1.2.1 CALLS FOR SERVICE
It is not always possible for the Department to respond to every call for service; therefore, the Department must organize available resources to provide the highest level of service possible.
Field personnel may be required to exercise discretion in determining whether to continue on an assigned call, respond to a citizen’s complaint, or address another observed event. In such cases, an officer’s assigned call may be reassigned to another available unit to ensure that all service needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
1.2.2 CIVIL DISPUTES
The presence of Troopers at civil disputes can have an intimidating effect upon the parties involved and is sometimes used by individuals or establishments as a tactic to avoid the civil process. Therefore, the Department’s role in such disputes is limited.
The primary purpose of an Troopers presence at a civil dispute is to preserve the peace and to prevent a crime from occurring. Troopers shall remain impartial in civil matters and shall not assume responsibility for resolving issues that fall strictly within the jurisdiction of the civil courts.
1.2.3 FIELD SUPERVISORS
Supervisors are responsible for providing guidance, direction, and knowledge to less experienced Troopers. The field sergeant represents the first level of supervision and is primarily tasked with guiding, directing, and motivating subordinates. A field sergeant is not generally expected to engage directly in law enforcement operations, except in a command or supervisory capacity.
Supervisors are responsible for the even and appropriate distribution of resources across patrol areas, incident scenes, and divisions in the field. This includes ensuring that sufficient units remain available to address rapidly changing events where the risk of injury or loss of life is substantial, commonly referred to as priorities.
In practice, this responsibility may require supervisors to reassign or redistribute units from lower-priority incidents to higher-priority situations.
NOTE: Troopers should generally attend to only one priority at a time, to ensure clear and concise cooperation, and to maintain patrol cohesion. It is the responsibility of the highest-ranking supervisor on patrol to redistribute resources in a safe and efficient manner to achieve this objective.
1.2.4 CRIME SCENE SUPERVISION
The senior investigating officer present shall assume responsibility for command and control of a crime scene. That officer is accountable for the preservation of evidence, the coordination of personnel, and the overall management of the scene until relieved by a higher-ranking supervisor or specialized investigative authority.
1.2.5 FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATIONS
Follow-up investigations consist of efforts to:
A. Interview victims and witnesses;
B. Locate, identify, and preserve physical evidence;
C. Recover stolen property; and
D. Identify, locate, interview, and arrest suspects.
Such investigations are conducted to develop evidence regarding the guilt or innocence of a suspect and to recover stolen or missing property.
1.2.6 INFORMANTS
Confidential informants are a valuable resource in the prevention and investigation of crime. Information provided by informants frequently contributes to the successful resolution of cases. Regardless of their motivation, the use of informants remains a fundamental tool in the Department’s efforts to combat criminal activity.
1.2.7 USE OF FORCE
It is recognized that some individuals will not comply with the law or submit to lawful authority unless compelled to do so through the use of force. Therefore, Troopers may, when necessary, use force in the performance of their duties.
The Department’s guiding value in the application of force shall be a reverence for human life. Troopers shall, whenever safe and reasonable to do so, attempt to control incidents through the use of time, distance, communication, and available resources in order to de-escalate situations.
1.2.71 DEFINITIONS
A. Objectively Reasonable: Force must be reasonable under the circumstances known to the Trooper at the time it was used. The Department evaluates all uses of force under an objective standard rather than a subjective standard.
B. Deadly Force: Force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury.
C. Imminent: Defined as “near at hand; impending; or on the point of happening.”
D. Serious Bodily Injury: Includes, but is not limited to:
Loss of consciousness;
Concussion;
Bone fracture;
Protracted loss or impairment of function of any bodily member or organ;
A wound requiring extensive suturing;
Serious disfigurement.
E. Warning Shots: The intentional discharge of a firearm in a manner not intended to strike a person, but to warn that deadly force is imminent.
1.2.72 POLICY
A. General Use of Force: Personnel may only use that force which is objectively reasonable to:
Defend themselves;
Defend others;
Effect an arrest or detention;
Prevent escape;
Overcome resistance.
B. Factors in Determining Reasonableness: Reasonableness is based on the totality of the circumstances. Factors may include, but are not limited to:
The seriousness of the crime or suspected offense;
The level of threat or resistance presented by the subject;
Whether the subject posed an immediate threat to Troopers or the community;
The potential for injury to citizens, Troopers, or suspects;
The risk of escape or apparent attempt to flee;
The conduct of the subject being confronted;
The time available, and changing circumstances, to evaluate force options;
The availability of other resources;
The training and experience of the Trooper;
The proximity or access of the subject to weapons;
Trooper versus subject factors such as age, size, strength, skill level, exhaustion, or number of Troopers versus subjects;
Environmental or exigent circumstances.
C. Deadly Force: Troopers are authorized to use deadly force only to:
Protect themselves or others from what is reasonably believed to be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury;
Prevent a crime in which a suspect’s actions place others in imminent jeopardy of death or serious bodily injury;
Prevent the escape of a violent fleeing felon when there is probable cause to believe the escape will pose a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to others. Troopers shall, to the extent practicable, avoid the use of deadly force that endangers bystanders or hostages.
D. Shooting at or from Moving Vehicles:
Firearms shall not be discharged at a moving vehicle unless a person within is immediately threatening deadly force by means other than the vehicle itself.
A moving vehicle shall not be considered, by itself, a threat justifying deadly force.
A Trooper threatened by an oncoming vehicle shall move out of its path rather than discharge a firearm at it or its occupants.
Firearms shall not be discharged from a moving vehicle except in exigent circumstances.
E. Use of Vehicles:
A patrol vehicle may only be used as a deadly force option (striking a subject with the vehicle) in exigent circumstances where no other options are available and only where deadly force is otherwise authorized, consistent with Tennessee v. Garner.
Troopers may use vehicle doors to physically strike or block a fleeing subject when all other options have been exhausted, or in exigent circumstances. This tactic should preferably be done with supervisor authorization, as misuse can cause serious injury or death.
Note: The policy cannot anticipate every situation. Members are expected to exercise sound judgment, intelligence, and maintain high professional standards in all circumstances.
1.2.73 DRAWING OR EXHIBITING FIREARMS
Unnecessarily or prematurely drawing or exhibiting a firearm limits a Troopers alternatives, increases civilian anxiety, and risks accidental discharge. The decision to draw or exhibit a firearm must be based on the tactical situation and the officer’s reasonable belief that the situation may escalate to one justifying deadly force. Once it has been determined that deadly force is no longer necessary, the officer shall secure or holster the firearm as soon as practicable.
1.2.74 DUTY TO INTERCEDE
Any sworn Trooper present and observing another Trooper using force that is clearly beyond what is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intercede to stop the excessive use of force. Additionally, any officer observing unreasonable or excessive force shall promptly report the incident to a supervisor.
1.2.75 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
When a supervisor responds to an incident involving a reported use of force, the supervisor shall:
A. Obtain the basic facts from the involved personnel;
B. Ensure injured parties receive medical evaluation and treatment;
C. When possible, separately obtain a recorded interview from the subject upon whom force was applied;
D. After medical assessment or first aid, ensure photographs are taken of visible injuries, areas of complaint, and unaffected areas for context;
E. Identify witnesses not already included in reports;
F. Review and approve all related reports;
G. Determine whether the subject may pursue civil litigation;
H. Evaluate the circumstances and initiate an administrative investigation if policy violations are suspected or further review is appropriate.
1.2.76 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Watch Commander shall review every use of force incident involving personnel under their command. The Watch Commander is responsible for ensuring preliminary compliance with policy, identifying training issues, and taking corrective action where necessary.
1.2.8 HOSTAGES
Criminal suspects who take hostages in an effort to escape are considered extremely dangerous and pose a continuing threat to both the hostage and the public if allowed to flee. Any assurance or promise from a suspect that a hostage will be released unharmed is unreliable and shall not be relied upon.
The safety of hostages is best preserved by keeping them within the presence of Troopers and by preventing their removal from the scene by the suspect. Troopers shall prioritize containment, negotiation, and tactical measures that prevent suspects from escaping with hostages, thereby reducing the risk of harm to the victim and the community.
1.2.9 BARRICADED SUSPECTS
A barricaded suspect poses an extreme danger not only to officers attempting to make an arrest, but also to nearby individuals and the public at large. Barricaded suspect incidents shall be managed with patience, planning, and appropriate use of Departmental resources to minimize risk to life and property.
1.2.91 TACTICAL PLAN
A. Troopers shall seal all avenues of escape and immediately request appropriate assistance.
B. Once the suspect has been contained and isolated, Troopers shall use time to their advantage.
C. The full resources of the Department shall be made available to assist in resolving the incident and safely removing the suspect from their location.
1.2.10 USE OF FLASHLIGHTS
The primary purpose of a flashlight is illumination. The use of a flashlight as an impact device is discouraged by the Department and shall not be considered a standard tool for control.
However, under exigent circumstances, a flashlight may be used as an impact device when the use of a baton or other authorized tool is not feasible. Any such use shall be subject to the same reporting and review requirements as other uses of force.
1.2.11 USE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS
To minimize injury to suspects, Troopers, and the public, or to prevent significant property damage, the use of chemical agents (such as tear gas) may be necessary in situations where a serious threat to life or property exists.
The Incident Commander at the scene holds responsibility for assessing the need for chemical agents. Authorization, however, is restricted as follows:
A. Only Sergeants and above, or Detectives, may authorize the use of chemical agents in standard operations.
B. The use of chemical agents for crowd control or riot suppression must be specifically authorized by a Commander or higher.
1.2.12 USE OF LESS-LETHAL CONTROL DEVICES
Approved less-lethal control devices may be utilized to control violent or potentially violent suspects in order to minimize the risk of serious injury or death.
A. Chemical irritant spray shall be issued to and maintained by all uniformed field personnel. Undercover and plainclothes personnel may also be authorized to carry chemical irritant spray as appropriate to their assignment.
B. The TASER may be carried and used by uniformed field personnel who have received Department-approved training and certification.
C. Any officer deploying a less-lethal control device shall ensure that medical treatment is provided if necessary for the individual upon whom the device was used.
D. TASER cassette darts that penetrate the skin shall only be removed by trained medical personnel.
1.2.13 OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS / DEATHS
This policy establishes procedures for the investigation of incidents in which a person is injured or dies as the result of an officer-involved shooting, or dies as the result of other actions taken by a sworn officer, including traffic collisions.
1.2.132 INVESTIGATION PROCESS
The following guidelines shall govern the investigation of an officer-involved shooting or death.
1.2.133 UNINVOLVED OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon arrival at the scene of an officer-involved shooting, the first uninvolved officer shall assume command and act as officer-in-charge until properly relieved. Responsibilities include:
A. Secure the scene and eliminate hazards.
B. Request emergency medical assistance for all injured persons.
C. Attempt to obtain a public safety statement from the involved officer.
D. Request additional resources as necessary.
E. Coordinate a perimeter or pursuit of suspects, if applicable.
F. Check for additional injured persons and arrange for evacuation.
G. Brief the arriving supervisor upon their arrival.
1.2.134 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon arrival, the first uninvolved supervisor shall:
A. Ensure the tactical stability of the incident.
B. Confirm that emergency medical attention is provided to all injured persons.
C. Separate all involved officers.
D. Attempt to obtain a brief overview from uninvolved officers.
E. If no uninvolved officers are available, attempt to obtain a voluntary overview from one involved officer.
F. Provide all available information to the Watch Commander.
G. Assume command of and secure the scene until relieved by designated investigators.
H. Ensure involved officers are marked unavailable and transported separately to the station. Officers may retrieve a reserve firearm before returning to duty.
I. Issue administrative orders prohibiting involved officers from discussing the incident pending further direction.
J. Ensure firearms discharged during the incident are secured as evidence and replacement weapons are issued.
K. Confirm any long guns used are placed on safe and secured appropriately if not evidentiary.
L. Safeguard any vehicles associated with involved officers until reviewed by investigators.
M. Release any units no longer required.
1.2.135 INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
An assigned investigator or designated supervisor shall be responsible for:
A. Collecting the firearms of involved officers.
B. Collecting evidence, including suspect weapons.
C. Taking statements from involved officers.
D. Taking statements from witnesses.
E. Completing a critical incident report in accordance with Department procedures.
1.2.136 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Watch Commander shall coordinate all aspects of the incident until relieved by a Division Commander or higher authority. The Watch Commander shall ensure notifications are made as soon as practicable to:
A. A supervisor to respond to the scene.
B. Appropriate command staff (Division Commander, Deputy Chief, or designee).
C. Colonel.
D. Investigative division leadership (non-traffic related).
E. Traffic Division Commander (traffic-related death).
F. District Attorney’s Office (as required).
G. Legal advisors, as applicable.
H. Psychological/Peer Support personnel.
I. Coroner, if required.
J. Public Information Officer.
K. Chaplain, if requested by the involved officer.
1.2.137 INVOLVED OFFICERS
Upon arrival at the station, involved officers shall be admonished by the Watch Commander that the incident may not be discussed with anyone except authorized personnel, legal counsel, or union representatives.
1.2.14 PURSUIT POLICY
The State of San Andreas defines a vehicular pursuit as:
“An event involving one or more law enforcement Troopers attempting to apprehend a suspect operating a motor vehicle while the suspect is attempting to avoid arrest or detention by using high-speed driving or other evasive tactics, such as leaving a roadway, making sudden turns, or willfully failing to yield to an Troopers lawful signal to stop.”
1.2.142 VEHICLE PURSUIT RESPONSIBILITIES
Three specific roles exist for ground units engaged in a vehicle pursuit:
A. Primary Unit: The primary unit maintains pursuit communications until relieved and acts as the Incident Commander (IC) until a supervisor arrives.
B. Secondary Unit: Upon arrival, the secondary unit shall notify Communications. Responsibilities include reporting:
Location of the pursuit;
Direction of travel;
Any traffic collisions caused by the suspect or pursuit units;
Pursuit termination (Corporal or higher only).
C. Supervisor / IC: Upon arrival, the supervisor declares themselves IC. Responsibilities include maintaining control, directing resources, authorizing vehicle intervention techniques, initiating tracking, terminating pursuits when necessary, and overseeing post-pursuit activities.
Note: Only four ground units should engage directly in a pursuit unless exigent circumstances exist. Additional units may monitor Code 2 and respond to the termination point, or intercept the pursuit to deploy techniques.
1.2.143 VEHICLE INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES
There are two authorized techniques:
A. Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI).
B. Tire Deflation Device (spike strips).
Officers shall not perform a Vehicle Intervention Technique if it presents a substantial risk of serious injury to suspects, the public, or officers.
Restrictions:
Techniques shall not be performed on two-wheeled motorcycles unless deadly force is authorized.
Techniques shall not be performed without IC authorization unless exigent circumstances exist.
Other methods (ramming, boxing-in, blockades) are prohibited unless exigent circumstances exist.
PIT Considerations:
Suspect vehicle speed (shall not exceed 40 mph).
Whether the suspect is armed or has threatened harm.
Size, weight, and center of gravity of the suspect vehicle.
Road and environmental conditions.
Location and public safety concerns.
1.2.144 TERMINATING PURSUIT
Officers shall continually assess risk and terminate pursuits when the danger outweighs the necessity of immediate apprehension. Factors include:
A. Weather, visibility, and road conditions;
B. Original reason for pursuit;
C. Traffic density;
D. Significant threat to officers;
E. Recklessness of suspect driving.
Suspect Vehicle Lost: If visual contact is lost, officers shall notify Communications, provide the last known location, direction, and vehicle description.
1.2.145 PURSUIT DRIVING TECHNIQUES
A. Paralleling: Officers shall not parallel or pass pursuit units.
B. Opposing Traffic / Off-Road: Pursuit shall not continue into opposing lanes, wrong-way travel, or off-road unless:
An air unit is requested to track the vehicle;
Other units are notified to monitor nearby exits;
Officers maintain visual from safe positions;
The pursuit is terminated if risk is too great.
C. Passing Units: A secondary unit may assume the primary role only with IC approval.
1.2.146 AIR UNIT / TRACKING A VEHICLE PURSUIT
A. Air Unit Responsibilities:
Provide updates to Communications and ground units.
Notify the IC upon arrival and confirm whether to initiate tracking.
Relay information if suspects flee on foot, including whether they are armed.
B. Tracking a Pursuit:
Air units may track a vehicle to encourage suspects to reduce speed.
Ground units may reduce speed or downgrade to Code 2, creating distance from the vehicle.
C. Re-Engaging Pursuit:
Ground units may re-engage if the suspect continues reckless or dangerous driving while tracked.
D. Apprehension:
Officers shall rely on training and IC guidance when taking suspects into custody at the conclusion of a pursuit.
Authorized Vehicle Usage.
Troopers are authorized to operate vehicles designated within the “Starter Cars” and “Patrol Division” categories. Operation of vehicles outside these categories is
restricted to those personnel assigned to special divisions or holding supervisory rank, and may only be undertaken upon receipt of the necessary certification or rank
authorization. No member shall purchase, finance, or otherwise utilize vehicles in restricted categories without prior authorization.
Markings and Equipment.
All marked patrol vehicles operated by Troopers assigned to Patrol Operations within Field Operations must be equipped with and display active lightbars. This requirement excludes personnel serving in a Supervisor or Command capacity, who may utilize alternative authorized units.
Unmarked Vehicles.
Unmarked vehicles are strictly prohibited for use by any member of the Department unless the member is officially assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) or is serving in a Command role.
Slicktop Vehicles.
Use of slicktop vehicles shall be reserved exclusively for members of the Traffic Division, and for those serving in a Supervisory or Command capacity.
Preferred Vehicle Usage.
All members are encouraged to utilize marked patrol vehicles under ordinary operating conditions. The use of unmarked or slick top vehicles should remain the exception, and marked units shall be the standard unless the total number of active field personnel exceeds five (5).