One should be mobilized for all raids. Air One can be overhead and relay comms to LEOs on the ground. If Air One starts taking shots be cautious and if you feel as though the helicopter will be shot down, RTB and get a car to assist on the ground.
• If Air One is disabled while enroute, on scene or departing an active shootout (whether by gunfire or crash) secondary Air Units are NOT authorized to attach to the scene. Due to state insurance limitations, Air One shall NOT land on a building that is not accessible by ladder unless said building has a necessary refuel point.

• Ensuring a safe perimeter has been set
• Plate scan the vehicle to ensure it is broadcasted via /411
• Initial brief over radio of the situation (Location, Vehicles, Number of suspects, Hostages)
• Begin hostage negotiations or delegate
• Ensuring a report has been started
• Ensure Pursuit order is set or delegate
• Ensure Officer remain behind to breach, clear and take a statement from the hostage
• At any point a Higher Ranking officer has the ability to take over in order to guide the way.

Reasonable Suspicion

A suspicion, based on specific and articulable facts, that you, as an officer, believe that a suspect has committed, will commit or is about to commit a crime. Reasonable Suspicion is grounds for detaining, but not arresting. This allows you to question, GSR and Frisk (If you believe they are armed and dangerous).

Probable Cause

Probable cause requires that the police have more than just suspicion that a suspect committed a crime. You have hard evidence someone has committed a crime, but this does not have to be complete certainty. You can search and arrest with probable cause.

When can you Frisk?

You can conduct a frisk when you have Reasonable Suspicion that a person has committed, will commit or is committing a crime AND is armed and dangerous (Terry v. Ohio 1968). When you frisk and remove a weapon, you can only see the weapon and nothing else.

When can you search a person or vehicle? (Carroll vs United States)

• You can search a person when you have Probable Cause to arrest
• The vehicle has been involved in a crime or contains illegal contraband
• You can search a person/vehicle when you have consent
• You can search a person under extreme circumstances (saving someone's life takes precedence over SOPs and case laws)
• You can search a vehicle when you are checking the vehicle after an incident in which you impounded the car

General Rules

• All citizens have an amendment right to purchase and possess firearms
• Any weapons not sold by licensed State distributors (Ammunition) are to be seized and destroyed
• If a citizen is found with a firearm without a licence, the firearm will be confiscated and they will be charged with unlicensed possession
• If a citizen is found with an illegal firearm, they will have their licence revoked
• If a citizen commits a felony crime with a firearm in possession, it will be confiscated and not returned, and license revoked

License Issue Steps

• Ask for the recipient's Physical ID
• Test their knowledge with 2 self-defense scenarios
• Inform them to stay on scene and call 911 if they discharge their firearm
• Check recipient's profile on MDT (Add photo if not present)
• Bill $1000 for new license, $2500 for reissue (after 21 days with no violent crime)
• Issue license via MDT - License lasts 3 months from issue date

Repairing PD Vehicles

• Carry Repair Kits (Bought at a mechanic)
• Duct Tape (Bought at Tool Station)
• Visit a Mechanics & Bennys
• Use garages where possible for repairs. Ensure vehicles are repaired before putting them away

Impound Vehicles

• Check for tow trucks first. If none, use access tool and drive back to MRPD/Impound via PD escort
• Use /IV to open out impound menu to view and process any vehicle impound.

Lockbox

Accessed from the F6 wheel while in a vehicle. Used to store only Class 2 Firearms whilst on duty. Once off High Alert, move to using these lockboxes.

Plate Scanner

Keybind needs to be via /radar. With radar on, click the keybind to scan the vehicle and get Bolo/reported stolen/name/plate, etc. Plate Scanner needs to be on at all times.

Transport Requirements

Prison transport for anyone sentenced to 60+ months in Bolingbroke. Ready to transport as soon as processing is done.

Prison Bus Escort (2 Officers Min)

• 1 x STX
• 2 x Baller
• 1 x Air One plus Co-Pilot (optional)

Escort Procedures

Escort vehicles block/station at junctions, air one provides overview. Blocking/escort vehicle stays until convoy passes, then moves ahead to next junction.

If EMS are Available

• Check vitals (pulse, injuries)
• If no pulse, perform CPR
• See if responsive – ask what happened
• Contact EMS (Radio 10 AND /911e), advise on situation
• If performing CPR, continue until EMS arrives

If EMS are NOT Available

• Check vitals (pulse, injuries)
• If no pulse, perform CPR
• See if responsive – ask what happened
• If shot, stop bleeding. If neck injury, apply brace
• Carry/Escort to Police Vehicle, transport to Pillbox for treatment
• Pack wound, bandage, apply neck brace as needed

Alert Levels

• Routine Duty: Business as usual. Entered after every tsunami. Maintain awareness, no special measures beyond normal duty
• Substantial Threat: Elevated security. Triggered by sustained threat. Additional protective measures required. Body armour, pair up, carry Class 2 openly
• Critical Threat: Maximum protective security. Triggered by severe threats (e.g., Class 3 usage). Heavier uniform, double units, Class 3 rifle on back

Weapon Classification

• Class 0: Non-lethal
• Class 1: Single-fire / lower calibre
• Class 2: Automatic fire (low calibre) OR single-fire (high calibre)
• Class 3: Snipers, explosives, automatic fire (high calibre)

Miscellaneous Information

• Boats: Collect PD Boat at Vespucci Beach (next to pier)
• Equipment Returns: On separation, surrender all issued equipment to San Andreas Law Enforcement. Complete PR (Property Return) Form for all equipment returned
• Leave of Absence (LOA): No prior approval needed. Mark yourself as [LOA] in email system & LOA Channel

1. General Conduct & Professional Standards

• Officers must comply with all traffic laws unless engaged in authorized emergency response.
• Officers must operate motorcycles in a manner that ensures safety of self, colleagues, and the public.
• Full uniform, protective gear, and issued safety equipment must be worn at all times.
• Officers shall treat all members of the public with professionalism and respect.

2. Pre-Shift Procedures

• Conduct a full motorcycle inspection (brakes, tires, lights, sirens, fluids, fuel).
• Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is serviceable (helmet, gloves, boots, body armor).
• Log vehicle condition and mileage before deployment.
  [If the bike is damaged and or low on fuel document this and forward it to moto leads]

3. Patrol & Traffic Duties

• Motorbike officers shall maintain high-visibility patrol in assigned areas.
• Use motorcycles for rapid response, traffic enforcement, and congestion navigation.

4. Emergency Response

• Activate lights and sirens when responding to emergencies.
• Maintain safe speeds relative to environment, and traffic conditions.

5. Pursuit Policy

• Pursuits should only be initiated if the suspected offense is serious enough to justify risks.
• Officers must continuously assess risk to the public, self, and suspect.
• Wheelies are permitted on the motorbike but must be conducted in a safe manner and not cause risk of injury to the rider or members of the public.
• A motor unit should only take primary in the chase if a car unit is unable to continue or if the vehicle pursuing is a motorbike or similar.

6. Arrest

• Bike units must not transport 95’s on the back of the bike, either for medical purposes or processing purposes.

7. Training & Qualifications

• Officers must complete certified motorcycle operator training.
• Periodic refresher training required (defensive riding, pursuit, convoy operations).

8. Post-Shift Procedures

• Refuel and check the motorcycle before the end of duty.
• Make sure moto’s are parked away in the garage fully repaired, any officer found parking them away in a poor state will be penalised.

Vehicle Allocation by Rank

House Robbery (Includes Trevor's, Wade's & Mansion)

• 2 Units Max & No Air One

Store Robbery / Cash Exchange / Pillbox

• 3 Units Max & No Air One

Davis & Vangelicos

• 4 Units Max
• Air One can be negotiated in – 15 mins in air – 5 Down for fuel or 1x Interceptor

Fleeca Bank

• 5 Units Max
• Max 2 x Interceptors, 1 can be negotiated OUT
• Air One can be negotiated in – 15 mins in air – 5 Down for fuel

Paleto Bank

• 6 Units Max
• Air One mandatory – 15 mins in air – 5 Down for fuel
• Max 2 x Interceptors, 1 can be negotiated OUT

Pacific Bank

• 12 Units Max
• Max 4 x Interceptor
• Air One Mandatory – 15 mins in air – 5 Down for fuel. Air 2 can also be used

Evidence Collection

All evidence must be properly logged, photographed, and stored according to department procedures. Evidence handling procedures to be detailed by department leadership.

Miranda Warning Script

"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 appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

When to Read Miranda

Miranda rights must be read to all suspects in custody prior to questioning. This follows the Miranda v. Arizona case law and ensures suspects are aware of their rights. Not required for general questioning, traffic stops, or voluntary statements.