SF
SURFSIDE FLATS RPInteragency Standards
Surfside Flats RP interagency field reference

Interagency Operating Procedures

A unified reference for municipal police, county sheriff, state highway patrol, dispatch, and specialized law-enforcement units serving San Andreas.

DocumentSA-LE-SOP-2026
Issued byJoint Standards Council
ClassificationAgency Use
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Authority and legal notice

This publication establishes common operating guidance for participating San Andreas agencies. Agency directives may be more restrictive. The unified penal code, controlling case law, and current city regulations govern. This manual is an operational reference and not a substitute for legal counsel.

First-priority response

Code Red

Declare when a scene becomes lethal. Broadcast the location and threat, then yield the channel to emergency traffic.

Force threshold

Reasonable & proportional

Use only the level reasonably necessary to gain control, then render aid and report.

Report standard

Clear, factual, complete

Document observations and actions in chronological order before going off duty.

No matching policy found

Try a broader term such as “pursuit,” “force,” “radio,” or “evidence.”

01

Conduct & Chain of Command

Professional standards, accountability, and supervisory responsibility.

1.01Core standard of conduct+

Members will act with integrity, impartiality, restraint, and respect. Officers will not use agency authority for personal benefit, retaliation, or harassment.

  • Maintain professional conduct and preserve public trust.
  • Treat all persons consistently regardless of status, affiliation, or prior contact.
  • Follow city law, controlling policy, and lawful supervisory direction.
1.02Lawful orders and interagency escalation+

Members will follow lawful orders from an authorized supervisor. During joint operations, the designated incident commander coordinates the scene while each member remains accountable to their agency chain of command. Policy conflicts should be clarified and elevated without disrupting immediate safety operations.

Supervisor noteImmediate scene safety takes priority. Administrative disagreements should be resolved after the incident unless compliance would violate city law or controlling policy.
1.03On-duty readiness+

Before entering service, members should have their agency-approved uniform, assigned equipment, working radio, authorized vehicle, and correct unit identifier. Members will advise dispatch of their agency, unit, and service status.

1.04Requests for a supervisor+

When a person involved in an enforcement contact requests a supervisor, the officer will promptly request an available supervisor through dispatch. An available supervisor must be notified and called to the scene or contact location.

  • The officer will advise the requesting person that a supervisor has been requested.
  • The request does not require an officer to delay immediate safety measures, necessary medical care, a lawful search or arrest, or other time-sensitive duties.
  • If no supervisor is immediately available, dispatch or the officer will document the request and advise the person of the delay.
Required responseA supervisor request will not be ignored or refused solely because the officer believes the contact can be handled without one.
02

Patrol Operations

Deployment, call response, scene management, and officer safety.

2.01Call assignment and response+

Units will acknowledge assigned calls promptly and advise dispatch of delays or changes in status. Emergency equipment may be used only when the nature of the call reasonably requires an expedited response.

  1. Acknowledge the call with unit identifier.
  2. Confirm location and relevant hazard information.
  3. Advise when on scene and stage when appropriate.
  4. Request additional units early when conditions warrant.
2.02Initial scene responsibilities+

The first arriving unit should assess threats, provide a concise radio update, address immediate life safety, identify involved persons, and establish scene control. The first unit retains scene responsibility until relieved.

2.03Backup and crossfire discipline+

Responding units should avoid unnecessary congestion, unsafe positioning, and crossfire. Officers will communicate movement and assignments, especially during high-risk incidents.

Safety priorityDo not stack units directly behind a primary vehicle or crowd a single access point. Preserve lanes for medical, fire, and tactical resources.
2.04Robbery negotiations and demands+

At any robbery involving hostages, the involved criminal group may present no more than two demands in total. The number of permitted demands does not increase with the number of hostages.

  • The designated negotiator will clarify and document the two selected demands.
  • Any attempted third or additional demand will be declined.
  • Acceptance of a demand remains subject to feasibility, scene safety, supervisory direction, and current policy.
Two-demand maximumMultiple hostages do not create separate demand allowances. The two-demand limit applies to the entire criminal group and incident.
03

Traffic & Felony Stops

Safe, consistent procedures for vehicle enforcement contacts.

3.01Routine traffic-stop sequence+
  1. Select a safe location and notify dispatch of plate, vehicle, occupancy, and location.
  2. Position the patrol vehicle to provide a safety corridor.
  3. Introduce yourself and state the reason for the stop.
  4. Request required documents and complete appropriate database checks.
  5. Explain the enforcement action, answer reasonable questions, and safely clear the stop.
3.02Removal, search, and detention+

Any order to exit, detention, frisk, or search must be supported by applicable law and articulable in the report. Consent should be clearly requested and may be withdrawn.

3.03High-risk / felony stop+

When a vehicle or occupant presents a credible high-risk threat, the primary unit should request backup, choose a position of advantage, designate one officer to issue commands, and coordinate custody one person at a time.

Command disciplineOne officer gives clear, simple commands. Other officers communicate urgent hazards only.
04

Use of Force

De-escalation, proportional response, lethal-incident coordination, medical aid, and review.

4.01De-escalation and proportionality+

When practical, members should use time, distance, cover, communication, and available resources to reduce the need for force. Force must be reasonably proportional to the subject’s actions and the totality of circumstances.

  • Reassess continuously and stop using force once control is achieved.
  • Handcuffs are restraints, not punishment.
  • Do not use force solely because a person is verbally confrontational.
4.02Lethal force+

Lethal force is reserved for circumstances in which an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to defend the officer or another person from an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, based on the totality of circumstances. Warning shots and shooting solely to disable a vehicle are prohibited unless expressly authorized by policy.

Mandatory actionsSecure the scene, request medical aid, notify a supervisor, preserve evidence, and complete the required force report.
4.03Drawing or displaying a firearm+

An officer may draw or display an authorized firearm when the officer reasonably believes, based on specific and articulable facts, that the circumstances present—or are likely to develop into—an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person.

  • A subject’s possession or threatened use of a lethal weapon, together with the apparent intent and present ability and opportunity to cause such harm, may support this decision.
  • Drawing or displaying a firearm solely to compel compliance is prohibited.
  • Once the threat no longer exists, the firearm should be secured as soon as reasonably practical.
4.04Patrol rifle deployment and use+

Only officers who are currently certified and authorized on the agency patrol rifle may deploy an AR-platform or automatic-capable rifle. An automatic rifle may be deployed only when the officer reasonably believes the threat is also using an automatic weapon during an active or imminent deadly-force threat.

Three-to-one exception: When officers are outnumbered three to one in a lethal-force situation, a certified officer may deploy an authorized rifle even when the threat is not known to be using an automatic weapon. The numerical disadvantage must be considered with the totality of circumstances, including suspect weapons, distance, available cover, and bystander risk.

This exception authorizes deployment only. It does not by itself authorize an officer to point or discharge the rifle. Discharge is permitted only when deadly force is necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.

Deployment is not authority to fireRifle certification, weapon type, or a three-to-one numerical disadvantage do not independently authorize deadly force. Present ability, opportunity, apparent intent, necessity, and the totality of circumstances still control.
4.05Post-force care and reporting+

After force is used, officers will provide or summon appropriate aid when safe, monitor the person in custody, notify a supervisor, identify witnesses, and document each material use of force before the end of shift.

4.06Code Red — lethal scene priority+

Code Red is the first-priority emergency designation and will be declared when an officer reasonably believes a scene has become lethal or presents an active or imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. A Code Red takes precedence over routine and lower-priority calls until the lethal threat is contained or the designation is cleared.

Required Code Red classifications:

  • A suspect engages an officer in combat with apparent lethal intent. The officer should communicate the conduct demonstrating that intent and the suspect’s present ability and opportunity to cause death or serious bodily injury.
  • Criminals begin or continue a heist without a hostage present. Once confirmed, a hostage-free heist will be classified and handled as a Code Red, even if no weapon has yet been discharged.
  1. Declare and identify: Broadcast “Code Red,” the unit identifier, exact location, nature of the lethal threat, suspect description and direction when known, reported weapons, known victims, and any safe approach or staging information.
  2. Control the channel: Dispatch will prioritize Code Red traffic, repeat the location and threat, assign the closest appropriate units, notify an available supervisor, and request fire or medical staging when needed. Non-involved units will hold non-emergency radio traffic.
  3. Coordinate the response: Responding officers will use available cover, communicate their approach, avoid crossfire and unnecessary congestion, contain the threat, move civilians from immediate danger when practical, and follow supervisor or incident-command assignments.
  4. Reassess and transition: Once the lethal threat ends, officers will stop any force that is no longer necessary, transition to containment, custody, or medical aid as circumstances require, and advise dispatch. A supervisor or dispatch will clear the Code Red and restore normal radio traffic.
Code Red is not independent authority to use forceThe declaration prioritizes and coordinates the response; it does not by itself authorize an officer to draw, point, or discharge a weapon. All actions remain governed by Sections 4.01 through 4.05, including the requirements for an imminent lethal threat, continuous reassessment, patrol-rifle restrictions, post-force care, supervisor notification, and reporting.
05

Vehicle Pursuits

Authorization, coordination, intervention, and termination.

5.01Initiating a pursuit+

A pursuit may be initiated when the need to immediately apprehend the suspect outweighs the danger created by the pursuit. The initiating unit must promptly broadcast:

  • Unit identifier, location, direction, speed, and traffic conditions.
  • Vehicle description, plate if known, occupants, and reason for pursuit.
  • Known hazards and requested resources.
5.02Spacing, unit limits, and supervision+

The primary unit maintains visual contact and provides updates. The secondary unit assists with radio traffic and tactical awareness. Every pursuing officer will maintain at least two vehicle lengths of spacing from the vehicle directly ahead. Greater spacing should be used when speed, traffic, visibility, roadway, or weather conditions require it.

  • No more than four law-enforcement vehicles may be actively attached to a pursuit under ordinary circumstances.
  • Units beyond the four-vehicle limit will disengage from the immediate pursuit and remain available for staging, containment, traffic control, or supervisor-directed assignments.
  • When a pickup vehicle is involved in the pursuit, the four-vehicle cap is suspended and all available officers may attach, while continuing to maintain safe spacing and radio discipline.
Spacing is mandatoryAn officer who cannot maintain at least two vehicle lengths behind the vehicle ahead will increase distance or yield the pursuit position. A supervisor will monitor unit count, spacing, and risk, and may modify or terminate the pursuit.
5.03Termination and intervention+

Members should discontinue when the risk becomes unreasonable, the suspect is identified and later apprehension is practical, communications fail, or a supervisor orders termination. PIT, roadblocks, spike strips, and other interventions require authorization under current pursuit policy.

06

Arrest & Processing

Custody, search, transport, charging, and detainee welfare.

6.01Taking a person into custody+

Officers must have the level of cause required by law. Inform the person they are under arrest, state the basis when practical, apply and double-lock restraints safely, and conduct an appropriate custodial search.

6.02Miranda rights and questioning+

Officers should provide the agency-approved Miranda rights advisement to suspects when appropriate. The advisement is not required solely because a person has been stopped, detained, or arrested; unless a recognized legal exception applies, it must be given before custodial interrogation.

  • If a person is in custody and has not been advised, officers will not ask questions reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response.
  • Answers obtained through unwarned custodial interrogation may be suppressed or ruled inadmissible in court.
  • Voluntary or spontaneous statements not prompted by interrogation may be documented, subject to controlling law.
  • A person who invokes counsel or the right to silence will not be questioned further except as permitted by law and policy.
Operational ruleA Miranda warning is not automatically required for every arrest. Custody plus interrogation triggers the advisement requirement; when in doubt, provide the warning before questioning.
6.03Transport and booking+

Search the rear seat before and after transport. Seat and secure detainees appropriately, request medical clearance when needed, inventory property, select supported charges, and ensure sentence and fine calculations comply with the current penal code.

6.04Supervisor assistance with suspect processing+

If a suspect is agitated, disruptive, or otherwise behaving in a manner that makes the officer uncomfortable, or if the officer does not believe they can safely and effectively handle or process the suspect, the officer should request a supervisor.

  • Maintain control of the suspect and use appropriate de-escalation while awaiting assistance.
  • Advise dispatch of the suspect’s behavior and whether additional units or medical personnel are needed.
  • When available, the responding supervisor should oversee or assume the processing of the suspect and determine any additional resources required.
Request help earlyOfficers are expected to call a supervisor before the situation exceeds their ability to maintain safe, professional control.
07

Evidence & Reports

Integrity of property, documentation, and case continuity.

7.01Evidence handling+

Evidence will be collected lawfully, described accurately, and submitted to the approved evidence system without unnecessary delay. Maintain a clear chain of custody and avoid combining property from separate persons or incidents.

7.02Report-writing standard+

Reports should be factual, chronological, and specific. Separate direct observations from witness statements and conclusions. Identify the legal basis for stops, searches, seizures, arrests, and force.

Minimum report elementsWho, what, when, where, why, how; involved units; evidence; injuries; charges; and required supervisor notifications.
7.03Sensitive information+

Agency records and shared investigative information are restricted to authorized official use. Disseminate information across departments only for a legitimate operational purpose and only to personnel with a need to know.

08

Radio Reference

Plain-language radio discipline and optional unit-status codes.

8.01Radio discipline+

Keep transmissions brief, clear, and operationally relevant. Listen before transmitting, use the assigned unit identifier, and yield the channel to emergency traffic. Plain language is preferred when clarity matters.

8.0210-Codes+
Interagency clear-text ruleThis is the adopted San Andreas common reference set. FEMA does not establish or approve a universal 10-code list and notes that meanings vary across jurisdictions. During mutual-aid, multi-agency, major, or unusual incidents, use plain language whenever a code could be misunderstood.
San Andreas adopted common reference set · Meanings may vary by jurisdiction
CodeMeaningCodeMeaning
10-0Use caution10-50Traffic collision
10-1Receiving poorly / unable to copy10-51Tow truck needed
10-2Receiving well / signal good10-52Ambulance needed
10-3Stop transmitting10-53Road blocked
10-4Acknowledged / understood10-54Livestock on roadway
10-5Relay message10-55Intoxicated driver
10-6Busy unless urgent10-56Intoxicated pedestrian
10-7Out of service10-57Hit-and-run collision
10-8In service / available10-58Direct traffic
10-9Repeat transmission10-59Convoy or escort
10-10Fight in progress10-60Unit in vicinity
10-11Animal complaint10-61Personnel in area
10-12Stand by10-62Reply to message
10-13Weather or road conditions10-63Prepare to copy
10-14Suspicious person / prowler10-64Message for local delivery
10-15Civil disturbance10-65Net message assignment
10-16Domestic disturbance10-66Cancel message
10-17Meet complainant10-67Clear to read message
10-18Complete assignment urgently10-68Dispatch information
10-19Return to station10-69Message received
10-20Location10-70Fire alarm
10-21Call by telephone10-71Advise nature of fire
10-22Disregard / cancel10-72Report fire progress
10-23Arrived on scene10-73Smoke report
10-24Assignment complete10-74Negative
10-25Report in person / meet10-75In contact with
10-26Detaining subject; expedite10-76En route
10-27Driver-license information10-77Estimated time of arrival
10-28Vehicle-registration information10-78Need assistance
10-29Check wanted / stolen status10-79Notify coroner
10-30Improper or unnecessary radio use10-80Pursuit in progress
10-31Crime in progress10-81Breath-test report
10-32Person with a weapon10-82Reserve lodging
10-33Emergency traffic only10-83School-crossing assignment
10-34Riot / major disturbance10-84Advise meeting ETA
10-35Major-crime alert10-85Delayed due to conditions
10-36Correct time10-86Officer / operator on duty
10-37Investigate suspicious vehicle10-87Pick up or distribute documents
10-38Stopping suspicious vehicle10-88Advise current telephone number
10-39Urgent response; lights and siren10-89Bomb threat
10-40Silent urgent response10-90Bank alarm
10-41Beginning duty tour10-91Pick up prisoner / subject
10-42Ending duty tour10-92Improperly parked vehicle
10-43Information10-93Roadway blockage
10-44Permission to leave assignment10-94Illegal street racing
10-45Animal carcass on roadway10-95Subject in custody
10-46Assist motorist10-96Behavioral-health subject
10-47Emergency road repair needed10-97Radio signal check
10-48Traffic-control repair needed10-98Prison or jail escape
10-49Traffic signal out10-99Wanted or stolen indicated

Authority: San Andreas adopted common reference set. The FEMA NIMS plain-language notice explains why clear text is required when agencies with differing codes operate together.

09

Searches & Warrants

Legal authority, scope, consent, warrants, and property protection.

9.01Legal basis and scope+

Every search must be supported by a warrant, valid consent, a recognized warrant exception, or another lawful basis. Officers will limit the search to the places and items permitted by that authority and articulate the basis in the report.

  • A frisk is limited to a protective search for weapons when supported by reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous.
  • A search incident to arrest, vehicle search, inventory, probation search, or protective sweep must remain within the scope permitted by controlling law and policy.
  • When the authority or scope is uncertain and no emergency exists, secure the scene and consult a supervisor.
9.02Consent searches+

Consent must be voluntary and obtained from a person with actual or reasonably apparent authority. Officers should clearly request permission, identify the object or area to be searched, and document the response.

Withdrawal and limitsA person may limit or withdraw consent. Officers will stop or narrow the search unless another independent legal basis permits it to continue.
9.03Search warrants and exigent circumstances+

Before executing a warrant, confirm the address, persons or property described, authorized scope, and any time or service restrictions. Brief participating units, identify a supervisor, and use reasonable measures to protect occupants and preserve evidence.

Warrantless entry or search based on exigent circumstances must be limited to the emergency that makes delay unreasonable, such as an immediate threat to life, active escape, or imminent destruction of evidence. Once the emergency ends, obtain a warrant before expanding the search.

9.04Property, inventories, and documentation+

Inventory searches are administrative safeguards and will not be used as a pretext for investigation. Protect property from loss, record items accurately, photograph significant damage or unusual conditions, and provide required receipts or notices.

10

Recording Systems

Body-worn cameras, vehicle recording, evidence integrity, and privacy.

10.01Required activation+

When issued and operational, body-worn and vehicle recording systems should be activated before enforcement action or as soon as safely practical. Record calls for service, investigative detentions, searches, arrests, pursuits, uses of force, prisoner transport, and other contacts likely to become evidentiary or subject to complaint.

Late activationIf immediate safety prevents timely activation, begin recording as soon as conditions permit and explain the delay in the report.
10.02Notice, privacy, and prohibited recording+

Provide notice of recording when required by law or policy and when doing so will not compromise safety or an investigation. Do not record in places where no official purpose exists, including restrooms, locker rooms, or confidential personnel conversations. Follow current rules for victims, medical settings, privileged communications, and undercover activity.

10.03Deactivation, upload, and review+

Recording will continue until the enforcement contact has ended or a permitted reason for deactivation applies. State the reason on camera when practical. Upload and categorize recordings before the end of shift, preserve evidentiary media, and never alter, delete, copy, or distribute recordings except for an authorized purpose.

Evidence integrityAny failure, accidental interruption, prohibited access, or suspected loss of recording must be reported promptly to a supervisor.
11

Crisis & Special Populations

Behavioral-health response, juveniles, domestic incidents, and vulnerable persons.

11.01Behavioral-health and crisis response+

When practical, slow the encounter, reduce stimulation, use distance and cover, designate one communicator, and request crisis-trained or medical resources. Give simple instructions, allow reasonable time to respond, and distinguish a disability or crisis symptom from intentional resistance.

Response selectionWhen no crime, immediate danger, or custodial need requires a police-only response, consider medical evaluation, crisis services, a responsible caregiver, or other available diversion.
11.02Juvenile contacts and custody+

Use age-appropriate language and account for the juvenile’s maturity, disability, and ability to understand. Notify a parent, guardian, or approved responsible adult when required; keep juveniles separated from adult detainees; and use the least restrictive lawful custody option consistent with safety.

Questioning, waiver, transport, and release must follow current juvenile law and policy. Document all required notifications and the identity of the receiving adult or facility.

11.03Domestic incidents+

Separate involved persons, assess immediate danger and injuries, identify the predominant aggressor when required, check for protective orders and weapons, photograph relevant evidence, and provide victim-resource information. Enforcement decisions will be based on law and evidence rather than a victim’s willingness to participate.

11.04Missing and vulnerable persons+

Accept reports without unnecessary delay. Immediately assess age, disability, medical need, suspicious circumstances, access to vehicles or weapons, and risk of exploitation or self-harm. Enter required alerts, notify a supervisor of high-risk cases, coordinate search resources, and maintain contact with the reporting party.

12

Professional Standards

Complaints, intervention, impartial policing, and administrative accountability.

12.01Complaint acceptance+

Members will courteously accept complaints about agency service or employee conduct regardless of the complainant’s identity, location, immigration status, or chosen method of communication. Do not discourage, retaliate against, or require a complainant to prove the allegation before it is documented and forwarded.

Supervisor accessWhen requested and available, notify a supervisor. Provide complaint-routing information and preserve relevant recordings, reports, and evidence.
12.02Duty to intervene and report+

A member who observes another member using clearly unreasonable force or engaging in serious misconduct will intervene when safe and practical, request appropriate assistance, provide aid, and promptly report the conduct through the chain of command. Retaliation for good-faith intervention or reporting is prohibited.

12.03Bias-free and impartial policing+

Enforcement decisions will be based on behavior, reliable information, lawful objectives, and articulable facts—not protected characteristics, personal bias, or stereotypes. Members will provide reasonable language or disability access when practical and document the objective basis for discretionary enforcement.

12.04Administrative investigations+

Members will cooperate truthfully with authorized administrative investigations, preserve requested records, and comply with confidentiality instructions. Investigators will document evidence, conflicts, findings, and required corrective action while maintaining appropriate separation from any criminal investigation.

13

Critical-Incident Review

Scene integrity, independent review, notifications, and member welfare.

13.01Officer-involved shooting and critical incident+

After an officer-involved shooting, death in custody, or other designated critical incident, address continuing threats, summon medical aid, notify dispatch and a supervisor, protect the scene, identify involved members and witnesses, and avoid unnecessary discussion of the event.

Mandatory notificationThe supervisor will begin the critical-incident notification plan and request the designated investigative authority.
13.02Scene integrity and involved members+

Establish a scene log, restrict access, preserve weapons and recording systems as directed, and prevent evidence from being moved except for safety or medical necessity. Separate involved members when practical, assign a support officer, and obtain only the immediate public-safety information needed to address threats or locate evidence.

13.03Criminal, administrative, and after-action review+

Criminal, administrative, and training reviews will remain appropriately separated. The after-action review should identify policy, communication, equipment, supervision, and training lessons without altering the evidence or findings of another investigation.

13.04Wellness and return to duty+

Provide involved members access to peer support, confidential wellness resources, and required medical or psychological services. Administrative leave or reassignment is non-disciplinary. Return to duty will follow agency review, required clearances, and any remedial training.

Surfside Flats RP
Joint Standards & Training Council
Controlled copy · Verify current revision before use
Manual revision 3.0 · Policy release 1 · July 2026