2024 – 1st Quarter Release

All contents may be subject to change

Table of Contents

Volume I. Policy

Volume II. Organization and Functions of the LSPD

Volume III. Management Rules and Procedures

Volume IV. Line Procedures

Volume I. Policy
GENERAL PROVISIONS
010. POLICY. Policy consists of principles and values which guide the performance of a
Department activity. Policy is not a statement of what must be done in a particular situation;
rather, it is a statement of guiding principles which should be followed in activities which are
directed toward the attainment of Department objectives.
100. MOTTO OF THE DEPARTMENT. The motto, "To Protect and To Serve," states the
essential purpose of the Los Santos Police Department. The Department protects the right of all
persons within its jurisdiction to be free from criminal attack, to be secure in their possessions,
and to live in peace. The Department serves the people of Los Santos by performing the law
enforcement function in a professional manner, and it is to these people that the Department is
ultimately responsible
101. PREAMBLE. The Los Santos Police Department is committed to serving the community
while protecting the rights of all persons. Consistent with this commitment, the Department’s
Vision, Mission, and Core Values, in concert with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the
Department’s Management Principles, reflect the guiding philosophy of the Los Santos Police
Department.
102. VISION. It is the vision of the Los Santos Police Department to, as closely as possible,
achieve a City free from crime and public disorder.
105. MISSION. It is the mission of the Los Santos Police Department to safeguard the lives and
property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and to enhance public
safety while working with the diverse communities to improve their quality of life. Our mandate
is to do so with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest
ethical standards to maintain public confidence.
110. CORE VALUES
110.10 SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITIES. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety
and reducing the fear and the incidence of crime. People in our communities are our most
important customers. Our motto, "To Protect and to Serve," is not just a slogan - it is our way
of life. We will work in partnership with the people in our communities and do our best, within
the law, to solve community problems that affect public safety. We value the great diversity of
people in both our residential and business communities and serve all with equal dedication.
110.20 REVERENCE FOR THE LAW. We have been given the honor and privilege of
enforcing the law. We must always exercise integrity in the use of the power and authority that
have been given to us by the people. Our personal and professional behavior should be a model
for all to follow. We will obey and support the letter and the spirit of the law.
110.30 COMMITMENT TO LEADERSHIP. We believe the Los Santos Police Department
should be a leader in Law Enforcement. We also believe that each individual needs to be a leader
in his or her area of responsibility. Making sure that our values become part of our day-to-day
work life is our mandate. We must each work to ensure that our co-workers, our professional
colleagues and our communities have the highest respect for the Los Santos Police Department.
110.40 INTEGRITY IN ALL WE SAY AND DO. Integrity is our standard. We are proud of
our profession and will conduct ourselves in a manner that merits the respect of all people. We
will demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all our interactions. Our actions will match our
words. We must have the courage to stand up for our beliefs and do what is right. Throughout the
ranks, the Los Santos Police Department has a long history of integrity and freedom from
corruption. Upholding this proud tradition is a challenge we must all continue to meet.
110.50 RESPECT FOR PEOPLE. Working with the Los Santos Police Department should be
challenging and rewarding. Our people are our most important resource. We can best serve the
many and varied needs of our communities by empowering our employees to fulfill their
responsibilities with knowledge, authority and appropriate discretion. We encourage our people
to submit ideas, we listen to their suggestions, and we help them develop to their maximum
potential. We believe in treating all people with respect and dignity. We show concern and
empathy for the victims of crime and treat violators of the law with fairness and dignity. By
demonstrating respect for others, we will earn respect for the Los Santos Police Department.
110.60 QUALITY THROUGH CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. We will strive to achieve
the highest level of quality in all aspects of our work. We can never be satisfied with the "status
quo.” We must aim for continuous improvement in serving the people in our communities. We
value innovation and support creativity. We realize that constant change is a way of life in a
dynamic city like Los Santos, and we dedicate ourselves to proactively seeking new and better
ways to serve.
120. USE OF FORCE
120.10 POLICY ON THE USE OF FORCE
PREAMBLE TO USE OF FORCE. The use of force by members of law enforcement is a
matter of critical concern both to the public and the law enforcement community. It is recognized
that some individuals will not comply with the law or submit to control unless compelled to do so
by the use of force; therefore, law enforcement officers are sometimes called upon to use force in
the performance of their duties. The Los Santos Police Department also recognizes that members
of law enforcement derive their authority from the public and therefore must be ever mindful that
they are not only the guardians, but also the servants of the public. The Department’s guiding
principle when using force shall be reverence for human life. Officers shall attempt to control an
incident by using time, distance, communications, and available resources in an effort to de-
escalate the situation, whenever it is safe, feasible, and reasonable to do so. As stated below,
when warranted, Department personnel may use objectively reasonable force to carry out their
duties. Officers may use deadly force only when they reasonably believe, based on the totality of
circumstances, that such force is necessary in defense of human life. Officers who use
unreasonable force degrade the confidence of the community we serve, expose fellow officers to
physical hazards, violate the law and rights of individuals upon whom unreasonable force or
unnecessary deadly force is used, and subject the Department and themselves to potential civil
and criminal liability. Conversely, officers who fail to use force when warranted may endanger
themselves, the community and fellow officers.

POLICY.
Use of De-Escalation Techniques. It is the policy of this Department that, whenever feasible,
officers shall use techniques and tools consistent with department de-escalation training to reduce
the intensity of any encounter with a suspect and enable an officer to have additional options to
mitigate the need to use a higher level of force while maintaining control of the situation.
Verbal Warnings. Where feasible, a peace officer shall, prior to the use of any force, make
reasonable efforts to identify themselves as a peace officer and to warn that force may be used,
unless the officer has objectively reasonable grounds to believe that the person is aware of those
facts.
Proportionality. Officers may only use a level of force that they reasonably believe is
proportional to the seriousness of the suspected offense or the reasonably perceived level of
actual or threatened resistance.
Fair and Unbiased Policing. Officers shall carry out their duties, including use of force, in a
manner that is fair and unbiased. Discriminatory conduct on the basis of race, religion, color,
ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation,
housing status, or disability while performing any law enforcement activity is prohibited.
Use of Force-Non-Deadly. It is the policy of this Department that personnel may use only that
force which is "objectively reasonable" to:
• Defend themselves;
• Defend others;
• Effect an arrest or detention;
• Prevent escape; or,
• Overcome resistance.
Use of Force - Deadly. It is the policy of this Department that officers shall use deadly force
upon another person only when the officer reasonably believes, based on the totality of
circumstances, that such force is necessary for either of the following reasons:
• To defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to
another person; or,
• To apprehend a fleeing person for any felony that threatened or resulted in death or serious
bodily injury, if the officer reasonably believes that the person will cause death or serious bodily
injury to another unless immediately apprehended. In determining whether deadly force is
necessary, officers shall evaluate each situation in light of the particular circumstances of each
case and shall use other available resources and techniques if reasonably safe and feasible. Before
discharging a firearm, officers shall consider their surroundings and potential risks to bystanders
to the extent reasonable under the circumstances.
Note: Because the application of deadly force is limited to the above scenarios, an officer shall
not use deadly force against a person based on the danger that person poses to themselves, if an
objectively reasonable officer would believe the person does not pose an imminent threat of death
or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person.
Rendering Aid. After any use of force, officers shall immediately request a rescue ambulance for
any person injured. In addition, officers shall promptly provide basic and emergency medical
assistance to all members of the community, including victims, witnesses, subjects, suspects,
persons in custody, subjects of a use of force and fellow officers:
• To the extent of the officer’s training and experience in first aid/CPR/AED; and,
• To the level of equipment available to an officer at the time assistance is needed.
Warning Shots. It is the policy of this Department that warning shots shall only be used in
exceptional circumstances where it might reasonably be expected to avoid the need to use deadly
force. Generally, warning shots shall be directed in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury to
innocent persons, ricochet dangers and property damage.
Shooting at or From Moving Vehicles. It is the policy of this Department that firearms shall not
be discharged at a moving vehicle unless a person in the vehicle is immediately threatening the
officer or another person with deadly force by means other than the vehicle. The moving vehicle
itself shall not presumptively constitute a threat that justifies an officer’s use of deadly force. An
officer threatened by an oncoming vehicle shall move out of its path instead of discharging a
firearm at it or any of its occupants. Firearms shall not be discharged from a moving vehicle,
except in exigent circumstances and consistent with this policy in regard to the use of Deadly
Force.
150. PERSONNEL
150.10. ADVANCEMENT. The vitality of the Department is maintained through the selection
and promotion of the most qualified personnel to positions of increased responsibility. The
Department must help in the selection process by accurately rating and evaluating employees and
candidates for promotion and by advancing the most qualified.
150.20. RECRUITMENT. To obtain the highest caliber of candidates possible, it is essential
that the Department participate in the recruitment process. To this end the Department maintains
an active formal recruitment program; however, officers in their daily contact with the public are
the Department's best recruiter. By their demeanor and enthusiasm, they favorably impress and
attract the type of individual which the police service needs. Because of their experience and
knowledge, they are able to counsel persons who show an interest in law enforcement careers and
to encourage applications by those who appear qualified.
150.30. DUTY ASSIGNMENTS. Allocation of personnel to specific assignments is made with
the aim of establishing optimum effectiveness within the Department while recognizing the
needs, abilities, and preferences of individual employees.
150.35- SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS. Special duty assignments are assignments
requiring unique and continuous training due to the nature of the assignment and are other than
that which would be considered routine (e.g., patrol, detectives, or someone assigned to
administrative duties).
150.40 LEAVES OF ABSENCE. With the exception of those leaves of absence which the
Department is obligated by City regulations to approve, it is the policy of the Department that
leaves of absence may be granted for compelling personal reasons. The review and final decision
concerning each request for leave of absence will be based on the merit of the individual request,
the effect of the employee's absence on the Department's operation, the availability of
replacement personnel who can perform the required duties in a satisfactory manner, the need for
retraining the employee upon return, and the employee's compelling personal reasons.
 Volume II. Organization and Functions of the
LSPD
010. RANK ESTABLISHED - CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. The order of rank in the
Department, as established by the Civil Service Commission, shall be as follows:
• Chief of Police (COP).
• Deputy Chief (DEP CHF).
• Commander (CMDR).
• Captain (CAPT).
• Lieutenant (LT).
• Sergeant (SGT), Detective (DET).
• Police Officer (PO).
020. RANK AND PAYGRADE. The order of rank and paygrade in the Department is as
follows:
• Chief of Police (COP).
• Deputy Chief II (Asst Chief).
• Deputy Chief I (Dep Chf).
• Commander (Cmdr).
• Captain III (Capt. III).
• Captain II (Capt. II).
• Captain I (Capt. I).
• Lieutenant II (Lt. II).
• Lieutenant I (Lt. I).
• Sergeant II (Sgt. II)/Detective III (Det. III).
• Sergeant I (Sgt. I)/Detective II (Det. II).
• Detective I (Det. I).
• Police Officer III+1 (PO III+1).
• Police Officer III (PO III).
• Police Officer II (PO II).
• Police Officer I (PO I).
030. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION-TERMINOLOGY.
030.10 FUNCTION - DEFINED. "Function" shall mean the broadest course of action or task
performed by an organizational unit, and it includes those major aspects which distinguish one
organizational unit from another.
030.20 JURISDICTION - DEFINED. "Jurisdiction" shall mean the sphere of authority
exercised by an organizational unit within the Department; it includes those limits (functional,
geographical, or legal) within which an organizational unit may exercise any or all of its powers.
030.30 SPECIAL DUTIES - DEFINED. "Special duties" shall mean those specific activities
performed by an organizational unit, in addition to its functions, which must be accomplished to
fulfill the objectives or purpose of the unit. The responsibilities listed are characteristic and
outstanding.
030.40 LINE COMMAND - DEFINED. "Line command" shall mean the exercise of the
authority of command delegated by the Chief of Police to his or her immediate subordinates, and
by them to their subordinates, down the lines of direct command to the lowest level of authority.
030.50 STAFF RESPONSIBILITY - DEFINED. "Staff responsibility" shall refer to the
responsibility given to a staff officer for developing and recommending policies and procedures
affecting those functions coming within his jurisdiction, and for informing the Chief of Police as
to the conformance to such policies and procedures throughout the Department.
030.60 SPECIAL LIAISON - DEFINED. "Special liaison" shall refer to those specific liaison
contacts that are characteristic and outstanding, which an organizational unit maintains for the
Department with outside agencies.
030.70 ORGANIZATION - DEFINED. "Organization" shall mean the structure of the
Department resulting from a division of the duties placed upon the Chief of Police to ensure
coordination and the accomplishment of Department objectives.
040. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION - DESCRIPTIVE TITLES OF
ORGANIZATIONAL ENTITIES. The magnitude of the task imposed upon the Chief of Police
is such that it necessitates the segregation of Department employees into organizational entities.
The organization levels so established shall be described by the following terms in the order
listed:
• Department.
• Bureau.
• Group.
• Area or Community Police Station.
• Division.
• Section.
• Unit.
• Detail.
040.10 DEPARTMENT - DEFINED. "Department" shall be used to describe the Los Santos
Police Department.
040.20 BUREAU - DEFINED. "Bureau" shall be used to describe a major segregation, either
functional or geographical, of kindred phases of activities within the Department.
Note: An "administrative office" shall be established within each bureau to assist the
commanding officer in the performance of routine clerical tasks and special duties.
040.30 GROUP - DEFINED. "Group" shall be used to describe a functional segregation of
activities, and/or an assembling of two or more divisions or sections, within a bureau.
040.40 AREA - DEFINED. "Area" shall be used internally to describe a geographic subdivision
of an operations bureau.
040.42 COMMUNITY POLICE STATION - DEFINED. The geographic command within a
geographic bureau shall be known as a "Community Police Station” when referring to such
command externally.
040.44 SUBDIVISION, SUBSTATIONS, COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS, AND
STOP - IN - LOCATIONS - ESTABLISHED. All geographic separations of a community
police station shall be designated as "subdivision" thereof, and the headquarters in which such
subdivisions are maintained, even though no separation of control exists, shall be described as
"Substations." "Community Services Centers" are community police station field offices and are
managed by the Area Commanding Officer. "Stop-in-Locations" are not designated as field
offices, but are used by sworn personnel on an as-needed basis. Stop-in-Locations are managed
by the Area Commanding Officer.
040.50 DIVISION - DEFINED. "Division" shall be used to describe a functional subdivision of
activities within the Office of the Chief of Police, a bureau, group, or Area.
040.60 SECTION - DEFINED. "Section" shall be used to describe a major activity within the
Office of the Chief of Police, a bureau, group, Area, or division.
040.70 UNIT - DEFINED. "Unit" shall be used to describe a specific activity within an Area,
division, or section.
040.80 DETAIL - DEFINED. "Detail" shall be used to describe a specific assignment or a duty.
050. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION - POSITIONS ESTABLISHED. By authority of the
City of Los Santos, the following positions are established for the purpose of internal
administration:
050.10 GENERAL MANAGER. The general manager of the Police Department shall be known
as the Chief of Police.
050.15 ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE. The Acting Chief of Police shall, upon the direction of
the Chief of Police and with the approval of the Police Commission, assume command of the
Department during an authorized absence of the Chief of Police.
050.20 BUREAU COMMANDING OFFICER. Bureau commanding officers shall exercise
line command over the employees of their assigned bureaus. In addition, they shall assume staff
responsibility over all matters relating to, or concerned with, the fulfillment of the functions of
their assigned bureaus. They are responsible for keeping the Chief of Police informed as to the
activities and the accomplishments of the groups, or Areas, divisions, and sections within their
assigned bureaus.
050.30 GROUP COMMANDING OFFICER. Group commanding officers shall exercise line
command over the employees of their assigned groups.
050.40 AREA COMMANDING OFFICER. Area commanding officers shall exercise line
command over the employees of their assigned Areas.
050.50 DIVISION COMMANDING OFFICER. Division commanding officers shall exercise
line command over the employees of their assigned divisions.
050.60 OFFICER IN CHARGE. Officers in charge shall exercise line command over the
employees of their assigned watches, sections, units, or details.
060. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION. The Department organization is established as set
forth in the following sections.
061. OFFICE DIRECTORS - ESTABLISHED. An Assistant Chief shall command each of the
four organizational Offices and will hold the title of “Director” of their respective Office.
062. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION – OFFICES.
Office of the Chief of Police. The Office of the Chief of Police will consist of:
• Chief of Staff
• Public Communications Group
Office of Operations. The Office of Operations will consist of:
• Assistant to the Director.
• Operations-Central Bureau.
Professional Standards Bureau. The Professional Standards Bureau will consist of:
• Internal Affairs Division.
o Complaint Investigation Section – Central.
 o Workplace Investigation Section.
Office of Special Operations. The Office of Special Operations will consist of:
• Assistant to the Director.
• Counter Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau.
• Metropolitan Division.
• Air Support Division.
Office of Support Services. The Office of Support Services will consist of:
• Assistant to the Director.
• Training Bureau.
• Training Division.
• Recruitment and Employment Division.
063. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION – BUREAUS.
Operations-Central Bureau. The Operations-Central Bureau will consist of:
• Central Area Patrol Division
• Central Area Traffic Division
Counter Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau. The Counter Terrorism and Special
Operations Bureau will consist of:
• Air Support Division
• Metropolitan Division
Training Bureau. The Training Bureau will consist of:
• Training Division.
• Recruitment and Employment Division.

Volume III. Management Rules and Procedures

105. SUPERVISORY TERMINOLOGY. The following terminology shall be used in
describing the levels of supervision within the Department:
• "Staff Officer" shall be used to describe an officer above the rank of captain;
• "Commanding Officer" shall be used to describe an employee in charge of a bureau, a group, an
Area, or a division of the Department;
• "Director" shall be used to describe a commanding officer of an Office;
• "Field Commander" shall be used to describe an officer who takes command of an emergency
situation or who is in command of field details at planned special events. A field commander may
establish a field command post;
• "Watch Commander" shall be used to describe an employee having charge of a specific watch
in a division or geographic Area;
• "Supervisor" shall be used to describe an employee engaged in field supervision or in general
supervision of a section or unit; and,
• "Officer in Charge" shall be used to describe an officer having charge of a section or unit.
110. SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
110.20 OFFICER OF SENIOR RANK ASSUMING COMMAND. An officer of senior rank
may take command of a situation by identifying himself/herself and informing the officer then in
charge of his or her intent. Such assumption of command shall be undertaken whenever the
situation appears to the senior officer to be beyond the control of the officer then in charge, when
jurisdiction is concurrent over a particular duty, or for disciplinary purposes.
110.40 OFFICER OF EQUAL OR JUNIOR RANK OR PAYGRADE ASSUMING
COMMAND. An officer of equal or junior rank or paygrade may take command by identifying
himself or herself and informing the officer then in charge of his or her intent. Such assumption
of command shall only be undertaken when the officer then in command is unable, because of
physical or mental inability, to perform his or her duties. An officer, regardless of rank or
paygrade, shall assume command of a situation when so instructed by an officer of superior rank
or paygrade then in command. An officer placed in command of an operation shall maintain that
responsibility until relieved by competent authority.
115. RECOGNITION OF COMMAND. In the normal performance of routine duties, or at the
scene of a police problem, employees shall recognize and respect the position of the officer in
charge by effectively and efficiently carrying out all lawful orders that may be issued by the
commanding authority.
120. BREVET RANKS PROHIBITED. Brevet (acting) ranks shall not be used to designate the
officers discharging the functions and duties of the various levels of supervision of the
Department. An officer, regardless of the level of supervision to which he or she is assigned, shall
be described by his/her Civil Service rank, indicating the acting position held.
Example: Lieutenant John Doe, Acting Commanding Officer.
125. SENIOR OFFICER - DETERMINATION. The senior officer at a police incident shall be
determined by rank, then by paygrade assignment within rank, then by seniority within paygrade
assignment within rank.
Note: The rank of detective is of a specialized-nature and shall normally be considered separate
from line command. When an incident is the result of investigative activity, when an incident has
reached the stage where the remaining functions are investigative in nature, or when the
concerned detective or specialized unit desires to take over the investigation and complete the
necessary reports, the senior concerned detective shall be in command. A senior officer assuming
command shall do so by identifying himself or herself and informing the officer then in
command.
130. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES-GENERAL PROVISIONS.
135.10 CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Employees shall be subject to disciplinary
action for acts of misconduct.
135.25 MISCONDUCT - DEFINED. For purposes of this Section, misconduct is defined as:
• Commission of a criminal offense.
• Neglect of duty.
• Violation of Department policies, rules, or procedures.
• Conduct which may tend to reflect unfavorably upon the employee or the Department.
Note: Complaints of Inequitable Conduct are not necessarily considered misconduct by itself.
Employees are reminded that more serious instances of Inequitable Conduct are already
prohibited by the Department's harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation
policies.
140. COMPLAINTS.
140.01 COMPLAINT - DEFINED. The definition of a complaint includes any public
complaint, anonymous or third person, regarding Department service, policy or procedure, claims
for damages, or employee misconduct, regardless of whether the complaint alleges misconduct as
defined by Manual Section 3/135.25, and any complaint of misconduct initiated by a Department
employee.

Volume IV. Line Procedures

110. RADIO UNIT DESIGNATIONS.
110.10 STAFF UNIT DESIGNATIONS
Staff 1: Chief of Police
Staff 1 Security: Chief’s Security Detail
Staff 1A: Chief of Staff
Staff 1I: Commanding Officer, Internal Affairs Division
Staff 2: Director, Office of Operations
Staff 2A: Assistant to the Director, Office of Operations
Staff 3: Director, Office of Administrative Services
Staff 3A: Assistant to the Director, Office of Administrative Services
Staff 3K: Commanding Officer, Personnel & Training Bureau
Staff 8: Director, Office of Special Services
Staff 8A: Assistant to the Director, Office of Special Operations
Staff 8B: Commanding Officer, Uniformed Services Group
Staff 8E: Chief of Detectives, Detective Services Group
Staff 24A: Commanding Officer, Operations-Central Bureau
Staff 24B: Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations-Central Bureau
Staff 24C: Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations-Central Bureau
110.20 NONGEOGRAPHIC DIVISION UNIT DESIGNATIONS. Division commanding
officer units will be identified by the word “Commander” followed by the number and/or letter(s)
of the respective Area/division. All other personnel will be identified by the number and/or
letter(s) of their respective Area/division followed by the numerical designation assigned by the
Commanding Officer.
*Chief of Police
• 24I: Personnel assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police.
*Chief of Staff
• 8D: Personnel assigned to Chief of Staff.
• 2I: Personnel assigned to Public Communications Group.
*Office of Operations
• 2O: Personnel assigned to Office of Operations.
*Office of Special Operations
• 30H: Personnel assigned to Office of Special Operations
*Professional Standards Bureau
• 30H: Personnel assigned to the
• 2Y: Personnel assigned to Internal Affairs Division.
*Office of Support Services
• 6I: Personnel assigned to the Office of Support Services
*Counter Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau
• R: Personnel assigned to Metropolitan Division.
• 2D: Personnel assigned to Air Support Division.
• 10Y: Personnel assigned to Counter Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau
110.30 GEOGRAPHIC COMMANDING OFFICER DESIGNATIONS. Area commanding
officers shall be identified by the word “Commander” followed by the number of the respective
area.
Example: Commander 1 (Central Area)
Commands Within Geographic Areas. Commanding officers within geographic Areas shall be
identified by the word "Commander" followed by the number of the Area and the letter "A" "B"
or “C.” The letter "A" shall indicate Area commanding officer, "B" shall indicate the patrol
division commanding officer, and “C” shall indicate the Area detective division commanding
officer.
Traffic Divisions. Line traffic division commanding officer units shall be identified by the word
“Commander” followed by the number and/or letters of their respective division assignment:
*24T: Central Traffic Division
110.40 FIELD UNIT DESIGNATIONS. Unit designations shall be stated by all units at the
beginning of transmission:
*Patrol Unit Designations. Patrol units shall be identified by the number of the Area with the
applicable service letter (Department Manual Section 4/110.50), and a unit number corresponding
to one of the numbered reporting districts associated with the command.
*Traffic Unit Designations. Traffic units shall be identified by the number of the traffic division
of assignment with the applicable service letter (Department Manual Section 4/110.50), and unit
numbers assigned in consecutive order beginning with the number "1."
*Non-geographic Unit Designations. Non-geographic division units shall be identified by the
number and/or letter of the division (Department Manual Section 4/110.20) and the unit numbers
assigned by the concerned commanding officer.
*Watch Commanders. Watch Commanders shall be assigned the unit number “10.”
*Air Support Unit Designations. Regular air flights shall be designated by the word “Air,”
followed by the corresponding area number to which the flight is primarily committed (e.g., Air 3
would be assigned to an air flight with primary commitment in Southwest Area).
Special air flights will be designated “Air 20” through “Air 100” by the Commanding Officer,
Air Support Division.
*Metropolitan Division Units. Metropolitan Division units shall be identified by the letter “R”
and unit numbers assigned in consecutive order beginning with the number “1.”
*Portable Radio Unit Designations. Officers using portable radio equipment shall use a
designation consistent with their division of assignment unless other designations are authorized
by the commanding officer.
*Supervisors. Supervisors, other than those assigned to an Area, shall be assigned a unit number
ending in "zero" exclusive of the numbers "10" and "90."
*Watch Supervisor. Watch Supervisory units shall be identified by the number of the respective
Area, the letter “L,” and a two digit number ending in “zero.” The number “10” shall designate
the Watch Commander.
*Detective Units. Detective Units shall be identified by the number of the Area/division, the
letter “W” and the unit’s numerical designation. Detective Division units shall be assigned
number ending in “zero.”
110.50 SERVICE IDENTIFICATION LETTERS. The following service identification letters
indicate the type of service to which mobile radio units are assigned:
*A: Basic Car unit.
*Air: Air patrol unit.
*D: Unit assigned within Headquarters Bureau, Uniformed Services Group (except Metropolitan
Division).
*E: Traffic enforcement automobile unit.
*FB: Uniformed foot-beat patrol.
*H: Unit assigned to a division in the Office of Administrative Services.
*K: Unit assigned to a divisionwithin Headquarters Bureau, Detective Services Group.
*L: One-Officer Unit. ("X" or "T" units shall use the letter "L" following the regular service letter
when applicable.) Also used as the geographic field services division base Station designation,
and supervisory personnel
*M: Traffic enforcement motorcycle unit.
*OP: Observation post assignment during special event or unusual occurance.
*Q: Special event or unusual occurance unit.
*R: Metropolitan Division unit.
*RA: Fire Department rescue ambulance unit.
*S: Two-man Senior Lead Officer unit.
*SL: One-man Senior Lead Officer unit.
*T: Accident investigation unit.
*W: Geographic detective unit.
*X: Additional patrol unit in an assignment district.
s*Z: Geographic uniformed unit assigned to a special detail.
110.60. APCO CODE WORD LIST. The following code words shall be used, when applicable,
in local radio transmissions:
A Adam N Nora
B Boy O Ocean
C Charles P Paul
D David Q Queen
E Edward R Robert
F Frank S Sam
G George T Tom
H Henry U Union
I Ida V Victor
J John W William
K King X X-ray
L Lincoln Y Young
M Mary Z Zebra
120. RADIO TERMINOLOGY, CODES AND CRIME BROADCASTS.
120.10 RADIO CODES AND PROCEDURES. The following codes and phrases shall be used,
when applicable, in local radio transmissions:
• Emergency Call. A radio call accompanied by a "Code Three" designation is an emergency
call. It shall be answered immediately, but in a manner that will enable the unit to reach the scene
as quickly and safely as possible. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three" and ALL
additional responding units may also respond "Code Three."
• Officer Needs Help. An emergency call shall be broadcast when an officer requires immediate
aid for a life-threatening incident or an incident that requires immediate aid because of serious
bodily injury, death, or a serious threat to public safety is imminent. The officer requesting shall
include the location, followed if possible, by the unit identification and all other pertinent
information. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three" and ALL additional responding
units may also respond "Code Three."
• Back-up Unit Request. An emergency call shall be broadcast when an officer requires
additional units immediately, but the situation does not rise to the level where serious bodily
injury, death or serious threat to public safety is imminent.
Example: Active perimeter, foot pursuit, 415 group, a crime-in-progress, etc.
All officers who broadcast a "back-up" request shall include their unit location, followed by their
unit designation and all other pertinent information, including the reason for the request. A
specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three."
• Additional Unit Request. An "Additional Unit" broadcast is when an officer requires an
additional unit for a non-emergency situation. The officer requesting shall include the location,
followed by the unit identification and all other pertinent information. An "additional unit"
request is not an emergency call and responding officers shall obey all traffic laws when
responding.
Examples: "Code 6 George" with no indication of violence toward the officers, L-Unit involved
in a traffic stop, follow up for a criminal investigation, etc.
• "Pursuit" Procedure. A unit announcing a "Pursuit" shall begin the message by stating that
the unit is in "Pursuit" and giving the location, followed, if possible, by the unit identification,
description of pursued vehicle, and/or suspects, direction taken, and reason for pursuit. The
pursuing unit shall give frequent and comprehensive progress reports as conditions permit. Any
unit having information regarding the "Pursuit" may transmit.
• Code One. When the control operator fails to receive an acknowledgment of a communication,
a "Code One" shall be given. The unit to which a "Code One" is directed shall acknowledge
immediately upon hearing a "Code One."
• Code Two. A radio call accompanied by a "Code Two" designation is an urgent call and shall
be answered immediately. The red light and siren shall not be used, and all traffic laws shall be
observed.
Note: Officers responding to a "Code Two" radio call shall only interrupt the Code Two call to
perform police work of major importance
• Code Three. A radio call accompanied by a "Code Three" designation is an emergency call. It
shall be answered immediately, but in a manner which will enable the unit to reach the scene as
quickly as possible with safety.
OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY. An officer may initiate a “Code Three” response to any
emergency. An emergency exists when one or more of the following elements are present:
• A serious public hazard;
• An immediate pursuit;
• The preservation of life;
• A serious crime in progress;
• The prevention of a serious crime; and,
• Officer requests another unit “Code Three.”
DUE REGARD FOR SAFETY. The “Code Three” response policy does not relieve the driver
of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all
persons using the highway and other responding officers. Officers who unreasonably engage in
an arbitrary exercise of the “Code Three” response policy may be subject to disciplinary action,
personal civil liability, and criminal prosecution.
• Code Four. When additional assistance is not needed at the scene of an "All Units" call, a
"Code Four," followed by the location of the call, shall be broadcast. Radio units which are not
assigned to the call and which are not at the scene shall return to their assigned patrol area when a
"Code Four" is broadcast. Officers shall use discretion and downgrade their responses based on
the arrival of other units at the requesting officer’s location or if a “Code Four” is broadcast.
• Code Four Adam. When additional assistance is not needed at the scene of an "All Units," call
but the suspect is still in the vicinity, a "Code Four Adam," followed by the location of the call,
shall be broadcast. This should then be followed by a description of the suspect. Radio units
which are not assigned to the call but which are on the way to the scene shall, when a "Code Four
Adam" is broadcast, patrol or post themselves at strategic locations near the scene.
• Code Five. A unit intending to "stakeout" shall notify the control operator of the location and
request a "Code Five." The control operator, upon receipt of the message, shall immediately
broadcast that there is a "Code Five" at the particular location. All units shall avoid the vicinity
except in an emergency or in response to a call.
• Clearing Code Five. When the need for a "Code Five" no longer exists, the originating unit, or
the last unit to leave the scene, shall request the control operator to clear the "Code Five" at the
particular location.
• Code Six. When a unit is conducting a field investigation and no assistance is anticipated, a
"Code Six,” followed by the location, shall be broadcast. A unit shall not go "Code Six" until it
arrives at the scene of a call.
• Code Six Adam. When an officer may need assistance in conducting an investigation, the
officer should broadcast "Code Six Adam" with his or her location. Other radio units in the
vicinity should then patrol in the general direction of the given location. Officers should not
ordinarily leave their assigned districts but should deploy to an advantageous position in the
event that assistance is later requested. When a unit broadcasts "Code Six Adam" and later finds
that assistance will not be needed, a "Code Four" and the location shall be given without delay.
• Code Six Charles. When a one-officer unit receives a "Code Six Charles" in answer to a
request for information on a suspect, the officer shall place himself or herself in a position of
advantage over the suspect while awaiting arrival of assistance. When control is obtained, the
one-officer unit may request and receive the want/warrant information from the Radio Telephone
Operator (RTO). When a "Code Six Charles" is received by a two-officer unit, the officers shall
immediately place themselves in positions of advantage over the suspect. When control is
obtained, the unit shall request the want/warrant information from the RTO.
• Code Six George. When an officer may need assistance in conducting an investigation
concerning possible gang activity, the officer should broadcast "Code Six George" and the
location. An available Gang Enforcement Detail Unit should respond, while other radio units in
the vicinity should then patrol in the general direction of the location given. Officers should not
ordinarily leave their assigned districts but should deploy to an advantageous position in the
event that assistance is later requested. When a unit broadcasts "Code Six George" and later finds
that assistance will not be needed, a "Code Four" and the location shall be given without delay.
• Code Six Mary. When an officer may need assistance in conducting an investigation
concerning possible militant activity, he/she should broadcast "Code Six Mary" with his or her
location. Other radio units in the vicinity should then patrol in the general direction of the given
location. Officers should not ordinarily leave their assigned districts but should deploy to an
advantageous position in the event that assistance is later requested. When a unit broadcasts
"Code Six Mary" and later finds that assistance will not be needed, a "Code Four" and the
location shall be given without delay.
• Code Seven. When a unit desires to go out of service for free time, a request for "Code Seven,"
accompanied by the location his/her assigned vehicle will be parked, shall be transmitted to the
control.
• Code Robert-Rifle. When an employee needs a Patrol Rifle or the employee shall broadcast the
unit designation, location, and “Code Robert-Rifle”.
• Code Robert-Slug. When an employee needs Slug Ammunition the employee shall broadcast
the unit designation, location, and “Code Robert-Slug • Code Sam. When an employee needs a
Beanbag Shotgun, the employee shall broadcast the unit designation, location, and "Code Sam."
• Code Tom. When an employee needs a TASER, the employee shall broadcast the unit
designation, location and "Code Tom."
120.20 INITIAL BROADCASTS OF CRIME DESCRIPTION. The first officers to arrive at
the scene of a crime shall conduct a brief interview with the victim or witnesses. Information,
when applicable, shall be transmitted in the following sequence to the communications operator,
without delay:
• Type of Crime;
• Occurred ______ Minutes Ago;
• Location;
• Vehicle Used (or left on foot);
• Direction Taken;
• Number, Sex, Descent of Suspects;
• Outstanding Features; • Weapon; and,
• General Type of Property taken.
120.60 REPORTING OUT OF SERVICE. When it is necessary for a unit to go out of service
for any reason, except in response to an assignment given to them by a control operator, the
reason and the location shall be transmitted to the control operator.
Note: If practicable, a unit remaining out of service shall notify the control operator of the reason
and the location (once each hour) that it is out of service. This shall be done even though the unit
may be working beyond the normal tour of duty.
120.70 AVAILABILITY WHILE ON NON-PRIORITY CALLS. Field units assigned non-
priority calls, as well as units on "Code Six" status, shall remain available for reassignment to
priority calls by monitoring their radio frequencies.
Note: A priority call is a call for service which is of an emergency or urgent nature causing a unit
to respond "Code 3" or "Code 2," respectively. Non-priority calls are all other calls for routine
service.
130. RADIO MESSAGE PRIORITY.
Emergency Radio Messages. This classification has priority over all other messages and
consists of requests for "Help," information regarding "Pursuits," and messages necessary for the
preservation of life.
Special Radio Messages. This classification has priority over "Routine" radio messages and
consists of:
• Immediate field broadcasts of descriptions of suspects and/or vehicles involved in crimes when
the time element is important;
• Reporting fires;
• Requesting ambulances; and/or,
• Any other message requiring immediate attention.
A unit with a "Special" message shall begin transmission by notifying the control operator that
the unit has a "Special" message. The unit may precede the message with a request for a clear
frequency for a "Special" message. When the concerned frequency is on "Stand By" for a
"Special" message, only broadcasts regarding the "Special" message shall be transmitted, except
an "Emergency" message or another "Special" message.
Note: Upon receiving a “Special” message, the control operator shall immediately place the
concerned frequencies on "Stand By," when necessary, and handle the messages in the order of
their priority. The control operator shall immediately clear concerned frequencies when the
“Special” message is completed.
"Routine" Message Procedures. A unit with a "Routine" message may broadcast only when the
concerned frequency is clear. This classification consists of normal radio messages and has no
priority.
130.30 CLEAR FREQUENCY PROCEDURE. Before transmitting a lengthy message, such as
a report of a major crime, a unit shall contact the control, request a clear frequency, and state the
reason for the request.
140. PRIORITY OF HANDLING CALLS FOR SERVICE. It is not always possible for the
Department to respond to every call for service; therefore, the Department must organize
available resources to give the highest level of efficient service possible. Priority of call
assignment depends on many factors, and it is normally the responsibility of communications
personnel to make such assignments; however, an officer in the field may be required to decide
whether to continue on an assigned call or handle a citizen's complaint or other observed event
and cause his call to be reassigned. Such determination should be based upon the comparative
urgency and the risk to life and property of the assigned call and the intervening incident. When it
is impossible for an officer to handle a citizen's complaint or an observed event, the officer
should, if circumstances permit, either give directions for obtaining such assistance or initiate the
necessary notifications himself/herself.
140.10. PURSUIT POLICY. Refer to all listed Manual Volumes and Sections for policy,
procedures, and administrative review of the Department Pursuit Policy.
140.20 INITIATION OF A VEHICLE PURSUIT. Officers shall not initiate a pursuit based
only on an infraction, misdemeanor evading (including failure to yield), or reckless driving in
response to enforcement action taken by Department personnel. Officers may pursue felons and
misdemeanants, including law violators who exhibit behaviors of illegally driving under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. If reasonable suspicion or probable cause exists that a misdemeanor
(with the exception of misdemeanor evading or reckless driving in response to enforcement
action by Department personnel) or felony has occurred, is occurring or is about to occur,
employees may pursue a suspect vehicle.
In order to diminish the likelihood of a pursuit, officers intending to stop a vehicle shall, when
practicable, be within close proximity to the vehicle before attempting the stop. When
circumstances indicate a high potential for a pursuit, e.g., felony want on vehicle, possible stolen
vehicle, felony suspect, officers shall determine the availability and estimated time of arrival of
an air unit and, if tactically possible, wait for its arrival prior to initiating the vehicle stop.
Additionally, officers should request a back-up unit. Whenever possible, air units shall assume
responsibility for tracking a suspect vehicle. During this tracking mode, authorized ground units
shall continue their Code Three response, but should reduce their speed and, if reasonable,
maintain a position out of the line-of-sight of the suspect’s vehicle to maximize public safety.
The Department shall make every effort to provide immediate supervisory oversight at the
beginning of the pursuit and through its termination.