These policies exist to regulate the deployment criteria for paged specialized units. Numerical requirements per Unit Roles and Bureau-specific requirements apply.

Officer's Responsibility. Upon assessing a situation that may potentially require paged specialized units, officers shall review the following policies and notify their direct supervisor.

Note: Certain officers have access to #leo-ctsob-pager, and shall uphold the Supervisor's Responsibility as well.

Supervisor's Responsibility. Supervisors shall ensure the deployment criteria of paged specialized units are met prior to paging.

305.021 SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS. The following applies for SWAT and non-LSPD equivalents.

Situations the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Barricaded Suspect(s);

• Hostage Situation; and/or,

• Civil Unrest/Unlawful Assembly.

The following criteria must apply when requesting SWAT to Barricaded Suspects:

• A perimeter has been established around the area;

• At least one of the available SWAT assets, listed below, are required;

• The suspect is wanted for any felony; and/or;

• The suspect is wanted for a misdemeanor, and is reasonably believed to be armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon.

Available SWAT assets available to be deployed include the following:

• Brute Centurion;

• MTL Arsio Command Truck;

• Emergency Medical Technician;

• Crisis Negotiation Team; and/or,

• Sierra (Sniper Cadre).

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Crime(s) involved;

• Weapons or access to weapons;

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues;

• Age of suspect; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: The identity of outstanding suspects is not a determining factor in evaluating a SWAT deployment. If SWAT deployment criteria for a Barricaded Suspect(s) are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, SWAT may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.022 TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAMS. The following applies for TRT and non-LSPD equivalents.

Situations the Tactical Response Teams (TRT) may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Barricaded Suspect(s);

• Hostage Situation;

• Civil Unrest/Unlawful Assembly;

• Manhunts; and/or, 

• Scene Security.

The following criteria must apply when requesting TRT to Barricaded Suspects:

• A perimeter has been established around the area;

• The suspect is wanted for any felony; and/or,

• The suspect is wanted for a misdemeanor, and is reasonably believed to be armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Crime(s) involved;

• Weapons or access to weapons;

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues;

• Age of suspect; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.)

Note: The identity of outstanding suspects is not a determining factor in evaluating a TRT deployment. If TRT deployment criteria for a Barricaded Suspect(s) are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, TRT may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.023 K-9 PLATOON. The following applies for K-9 Platoon and non-LSPD equivalents.

K-9 Platoon may be requested to search an area, vehicle or other property for either of the following:

• An outstanding Suspect; and/or,

• Firearms.

The following criteria must apply when requesting a K-9 search for an outstanding suspect:

• A perimeter has been established around the area the suspect was last seen in;

• The suspect is wanted for any felony; and/or,

• The suspect is wanted for a misdemeanor, and is reasonably believed to be armed with a firearm or other deadly weapon.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Crime(s) involved;

• Weapons or access to weapons;

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues;

• Age of suspect; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.)

Note: The identity of outstanding suspects is not a determining factor in evaluating a K-9 search request. The K-9 can be used to search for suspects whose identities are known or unknown. If K-9 deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, a K-9 may be deployed with supervisory approval to assist in clearing an area or location if the  use of a K-9 would substantially contribute to officer/public safety. K-9 may also be deployed to any incident which requires the presence of Tactical Response Teams (TRT) or Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), if the deployment of K-9 officers would support other responding units in resolving the situation. 

305.024 UNDERWATER DIVE UNIT. The following applies for UDU and non-LSPD equivalents.

The Underwater Dive Team (UDU) may be requested to search an underwater area for evidence which needs to be recovered for future or on-scene investigation.

The following criteria must apply when requesting a MOT search for evidence:

• A perimeter has been established around the area;

• The evidence is related to a violent misdemeanor and/or any felony or; and,

• The evidence has been requested to be recovered by a supervisor.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Crime(s) involved;

• Type of evidence to be recovered;

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. lake, ocean, dam, river, etc.)

Note: The identity of the evidence to be recovered must be known prior to requesting UDU. If UDU deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, UDU may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.025 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SECTION. The following applies for EMS and non-LSPD equivalents.

Emergency Management Section (EMS) shall be requested to respond to any spontaneous and pre-planned major incidents that may occur. EMS are subject matter experts on major incident command/control & the organization of multiple department sections & divisions - EMS support Incident Commanders during major events. 

The following criteria must apply when requesting Emergency Management Section:

• A major incident or event is imminent, occurring or has occurred;

• The on-scene supervisor has requested EMS to respond; and/or,

• The on-scene supervisor has determined that the incident will have multiple operational periods.

Note: If EMS deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, EMS may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.026 BOMB SQUAD. The following applies for Bomb Squad and non-LSPD equivalents.

Bomb Squad shall be requested to respond to any situation where an explosive device is reasonably believed to be present on scene. Such situations include, but are not limited to:

• Threats made by individuals in person, online or via 911/311;

• Suspicious, abandoned vehicles or packages near major terror targets (e.g. City Hall, Los Santos International Airport, Police Stations, Hospitals, etc.), especially those which exhibit exposed wiring or unusual sounds;

• Items alerted to by Bomb Detection K-9s;

• Discovery of Explosive Devices by civilians; and/or,

• A large quantity of fireworks, which cannot be safely approached by officers.

The following criteria must apply when requesting Bomb Squad:

• A perimeter has been established around the area in which the explosive device is contained, the size shall vary depending on the suspected size of the device;

• The surrounding area has been evacuated of all civilians and emergency services; and/or,

• Officers/On-Scene personnel must turn off their mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices with the exemption of their ROVERs.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Potential size of the explosive;

• Potential for civilians to be in the area;

• Suspicious individuals seen near the device; and/or,

• Presence of electronic devices in vehicles or on persons.

Note: If Bomb Squad deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, Bomb Squad may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.027 BOMB DETECTION K-9 SECTION. The following applies for BDK9 and non-LSPD equivalents.

Bomb Detection K-9 Section (BDK9) may be requested to search an area where an explosive device is reasonably believed to be present. Such situations include, but are not limited to:

• Threats made by individuals in person, online or via 911/311;

• Suspicious, abandoned vehicles or packages near major terror targets (e.g. City Hall, Los Santos International Airport, Police Stations, Hospitals, etc.), especially those which exhibit exposed wiring or unusual sounds; and/or,

• Discovery of Explosive Devices by civilians.

The following criteria must apply when requesting Bomb Squad:

• A perimeter has been established around the area in which the explosive device is contained, the size shall vary depending on the suspected size of the device;

• The location of the explosive device is not known, or there may be more explosive devices in the area;

• The surrounding area has been evacuated of all civilians and emergency services; and/or,

• Officers/On-Scene personnel must turn off their mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices with the exemption of their ROVERs.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Potential size of the explosive;

• Potential for civilians to be in the area;

• Suspicious individuals seen near the device; and/or,

• Presence of electronic devices in vehicles or on persons.

Note: If BDK9 deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, BDK9 may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.028 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS UNIT. The following applies for HMU and non-LSPD equivalents.

Hazardous Materials Unit (HMU) shall be requested to respond to any situation where hazardous materials are reasonably believed to be present on scene. Such situations include, but are not limited to:

• Threats made by individuals in person, online or via 911/311;

• Suspicious, abandoned vehicles or packages near major terror targets (e.g. City Hall, Los Santos International Airport, Police Stations, Hospitals, etc.), especially those emitting strong odors or visible vapors;

• Presence of gasses, flammable materials, oxidizer, poisons, radioactive elements, corrosive materials, chemical warfare agents, weapons of mass destruction, unexplained vapor clouds, unexplained odors, marked chemical containers, large quantity of narcotics, airborne pathogens; and/or,

• HAZMAT alarm activations in high-risk environments (e.g. alarms in industrial plants, terror targets, public buildings, etc.)

The following criteria must apply when requesting HMU:

• A perimeter has been established around the area in which the hazardous material is contained, the size shall vary depending on the suspected size of the material;

• The surrounding area has been evacuated of all civilians and emergency services;

• Officers/On-Scene personnel must turn off their mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices with the exemption of their ROVERs;

• Officers/On-Scene personnel must turn off any ignition source, including vehicles, if gasses or flammable materials are present; and/or,

• Anyone who came into contact with a hazardous material has been identified & is under observation.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Potential size of the area exposed to the hazardous material;

• Number of individuals exposed to the hazardous material;

• Possible type of hazmat present;

• Suspicious individuals seen near the area;

• Presence of electronic devices in vehicles or on persons; and/or,

• Presence of ignition sources in the area.

Note: If Hazardous Materials Unit deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, Hazardous Materials Unit may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.029 MAJOR CRIMES DIVISION. The following applies for MCD and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations Major Crimes Division (MCD) may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any case involving individuals planning, threatening, financing, aiding/abetting, attempting or performing unlawful acts which threaten public safety, such as terrorism; and/or,

• Any case involving a hate crime against an individual or group, such as for biases regarding the victim(s) race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc.

The following criteria must apply when requesting MCD:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. If Major Crimes Division deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, Major Crimes Division may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.031 AREA DESK DETECTIVES. The following applies for William and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations Area Desk Detectives may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any basic robbery;

• Any basic burglary;

• Any auto theft; and/or,

• Any major assault crime (MAC).

The following criteria must apply when requesting Area Desk Detectives to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• The primary officer cannot reasonably close the investigation in a timely manner.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. Area Desk Detectives may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.032 AREA VICE DETECTIVES. The following applies for Victor and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations Area Vice Detectives may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any case involving prostitution;

• Any case involving pandering/pimping;

• Any case involving lewd conduct; and/or,

• Any alcohol violation prior to being deferred to the ABC.

The following criteria must apply when requesting Area Vice Detectives to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); 

• Any suspects involved have been detained; and,

• The primary officer cannot reasonably close the investigation in a timely manner.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. Area Vice Detectives may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.033 ROBBERY-HOMICIDE DIVISION. The following applies for RHD and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations RHD may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any robbery requiring prolonged investigation due to geographical limitations;

• Any robbery that involves banks and similar institutions/functions;

• Any high-profile/media-intense robbery;

• Any basic homicide;

• Any mass homicide (three or more victims);

• Any arson case prior to being deferred to the relevant OSFM-certified investigator;

• Any high-profile/media-intense homicide;

• Any ADW on a peace officer;

• Any gang homicide;

• Any case involving extortion threatening unlawful injury;

• Any case involving extortion that involves banks and similar institutions/functions;

• Any case involving extortion that involves a fake/virtual kidnapping prior to being deferred to the FIB; and/or,

• Any case involving extortion that involves a real kidnapping wherein ransom is demanded.

The following criteria must apply when requesting RHD to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. RHD may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.034 DETECTIVE SUPPORT AND VICE DIVISION. The following applies for DSVD and non-LSPD equivalents.
Investigations DSVD may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any case involving prostitution with a connection to organized crime;

• Any case involving human trafficking;

• Any case involving minor trafficking;

• Any case involving prostitution via means of the internet; and/or,

• Any case involving a missing person.

The following criteria must apply when requesting DSVD to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. DSVD may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.0341 MENTAL EVALUATION UNIT. The following applies for DSVD MEU and non-LSPD equivalents.

Situations DSVD MEU may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Situations wherein an individual displays deviance, being any specific paraphilia, or other deviation from societal norms;

• Situations wherein an individual displays dysfunction, being any major interference with life;

• Situations wherein an individual displays distress, being any excessive symptoms of anxiety or depression; and/or,

• Situations wherein an individual displays danger, being any prevalent danger to one's self or danger to others, such as suicidal tendencies.

The following criteria must apply when requesting MEU to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• The individual is not under arrest per PC6-09/Baker Act Hold.

Note: In accordance to MEU operating policies, officers shall fill out a Field Interview (FI) card on the individual and brief the responding MEU whilst referencing their FI card. MEU may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.035 GANG AND NARCOTICS DIVISION. The following applies for GND and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations GND may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

 Any robbery requiring prolonged investigation due to geographical limitations;

• Any case involving the manufacturing, transportation, sale and use of illicit firearms;

• Any case involving the manufacturing, transportation, sale and use of illicit narcotics;

• Any interception of a confidential informant committing a misdemeanor or felony crime;

• Any arrest of a repeat gang member; and/or,

• Any arrest of a gang leader.

The following criteria must apply when requesting GND to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. GND may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.0351 K-9 UNIT. The following applies for GND K9 and non-LSPD equivalents.

The GND K-9 Unit may be requested to search an area, person or car where narcotics are reasonably believed to be present. Such situations include, but are not limited to:

• Code Six George Car Stops/Ped Stops;

• Locations known to be frequented for drug use or sale; and/or,

• Search Warrants executed by GND or Area Gang Impact Teams (GED/NED).

The following criteria must apply when requesting GND K9:

• Any suspects are detained; and,

• The location of the narcotics is not known, or there may be more narcotics in the area.

GND K9 can only be requested to attend a traffic stop, with the aim to sniff a car, if the following criteria are met:

• The request of GND K9 would not prolong the detention "beyond the time reasonably required to complete" the stop's "mission"; or

• The suspect stopped is detained on reasonable suspicion of a narcotics crime.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Potential type of narcotic;

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.)

Note: The identity of the narcotics is not a determining factor in evaluating a GND K9 deployment. If GND K9 deployment criteria are not met but the circumstances surrounding an incident are inherently unsafe and potentially dangerous to the public and to officers, GND K9 may be deployed with supervisory approval.

305.036 JUVENILE DIVISION. The following applies for JUV and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations JUV may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any case involving juveniles manufacturing, transporting, selling, using or possessing illicit narcotics;

• Any case involving juveniles manufacturing, transporting, selling, using or possessing illicit firearms;

• Any case involving child abuse; and/or,

• Any case involving child exploitation.

The following criteria must apply when requesting JUV to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. JUV may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.037 COMMERCIAL CRIMES DIVISION. The following applies for CCD and non-LSPD equivalents.

Investigations CCD may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any complex elder/dependent fiduciary crime resulting in a substantial monetary loss of the victim's entire estate over 300,000 USD and/or recorded deed involved;

• Any embezzlement over 300,000 USD;

• Any major fraud involving multiple victims and/or suspects;

• Any commercial crime committed using computer-stored information;

• Any commercial crime committed via sabotaging computer-stored information;

• Any checks that return to a closed account with a lsos of 50,000 USD or greater;

• Any forged checks;

• Any forged prescriptions;

• Any fraud by means of credit/debit cards;

• Any forgery;

• Any identity theft;

• Any case involving shipping and handling of pirated goods;

• Any case involving the possession of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals;

• Any case involving the sale of illicit and counterfeit goods;

• Any real estate fraud;

• Any cargo theft connected to a railroad company or commercial trucking;

• Any organized retail theft;

• Any serial cargo theft related to organized retail theft; and/or,

• Any vehicle theft connected to an organized ring/business operation.

The following criteria must apply when requesting CCD to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable); and,

• Any suspects involved have been detained.

Factors to consider when determining whether the above criteria are met include, but are not limited to:

• Threat level assessment and public safety issues; and/or,

• The containment area and search environment (e.g. residential area, industrial area, apartment building, etc.) 

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. CCD may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.

305.038 FORENSIC SCIENCE DIVISION. The following applies for FSD and non-LSPD equivalents.
Investigations FSD may be requested to deploy to include, but are not limited to:

• Any field investigation deferral, such as requiring the documentation of evidence;

• Any quality assurance deferral, such as requiring the transportation of evidence (large sums of money);

• Any serology/DNA analysis that needs to occur in a sterile lab environment;

• Any trace analysis that needs to occur in a sterile lab environment;

• Any firearms analysis that needs to occur in a sterile lab environment;

• Any toxicology analysis that needs to occur in a sterile lab environment; and/or,

• Any narcotics analysis that needs to occur in a sterile lab environment.

The following criteria must apply when requesting FSD to one of the aforementioned situations:

• A perimeter has been established around the area (if applicable);

• Any suspects involved have been detained; and,

• A detective is present upon request.

Note: In all cases, detectives may respond and defer to another specialized unit if needed. FSD may be deployed with supervisory approval assuming there are exigent circumstances present.