Standard Operating Procedures

Originally written by Farington. Modified and signed off by the current Chief of Police, I_S1AH.

Mission Statement

To provide an active, responsible, and community based service towards the City of Lander and its neighboring communities.

Department Motto
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Officer Responsibility

It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure that they are kept up to date with this manual. Updates to this manual will not always be announced.

Table of Contents
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Mission Statement
- Department Motto
- Officer Responsibility
- Table of Contents

Section I - General Elements

A. Responsibility of Employees

B. Authority to Amend or Revoke Orders

Section II - Organization & Structure

A. Chain of Command

B. Rank Structure

C. Office of the Chief of Police

D. Field Operations Bureau

E. Special Operations Bureau

Section III - Conduct & Appearance Standards

A. General Provisions

B. Dress Code

C. Off Duty Conduct & Equipment

D. Activity

E. Inactivity Leave & Notices

F. Professional Conduct

Section IV - Administrative Procedures

A. Acceptance & Deputization

B. Disciplinary Actions

C. Department Strikes

D. Promotions, Demotions, & Transfers

E. Suspensions & Terminations

F. Discharges & Department Transfers

G. Holding Supervisory Positions

Section V - General Procedures

A. Jurisdiction
B. Radio Communications
C. Radio Channels
D. Disposing of Equipment
E. Operation of Vehicles
F. Traffic Stop Policy
G. Pursuit Policy
H. Providing Identification on Request
I. Supervisor Upon Request
J. Desk Duty
K. Probationary Officers
L. Police Officers
M. Vehicle Searches Consent
N. Operating during a City Lockdown
O. Road Checkpoints

Section VI - Information, Media, & Ride Alongs

A. Classifications of Department Documents
B. Releasing of Information to the Public
C. Tampering with Department Resources
D. Information Requests or Orders
E. Press Briefings
F. Ride Alongs
Section VII - Lander Police Academy
A. Requirements of Entry
B. Entry Process
C. Cadet Guidelines
D. Probationary Guidelines
Section VIII - Signatures
Author(s)

Section I - General Elements

A. Responsibility of Employees

It is the responsibility of all Lander Police Department employees to not only follow these rules, but to role model them for their fellow officers. Operating procedures are what make us a professional agency.

Supervisors should spend adequate time enforcing and updating such procedures when necessary and appropriate.

Failure to follow Standard Operating Procedures or orders could lead to modified assignment, a strike, a demotion, or even a dishonorable discharge.

B. Authority to Amend or Revoke Orders

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): The backbone and charter for the department. It is used to set rules in stone and cannot be violated by any orders.

Only the Office of the Chief of Police may override or amend any orders from the Standard Operating Procedures.

Orders can be amended by any supervisor as long as they do not intervene or contradict with any other written order, memorandum, governmental document, law enforcement standard, public safety regulation, or standard operating procedure.

Orders can be revoked by the administration of the Lander Police Department.

Standard Operating Procedures can only be created, modified, and removed by the Office of the Chief of Police.

Section II - Organization & Structure

A. Chain of Command

Failure to follow the Chain of Command may result in a strike.
Image can be viewed here.

B. Rank Structure

- Chief of Police
- Assistant Chief of Police
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Detective
- Master Police Officer
- Police Officer
- Probationary Officer

Probationary Officers may be terminated at any point for any reason.

Cadet

Cadets may be terminated at any point for any reason.

A cadet is not considered a department employee.

**Office of the Chief of Police**

The Office of the Chief of Police is made up of:

Chief of the Lander Police Department

Assistant Chief of the Lander Police Department

The Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for the following:

- Update & Maintain the Standard Operating Procedures.
- Long term planning of the department’s growth.
- Overseeing all department operations.

D. Field Operations Bureau
The Field Operations Bureau (FOB) is made up of many divisions:

Patrol Services Division (PSD):

Patrol Unit I (UI)

- Standard patrol unit for the Lander Police Department.

Patrol Unit II (UII)

- Standard patrol unit for the Lander Police Department.

Patrol Unit III (UIII)

- Standard patrol unit for the Lander Police Department.

Auxiliary Unit (AUX)

- Auxiliary patrol unit for the Lander Police Department.

Administrative Services Division (ASD)

Community Relations Unit (CRU)

- Responsible for the department’s public relations.

Field Training Unit (FTU)

- Responsible for the training of all officers of the department.

E. Special Operations Bureau

- The Special Operations Bureau (SOB) is made up of many divisions:

Internal Affairs Unit (IA)

Responsible for:

- Handling all complaints against officers of the department.

- investigations against officers showing any signs of corruption or miconduct.

- Enforcement of the Standard Operating Procedures.

Intelligence & Investigations Unit (I&I)

- Responsible for all intelligence and criminal investigations of the department.

Tactical Response Unit (TRU)
- Responsible for the emergent and tactical response to all situations on behalf of the department.

Section III - Conduct & Appearance Standards

A. General Provisions

Do not disrespect the general public, fellow officers, or members of the government.
No verbal or visual support of politics whilst on-duty or representing the Lander Police Department.
Committing any crime on-duty or off-duty may result in your termination from the department.
Insubordination or failure to comply with a supervisor’s orders may result in disciplinary action.

Failure to follow your official bureau’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), or other divisional SOP, so long as it has been approved by the Office of the Chief, will be the equivalent of violating the Lander Police Department’s SOP.

High Command members (Lieutenant+) are not permitted to have any secondary units due to their extensive responsibilities within the department.

Misuse of any equipment, including but not limited to weapons, uniforms, and vehicles, may result in disciplinary action up to termination.

Anything that is not listed in the Lander Police Department Standard Operating Procedures but is deemed to be unprofessional or unbecoming of an officer, by the Office of the Chief of Police, can result in disciplinary action.

B. Dress Code

General Provisions

No goofy or unprofessional faces, hair, or accessories. It all must be kept professional.

Police-marked baseball caps, beanies, or hats that fit onto the head properly are allowed so long as they do not interrupt the look of a law enforcement officer.

Wearing a custom hat can be done via the “Plain Clothes” option in-game. The appropriate uniform must be bought and worn underneath.

The Emergency Services Unit may wear black in-color: beanies, baseball caps, or boonies so long as they do not interrupt the look of an Emergency Services Operator.

Skin color should be realistic and presentable.

Officers may carry long guns (Delino R21A, Hawthorn 500) on their person. The weapon must be slung behind the officer or attached to the front of a vest.

Officers may not carry more than x3 5.56 Magazines/12 Guage Rounds (1 loaded, 2 extra) on their person at once.

More magazines can be stored in the trunk of their patrol vehicle.

Officers may wear the Light Vest on regular patrols. Plate Vests may only be worn during a City Lockdown.

Formal Uniform:

Worn only during formal events, state house security, formal ceremonies, or formal celeberations.

Class A:

Either uniform can be worn during general duties or patrol duties.

These are the only uniforms that can be worn by Police Officers and above.

Class C Uniform:

This uniform can be worn during general duties or patrol duties.

Class C uniform may be worn by any Police Officer+ (not probationary officers).

Class C Shirts:

Officers to Corporals
Sergeants
Lieutenants+
Patrol Pants:
Universal Pants

The rank-appropriate uniform and pants must be worn via the Plain Clothes option.

Class C with Traffic Vest Uniform

This uniform can be worn during general duties or patrol duties.

This should only be worn by members of the Traffic Enforcement Unit and it’s command.

Class C w/ Traffic Vests:

Officers to Sergeants
Lieutenants+
Patrol Pants:
Universal Pants

The rank-appropriate uniform and pants must be worn via the Plain Clothes option.

HiVis Jackets
This uniform can be worn during general duties or patrol duties.

This uniform can be worn by any member of the Field Operations Bureau (Patrol Units, AUX, FTU, etc.)

Training Polo

Worn by Public Relations Unit (PRU) and the Field Training Unit (FTU) when upholding their unit duties.

PRU is allowed to wear the polo on-duty when holding events, meet and greets, speeches, and anything else that falls under a public event that is under the command of the unit.

FTU is allowed to wear the polo on-duty when holding phases, training, or anything that falls under a training event that is under the command of the unit.

This is the only uniform that Cadets can wear.

TRU Uniform:

This uniform is only authorized for members of the Emergency Services Unit or the unit’s command.

Plain Clothes:

The plain clothes option is only to be worn by SOB Personnel and Captain+.

Exception: May be used by regular officers attempting to wear custom hats (that have been approved by previous policy).

Officers must have the correct uniform worn underneath.

Exceptions can be made by those of the rank equal to or higher than Captain.

Office of the Chief must be notified when an exception is made.

Own Clothes:

The “Own” clothes option is available for SOB Personnel (See SOB SOP for more info) and Lieutenant+.

Exceptions can be made by those of the rank equal to or higher than Captain.

Office of the Chief must be notified when an exception is made.

C. Off Duty Conduct & Equipment

Officers represent the Lander Police Department even when they are off duty.

Officers should maintain serious and professional conduct in the presence of the public.

Officers also must report any citations received or if they were arrested off duty.
Have fun, but don’t be stupid!

Officers should get rid of all equipment besides their flashlight, sidearm, and 3 magazines of ammunition.

Officers are only allowed in their personal vehicles. When off duty, you are not a peace officer.

Use the weapon in defense of yourself and others!

Do NOT give chase if the subject flees while not actively discharging or attacking another subject.

D. Activity

Each Bureau operates under different activity requirements that are set by the Office of the Chief of Police in conjunction with the Captain of that Bureau.

However, it is a maintained standard that officers within the main Patrol Units of the Lander Police Department must complete 90 combined minutes of patrol for each week, starting from Monday and ending on Sunday.

E. Inactivity Leave & Notices

Officers must inform their immediate superior at least one day (24 hours) prior to going inactive for a period that is longer than two days.

The officer must then file an inactivity notice via the bot command.

An officer cannot file an Inactivity Notice that is longer than two (2) weeks unless an exception is made by the Office of the Chief of Police.

An officer cannot renew an Inactivity Notice, if it will exceed a total amount of two (2) weeks, without receiving approval from the Office of the Chief of Police.

An officer cannot file an Inactivity Notice within a week of a previously filed Inactivity Notice without receiving approval from the Office of the Chief of Police.

F. Professional Conduct

When performing your duties as an on-duty officer, you’re expected to remain professional and courteous whilst engaging in any public situations.

This would include anything that involves individuals of the public (citizens, tourists, other departments, etc.).

Section IV - Administrative Procedures

A. Acceptance & Deputization

Members of the department can be accepted by the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, or a Captain who has been delegated to the duties of employment.

Deputization is not allowed. Only members of the development or administration team have that power.

B. Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary Actions include a wide variety of punishments:

Strikes are used to keep track of an officer’s disciplinary record.

Only Internal Affairs, the Office of the Chief of Police, and Captains can issue this.

Suspensions or Administrative Leaves are issued to officers who are receiving a punishment or are under serious investigation.

6Officers with either of these punishments may not enter the team or dispense any equipment from the team.

Only the Captain of the Special Operations Bureau and the Office of the Chief of Police may issue Administrative Leaves.

The Internal Affairs may only issue a suspension with approval of their command.

Administrative Probations or Probations are issued to officers who are receiving a punishment or have just completed their cadetship.

Officers with the probation label are on a Zero Tolerance Policy.

Administrative Probation can only be issued by Internal Affairs, the Office of the Chief of Police, and Captains.

Regular Probation can be issued by the Field Training Unit for cadets who have completed their training.

Officers who violate the handbook or are under investigation can be given modified assignments.

This includes desk duty for patrol/traffic members.

Non patrol/traffic divisions can be limited from performing specialized duties during modified assignments.

C. Department Strikes
The Lander Police Department operates on a three strike policy:

Verbal warning from immediate supervisor. (Strike 1)
Interview with immediate supervisor. (Strike 2)
Immediate termination. (Strike 3)

D. Promotions, Demotions, & Transfers

Only the Captains can move members in between bureaus.

Captains of both bureaus must be notified.

Supervisors are only allowed to promote and demote officers within their bureau and confirm promotions with the Office of the Chief of Police.

Failure to confirm or give notice to the Office of the Chief of Police will result in disciplinary action.

All promotions, demotions, & transfers must be filed in the #department-logs channel.

Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

E. Suspensions & Terminations

Suspensions will only be able to be handed out by IA and anyone above the rank of or equal to Captain.

Lieutenants may hand out temporary suspensions until the situation is addressed with either a Captain or IA.

Terminations may be handed out only by IA after consulting the Captains and with approval from the Office of the Chief of Police.

Terminations may be handed out by the Office of the Chief of Police.

F. Discharges & Department Transfers

Officers who leave on their own accord with a 1 day notice, no current investigation, and only have a strike or less may be given an honorable discharge.

Officers must request discharge/transfer approval from the Chief of Police.

Officers must notify their Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain once the discharge/transfer has been approved.

Officers who leave without notice, are under investigation, or have 2/more strikes may be given a dishonorable discharge.

Members who are fired from the department are given a dishonorable discharge.

G. Holding Supervisory Positions

A supervisory position shall be defined as any rank equal to or above Sergeant.

Members of the department must have these qualifications to hold Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, or Chief of Police:

Have had good standing with the Lander Police Department Administration.

Have not had any disciplinary action for (2) weeks.

This may be waived by the Office of the Chief of Police.

Section V - General Procedures

A. Jurisdiction

The Lander Police Department has jurisdiction within the city limit signs as well as on the “lander side” of the river up to the city limit signs near the jail and state park.

Lander Police Department also has jurisdiction over the Lander sewers and Lander Minor.

Members can only leave jurisdiction in the following circumstances:

Pursuing a subject that came within LPD’s original jurisdiction.

Transporting a subject to another police facility.

Court appearances related to your duties.

Driving to the National Guard or NRA during training duties.

When requested by an adjoining agency when in need of emergent help.

Emergent help within the City of Lander takes priority over those that are outside the city.

Requested by a member(s) of the development team.

Given expressed permission by the Chief or Assistant Chief of Police.

B. Radio Communications

Officers are assigned a callsign on entree to the department.

The callsign is determined by the Officer’s rank in their Bureau.

Anyone who changes the callsign of another member without proper authorization will face disciplinary action.

Officers may find their callsign on the Employment Roster.

C. Radio Channels

Global Channel (GLOBAL)

a. Used for general communication between all departments.

b. Used to call in unit status (10-8, 10-9, 10-7).

c. Callsign is required.

ES Channel (ES-1)

a. Used for ES-specific conversations.

b. Callsign is not required.

c. Used to run CLEAR ONE and CLEAR PLATE.

LE Channels (LE-1, LE-2)

a. Used as tac channels.

b. Used for officers in pursuits, or other critical situations.

c. Callsign is not required.

Department Channel (Lander-1)

a. Used to have interdepartmental chatter.

b. Callsign is not required.

When switching between each of the channels, you are to state:

[CALLSIGN], [CHANNEL TRANSFERRING TO]

Once you’re on that channel, you’d state:

[CALLSIGN], Joined.

Example:

An officer is on Global Channel wanting to switch to ES:

In Global: "L1, ES"

Once switched to ES: "L1, Joined."

D. Disposing of Equipment
All issued equipment from the Lander Police Department is to be disposed of via the usage of our department vehicles.

An officer is required to place the equipment in the trunk of a department vehicle and respawn said vehicle to ensure the trunk has been cleared.

Any other method of disposing of equipment, such as dropping said equipment in the armory, is not allowed.

Storing equipment in your personal vehicles instead of department vehicles is also not allowed.

E. Operation of Vehicles

Members operating vehicles in a non emergency fashion must follow all traffic laws. Members will be responsible and respectful while parking their vehicles.

Members responding to a non-emergent 10-32 request should not break any traffic laws unless with the use of red/blue visual lighting equipment.

Members responding to an emergency or 10-58 should be aware of any traffic issues that may occur and use visual/audible emergency equipment during the response.

Members are highly encouraged to turn off the equipment when within a considerable range at high risk situations to prevent alarming or scaring off the suspects.

Vehicle Authorized Personnel

Marked Classic Crusader Probationary Officer+
Marked Modern Crusader Police Officer+
Marked Jackalope Master Police Officer+
Marked LPD Utility** ESU Officers & Patrol Officers+
Slicktop Modern Crusader Sergeant+
Slicktop Classic Crusader Sergeant+
Slicktop Jackalope Sergeant+
ESU Jackalope ESU Officers & ESU Command
Unmarked Modern Crusader SOB Personnel, TEU*, & Lieutenant+
Unmarked Classic Crusader SOB Personnel, TEU*, & Lieutenant+
Civilian Vehicles SOB Personnel (See SOB SOP for more info)

Clarifications:
*TRU personnel must check TRU SOP for further guidelines.

**LPD Utility should only be deployed when deemed necessary.

The “+” signifies that any rank equal to or above the rank listed directly before the “+” may use said vehicle.

F. Traffic Stop Policy

Traffic stops may only be completed by members of the department that fit the following criteria:
In uniform.

In a marked vehicle.

Stops may be completed by unmarked or a non-uniformed officer only if the person they are stopping is:

An active BOLO.
An active warrant.

Person of interest for the Intelligence & Investigations Unit.

Officer must have backup from a uniformed officer during this stop.

Any officer with the rank equal to or higher than Captain may bypass this policy.

G. Pursuit Policy

Vehicle pursuits are to be followed as taught in the LPD Academy. LPD officers will continue to pursue if they were the officers to have called out and began the pursuit.

LPD Officers are expected to fall out of pursuit (especially when out of city limits) if there are multiple other LEOs on the pursuit, usually 3-4 other LEOs.

H. Providing Identification on Request

Officers are obligated to provide their username and callsign to the individual asking, up to two times.

Officers must do this for every individual who inquires per each scene.

I. Supervisor Upon Request

Officers are obligated to request a supervisor if requested by an indvidiual per each scene.

A supervisor must be called via the radio.

If there is no supervisor available, supervisor is busy, or a supervisor has already spoken with the individual then a supervisor request can be denied.

An officer must wait up to 5 minutes for a supervisor, any longer is completely optional.

You cannot act as your own supervisor, regardless of rank. You’d need to call a Sergeant or above.

Supervisors are required to make verbal contact with the individual requesting a supervisor and their counsel if on scene. If the supervisor has determined they are not needed, they may leave.

J. Desk Duty

Desk Duty is usually used as a way of punishment or disciplinary action for those who have broken any laws or rules located throughout the SOP and Mayflower.

Cadets and above may go on-duty as desk duty as long as they announce it through the radio and completed phase 2 of their training (i.e. [CALLSIGN] 10-8, Lander Station, Desk Duty).

While on desk duty, you are able to stop crime, however only if it is within the vicinity of the station. (i.e. From the station to the bank.)

K. Probationary Officers

After passing the LPD Academy, you are expected to be on your best behavior for the next three (3) days as any complaint may result in immediate termination.

You are not allowed to carry, or use, long-guns during the period of time in which you are a probationary (probie).

If a long-gun is accidentally dispensed during this period, the weapon must be immediately and properly disposed of.

The Office of the Chief of Police must be notified as well. Failure to notify will result in the probationary officer’s termination.

During this time, you are still permitted to go on desk duty if you wish.

During this time, you are permitted to patrol alone without supervision.

However, do note the risk of termination.

More guidelines regarding Probationary Officers may be found in the Probationary Guidelines subsection of Section VII.

L. Police Officers

After completing the LPD Academy and the probationary period, you will have received the rank of Police Officer.

This allows you to carry & use long-guns as well as do normal patrols.

You will be expected to fullfill your patrol logs as well as carry out the duties required of you as a fully employed officer.

At this position, you are free to attempt to join a division in which the Lander Police Department has to offer.

M. Vehicle Searches Consent

By being employed in the Lander Police Department, you automatically consent to any and all Vehicle Searches imposed on you by the Lander Police Department Office of the Chief of Police and/or the Special Operations Bureau Captain.

A reason for the Vehicle Search does not have to be provided.

Failure to comply during a Vehicle Search will result in your immediate termination from the Lander Police Department.

Retracting your consent will result in immediate termination from the Lander Police Department.

N. Operating during a City Lockdown

While under a City Lockdown, which can only be issued by the Office of the Chief of Police or a Captain that has been delegated these powers, all officers are required to do the following:

Officers are required to equip themselves with Patrol or Plate Vests.

Officers may use the LPD Utility as their patrol vehicles, unless told otherwise by a Captain+.

Officers, who are not on probation, are required to continuously equip themselves with a Delino R21A or a Hawthorn 500. This is to be strapped to the front of the vest or slung on the officer.

Officers are required to pay very close attention to any commands being issued by the Office of the Chief of Police via the lockdown-info channel.

Officers are to disregard any minor traffic infractions during City Lockdowns.

Officers are required to patrol with a partner (if possible).

Cadets and probationary officers count towards this partner requirement.

Officers should begin setting up checkpoints Behind Cube Mart and Behind MSP Station as outlined in the Section V, Subsection O. If possible.

O. Road Checkpoints

Checkpoint positions need to be approved by a Captain+. Checkpoints should only be used when attempting to locate a violent BOLO suspect, when the City of Lander is under lockdown, or if explicity requested by a Captain+.

Once a vehicle has stopped, officers should CLEAR ONE and CLEAR PLATE to ensure that the vehicle is not stolen.

Officers should make sure that the individual stopped is not an active BOLO or does not have any active Warrants.

If the vehicle and the individual(s) inside are clear, they may proceed.

If the individuals fail to comply, an arrest or citation can be issued for Failure to Comply.

For a checkpoint to begin, there must be at least 2 available officers on the checkpoint. A Sergeant+ (supervisor) must be on each checkpoint position at all times.