1.0.1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the San Andreas State Police Standard Operating Procedures Handbook. All policies specified within this document are in effect and adopted by all respective divisions and units that operate under the authority, guidelines, and standards of the San Andreas State Police. These policies are written to provide consistent, accurate, and lawful guidance for the primary operational functions of this department.
These policies are intended to serve as guidance in a variety of circumstances; however, it must be understood that law enforcement is a dynamic profession, and no two situations will ever be exactly the same.
These policies shall remain in effect unless otherwise amended, revised, or rescinded by order of the Police Council. The State of San Andreas through the Police Council, reserves the authority to revise, add to, or rescind these policies at any time. When such changes occur, personnel will be notified through official channels.
All members of the San Andreas State Police are responsible for being thoroughly familiar with these policies. Questions or concerns should be directed to the member’s immediate Supervisor. Violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
References to the male gender (e.g., he, him, his) used throughout these policies shall be interpreted to include both male and female genders.
1.0.2 PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Troopers are hereby obligated to adhere to all established standards contained within the Policies and Procedures. It is acknowledged that the Policies and Procedures cannot encompass every possible situation that troopers may encounter. Nevertheless, troopers shall dutifully abide by the Policies and Procedures to the best of their ability. Any failure to comply with the prescribed standards set forth within the Policies and Procedures may result in disciplinary proceedings.
1.0.21 SUPERVISOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
A. Supervisors are duty-bound to ensure full compliance with and enforce all written standards articulated in the Policies and Procedures.
1.0.22 COMMAND'S RESPONSIBILITY
A. All commanding personnel shall assume the responsibility of guaranteeing that their respective division steadfastly adheres to all standards delineated in the Policies and Procedures.
1.0.3 REPORT MISCONDUCT
Troopers' Obligation: All troopers employed within the department are bound by a duty of utmost responsibility. They are required to adhere to all prescribed procedures and protocols while performing their official duties. To safeguard the integrity of the department, it is imperative that all troopers promptly report any instances of questionable conduct to their supervisors.
1.0.31 MISCONDUCT – DEFINED
Definition of Misconduct: The term "misconduct" shall encompass any deliberate action by a trooper whereby they:
A. Intentionally impede the objectives of the Department;
B. Foster an unfavorable perception of the Department; or
C. Willfully violate established standards in a malicious manner.
1.0.4 CHAIN OF COMMAND
Established Chain of Command:
In accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations, the San Andreas State Police shall implement a formal system known as the Chain of Command.
The Chain of Command governs the hierarchical structure, delegation of authority, and issuance of directives within the organization.
All personnel are obligated to strictly adhere to the prescribed Chain of Command as outlined herein, which encompasses the ranks within the State Police and their corresponding responsibilities. Failure to comply with the designated protocols of the Chain of Command may result in disciplinary proceedings.
1.0.41 RANK STRUCTURE
A. Colonel (Col.): The Colonel, as the highest-ranking law enforcement officer within the State Police, serves as the department’s commanding officer and primary public figure. The Colonel bears ultimate responsibility for the Department’s policies, operations, and overall performance.
B. Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.): The Lieutenant Colonel reports directly to the Colonel, serving as principal deputy and assisting in overall administration. The Lt. Colonel ensures information and directives flow effectively from the Colonel to the Majors, Captains, and lower ranks.
C. Major (Maj.): Majors assume command of Divisions, overseeing all divisional operations and supervising division leaders. Majors are responsible for the strategic development and coordination of specialized areas of the Department.
D. Captain (Capt.): Captains serve as Post Commanders, with direct authority over assigned stations and all units under their command. In certain cases, command of a post may be delegated to a Lieutenant under the Major, Lieutenant Colonel, or Colonel's discretion.
E. Lieutenant (Lt.): Lieutenants act as Watch Commanders or assistant Post Commanders. They may also be assigned as Division Leaders for sub-
divisions, ensuring operational oversight and continuity of command.
F. Staff Sergeant (SSgt.): Staff Sergeants serve as senior supervisors within the Patrol Division or other specialized units. They bridge the gap between Sergeants and Lieutenants, providing leadership and field coordination.
G. Sergeant (Sgt.): Sergeants serve as field supervisors and the primary point of contact for Troopers. They are responsible for day-to-day operational oversight, ensuring that officers under their command carry out assignments effectively.
H. Corporal (Cpl.): Corporals function as first-line supervisors, mentoring and guiding Troopers and assisting Sergeants in field operations.
I. Master Trooper: Master Trooper is a senior line-officer rank awarded to members who have demonstrated advanced proficiency, leadership ability, and consistent excellence in service. They often assist in training, mentorship, and specialized patrol responsibilities.
J. Trooper First Class (TFC): Trooper First Class is a designation for Troopers who have demonstrated exemplary service and readiness for additional divisional or specialized opportunities.
K. Trooper: Troopers are the Department’s front line, primarily assigned to the Patrol Division. They represent the standard of service in daily enforcement
and protection duties.
L. Probationary Trooper: Probationary Troopers are Troopers who have graduated from FTO but remain under Field Training Officer (FTO) supervision.
They must successfully complete all evaluations and testing from a Sergeant to achieve full Trooper status.
M. Cadet: Cadets are trainees still undergoing instruction and evaluation. They are not yet sworn personnel and are restricted to training functions until
moving to probationary status.
1.0.5 DISSEMINATION
A. The original copy of this SOP Handbook shall remain in the sole possession of this Department.
B. Copies of these policies are to be available to the Employee’s of this Department at all times.
C. Employee’s shall be provided two (1) week from the date of issuance to read and understand all of these policies.
1. Employees are encouraged to ask questions as necessary to ensure understanding.
2. Employees shall review these policies during their normal work schedule, but at times when such review does not interfere with the call to duty.
D. Additions, deletions, or revisions to these policies shall be posted on the Office’s Bulletin Board.
E. It is the responsibility of this department's Employees to review these additions within a timely manner.
1.0.6 ADMINISTRATIVE NOTIFICATION
A. By virtue of the diverse duties and responsibilities which impact upon the general public, and the department, Administrative notification is expected
under given circumstances or major incidents. This provides direction and consistent service in extreme situations.
B. When making an Administrative Notification, you shall follow the use of our chain-of-command. By doing so you will notify either the On-Shift Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain. If an incident deems notification to High-Command, the Supervisor that you notified will notify them. In the event that contact is unable to be made to the indicated supervisor, you are instructed to contact High-Command directly in any order.