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title: Standard Operating Procedure
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#  Standard Operating Procedure
# Introduction
Welcome to the esteemed New Haven County Sheriff's Office, a law enforcement agency with a rich and storied history that dates back to its founding year of 1852. For over a century and a half, the dedicated men and women of the New Haven County Sheriff's Office have been committed to upholding the principles of justice, maintaining public safety, and serving the community with unwavering integrity.
Our dedicated team of professionals, sworn to protect and serve, continues to honor the legacy of those who came before them, carrying forth the values instilled in the organization since its inception. With a commitment to excellence, the New Haven County Sheriff's Office stands as a beacon of justice, embodying the principles of duty, honor, and community service that have defined its existence for well over a century. As we move forward into the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard the well-being of our community and build upon the proud traditions that have shaped the New Haven County Sheriff's Office since its founding in 1852.
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# Mission Statement
> "*...The New Haven County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to fostering a safe, secure, and thriving community through unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and service. Our mission is to protect and uphold the rights of all citizens while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.…*" [name=Francis H. Underwood, 1st Sheriff of the New Haven County Sheriff's Office - 02/08/2024] [color=#E4BA63]
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# Table of Contents
[TOC]
# CHAPTER I: HIERARCHY
In order to maintain a proper work environment for all our employees, there shall be a established hierarchy (chain of command) that all employees are expected to follow. Furthermore, every employee is expected to be knowledgeable on their roles duties which shall be explained here.
**SHERIFF**
The Sheriff is elected by the New Haven County residents and is the chief law enforcement officer of the county. As Sheriff, they are responsible for ensuring their deputies are enforcing the law, and protecting the residents they were elected by.
**UNDERSHERIFF**
The Undersheriff is appointed by the Sheriff and serves as the department's second-in-command and acting Sheriff during the Sheriff's absence. The Undersheriff assists in overseeing the department and ensuring the department, and personnel meet the regulations required of them.
**ASSISTANT SHERIFF**
As Assistant Sheriff, they serve as the Chief of Staff to the Sheriff & Undersheriff. They assist with the day-to-day management of the department and presents respective reports or concerns to the Sheriff and Undersheriff, and attempts to support other command roles where necessary.
**CAPTAIN**
Captains serve as a Bureau Commander. They are responsible for the development of their bureau including policy implementation, and the management of personnel under them.
**LIEUTENANT**
Lieutenants serve as their division's Commander. They are responsible for the operations of their division, including the management of personnel under them and their tasks.
**SERGEANT**
Sergeants oversee the operations of their respective squad. Sergeants should be the first point of contact for members of their squad, the completion of supervisory assignments in an adequate manner, enforcing activity, conduct, and professional standards within their respective squad are their key responsibilities.
**CORPORAL**
Assists their Sergeant in day-to-day oversight of deputies in the field. Maintains authority and power to report issues to oversight and sets clear examples of expectations. Can command a unit within a division.
**DEPUTY SECOND GRADE**
Veteran employees of the department, they are able to assume general command over lower ranking deputies for specific tasks. This rank is expected to assist the corporal in the operation of units as deemed fit.
**DEPUTY FIRST GRADE**
Holds seniority over lower ranking deputies with the intention of assisting with general needs and successfully coaching lower ranking deputies for improvement.
**DEPUTY**
Basic member of the department. Backbone of the department.
**PROBATIONARY DEPUTY**
Holds the rank of employee in the group after having completed the bulk of their academy training. The rank is more specific to the department’s academy process. They are still held in zero tolerance.
**CADET**
Not considered as fully employed (are still an “employee”) under the Sheriff’s Office. Expected to complete required trainings as laid out by the Training Division under its standards. The rank is only specific to the department’s academy process.
**CORRECTIONAL OFFICER**
Certified as employed under a partial LETI certification in order to staff the County Jail and if permitted, to assist deputies during a ridealong within the county. Correctional Officers are held to zero tolerance and are not considered as law enforcement officers.
Those who hold the rank "Cadet" and "Probationary Deputy" shall be considered Probationary Employees as outlined in S.B.4.
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# CHAPTER 2: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A. The burden of tasks imposed upon the office of the Sheriff necessitates the establishment of functional and geographical entities and the assignment of employees to these entities to be formed.
1. Bureau
a. The major functional segment for the tasks and objectives of the department.
b. A bureau shall be under the command, control, and direction of a Captain.
2. Division
a. The primary functional or geographical subdivision of activities within a bureau.
b. A division shall be under the command, control and direction of a Lieutenant.
3. Unit
a. A distinctive function or endeavour within a bureau, division, or section.
b. A unit shall be under the control, direction, and supervision of a Sergeant.
4. Detail
a. A specific and concentrated functional activity and/or segment.
5. Watch
a. A watch shall be under the command, direction, and supervision of a person of the appropriate rank or classification commensurate with the function performed and placement within the organizational structure.
B. Functional entities within the department shall adhere to these definitions of nomenclature.
C. No operational entity shall be formed or enact a name change without the written authority of the Sheriff and the issuance of a press release document regarding the formation or change to the organizational structure of the department.
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# CHAPTER 3: DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE
The department is split up into various bureaus, divisions, and units. All tasked with individual responsibility, they all help to create a functional and professional department.
**Field Operations Bureau**
The Field Operations Bureau is responsible for the day-to-day patrol operations alongside correctional duties. The Bureau Commander shall be known as the Field Operations Captain. The Field Operations Bureau encompasses the following:
1. **PATROL DIVISION A/B**
Consists of Squad A and Squad B which are responsible for the day-to-day patrol of the county. Overseen by 1 Lieutenant and 2 Sergeants.
2. **PATROL DIVISION C/D**
Consists of Squad C and Squad D which are responsible for the day-to-day patrol of the county. Overseen by 1 Lieutenant and 2 Sergeants.
a. **TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT**
Led by a Sergeant and a Corporal, primarily focuses on traffic offences. Overseen by the Squad C Lieutenant who oversees C & Traffic Enforcement.
4. **CORRECTIONAL DIVISION**
Consists of all correctional officers. Responsible for maintaining the correctional facilities, and performing bailiff duties. Overseen by a Lieutenant and 2 Sergeants.
**Special Operations Bureau**
The Special Operations Bureau is a specialized bureau tasked with handling unique and high-risk situations that go beyond the scope of routine law enforcement duties. The Bureau Commander shall be known as the Special Operations Captain. The Special Operations Bureau encompasses the following:
1. **WARRANT ENFORCEMENT BUREAU**
Responsible for executing arrest & search warrants issued by Judges. Led by a Lieutenant, Sergeant, and two (2) Corporals.
2. **STRATEGIC RESPONSE TEAM**
The main tactical team within the department, responsible for handling all serious threats such as hostage situations, gang shootings, and high firearms crime. Led by a Lieutenant, Sergeant, and two (2) Corporals.
3. **CRIME SUPPRESSION UNIT**
A team of veteran law enforcement officers who specialize in firearm crimes, and the suppression of such. Led by a Sergeant and a Corporal.
**Investigations Bureau**
The Investigations Bureau is tasked with executing both internal and external investigations at the county level. The Bureau Commander shall be known as the Investigations Captain. The Investigations Bureau encompasses the following:
1. **INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION**
The Internal Affairs Division is responsible for the apprehension of evidence in regard to violations of Standard Operating Procedures or other governing policies by an employee in the Sheriff's Office. The division has jurisdiction over any internal investigations that occur in the department.
2. **CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION**
Responsible for handling all criminal investigations and liaising with both the Department of Justices Criminal Office and the District Attorney’s Office.
**Support Bureau**
The Support Bureau has the responsibility of being the backbone of the Sheriff's Office and ensures all employees are properly trained, and the public is duly informed. The Bureau Commander is known as the Support Bureau Captain. The Support Bureau encompasses the following:
1. **PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION**
The Public Relations Division was created to enhance partnerships, communication, education, and crime prevention throughout the community.
2. **TRAINING DIVISION**
Training our Cadets and Deputies, this division is responsible for the instruction of basic law enforcement skills to the department as a whole. Anything to do with training within the Sheriff's Office is imposed by this division.
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# CHAPTER 4: PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
Each member of the Sheriff's Office is expected to maintain a professional standard on and off-duty. The purpose of this standard is to maintain a moral and acceptable character in the public’s eye. Neglecting this standard will result in termination from the department, even if it is off-duty.
1. The following are considered "immoral" offenses:
a. Inappropriate attire (i.e. immature faces, hair, hats, shirts, pants etc);
b. Incompetent or immature behaviour;
c. Disrespecting a superior officer;
d. Disrespecting a fellow peace officer whether it be on or off-duty ;
e. Disrespecting a civilian or government official;
f. Insubordination;
g. Violation of Mayflower Criminal Code, Laws, Acts of Congress, and Executive Orders;
h. failure to enforce state or county laws (defined further in 4.5);
i. failure to report violations of department policies or laws;
j. or general toxicity.
2. Employees of the Sheriff's Office are expected to:
a. Not show or persuade their political party or ideals while using any department resources, such as our discord, or any other equipment. This shall include, but not be limited to: phrases, sayings, groups, or anything that may resolve towards a certain political ideology, purposefully discomforting or harassing those of opposing ideologies, or attempts to persuade people into their political ideology.
b. In addition, references pertaining to the real world, New Haven County, Lander/Plymouth, or State of Mayflower politics, events, and ideologies are prohibited.
c. Employees are furthermore prohibited from voting on duty or endorsing a candidate while wearing Sheriff's Office uniforms.
3. Communication Servers:
a. Employees are permitted to communicate freely within the department’s discord(s), in accordance with the set rules of the discord itself, and try to be courteous to others. Violators may face a ban from the discord which will invalidate their employment. Leaving/being banned from the discord will invalidate a deputy's employment.
b. Any official Mayflower discord outside the Sheriff’s Office discord must be respected, also in accordance with the discord rules. Any lapses in behavior may be punished. Direct messages serving no topic about the department are irrelevant in regards to this policy.
4. In-game Rules
a. Employees are expected to follow Mayflower's Experience Rules while utilizing Mayflower services. Employees who violate Mayflower Experience Rules may be subject to punishment internally including termination - depending on the severity.
5. Failure to Act further explained
a. While on team employees are required to enforce the contents of State & County laws fully and are granted discretion in regards to the appropriate punishment for such violations. However, if a employee observes a crime occuring which may result in the loss of life, they are required to step in - failure to do so may result in criminal and or internal punishment. Furthermore, employees are given discretion in regards to civilians who are baiting cops with traffic violations in order to get a reaction from the employee, but employees must step in if it escalates to possible harm to others.
# CHAPTER 5: DEPARTMENT POLICIES
Every policy stated in this section is created in accordance with LETI standards, Mayflower Laws, and all legislation passed by Mayflower legislative entities. All of the State of Mayflower’s Criminal Code, Vehicle Code, County and Local Ordinances, Acts of Congress, Executive Orders, and Law Enforcement Training Institute Curriculum and Standards shall be followed and enforced.
**UNIFORMS**
a. Uniforms shall be separated in categories defined as:
- Standard Attire
- Specialist Attire
- Civilian Attire
b. The following will be categorised as Standard Attire:
- Class A.
- With or without vest
- Class C.
- With or without vest.
- Jacket.
- Formals
- Polo
c. The following will be categorised as Specialist Attire:
- Strategic Response Team Uniform
- Warrant Enforcement Bureau Uniform
- Criminal Investigations Division Windbreaker Uniform
- Sweater
d. The following will be categorised as Civilian Attire:
- Any uniform which is not representative of any other department or organisation funded by the State of Mayflower.
- Said uniform must not represent or mimic any form of criminal organisation within the State of Mayflower.
- Said uniform must not put the department’s image in disrepute.
- Any uniform which is not representative of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- Said uniform must not include any sort of logo of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- Said uniform must not include any sort of branding of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office, i.e. “NHCSO”, “Sheriff’s Office”, “Sheriff”.
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**GENERAL UNIFORM USAGE**
a. When making use of any Standard Attire with the plainclothes option, only appropriate accessories may be utilised.
- If you are questioning if your accessories are appropriate, they are most likely not.
- Ask any supervisor or Internal Affairs member if you are unsure.
b. When making use of any Civilian Attire you must wear a departmental badge or use a vest (if permitted).
c. When not making use of Civilian Attire, male employees must have bald/short hair.
d. When not making use of Civilian Attire, all visible hair must be of a natural color.
e. When not making use of Civilian Attire, the only permissible facial hair is a well-kept moustache.
- Moustaches must reflect a natural hair color.
- Moustaches should not extend past the head or be on the side of the head.
- Moustache must not be a stubble.
f. When not making use of Civilian Attire, female employees may not have hair that is longer than shoulder length and the hair should be located mostly on their back.
g. When not making use of Civilian Attire, all deputies must have a natural skin tone (as assigned by developers).
- Divisions may further regulate the use of body paint whilst making use of plainclothes in their unit/division-specific policy.
h. All plainclothes must be business casual, except when making use of Civilian Attire.
i. When making use of Civilian Attire, only unmarked vehicles and/or civilian vehicles may be utilised.
j. Should the Internal Affairs or members of Administration+ deem your attire unprofessional, you may be issued disciplinary action.
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**UNIFORM RESTRICTIONS**
a. Class A
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by any Deputy Second Grade+ with the “Plainclothes” option.
- Must be worn with a duty-belt and/or a vest.
- May be optionally used with a vest.
- Female employees who choose to utilise this option with a vest are required to put their hair in a bun, should it be shoulder length.
- Must be utilised by any deputies assisting with Court Cases.
- Except when acting as the Bailiff to the court case.
b. Class C
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
- May be worn using the “Plainclothes” option.
- Must be worn with a duty-belt and/or a vest.
- May be worn with tattoos visible on the upper body.
- Tattoos must be realistic.
- The uniform itself must not change.
- You must wear your official rank insignia.
- Tattoos cannot be on your hands.
- Any individual abusing these permissions as deemed by Central Command, will be punished.
c. Jacket
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
- Must be worn with Class A Pants.
- May not be used with a vest.
e. Formals
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ with a Protections Certification when protecting individuals listed on the Protections Registry.
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when attending special events.
- Must be recognised by Central Command.
- Must be utilised by the Bailiff during Court Cases.
- Long guns are prohibited whilst utilising this attire.
- Ribbons issued by the department’s quartermasters may be optionally worn with this attire.
f. Polo
- Must be utilised by any Cadet when conducting their duties.
- Must be utilised by any Probationary Deputy when conducting their duties.
- Except when acting as a Bailiff to a Court Case.
- Must be worn during departmental Trainings within the County.
- Must be worn when conducting Correctional Duties.
- May be utilised optionally with a vest for members of the Corrections Division when conducting Community Service.
- May be utilised optionally by any Deputy+ when conducting a beat patrol.
g. Strategic Response Team Uniform
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team during deployments.
h. Warrant Enforcement Bureau Uniform
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau during deployments.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when conducting Search Warrants or Arrest Warrants.
i. Criminal Investigations Division Windbreaker Uniform
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
j. Sweater (Not in season)
- Must be worn with Class A Pants.
- Must be worn with a departmental badge when on-team
- May be worn off-team by anyone without a badge.
k. Civilian Attire
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division in accordance with divisional policy.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau in accordance with divisional policy.
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team in accordance with divisional policy.
- May be utilised by the Internal Affairs Division in accordance with divisional policy.
- May be utilised by the Crime Suppression Unit in accordance with divisional policy.
- Should any respective division/bureau take advantage of the leniency found within this policy, their permissions will be revoked.
l. Sheriff's Office Light Vest
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when applicable with other uniforms.
m. Sheriff's Office Plate Vest
- May be utilised by any Deputy+ when applicable with other uniforms
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
n. Warrant Enforcement Bureau Plate Vest
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when conducting their duties.
- Should follow internal regulations on usage.
o. Strategic Response Team Plate Vest
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team when conducting their duties.
- Should follow internal regulations on usage.
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**RADIO CONDUCT**
a. Employees are to use all codes in accordance with the proper meaning behind each code.
b. Use of radio for disregarded or otherwise frivolous radio work will result in administrative action.
c. Employees are to respond to any backup request (10-58, 10-32) that is within our jurisdiction.
d. Employees are to use their respective callsign when transmitting a message
e. Employees must ensure the correct channel's are utilized, for their respective purpose.
f. Radio communication to be kept at a professional standard extensively throughout its use.
g. The act of utilizing the radio to create any form of comedic acts shall be strictly prohibited.
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**VEHICLE REGULATIONS**
a. Vehicles shall be classified, per definitions, as law enforcement equipment.
b. Department employees must follow all traffic laws while on active duty unless the member is in an active pursuit or emergency response.
c. Department employees must drive responsibly and cautiously while in emergency response or during a vehicle pursuit.
d. Department employees shall not drive department vehicles while off-duty.
e. If your vehicle is stolen you must report it stolen in radio and then immediately respawn the vehicle.
f. Wail (K) Sirens must be used when pulling a driver over, pursuing a suspect, or responding to a call.
g. Yelp (L) Sirens must be used to notify drivers to yield, respond to calls, pursue a suspect on roads with high volumes of traffic or in the opposite direction of traffic.
h. Emergency Response Lights (M) can be used when responding to any call, pursuing a suspect, or providing visuals to drivers to notify them to take caution.
i. Whilst making use of any civilian vehicle, no traffic laws should be broken
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**VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS**
MARKED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS:
a. Sheriff Crusader
- Regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Probationary Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
b.Sheriff Crusader Classic
- Regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Probationary Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
c. Sheriff Chariot
- Regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Probationary Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
d. Sheriff Jackalope
- Regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Probationary Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
e. Sheriff Eldorado
- Regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Probationary Deputy+ when conducting their duties.
- Due to this vehicle only having two seats, it is recommended to have two or more law enforcement officers patrolling within the server before utilising this vehicle.
f. Sheriff Crusader S
- Supervisory patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Sergeant+ when conducting their duties.
g.Sheriff Crusader Classic S
- Supervisory patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Corporal+ when conducting their duties.
h. Sheriff Chariot S
- Supervisory patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Sergeant+ when conducting their duties.
i. Sheriff Jackalope S
- Supervisory patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Corporal+ when conducting their duties.
j. Sheriff Conveyor
- Specialised vehicle.
- May be utilised by any member of the Corrections Division when conducting Community Service with inmates.
- May be utilised by all Correctional Officers as their regular patrol vehicle.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when conducting warrants in a hangar.
- May be utilised for Polling Protection at the Plymouth Town Hall during elections.
- May be utilised for transportation needs with Sergeant+ approval.
- May be utilised during high crime rates with Sergeant+ approval.
- Pursuits are not permitted in this vehicle.
k. Sheriff Utility
- Specialised vehicle.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when transporting Warrants.
- Must be used alongside another Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
Example: Unmarked Modern Crusader
- May be utilised with approval from a member of Central Command.
UNMARKED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS:
a. Unmarked Crusader
- Specialised vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Lieutenant+ when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Crime Suppression Unit when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Internal Affairs when conducting their duties.
- Permitted for paired members of the Squad of the Month at a shift.
- May be utilised by the Traffic Enforcement Squad when conducting their duties.
b. Unmarked Crusader Classic
- Specialised vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Lieutenant+ when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Crime Suppression Unit when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Internal Affairs when conducting their duties.
- Permitted for paired members of the Squad of the Month at a shift.
- May be utilised by the Traffic Enforcement Squad when conducting their duties.
c. Unmarked Chariot Intrepid
- Specialised vehicle.
- May be utilised by any Lieutenant+ when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team when deployed.
- May be utilised by the Crime Suppression Unit when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Internal Affairs when conducting their duties.
- Permitted for paired members of the Squad of the Month at a shift.
- May be utilised by the Traffic Enforcement Squad when conducting their duties.
CIVILIAN VEHICLES RESTRICTIONS
a. The following are authorized vehicles to be used:
- Modern Crusader
- Crusader Taxi
- Crusader Classic
- Convertible Crusader Classic
- Crusader Taxi Classic
- Chariot
- Chariot Intrepid
- Chariot Utility
- Chariot Explorer
- ElDorado
- ElDorado XL
- ElDorado 4x4
- Stretch Crusader
- Stretch Crusader Classic
- Jackalope
- Jackalope Extended
- Jackalope Taxi
- Ranger
- Trail Destroyer
- Conveyor
b. The following are authorized to use civilian vehicles:
- May be utilised by the Criminal Investigations Division when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Traffic Enforcement Unit when conducting bait car operations with approval from their command.
- May be utilised by the Internal Affairs for Standards Enforcement Patrols.
- May be utilised by the Crime Suppression Unit when conducting their duties.
- May be utilised by the Warrant Enforcement Bureau when authorised by a member of WEB Command.
- Must be used in combination with plainclothes.
- May be utilised by the Strategic Response Team when authorised by a member of SRT Command.
- Must be used in combination with plainclothes.
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**EQUIPMENT DEFINTIONS**
a. The following will be defined as Long arms:
- Delino R21A
- Delino R21
- Delino R21M
- Hawthorn 500T
- Hawthorn 500
b. The following will be defined as Side arms:
- Bennetti 17
- Delino 1711
- Delino Defender
- Delino Special
c. The following will be defined as Melee weapons:
- Telescopic Baton
- Wooden Bat
- Knife
d. The following will be defined as Ammunition:
- 5.56 (30 Round) Magazines
- 5.56 (10 Round) Magazines
- 12 Gauge Rounds
- 9mm Magazines
- 9mm (30 Round) Magazines
- TI26 Cartridges
- .45 Magazines
- .44 Rounds
e. The following will be defined as Tools:
- TI26
- Radar Gun
- Police Barrier
- Or other types of barriers.
- Cone
- Flashlight
- Only those sourced by departmental dispensers.
- Jerry Can
- Only those sourced by departmental vehicles.
h. The following will be defined as Civilian weaponry:
- Delino R21
- Hawthorn 500
- Delino 1711
- Delino Defender
- Delino Special
- Wooden Bat
- Knife
g. The following will be defined as Ploppables:
- Police Barrier
- Or other types of barriers.
- Cone
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**EQUIPMENT USAGE**
a. The use of department-issued equipment should only be for its intended purpose.
b. The use of department-issued equipment should not be for criminal conduct.
c. The use of department-issued equipment should not be for misconduct.
d. All types of firearms are prohibited within the County Jail (past the dayroom, where inmates spawn)
- Members of High Command and Central Command are exempt.
- Members of the Criminal Investigations Division are exempt when conducting investigations in relation to an inmate or someone within the facility.
- The Corrections Commander can create further exemptions.
e. The only equipment that may be taken off-duty is the Bennetti 17 and 9mm Magazines.
- Any individual on Administrative Leave, Suspension, or on Administrative Probation are prohibited from doing this.
- Any individual who does not possess the rank of Deputy or above are prohibited from doing this.
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**DISPENSING AND DISPOSAL**
a. Department-issued equipment may only be disposed of inside of department vehicles.
- Disposing of department-issued equipment on the ground will result in disciplinary action.
b. Any department vehicles with department-issued equipment inside of it, must be despawned before going off-duty.
- This shall not extend to inventory items that are inside of the vehicle when it is spawned.
c. All department members are required to explain any instances of suspicious dispensing to the Criminal Investigations Division.
- This shall only apply when specifically asked about instances.
- Failure to have a valid explanation will result in termination in the instance of suspicious or mass dispensing.
d. Ammunition should not be dispensed in large quantities
- This prevents mass amounts being dropped after dying.
- 3 extra magazines for the Bennetti 17, Delino R21A, Hawthorn 500T, and 2 extra sets of cartridges of the TI26 are recommended.
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**CADET LIMITATIONS**
a. Cadets may not dispense any form of long arm.
b. Cadets may ONLY be in possession of a long arm under the following circumstances:
- When permitted by a member of Central Command.
- When securing dropped weaponry in public spaces.
- When seizing illegal items from an individual not authorised to possess them.
c. Cadets may ONLY be in possession of 5.56 (30 Round) Magazines and 12 Gauge Rounds under the following circumstances:
- When permitted by a member of Central Command.
- When securing dropped ammunition in public spaces.
- When seizing illegal items from an individual not authorised to possess them.
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**SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT USAGE**
a. The use of civilian weaponry shall be prohibited.
- Members of the Internal Affairs who are conducting Standards Enforcement Patrols are exempt whilst in Civilian Vehicles.
- Members of the Criminal Investigations Division are exempt whilst in Civilian Vehicles.
- Deputies who are securing dropped civilian weaponry must immediately store said civilian weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Temporary use of said civilian weaponry may be permitted in the case of a life and death situation.
- Deputies who decide to use said civilian weaponry in a life and death situation must be prepared to provide evidence of such to the Internal Affairs.
- Deputies who are conducting a Search Warrant and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said civilian weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a departmental search and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said civilian weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
b. The use of the Delino R21M shall be prohibited.
- Except when on-duty on the Mayflower National Guard team.
- Deputies who are securing such weaponry that has been dropped, must immediately store such weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a Search Warrant and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a departmental search and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
c. The use of 9mm (30 Round) Magazines shall be prohibited.
- Deputies who are securing such ammunition that has been dropped, must immediately store such ammunition within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a Search Warrant and are required by law to confiscate such ammunition, must immediately store said ammunition within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a departmental search and are required by law to confiscate such ammunition, must immediately store said ammunition within a departmental vehicle.
d. The use of the Hawthorn 500S shall be prohibited.
- Deputies who are securing such weaponry that has been dropped, must immediately store such weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a Search Warrant and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said civilian weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
- Deputies who are conducting a departmental search and are required by law to confiscate such weaponry, must immediately store said civilian weaponry within a departmental vehicle.
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**PLOPPABLE USAGE**
a. Barriers may not be placed directly in front of a doorway, and should not fully impede a doorway.
b. Barriers should not be used on moving vehicles.
c. Cones should not be used on moving vehicles.
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**TI26 USAGE**
a. The TI26 (Taser) is a non-lethal tool for law enforcement officers to utilise against subjects who may be evading or non-compliant with deputies.
b. When utilising the TI26 (Taser), deputies are required to adhere to the Use of Force Continuum, taught within the Law Enforcement Training Institute.
c. When utilising the TI26 (Taser), deputies are prohibited from utilising it on other law enforcement personnel, or those who they are unable to apprehend.
- Such may include, the Mayflower National Guard, fellow deputies, members of other law enforcement agencies, the Mayflower Parks and Wildlife.
- Members of High Command and Central Command may utilise the TI26 (Taser) on departmental personnel, should they have intent on apprehending such individual for a lawful reason.
- Exemptions can be granted with lawful reasoning, deputies must be prepared to provide evidence of such to the Internal Affairs.
- When utilising the TI26 (Taser) on other state funded departments that deputies can apprehend, deputies may only use it when INTENDING on apprehending such individual for a lawful reason.
---
**DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS**
The form of disciplinary action for department employees for failing to follow the policies outlined throughout this document, includes:
a. Verbal Warning
- A verbal warning can be used for a variety of reasons, most commonly where a recorded warning isn’t warranted. This does not go on the recipients record.
- This can be issued by a Sergeant plus or Internal Affairs after a investigation.
- This shall be the first level of disciplinary action.
b. Recorded Warning
- A recorded warning can be used for a variety of reasons, most commonly for failure to meet a required patrol quota, the recorded warning will go on their record.
- Obtaining two (2) recorded warnings will result in a termination.
- This can be issued by a Sergeant plus or Internal Affairs after a investigation.
- This shall be the second level of disciplinary action.
c. Administrative Probation
- Administrative Probation can be used for a variety of reasons, when used, the recipient cannot utilise any long arms and will be subject to close monitoring for any further policy violations.
- Whilst on Administrative Probation, deputies must wear Class A’s.
- The only exemption is when attending as a primary bailiff in a court case.
- This can be issued by a Lieutenant plus or Internal Affairs after a investigation.
- This shall be the third level of disciplinary action.
d. Suspension
- A suspension can be used for a variety of reasons, when used, the recipient cannot represent the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office in their official capacity. This includes but is not limited to:
- Going on team.
- Conducting administrative duties.
- Carrying a department-issued Bennetti 17 off-team.
- This can be issued by a Lieutenant plus or Internal Affairs after a investigation.
- This shall be the fourth level of disciplinary action.
e. Demotion
- A demotion can be issued for a variety of reasons, when used, the recipient will be removed from their position and reallocated.
- This may be used by the Internal Affairs should they gain approval on a case-by-case basis by their Captain (or above) or by approval from the offender's Bureau Commander.
- This shall be the fifth level of disciplinary action.
f. Termination
- A termination can be issued for a variety of reasons, when used, the recipient will no longer be employed by the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- A termination can be issued after a Internal Affairs investigation with approval from their Captain or by approval by the Central Command.
- Pursant to our at-will status Central Command may end the employment of a employee within reason according to law.
- A Dishonorable Discharge can only be issued due to a employees unannounced depature, the commission of a felony, or depature while under active investigation.
- This shall be the sixth level of disciplinary action.
g. Blacklist
- A blacklist can be issued for a variety of reasons, when used, the recipient will no longer be employed by the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office (should they be employed), and they will be prohibited from gaining employment within the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- Can be issued by members of Central Command.
- This shall be the seventh level of disciplinary action.
---
**DISCIPLINARY CAUSE FOR ACTION**
a. Employees may be issued any punishment listed above, inclusive of a verbal warning, strike, suspension, demotion, termination, and blacklist for any policy violation.
b. While any policy violation is punishable with a termination and blacklist, members issuing the department action may use their discretion and lower said action to a lesser degree.
c. Violating any policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
d. The highest level of disciplinary action is Blacklist (seventh level) and the lowest level is Verbal Warning (first level).
---
**DETAINMENT POLICY**
a. Detainment can be defined as placing an individual in cuffs/restraints for investigative purposes or before an arrest.
b. Pursuant with the detainment act, an individual may only be detained for certain times as seen below:
- During a traffic stop: If after 12 minutes the suspect has not been charged with a crime / the officer has not identified the exact reason for the stop, the suspect must be released. This time does not include the time needed to transport the suspect to a holding cell.
- During a non-traffic stop: If after 12 minutes, a suspect stopped on a pedestrian stop / not inside a vehicle and has not been charged / identified as to what crime they have committed, they are to be released. This time does not include the time needed to transport the suspect to a holding cell.
- During interrogation: If after 45 minutes the suspect(s) have not been charged, they must be released by the officer. This time does not include the waiting of a lawyer for the suspect nor the transportation to a different facility.
- An additional 45 minutes will be granted if the detained individual is a member of the Sheriff's Office.
- During placement in a holding cell, vehicle / general detainment: If after 15 minutes the suspect(s) have not been charged, they are to be released by the officer. This does not include the transportation to a different location.
c. Before questioning any suspects in custody, officers must read their rights to the individual. Rights do not need to be read and requests for an attorney shall be denied if there is no questioning involved during an arrest
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**ARRESTS AND APPREHENSION**
a. Arresting an individual can be defined as seizing (someone) by legal authority.
b. This occurs when an individual has broken the law.
c. The officer must have probable cause the individual has violated the law or an active arrest warrant for the individual.
d. Arresting procedure:
- Before arresting an individual, you must start by detaining them and placing them in the backseat of your patrol vehicle.
- If there is no space for suspects in a patrol vehicle, the officer shall radio for an additional unit.
- Transmit over the radio that you have a suspect in custody and the charge when safe to do so. (i.e. [callsign], 10-23 [charges], 10-7)
- After detainment, you now have them in your custody.
- Transport the individual to the station.
- Search the individual and seize any and all contraband.
- Bring the individual to the booking computer.
- Alert the individual to what they will be charged with.
- Use the ‘LOV’(Location, Offense, Venue) format when booking the suspect.
---
**PURSUIT POLICY**
a. Pursuits can be defined as the act of following or attempting to apprehend a suspect, who is attempting to avoid arrest by fleeing officers and failing to stop after indicated.
b. During pursuits, radio conduct is key. You must always be alert of your location and situation.
- Call every location by landmark (i.e. CH (courthouse), CD (car dealer), PPD, (PPD station)
- Call in your pursuit over the ‘Global’ channel and immediately move to one of the ‘Law Enforcement’ channels. (i.e. “[callsign] pursuit, LE”)
- Callsigns are not required in every transmission during a pursuit.
c. Vehicular pursuits require officers to exhibit a high degree of common sense and sound judgment, as it is of paramount importance to minimize the threat to public safety.
d. During pursuits, officers are advised to consider public safety and whether terminating the pursuit should be done.
- There are hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists.
- Distance between the pursuing officers and the fleeing vehicle is so great that continuing the pursuit would be difficult.
e. Positions and structure during a pursuit is key to ensure the pursuit is conducted safely.
- Primary: First vehicle in the pursuit directly behind the suspect’s vehicle.
- Secondary: Maintains radio updates directly behind the primary unit.
- Tertiary: Third vehicle, in the pursuit behind secondary.
- Officers are never to take over or move in front of another unit unless they are indicated to do so by the unit, or it is safe to do so.
---
**INTERROGATIONS**
Interview Room Usage
a. Spectating an interview conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division or the Internal Affairs whilst not actively serving within the respective division or serving within it’s command structure, is prohibited.
- Exemptions may be issued by respective divisional command.
- The Investigations Bureau Captain may order any individual of equal rank or beneath their rank to leave the interview room or viewing room.
b. The individuals who are making use of a respective interview room may ask others to leave the interview room or viewing room.
Specific Interview Room Usage
a. Main Interview Room (The interview room closest to the Warrant Enforcement Bureau Hangar, with a privatised viewing room.)
- May be used for generic interviews by any member of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- May be used for generic interviews by any member of another departments/agencies own intelligence division/sector.
- Members of High Command and Central Command may ask the users of the interview room to leave.
- Whilst the interview room is in use, members of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office must gain permission to spectate, unless they a member of High Command or Central Command.
b. Correctional Interview Room (The interview room past the Dayroom and within Range III of the main Correctional Facility.)
- May be used for interviews in relation to an incarcerated inmate by any member of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office.
- As the interview room is past the Dayroom, you must adhere to the Equipment Policy’s section on the correctional facility.
- May be used for interviews in relation to an incarcerated inmate by any member of another departments/agencies own intelligence division/sector.
- Members of High Command and Central Command may ask the users of the interview room to leave.
- Whilst the interview room is in use, members of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office must gain permission to spectate, unless they a member of High Command or Central Command.
General Interrogation Guidelines
a. If the suspect requests an attorney, the officer is required to provide one and follow their request.
b. The Miranda warning must be read when interviewing/interrogating a suspect in custody.
c. When a employee of the Sheriff's Office is being questioned they must be read the Kalkines warning for possible policy violations, and the Miranda warning if there is a possible criminal element.
d. Exemptions may be provided by Central Command. The Investigations Bureau Captain may choose to allow the interrogator to use a warning of their choice.
---
**HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS**
a. High-risk operations are defined as events that possibly are unfolding at the moment (i.e. barricaded persons, hostage situations, tactical operations, etc.) that require officers to carefully plan its response to restore order to the community.
b. Employees should always avoid a forceful confrontation, and instead favor the controllment of the incident, to wait for specialized personnel (SRT/SOB).
c. Employees should tactically approach these situations with the “Four C’s” in mind:
- C - Contain (Create a perimeter, evacuate surrounding areas)
- C - Control (Move radio traffic into a seperate channel, control civilians/vehicles)
- C - Communicate (Use radio, to ask for any information/confirm positions)
- C - Call (Page for further units, special operations unit)
d. The incident commander/scene commander+ is as seen:
- The highest ranking law enforcement officer on the scene.
- Highest ranked member of the tactical unit deployed.
---
**SUPERVISOR REQUESTS**
a. Employees are to request for an in-game Sheriff's Office supervisor to respond to their location if a detained or a suspect in custody requests for one.
b. Sheriff's Office supervisors may be requested on the radio if one is online.
c. Sheriff's Office supervisors are required to make verbal contact with the individual requesting a supervisor and their counsel if on scene.
d. If there is no online supervisor in-game, supervisor is busy, or a supervisor has already talked with the individual, then a supervisor request shall be denied.
e. Supervisors have the right to waive the request, provided that the suspect’s reasoning behind the request is deemed invalid or to stall their time in order to be released.
f. Employees are NOT required to request a supervisor over discord when there is no Sheriff's Office supervisor in-game.
g. Only supervisors from the Sheriff's Office shall respond to supervisor requests made by NHCSO employees.
h. "Supervisor" shall be defined as any employee holding the rank of Sergeant or above.
---
**CHECKPOINTS**
a. Vehicular checkpoints require the approval, supervision, and presence of a Sergeant+.
b. Checkpoints may not block any major roadway and may not obstruct or interfere with the regular patrol duties of other law enforcement agencies.
c. Checkpoints may be created for the following reasons:
- Check for proper identification and ownership for a vehicle being driven by a person on a roadway.
- For training purposes, extending to checkpoint creation and checkpoint enforcement training; however checkpoints created for these purposes may not be enforced upon civilians.
- While under the direction of the Governor, to ensure public safety during a State of Emergency.
d. A person may not be held for more than 5 minutes without charging them with a crime.
e. Vehicle searches may only be conducted for the following reasons:
- Consent is given by the owner of the vehicle.
- The owner of the vehicle has an active search warrant.
- The owner of the vehicle is found to have illegal items on their person, and there is probable cause to believe there may be more illegal items in the vehicle.
---
**SEARCHES AND SEIZURES POLICY**
a. Searches and seizures may be conducted on a person under the following circumstances:
- The person gives consent to a search of their person.
- The officer has probable cause to believe the person is carrying contraband or evidence of a crime.
- The person is legally being placed under arrest. Anything within the person’s immediate control shall be searched.
- There is an active search warrant on the person.
- There is a compelling public safety interest.
b. Searches and seizures may be conducted on a vehicle under the following circumstances:
- The owner of the vehicle gives consent to a search of their vehicle.
- The officer has probable cause to believe the vehicle’s inventory has evidence of a crime or contraband.
- An occupant of the vehicle is legally being placed under arrest, and the vehicle is in immediate control of the occupant/arrestee.
- There is an active search warrant on the person and/or their vehicles.
- There is a compelling public safety interest.
- A vehicle can be seized while waiting for a search warrant to be issued for the vehicle.
- Evidence or contraband can be removed from the scene due to mobility of the vehicle.
c. Searches and seizures may be conducted on property or land such as residences or businesses under the following circumstances:
- The owner of the property gives consent to a search.
- The officer can see evidence of a crime or contraband in plain view.
- There is an active search warrant for the property.
- The officer is conducting a protective sweep of the property.
- There is an active pursuit of a suspect which takes place on the property. Anything the officers see can be seized.
- When the officer reasonably believes evidence is being destroyed on the property.
---
**USE OF FORCE POLICY**
a. All uses of force must follow a standard of reasonableness.
b. Standard of Reasonableness:
- Analyzes facts available to the deputy at the time the decision was made to use force, as opposed to what may become evident after the fact
- Recognizes deputies must think fast and act fast
- States officers are not limited to the least amount of force possible
c. Use of force may be necessary to control a situation or for self-defense
- Law enforcement officers should assess a situation and use only the amount of force needed to mitigate the incident, protect themselves and others or make an arrest.
d. Levels of force include:
- Cooperative Controls: The deputy can diffuse a situation simply through being present and assertive.
- Contact Controls: Non-Pain techniques such as restraining and grabbing are used to ensure compliance. This may be used if a suspect is refusing to remain present.
- Compliance Techniques: The deployment of balanced force is used to overcome an abusive or violent suspect. Equipment used may include Telescopic Baton.
- Defensive Tactics: If the suspect is acting violently towards members of the public or the law enforcement officer, then they must take immediate action to regain control of the situation. This includes the deployment of a taser.
- Deadly force: If there is an immediate direct threat to life, then the officer may deploy deadly force.
f. Officers must be firm and be prepared to protect themselves and others.
g. Force must be controlled and used sensibly with purpose.
h. Only the minimum amount of force necessary should be used.
i. Use of force may be necessary in the following situations:
- self-protection
- protection of others
- protection of property
- arrest
- escape
- special individuals
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**LETHAL FORCE POLICY**
a. Lethal force is justified in the following circumstances:
- when the officer is threatened with a deadly weapon.
- when the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a threat of serious physical harm or death to the officer or another.
- when the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect has committed a crime involving threatened or actual serious physical harm or death to another.
b. Standard of Reasonableness requires the following must be taken into account to determine whether or not the officer was justified:
- the severity of the crime
- whether the suspect posed a threat
- whether the suspect was resisting or attempting to flee
c. Deputies are not evaluated on what could have been done differently, but on what is considered reasonable.
d. Deputies cannot wait for a suspect to pull the trigger or try to stab them before they react.
e. Lethal force is not limited to the use of a firearm.
f. An deputies' attempt to terminate a dangerous high-speed car chase that threatens the lives of innocent bystanders does not violate the Fourth Amendment, even when it places the fleeing motorist at risk of serious injury or death.
g. A vehicle is considered a weapon. Therefore, lethal force is justified when the driver uses it in a dangerous manner that can cause death or serious injury. Arson requires intent to be proven.
h. Lethal force is justified on a driver who is driving in an "erratic and dangerous style", which could have caused severe harm to others.
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**TRAFFIC STOPS**
a. A traffic stop may be conducted on an individual when the officer has reasonable suspicion a crime has been committed.
b. Procedures for conducting a traffic stop includes the following in order:
- Use of appropriate emergency visuals and audibles to signal a driver to pull over in a safe place that does not hinder traffic.
- Park the patrol vehicle at an angle diagonally where the right headlight of the patrol vehicle is close to the left taillight of the driver’s vehicle.
- Radio the approximate location of stop, description of car, numbers of occupants, and whether assistance is needed. “Callsign, Traffic, Location, Description, Number of Occupants, No 10-32/10-32 required.”
- Clear the license plate of the vehicle to get a username in case the driver flees.
- Check for traffic and exit vehicle.
- Approach the vehicle from the driver side door and stop parallel with the driver. The riding officer should remain at the rear door of the passenger side.
- State rank, name and profession/department and question driver for acknowledgement of their offense.
- Identify the driver (and occupants if necessary).
- Clear the identification to verify ownership of the vehicle and check for any active warrants.
- Issue the appropriate consequence (warning, citation, arrest, etc).
- Radio the consequences of the stop and state you are back on duty. “Callsign, Traffic Concluded, Citation issued/Warning issued/Suspect is 10-23, 10-8 Jurisdiction.” If the suspect is 10-23, radio “10-7” instead of “10-8 Jurisdiction”.
- Proceed with patrol or transport the suspect to the nearest station and book if the suspect is arrested.
c. Legally, the vehicle and all occupants in the vehicle are seized and detained for the duration of the traffic stop.
d. The officer is permitted to search the vehicle when an occupant of the vehicle is legally arrested.
e. The driver must comply with lawful orders to exit a motor vehicle.
f. Passengers can be ordered to exit the vehicle and kept out until the completion of the traffic stop.
g. Officers may order any passenger who is trying to leave or exit a traffic stop to remain in the vehicle.
h. When a police officer lacks information, it is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment for the officer to assume that the driver of a vehicle is its owner.
---
**FOID REVOCATION**
a. All Sergeants+ of the Sheriff’s Office are granted privileges to revoke individual’s Firearm Licenses should they misuse it per the FOID Revocation Act. As delegated, Sergeant+ should log revocation of FOIDs under 2 hours of the revocation being done in game or may face a demotion or termination.
---
# CHAPTER 6: ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
**DEPARTMENT RESIGNATION / TRANSFER PROCEDURES**
a. Due to the New Haven County Sheriff's Office being a at-will department, employees have the right to end their employment at any time so long as they:
- Notify their Bureau Commander
- Are not under active investigation.
However their discharge may be marked as Dishonorable as outlined in the Disciplinary Actions Policy.
---
**PROMOTION PROCEDURES**
a. GENERAL PROMOTION RESTRICTIONS
- Lieutenants may promote up to the rank of Corporal.
- Sergeants may recommend promotions to their respective Lieutenants.
- All other promotions must follow the restrictions outlined in the "Adminstration Promotion Restrictions".
b. ADMINISTRATION PROMOTION RESTRICTIONS
- To be promoted to the rank of Sergeant, the promotion must be requested by Unit Command to their respective Bureau Command for approval.
- To be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, the promotion must be requested by Bureau Command to their Operation Command for approval.
- To be promoted to the rank of Captain, the promotion is decided by Central Command for approval.
- The ranks of Assistant Sheriff and Undersheriff are picked at the discretion of the Sheriff.
c. In cases where an emergency situation exists or promotions/demotions require that immediate assignments be made, sworn personnel may be placed in temporary positions until such time as the selection process may be conducted to permanently fill the positions.
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**LEAVE OF ABSENCE**
a. Employees must provide a three days’ notice of personal/inactivity leave prior to going inactive unless the absence is in the event of an emergency.
b. Leave of Absences may be granted as long as it is not seen as an attempt to circumvent their duties consistently (i.e. don’t repeat every other week). Employees should submit their leave of absence requests at the beginning of the week in order to be properly exempted from Patrol Logs. If a request is submitted past Wednesday, then the employee will still be required to submit their patrol logs for that week unless it is a emergency.
c. Employees must use the “Leave of Absence Form” to request an inactive notice.
d. Any requests which exceed the week must still be submitted where they are forwarded to High Command (up to two weeks) and Central Command for any longer for an extenuating circumstance approval. No absences longer than 4 weeks are permitted unless otherwise approved by Central Command.
---
**ACTIVITY POLICIES**
a. Every deputy that is subjected to patrol logs is required to complete one (1) patrol log each consisting of thirty (30) minutes, exemptions may be given on a divisional basis. All patrol logs start on Monday at 00:00 EST and end on Sunday at 11:59 EST.
b. A limit of two (2) logs per day is only permitted and said logs must have a time period of thirty (30) minutes between them in order to be valid. While doing logs, employees are expected to remain actively doing their jobs. In the event they are unable to remain alert and actively doing their jobs, they should do their log another time.
c. A patrol log can be submitted for the following:
- A regular patrol
- Correction duties
- Protections duties
- Any training/department event
- Specific deployments.
d. Screenshots for patrol logs may only be used if they include the date and time, username, Officer’s avatar, and 10-8/10-9 transmission from radio and chat bubble.
e. A deputy can request one (1) activity warning to be removed if they have successfully completed two (2) full weeks of submitting double or more of the required patrol logs for each of the two weeks to be eligible for having an activity warning removed from the deputy’s record.
f. Supervisors shall be required to complete one (1) fifteen (15) minute patrol log every patrol log cycle.
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**PATROL SHIFTS**
a. Corporal and above are permitted to host patrol shifts and briefings.
b. The host may conduct a briefing at the beginning of the shift, to address any areas or issues that he/she has noticed and assign units / districts / partners.
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**OFF-DUTY ACTIVITIES**
a. Off-duty activities provide a medium in which to increase the involvement of officers and connections made with each other in the department. It acts as a way to improve department morale. These activities allow officers to essentially play games together, and enjoy the time spent.
b. Corporal and above are permitted to host off-duty activities.
c. Senior Deputies (Corporals) and above can only host a maximum of two, official off-duty sessions each 7 days.
d. The game can be decided by the host of the off-duty activity. It does not have to be within New Haven County, and can be any game at all.
- Games shall not be in other States with the intent to cause crime / disruption.
---
**BUREAU/DIVISION/UNIT HANDBOOKS**
a. Handbooks are required to be followed by each member within the specific unit or division.
b. Handbooks are to be reviewed each month and updated to ensure they contain the correct information.
c. The Captain of the bureau of which the unit / division is under is responsible for upkeep of the handbooks.
d. Division / Unit policies must be in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures Manual policies and State of Mayflower Law.
e. All division and unit handbooks shall considered invalid unless they contain signatures from the Bureau Commander.
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**RIDE ALONG POLICY**
a. Ridealongs are permitted if the following conditions are met by the person:
- Not having fifteen (15) or more records
- Will not prevent the deputy from completing their duties
- Will still leave room within a vehicle for detainees if they are inside it
- Are aware the department is not liable for anything that occurs
b. Ridealongs are not permitted to drive department vehicles unless otherwise approved by Central Command. Correctional Officers are not permitted to drive any vehicle besides the Sheriff Conveyor when doing community service with a Custodial Deputy.
c. Ridealongs do not require direct authorization from a supervisor, but a deputy’s direct supervisor (e.g. Sergeant) must be notified of a ridealong. Failure to notify a supervisor of a ridealong can result in disciplinary action. They may only possess a sidearm if reasonable.
d. Prior to the ridealong, the Officer must read out the following to the individual. The individual must agree with the following before continuing:
```
Throughout the duration of this ride along, you will be exposed to risks, threats and dangers of varying degrees. By embarking on this ride along, you acknowledge and agree that this ride along presents itself as a possible risk. New Haven County Sheriff's Office cannot be held liable for any losses, injuries or damages that may occur during this ride. You furthermore agree to respect the officer’s authority and to comply with all their lawful orders. The officer reserves the right to terminate the ride along at any given time, for any reason they deem plausible.
Do you understand?
Do you have any questions?
Having those aspects in mind, do you wish to continue?
```
e. During a ride along, you are directly responsible for the person you are with and their safety, meaning it is highly advised that you use common sense and stay away from high-risk situations if there are other officers available to deal with them.
f. If at any point the ride along refuses to cooperate, and follow your commands, you are to terminate the ride along immediately.
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**CLASSIFICATION POLICIES**
a. Assistant Sheriff’s and above may declassify information obtained in the conduct of any official duties carried out by the Sheriff’s Office so long as it meets one of the following requirements:
- Being used as FOID revocation evidence.
- Being used as Burn evidence.
- Being used in sharing intelligence with a sister agency.
- Being used in criminal or civil proceedings.
- Being used in administrative proceedings.
- Displaying non-sensitive information to other members of the Department.
- Being used as public relations material which does not show any sensitive information.
b. Any other reason must go through the Undersheriff or Sheriff of the Sheriff’s Office.
c. Any material obtained during the course of official duties of a specialised division is protected by the Non-Disclosure Agreement, this is only applicable during the course of their duites and not during regular patrol.
d. Material which is being used as Burn evidence or FOID revocation evidence is automatically declassified, so long as it does not show any operations of a specialised division.
- In the case of it showing operations of a specialised division it requires the approval of the Sergeant of the respective division.
e. The Criminal Investigations Division has the authority and ability to declassify and reclassify any information they deem necessary for it’s functions.
- This must be done through either the CID Sergeant or CID Lieutenant or their superiors.
f. Any Search Warrant Receipt is automatically declassified, regardless of the author.
- Except where the Search Warrant stems from a paper warrant then the receipt shall remain classified to the members of the Warrant Enforcement Bureau.
---
**DEPARTMENTAL SEARCHES**
a. All department searches must be conducted in the WEB Hanger at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters. Conducting searches at any other venue is strictly prohibited. Departmental Searches may be approved by a member of High Command and may be conducted by Internal Affairs, Criminal Investigations, and any other approved persons by High Command.
---
**CORRECTIONAL SECURITY ACT**
a. Employees of the Sheriff’s Office are protected by the Correctional Security Act when using lethal force on trespassers near the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters. The Correctional Security Act should not be utilized on other on-duty departments unless they have been given repeated warnings to leave and they have failed to comply. Employees must be able to prove they had warned more than once preferably with recordings. A verbal warning should be used on all intruders if possible per legislation, exemptions are given if the subject is brandishing a firearm. Employees should always attempt to detain the individual where possible rather than resorting to lethal force. Lethal force may only be used on trespassers when they:
- Trespass in the Correctional Facility (anything past the solid blue doors which is no longer public)
- Trespass on the roof of any part of the facility
- Drive into the restricted parking area in the middle
- Trespass into the WEB Hanger
- Brandish their firearm anywhere inside the facility.
b. The highest ranking deputy (that is also at or above the rank of Deputy Second Grade) inside the correctional facility has the authority to invite LEO’s and MP’s (PAW LEO DOES NOT COUNT) inside the facility.
- The deputy shall make sure that no prisoner(s) is being held in a disturbing manner and make sure all protocols outlined in Corrections Service Handbook apply to you and to the visitor(s). (THIS INCLUDES FIREARMS AND NORMAL REGULATIONS)
- The deputy shall make sure that no crimes/rights are being violated/committed by the visitor(s) and should they take place it is at fault of the deputy and the visitor(s).
- Corrections division has authority over regular deputies.
- In cases where two or more deputies of the same rank, they are to communicate effectively who is going to take point while the other one is assisting. (UNLESS IT IS ONE DEPUTY AND ONE CORRECTIONS DIVISION DEPUTY)
- Captain and above are able to invite anyone except tourist(s).
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**PROTECTIONS DUTIES**
a. All full time deputies in the Sheriff’s Office are permitted to conduct protection operations once certified. Deputies shall be trained by Strategic Response Team Operatives. Protections may be conducted on any individual listed in the Protections Registry unless otherwise stated by High Command. The use of a modern unmarked crusader during these operations is permitted.
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**CUSTODIAL/CORRECTIONS DUTIES**
a. Corrections Duties may be conducted by all certified within the department. Custodial/corrections duties are only conducted inside the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, the only exception is to Corrections Division members who may perform Community Service outside of the headquarters. Community Service may be freely conducted by Corrections Division members (not custodial certified as long as they follow divisional policy. No weapons are permitted inside. The correctional division automatically have command over duties within the County Jail.
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**WEB Garage**
a. When the WEB Garage is in-use, no Deputy or member of the public other than the Unit(s) using the garage may be inside the garage.
b. A supervisory member (Corporal+) of the unit(s) using the garage may allow other Deputies or other on-duty Law Enforcement Officer within the garage if it is necessary to complete the function that is ongoing within the garage.
c. When the WEB garage is in use, no Deputy, without authorization or prior approval to do so, should open the WEB garage doors.
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**CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS**
DECLARATIONS & RESTRICTIONS
a. A Criminal Organization will be defined by the Mayflower State Senate and/or the Department of Justice through legislation and/or memorandum/directive respectively.
b. Any deputy who is found to be within a Criminal Organization may be subject to disciplinary action.
c. Any deputy who is found to be within a Criminal Organization may be subject to formal investigation under the capacity of the Criminal Investigations Division.
EXEMPTIONS
a. Members of the Criminal Investigations Division may be exempted from this memorandum for official investigations.
- Exemptions require the approval of the the Criminal Investigations Head or the Investigations Bureau Captain.
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**BOARD OF APPEALS**
a. The Board of Appeals (BOA) will serve as an appeal board.
b. The Board of Appeals will preside over any and all appeals in regards to departmental actions.
c. The scope of the Board of Appeals will not be restricted, they will have the capability to hear any types of actions taken against a Deputy during their service within the Sheriff’s Office.
COMPOSITION
a. The Board of Appeals will be comprised of the following members
- Sheriff
- Undersheriff
- Assistant Sheriff
- Investigations Bureau Captain
- Any other member the Sheriff may designate.
b. The Sheriff or Undersheriff, in addition to two of the three other members is needed for a Board of Appeals session to be deemed valid.
FUNCTIONALITY
a. The Board of Appeals will be hosted either in the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office Discord, or in the tribunal room inside of the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters.
b. An announcement will be made in public-announcements and the announcements channel within the NHCSO Discord when a Board of Appeals session is being hosted.
c. The Sheriff or Undersheriff may be the only members of the board allowed to convene the Board of Appeals.
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**AGREEMENTS**
a. All agreements within the New Haven County Sheriff’s Office are signed within 48 hours of acceptance otherwise the acceptance is withdrawn.
b. Agreements are subject to change and you may be asked to re-sign the agreements.
c. Should an agreement be found unlawful, unconstitutional or otherwise illegal, the agreement shall be subject to immediate review in accordance with this policy.
- Upon this being found, all members of the department will be asked to re-sign the agreements with the updated variants.
d. Upon a new agreement being released, all members of the department shall have 48 hours to sign said agreement.
- Should any member of the department fail to do so within 48 hours, they are subject to administrative leave (immediately), and termination after 6 days.
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# CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION
Each policy and procedure outlined in this handbook, is required to be followed by employees of the New Haven County Sheriff's Office. Should this document and its contents be broken, administrative action will be taken.
All employees within the New Haven County Sheriff's Office are required to have a thorough understanding of each concept and area defined within this document.
If there are any concerns regarding any information presented in this document, please contact a senior member of your chain of command.
Signatory Central Command Members:

FrancisHUnderwood
**Sheriff**
New Haven County Sheriff's Office
Name
**Undersheriff**
New Haven County Sheriff's Office
/s/ DevAX1T
**Assistant Sheriff**
New Haven County Sheriff's Office