Police Department SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures for all Skyline Stories Police Department personnel.
Important Notice
All Police Department personnel are expected to regularly review and follow these Standard Operating Procedures. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including verbal warnings, strikes, or termination.
For questions or concerns regarding SOPs, please contact High Command through the appropriate channels.
Department Overview
The mission, values, and standards of the Skyline Stories Police Department.
1.1Mission Statement
The Skyline Stories Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of law in Los Santos County. Our mission includes the prevention of crime, training of all officers, and maintaining the health and safety of all citizens while creating a secure environment for everyone.
1.2Department Standards
The Police Department sets the standard of quality for all citizens in San Andreas. Professionalism, Respect, Responsibility, and Teamwork are what we strive to bring to the city every day.
- •Be respectful to all officers regardless of rank
- •Maintain transparency and follow the chain of command
- •Everyone is accountable for everyone - see something, say something
- •Represent the department professionally at all times
1.3Department Policy
All police personnel are expected to regularly review these Standard Operating Procedures. These SOPs should be followed accordingly and efficiently to maximize success within the department and bring peace to the citizens of Los Santos.
Pre-Duty Requirements
Requirements and checks to complete before starting your shift.
2.1Pre-Duty Checklist
Complete these checks before every shift to ensure you're ready for duty.
- •Ensure you are in the correct uniform for your rank
- •Verify dispatcher mode is enabled
- •Set your correct callsign
- •Tune to the correct radio frequency
- •Clock in within the city and Discord
- •Equip proper equipment for your rank
2.2Callsign Format
Your callsign should be set using /callsign [number] or through the MDT. Discord nicknames follow the format: #L-XX | First Last (e.g., 242 - M. Chase).
Uniforms & Equipment
Uniform requirements and standard equipment loadouts by rank.
3.1Uniform Requirements
Uniform requirements must be maintained at all times. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
- •Cadet: Highlighter Vest / Grey Shirt
- •Probationary Officer: Blue Shirt
- •Officer / Senior Officer: Grey Shirt
- •Corporal / Sergeant: Black Shirt
- •Command: White Shirt
Full face coverings, gang-related items, hate group symbols, or offensive tattoos are strictly prohibited.
3.2Standard Equipment
Officers must carry the following equipment based on their rank authorization.
- •Taser (x1) - Cadet+
- •Heavy Pistol (x1) - Cadet+
- •Class 2 Weapons - Officer+
- •Class 3 Weapons - Corporal+
- •Radio, Handcuffs, Armor (x8), iFaks (x10)
- •Flashlight, Evidence Bags (x100)
- •Food/Water (x10), Diving Suit
- •Active Bodycam (Medal, OBS, NVIDIA, etc.)
3.3Vehicle Requirements
Personal and patrol vehicle standards for on-duty officers.
- •Base Colors: Black, Grey, or White only
- •Pearlescent: Black, White, or Blue only
- •No underglow (unless approved for undercover)
- •Headlights: Standard or White only
- •Interceptors/Motorcycles/Air One require certification
- •Unmarked vehicles require Corporal+ and High Command approval
Communication
Radio protocols and communication standards.
4.1Radio Etiquette
Radio communication should remain professional at all times. No extended personal conversations - radios are for callouts and dispatch responses only. Do not clutter the radio with unnecessary chatter.
4.2Radio Channels
Standard radio channel assignments for department operations.
- •Channel 2: EMS
- •Channel 3: LSPD Main
- •Channel 4: Break Channel (In-Head)
- •Channels 5-7: Training
- •Channel 10.1: Aviation
- •Channel 23.4: Lawyer Contact
When switching channels, allow time for response. Do not use radios like phone calls.
Chain of Command
Department rank structure and responsibilities.
5.1Cadet
Entry-level rank for all new officers. Cadets must ride with a certified FTO when available. Solo patrol, unmarked vehicles, interceptors, motorcycles, and Air One are prohibited. Phase typically lasts 1-2 weeks.
Cadets may ride solo ONLY if no FTO/Command is available in the city.
5.2Probationary Officer
Achieved after completing cadet training. May ride alone in a marked four-door vehicle. Still under review for complete understanding of procedures.
5.3Officer
Full officers must set a good example for recruits. Eligible for Interceptor certification, FTO role, and Class 2 weapons. Expected to assist with cadet training.
5.4Senior Officer
First leadership opportunity. Shows commitment and knowledge of most calls/dispatches. Encouraged to become FTO. Eligible for Air One certification.
5.5Corporal
Exemplifies strong leadership. Conducts certification tests. Eligible for unmarked vehicles, Class 3 weapons, and leads prison/evidence transports.
5.6Sergeant
Superior work ethic, leadership, and supervising skills. FTO is mandatory. Responsible for smooth LSPD operations. Reports issues and recommendations to Command.
5.7Command Staff
Senior Command (Lieutenants/Captains) and High Command (Assistant Chief/Chief) oversee all operations, conduct interviews, make promotion decisions, and ensure SOPs are followed.
Use of Force
Guidelines for appropriate use of force in various situations.
6.1General Principles
All law enforcement personnel must preserve human life when possible. Force may only be used when objectively reasonable to gain control of a dangerous situation. Use only the level of force that matches the threat. Ensure injured parties receive medical aid.
6.2Match of Force
Match your force class to the threat level. If a suspect uses a Class 1 weapon, respond with Class 1. The highest-ranking officer may authorize escalation if multiple officers go down.
Melee weapons do NOT apply to match of force. If a melee weapon injures/kills an officer, use any force necessary to neutralize the threat.
6.3Deadly Force
Deadly force is authorized only when the officer reasonably believes the subject poses imminent danger of death or serious injury. Class 1 (Pistol) is standard unless Command authorizes otherwise.
- •If suspect draws a weapon but doesn't aim: Give one verbal warning, wait 5-7 seconds
- •If suspect aims at anyone: Cleared to fire immediately
- •Officers taken hostage are high value - all force authorized for rescue
6.4Taser Deployment
Issue verbal warning before tasing. Announce 'Taser taser taser' when deploying. Do not over-tase - allow them to get up. Never tase on ladders, rooftop edges, or in water.
6.5Cuffing Procedures
Instruct suspect to put hands up and face away. If non-compliant, escalate to tackle. Announce 'Going for cuffs' before restraining. Do not spam cuff attempts.
6.6Gang Situations
Treat gang wars/shootouts extremely seriously. Highest-ranking officer assesses if intervention is appropriate based on available units. Class 2s and deadly force authorized when intervening. Document evidence for later arrests when possible.
Processing & Arrests
Procedures for processing suspects and handling arrests.
7.1Miranda Rights
Read Miranda Rights before any questioning that may lead to self-incrimination. Applies to both detained and arrested individuals.
- •You have the right to remain silent
- •Anything you say can and will be used against you in court
- •You have the right to an attorney present if available
- •If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed free of charge
- •Do you understand these rights as I have read them?
Failure to advise Miranda Rights may make statements inadmissible in court.
7.2Processing Steps
Standard procedure for processing arrested suspects.
- •Injured suspects must receive medical attention first
- •Inform suspect of reason for arrest
- •Search suspect in holding cells
- •Take mugshot (remove mask, glasses, hat - unless identity RP)
- •Scan fingerprint (refusal = double time and fine)
- •Inform of charges before plea
- •Allow lawyer request before pleading
- •Write arrest report during downtime
7.3Sentencing Guidelines
Maximum sentence when pleading guilty is 120 months. Maximum fine is $80,000. For each month over 120, add $500 to the fine.
Example: 135 months + $50,000 fine = 120 months + $57,500 fine (15 extra months × $500)
7.4Bail & Court
Bail is only available for non-violent offenses. Bail amount is double the fine. Suspect must contact a lawyer and agree to ankle monitor until trial.
Vehicle Pursuits
Protocols for traffic stops and vehicle pursuits.
8.1Traffic Stops
May only stop vehicles with reasonable suspicion. Keep stops professional and no longer than necessary.
- •Dispatch: 10-11 with vehicle description, occupancy, location
- •Park at slight angle behind vehicle for cover
- •Introduce yourself and department
- •Request license, registration, and insurance
- •May ask to step out if suspecting impairment
8.2Vehicle Searches
Vehicles may only be searched with probable cause OR with owner's permission. Document all searches.
8.3Pursuit Positions
Maintain formation during pursuits. This is not a race.
- •Primary: Calls strikes, maintains eyes on suspect vehicle
- •Secondary: Handles comms, maintains spacing for Primary
- •Tertiary: Watches for external vehicles, uses parallel roads
- •Air One: Takes over callouts when active
If you crash (10-50), hold brakes and let other units pass before rejoining.
8.4Pursuit Codes
Codes determine authorized response levels during pursuits.
- •Code Green: Contained, not excessive. Maintain 2 car distance. Call strikes only.
- •Code Amber: 3 strikes given. Spike strips and PITs under 100mph authorized.
- •Code Red Bravo: Dangerous behavior (jumps, vehicle swaps). Tasers on tires.
- •Code Red Alpha: Attempted to kill/injure. Shoot to neutralize.
8.5PIT Maneuvers
PITs are authorized at Code Amber when vehicle is under 100mph with no civilians nearby. Cadets should request permission or let experienced officers take Primary.
8.6Foot Pursuits
Standard escalation for foot pursuits: Tackle (x2) → Verbal taser warning → Tase (x2) → Cuff while down. If close enough, tackle and cuff directly.
Hostage Negotiations
Guidelines for hostage situations and negotiations.
9.1Hostage Limits
Maximum of 3 hostages per scene. One demand per hostage. Always prioritize hostage safety.
9.2Reasonable Demands
Demands that may be negotiated.
- •Free passage
- •No spike strips
- •No Air One (if not using helicopter/boat getaway)
- •No motorcycle units (if not using motorcycle getaway)
- •No strikes for 5 minutes
- •Allow another person to join/leave scene
9.3Unreasonable Demands
These demands will never be granted.
- •Money (no exceptions)
- •Weapons (no exceptions)
- •Another life (no exceptions)
9.4Required Questions
Negotiators must ask criminals (who must answer honestly): How many internal units? How many external units? Weapon class of externals?
Certifications
Special certifications and their requirements.
10.1Interceptor Certification
Required to drive 2-door interceptor vehicles. Available to Officer+ rank. Contact Corporal+ to schedule the test.
10.2Motorcycle Certification
Required to operate police motorcycles. Available to Officer+ rank. Contact Corporal+ to schedule the test.
10.3Air One Certification
Required to pilot police helicopters. Available to Senior Officer+ rank. Contact Corporal+ to schedule the test.
10.4SWAT
SWAT Commander holds monthly tryouts for eligible LEOs. SWAT members may use Class 3 weapons when approved by High Command. Available to Senior Officer+ rank.
Weapon Classifications
Weapon class definitions for match of force purposes.
11.1Class 1 - Handguns
Semi-automatic handguns including Heavy Pistol, Walther P99, Vintage Pistol, and similar sidearms.
11.2Class 2 - Automatic Handguns/SMGs
Automatic handguns and submachine guns including Tec-9, SMG, and similar weapons. Officer+ authorization required.
11.3Class 3 - Rifles
Short rifles, suppressed weapons, and long guns including AK-47, Carbine Rifle, Sniper, and Shotgun. Corporal+ authorization required.
11.4Class 4 - Explosives
Grenades, Molotovs, Rocket Launchers, and any explosive or highly destructive weapons. Special authorization required.
Activity & Conduct
Activity requirements and internal affairs.
12.1Activity Requirements
Inactivity for more than one month without LOA notice may result in strikes or termination. Submit LOA through HR tickets if inactive for 2+ weeks. LOAs last up to 2 months before renewal required.
12.2Internal Affairs
Report the following issues to Sergeant+ for review.
- •Quality of work concerns
- •Procedures not followed
- •Professionalism issues
- •Harassment or hate speech
12.3Department Transfers
Future departments will open when approved by High Command. Senior Officer+ are eligible for transfer. Transfer reviews take up to one week. Contact Corporal+ to discuss requests.
10-Codes Reference
Standard radio 10-codes used for quick and efficient communication.
13.110-Codes Chart
Reference chart for all standard 10-codes used in radio communication. Memorize these codes for efficient dispatch and officer communication.
Most commonly used codes - memorize these first!
Codes for managing radio traffic and communication
Codes for reporting officer status and shift information
Codes related to traffic stops, pursuits, and vehicle incidents
Codes for running checks and warrant lookups
Codes for reporting various crimes and incidents
Codes for requesting assistance and additional units
High-priority codes for emergencies and alarms
Special Procedures
Standard verbal procedures for specific situations.
14.1Miranda Rights
Read Miranda Rights before any questioning that may lead to self-incrimination. Must be read verbatim:
- •"You have the right to remain silent, everything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law."
- •"You have the right to an attorney and to have that attorney present during any time of questioning."
- •"If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you by the state at no cost."
- •"You have the right to stop answering questions at any time."
- •"Do you understand your rights? Knowing them, do you wish to talk to me?"
Failure to advise Miranda Rights may make statements inadmissible in court.
14.2Code 5 Stop (Felony/High-Risk Stop)
Use this procedure for high-risk vehicle stops involving armed or dangerous suspects.
- •"Driver, with your left hand visible, remove the key from the ignition and throw it out your window."
- •"Slowly, with your left hand, open your vehicle door and step out facing away from the sound of my voice. Keep your hands visible at all times."
- •"Slowly walk backward to the sound of my voice."
- •"Stop. Drop to your knees with your ankles crossed. Do not move or you will be met with force."
- •Center officer moves in and cuffs the suspect.
- •Search the suspect's body, read their rights, and place them in a vehicle.
Maintain cover and have backup in position before initiating a Code 5 stop.