# BCSD Standard Operating Procedures

The SOPs contained in this manual are likely to be amended in the future. When changes occur, they wil be announced. The contents of this manual are for public release.

Approved Date:02/19/2023
Modification Date: 02/19/2023

# Section I. Introduction
### 1 - Mission Statement

It shall be the objective of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department to provide Security and Service to the County of Berkeley, enforce the law of the land, and protect the civilians and government officials who live and work there.

# Section II. Department Organization
### 2 - Rank Structure
**Cadet:** Cadets are newly hired and untrained employees of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department. Cadets are under the area of responsibility of the Patrol Division. Upon completion of the training curriculum, Cadets must complete a 1 month probation period before being promoted to Patrol Deputy.

**Probationary Deputy:** Probationary Deputies are newly certified employees of the sheriff's office, and are monitored closely. This probation period lasts 1 month.

**Deputy:** Deputies are standard employees of the Sheriff's Department. They are tasked with a veriety of duties and enforce general violations of the law.

**Detective:** Detectives are tasked with conducting prolonged investigations into more serious crimes than deputies have time to handle. Detectives are under the Investigations Division.

**Corporal:** Corporals are unit commanders. The two Patrol Corporals run Patrol Unit I and Patrol Unit II. The Reserve Division Corporal runs the day-to-day operations of the reserve division.

**Sergeant:** Sergeants are division commanders. They are tasked with supervisory duties over their designated division.

**Lieutenant:** Lieutenants manage and oversee the employees of their bureau. They coordinate large scale events and operations as necessary.

**Captain:** Captains are the head of their specific bureau.

**Chief Deputy:** The Chief Deputy oversees the entire department, assisting both bureaus with their respective goals.

**Sheriff:** Head of the department. Holds the Office of the Sheriff.

### 3 - Organizational Definitions
**Patrol Unit:** A group of patrol deputies under a specific command.

**Division:** A specific group of deputies assigned to a specific task in the department.

**Bureau:** A section of the department, or a group of divisions, that have similar needs.

# Section III. Department Structure
The Berkeley County Sheriff's Department consists of two bureaus: Operations and Support Services.

### 4 - Operations

The Operations Bureau consists of the Patrol Division, Corrections Division, Investigations Division, and Reserve Division, as well as multiple specialty teams.

**Patrol Division:** The Patrol Division oversees all patrol operations and its units. The Patrol Division is run by the Patrol Sergeant.

**Community Relations Unit:** The Community Relations Unit is led by a Corporal. Community Relations Deputies are responsible for the creation and development of public-based events. This includes the National Night Out, July 4 Celebrations, as well as other events.

**Investigations Division:** The Investigations Division is led by a Sergeant, and consists of 4 full time detectives. Their duties are to investigate crimes that patrol deputies do not have the time or resources to investigate.

**Corrections Division** The Corrections Division is led by a Sergeant. The duties of the deputies assigned to this division are correctional complex/court security, handle correctional complex inmates, and inmate transport to/from court appearances.

**Reserve Division:** The Reserve Division is led by a full-time Sergeant. The deputies assigned to this unit are deputies that are either employed by another law enforcement agency full-time, or individuals that are interested in being law enforcement officers, but can not commit the time required to be a full-time deputy.

**Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response Team:** The Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response Team Liason is a full-time employee of the sheriff's department. Deputies assigned to this team are trained in more specific tactical procedures than patrol deputies.

### 5 - Support Services
**Records:** Records employees are civilians that are tasked with the upkeep of public department documentation.

**Public Affairs:** Public Affairs employees are a combination of deputies and civilians that are tasked with the upkeep of the department roster and related documentation.

# Section IV. Employee Code of Conduct

### 6 - Code of Conduct
The `Code of Conduct` acts as a set of rules for employees to follow and use as a guide in properly conducting themselves and maintaining high standards. Subject to strict enforcement, all employees are expected to uphold the following:

1. Deputies must not be biased against anyone in the performance of their duties, whether out of malice or favor. They must treat all residents with decency, respect, dignity, and concern.
2. Personal feelings, emotions, animosities, or friendships are not to be allowed to affect deputies’ decisions, general demeanor, or how they behave themselves. They are responsible for enforcing the law in a professional and courteous manner. To ensure the public’s confidence, trust, and respect, deputies will dress in a manner that reflects their actions.
3. When deputies are entrusted with discretion by law, they must utilize it appropriately and fairly. They must make decisions based on reasonableness and take into account the circumstances around them while deciding whether or not legal action should be taken.

It should be highlighted that discretion, when applied intelligently and based on expertise, can help to maintain strong public relations and outlook. When faced with a tough decision between competing courses of action, it may be better and more successful to give timely advise rather than arrest—which may be appropriate in certain circumstances—to achieve a desired result.

1. In all instances, a deputy will never use excessive or improper force, and will only use force when it is acceptable and consistent with their training. After all other choices, such as conversation and negotiation, have been exhausted, should lethal force should be employed with extreme caution.
2. When pursuing justice, deputies will work cooperatively with other law enforcement officials and will always treat their coworkers with respect and consideration.
3. Deputies are responsible for their professional performance and will take advantage of any opportunity to improve it.

### 7 - General Expectations from Employees

All employees are to:

* Be mature
* Be respectful to civilians, other law enforcement officials, and government employees.
* Maintain an appropriate appearance.
* Know the Standard Operations Procedures, as well as regulations and policies.
* Perform their duties to the best of their ability

# Section V. Disciplinary Policy
### 8 - Violations of Regulations and Procedures
Employees are not allowed to bring the department’s standards into discredit, and if they do, they risk having their employment terminated at the Administration’s discretion. Disciplinary action may be taken as a result of transgressions such as, but not limited to, the ones listed below, as well as violations of Standard Operating Procedures.

The following are offenses which may result in disciplinary action:

1. Insubordination
2. Committing a crime
3. Deliberately destroying or falsifying evidence
4. Falsifying patrol logs
5. Deliberately, willingly, and knowingly aiding criminals
6. Hostile actions towards other law enforcement officers, with the intent to start conflict
7. Misuse of deadly force
8. Neglect of duties
9. Dealing department-issued equipment and firearms
10. Violating policies as a Probationary Deputy or Cadet
11. Being involved in a criminal organization
12. Releasing classified information to the public or unauthorized persons without authorization
13. Disrespect
14. Issuing unlawful or unpermitted orders
15. Obstructing an investigation
16. Obstructing an Internal Affairs Unit investigation.
17. Misuse of equipment
18. Being absent without official leave
19. Destroying or vandalizing property on duty without proper justification
20. False detainment
21. Unauthorized use of vehicles
22. Unjustified search
23. Unjustified seizure
24. Slander
25. Failure to adhere to proper procedures for law enforcement.
26. Radio misconduct
27. Not in proper uniform

> You may face disciplinary action if you engage in rude or immoral behavior in any Discord server associated with OVRP, especially if you are speaking in the capacity of a department employee or representative.

### 9 - General Employee Responsibilities
All Sheriff’s Department personnel must observe, obey, and fulfil the procedures, policies, and regulations outlined in this Standard Operating Procedure document, as well as set an example for their officers to follow. Failure to observe, obey, and fulfill the procedures, policies, and regulations outlined in this Standard Operating Procedure manual may result in a modified assignment, a disciplinary strike, a demotion, or even a dishonorable dismissal and termination of employment.

# Section VI. General Policies and Regulations
### 10 - Activity Policy
Patrol logs are used to keep track of employee activity. All members, regardless of rank, should present patrol logs. These logs help us keep track of the overall activity of department members.

### 11 - Firearm Regulations
Deputies and anyone who holds a rank above that of Deputy may carry a standard service sidearm (Glock 17/22) off duty with them. Employees are not permitted to have more than one sidearm on their person at a time. Those found with more than one department issued sidearm are subject termination.

Employees may carry a total of (5) 9mm magazines on their person while off duty with their sidearm.

The storing of any department issued equipment for that matter inside of a personal vehicle, or non department issued vehicle is barred. Anyone found doing so will be subject to termination.

Misusing a department issued firearm on or off duty may result in termination.

### 12 - Lethal Force Usage
Lethal force is only permissable in the following of circumstances:
1. There is a rational fear of death or serious bodily harm to the officer involved, and no other measures taken will mitigate the situation to prevent bodily harm or death from occuring.

> If other actions can be taken to prevent the use of lethal force by employees they are required to pursue them. (Failing to do so can result in diciplinary action)

2. It reasonably appears necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offense against another person that any reasonable person would perceive as an imminent danger that can be considered to cause death or serious harm.
3. It appears, reasonably, necessary to prevent the escape of a person who a peace officer has a basis for believing that the said person poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the peace officers involved in preventing the escape or other people.

All lethal force used by employees must be done in good faith and in accordance with all local, county, and state laws alongside all of the outlined procedures in the Standard Operating Procedure Manual.

Employees shall be held entirely responsible for the misuse, or purposeful and malicious use of lethal force, regardless of justification, and may face dismissal and penalties specified in state statutes.

### 13 - Ride Along Guidelines
Only individuals who hold the rank of Deputy or above may conduct ridealongs with citizens. It is the responsibility of the employee conducting the ridealong to ensure the citizen is trustworthy & honest in their intentions.

Known criminals, or anyone with more than 15 recorded criminal offences may not partake in ridealongs for any reason. No weapons of any kind are permitted by the citizen during the ridealong, unless a Lieutenant or higher has waived the no weapon policy.

Investigators from the Investigations Divison may not have ridealongs when conducting operations.

During a ride along, deputies are directly responsible for the participants and their safety, and so it is advised by this Standard Operating Procedure manual that officers use common sense and avoid high risk situations unless there are no other officers to handle those situations.

Deputies are to terminate a ride along if the participant is uncooperative or refused to obey your commands. Deputies have the authority to end a ridealong for any reason, at any time.

### 14 - Equipment Guidelines
This Standard Operating Procedure document requires that all department equipment be operated professionally and appropriately.

Cadets are not allowed in any form to dispense of the following equiptment. Dispensing said equipment from department storage can lead to diciplinary action being taken as part of the zero tolerance policy.

Any firearms
Any ammunition

### 15 - Supervisor Requests
A suspect in custody may request for a supervisor for any reason if they feel their situation is unjustified. Deputies are required to present an in-game supervisor at or above the rank of Corporal, if possible. The supervisor presented must be at least one rank higher than the requesting Deputy. Employees at or above the rank of Captain do not need to present a superiory Deputy. A supervisor may decline the request if there is a lack of reasoning or the supervisor is busy. If a supervisor doesn’t respond within 5 minutes, proceed with the intended action.

### 16 - Radio Conduct
All Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department Employees are required to maintain proper radio conduct in all occupied channels. This includes the proper use of callsigns.

# Section VII. Dress Code & Vehicle Code
Employees must adhere to the departmental dress code and uniform code at all times unless stated otherwise by Command. Division policies, approved by Command, may override the dress code.

### 17 - Dress Code
The Dress Code requires you to meet the following criteria:
1. Employees must have a realistic skin tone on their avatar.
2. All accessories must be appropriate and professional.

### 18 - Uniform Regulations
**Polo Uniform**

* Worn by employees during warm conditions.
* Worn by civilian employees.

**Class A**

* To be worn for official duties.
* Not to be used for patrol.
* Seek command approval before use.
* Only to be worn with Class A Accesories

**Class B**

* Can be used for patrol duties.
* Not to be used with a vest.

**Class C**

* Standard patrol uniform.
* Can be used with a vest.

**Class C Parka**

* Used for cold/inclimate weather.

**Plain Clothes**

* Must be professional business casual clothing with a badge visible on the torso.
* To be worn by Detectives employed in the Investigations Division.
* Employees who hold the rank of Captain+ may utilize plain clothes.

**Detective Accessories**

* Detective accessories are only to be used by Detectives employed in the Investigations Division.
* The Detective Duty Belt may be utilized by employees who hold the rank of Captain+.

### 19 - Vehicle Code
Only the listed vehicles may be used for standard duties. Any specifications must be upheld.

**Marked Vehicle Usage**

* Marked vehicles may be used by any deputized employees for standard duties.

**Slicktop Vehicle Usage**

* Slicktop vehicles may be used by any deputized employees for standard duties.

**Ghost Vehicle usage**

* *Ghost vehicles are not to be used under any circumstances.*

**Unmarked Vehicle Usage**

* Slicktop vehicles may be used by any deputized employees for standard duties.

**Civilian Vehicle Usage**

* Civilian vehicles may be used by employees Support Services with the approval of their Bureau Captain, or if in the Investigations Division, it may be used with the authorization of the Sergeant, or by Command.

**Blacklisted Vehicle Policy**
The following vehicle accessories are not to be used for standard use:

- Swat Packages on any vehicle
- Side Runners on Marked vehicles
- ALPR accessories on any vehicle
- 2018 Checrolet Silverado Utility Cover & Bed Equipment
- 2018 Ford F150 Utility Cover & Bed Equipment

# Section VIII. Administrative Policies
### 20 - Punative Actions
Punative Actions can be taken against employees who violate department policy or fail to adhere to department procedures in this Stadard Operating Procedure Manual, or other written orders.

**Termination**
Terminations may be issued by the Office of the Sheriff as a result of an internal/external investigation.

**Rank Demotion**
May be issued by any Lieutenant or higher in the department, as the result of an internal/external investigation.

**Suspension**
A suspension prohibits an individual from performing any of his or her responsibilities. Suspensions may be issued by any lieutenant or higher as the result of an internal/external investigation.

**Probationary Status**
When issued, the employee put on the status for a specified period of time (no more than 2 weeks) is not allowed to commit any offences or wrongdoings. The commission of any offense or wrongdoing will result in the employee having their employment terminated from the Sheriffs Office.

Probationary Status may be issued by anyone at the rank of Lieutenant or above with the approval of the Sheriff. This may be issued by Captain or higher a result of an internal/external Investigation.

**Verbal Counseling**
Verbal counseling may be be administered by anyone at the rank of Sergeant or higher as a result of an internal/external investigation or to correct issues seen during patrol.

### 21 - Employment Transfer Guidelines
To be considered for authorization to transfer to another law enforcement agency, an employee must have served for at least one month or thirty (30) days in the department, excluding their time as a Cadet.

The transfer must be preliminarily approved by the head of the department to which the employee seeks to go. To be eligible for transfer permission, an employee must not have any unfinished assignments.

Employees must offer three day’s notice of their desire to transfer if the aforementioned standards are met. Employees must notify their immeidate supervisor, as well as the Chief Deputy or Sheriff of their intention to transfer to a different department.

### 22 - Leave of Absence Policy

Refer to Section VIII-23 before referring to this policy.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Department is understanding of requested time off with valid reasoning. Any employee at the rank of Captain or below must submit a leave of absence request.The approval of leave request will go through the chain of command, starting at the Corporal.

Any leave of absence request more than 35 days (5 weeks), must be approved through either the Chief Deputy or Sheriff.

### 23 - Cumulative Leave Time

Deputies are entitled to time off. This time builds up and is noted when Patrol Logs are read and documented by-weekly.

**Cumulative Leave Time Regulations**

* **2 Weeks Leave** for every **7 logged hours**

Abuse of this privelage may result in the revocation of cumulative leave time.

### 24 - Acting Position Policy
In the event a command member that is at or above the rank of Sergeant takes a leave of absence, their direct inferior or a Deputy, deemed fit by command, will take on their position in an acting sense. When acting in a position, the Deputy chosen to be the acting individual will gain the responsibilities of the position while still holding their same rank. The acting individual will carry out the duties of the position, however, the acting individual does not gain any of the privileges or perks of the position they are acting for.

### 25 - Rank Alteration Policy
To minimize nepotism and to ensure that all personnel who are candidates for promotion are treated fairly and equally, they will be carefully and thoroughly evaluated through the following promotion procedure:

* The Office of the Sheriff, as well as all Lieutenants and Captains, will convene to assess and discuss prospects for promotion to Sergeant and higher.
* Each candidate’s conduct, seniority, attitude, maturity, and activity will be taken into account.
In the event that a Sergeant leaves, resigns, or is terminated of their employment, a Corporal in their unit, if applicable, shall temporarily lead and supervise it for a trial period of three days, where they shall be closely observed.

In the event that a Lieutenant leaves, resigns, or is terminated of their employment, a Sergeant in their Bureau shall temporarily lead and supervise it for a trial period of three days, where they shall be closely observed.

In the event that a Captain leaves, resigns, or is terminated of their employment, the Lieutenant in their Bureau shall temporarily lead and supervise it for a trial period of three days, where they shall be closely observed.

Sergeants may only promote and demote those in their respective unit. Captains and Lieutenants may only promote and demote those in their respective Bureau.

All promotions at or above the rank of Sergeant will require authorization from the Office of the Sheriff.

### 26 - Employment Discharge Policy
Discharges in all capacities must have the authorization of the Office of the Sheriff.

Employees may be honorably discharged from the department after having given notice that they intend to do so three day before they will leave or resign from the department. This will be marked on the Employee Action Sheet in the 'Description' category.

Employees shall be generally discharged if:

* Employees being Cadets who fail to complete their training before the expiration of their Probationary period or leave or resign from the department during that time having not committed any of the aforementioned conditions, shall be generally discharged.
* A discharge may also be general at the discretion of the supervisor discharging.

### 27 - Cadet Training Waiver Policy
Cadets with sufficient experience in other law enforcement agencies in OVRP may be exempt from completing probationary training. This will be written in the Cadet's `Deputy Appointment Letter`

### 28 - Authority to Amend Regulations and Procedures
Only the Sheriff of Berkeley County, shall have the authority to approve changes to this document.

### 29 - Authority to Amend or Revoke Orders
The authority to amend or revoke orders is given to all department Supervisors. There are two types of orders in the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department:

**Written Order:** Orders which are official documents, or announcements posted in the department Discord server.

**Verbal Order:** Orders that are issued on duty or in Discord that are temporary.

Written Orders always hold precedence over Verbal Orders. Supervisors have the authority to revoke or amend a Verbal Order if their rank is superior to that of the issuing Supervisor.

The Sheriff and Chief Deputy may revoke and amend all orders issued by Supervisors. Captains & Lieutenants may revoke and amend Written Orders they have issued within their Bureau. Sergeants may revoke or amend Written Orders they have issued within their Division.