Each rank of the 7 Cities State Police has a duty to carry out the laws of our state as well as protect our citizens. With that being said, some positions have a bit more responsibility and standing than others. And they are as follows.

​

Colonel

• The colonel is an elected official tasked with Overseeing all operation of the 7 Cities State Police department.

Lieutenant Colonel

• The Lt. Colonel is a position assigned by the current standing Colonel.

• This rank is tasked with all administrative duties of the department

Captain

• This rank is tasked with overseeing all administrative duties of a set precinct within the department.

lieutenant

• This rank is tasked with overall operation of a specific division within the department.

Sergent

• This position is tasked with handling all administrative duties of a specific division.

Sr. Trooper

• This not a supervisory position, but a merit awarded position with addition responsibility.

• In this position, you will sometimes be tasked with FTO duties for cadets.

• Sr. Troopers take command on all or most incidents taking place within the state involving state police.

Trooper

• This position is awarded to all members who have successfully completed and passed state trooper training.

Cadet

• This position is giving to a member who is freshly hired to the state police department after completing and passing basic law enforcement training.

​

 

Divisions

​

​

Patrol Division

• The backbone of the department, the Patrol Division is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and responding to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service..

  • If you are hired into the department, this is where you will start.

• Responsibilities:

  • Respond to calls for service, including crimes in progress, traffic incidents, and community assistance.

    • Respond to medical calls to ensure the safety of the medical staff and if needed  register first aid.

    • Respond to fire calls to ensure safety of nearby civilians and provide pedestrian and traffic control.

  • Enforce traffic laws, including issuing citations and warnings.

  • Provide visible deterrence to crime by patrolling high-risk areas.

  • Engage with the community to build trust and cooperation.

• Starting Your Shift

  • Begin each shift with a roll call and briefing led by the shift supervisor.

    • This will not always happen as people go on duty at different times. just be sure to check first before rolling out.

  • Receive updates on BOLOs (Be On the Lookout), ongoing investigations, and high-priority locations.

    • This information can be found in your MDT system.

  • Equipment Check

    • Ensure you have all the necessary equipment to do your job at the start of your shift.

      • Class 0 Weapon

      • Class 1 Weapon

      • Class 2 Weapon

      • Flashlight

      • UV Light

      • Handcuffs

      • Defib

      • Radio

  • Vehicle Check

    • Ensure you are in a vehicle assigned to your position and it is modified to the specifications of your ranking.

      • Vapid Patrol Car- If you are a cadet

      • Vapid Scout- Trooper & Up

      • Vapid Torrance- Trooper & up

• Indecent Response

  • 911 Calls/Texts

    • 911 calls come through your phone.

    • If there is no dispatcher on you may respond directly to the calls.

      • If there is a dispatcher, wait until they give you instruction on what to do or how to respond.

  • During Robbery Calls, you main job is crowd control and maintaining visual of suspects. Each robbery has a different response to adhere to which you will learn in training. It important to follow them thoroughly to ensure fairness and fun throughout.

    • Again, be mindful of dispatchers. They will guide you through what you need to be doing.

​

SWAT Division

• The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Division is a specialized unit trained to handle critical incidents requiring advanced tactics, such as high-risk warrants, hostage rescues, and counter-terrorism operations.

  • You cannot be hired into it, but must first prove yourself to be worthy before joining.

• This division is tasked with a couple different tings throughout their shift.

  • Execute high-risk search and arrest warrants.

    • Back up the Sheriff's Department on DOJ tasks

    • Handle hostage or barricaded suspect situations.

      • Lead negotiation efforts to ensure everyone comes out alive.

      • Ensure that no innocent people in the area are harmed by suspects by any means necessary.

    • Provide tactical support to other divisions during dangerous operations.

      • Be prepared at all times to help divisions within the department on day to day activities.

      • This includes being out on patrol when no high risk activities active.

• When SWAT Is Deployed

  • SWAT activation must be authorized by a supervisor.

    • If there is a large scale heist happening, permission is not needed to activate.

      • You are always required to respond to these if on duty.

  • Assess the situation using intelligence gathered from patrol or investigators.

    • You will need to gather information about how long the scene has been active

    • How many suspects.

    • How many hostages.

    • Where they are inside the building.

    • How many get away vehicles.

  • Conduct a pre-operation briefing to assign roles and ensure all team members understand the plan.

    • This must happen in a timely manor to ensure a plan is in place before things escalate further.

• Tactical Execution

  • Approach the incident with stealth and precision, prioritizing the safety of civilians, officers, and suspects.

  • Negotiate Peaceful Ending

    • Remember your main goal is to end as quickly and as safely as possible.

      • You can do whatever you need to achieve this.

        • Just remember, whoever makes the call will be hand accountable for whatever happens.

      • You do not face the same limits when negotiating as lower level law enforcement does.

• Debriefing

  • At the end of a scene take about 10 minutes to discuss with the team what went well and what went wrong. Also discuss what can be done differently the next time.

​

Department of Transportation (DOT)

• The DOT Division enforces transportation laws, oversees commercial vehicle regulations, and ensures safe and efficient traffic flow across the Seven Cities.

  • You can be hired into it it with experience from other departments within OUR state.

• This division is tasked with a couple responsibilities such as...

  • Conduct inspections of commercial vehicles for safety and regulatory compliance.

    • You do not need probable cause to conduct a commercial inspection.

  • Investigate and respond to traffic accidents involving large vehicles.

    • Ensure traffic is able to move around safely during these incidents.

  • Manage traffic during large-scale events.

    • Plan and ensure traffic flow is reasonable without creating backups.

  • Ensure laws are followed on highways as well as state back roads.

    • This is where you will do the majority of your patrol work.

  • Set up checkpoints at weigh stations or roadside areas.

    • These are to help insure drivers have proper documentation and are not driving under the influence.

    • Ensure roper use of equipment such as cones, barriers, signs, lighting, etc etc.

​

7 Cities Law Enforcement Training Academy

• The Training Academy ensures that all recruits and active personnel meet the department's high standards through rigorous education, testing, and field training.

  • Anyone can go through training whether they are joining a department or not.

• ​This division is tasked with all law enforcement officer training.

  • Ensure all incoming cadets learn and understand their department's SOPs

  • Ensure cadets have all documents required for performing the duties of the job.

  • Ensure all cadets understand RP and staying in character.

  • Train recruits in state law, departmental policies, and policing techniques.

  • Ensure all cadets are able to go out and patrol on their own.

  • Ensure all cadets pass the written law enforcement exam before passing training.

  • Provide detailed evaluations of recruits and officers, offering feedback and improvement plans as needed.

  • Provide ongoing training for active officers in areas like de-escalation, firearm proficiency, and legislative updates.

​

​

​

​Communication Protocols

​

​

Radio Communication

• All law enforcement officers are require to have a radio device on and active at all times.

  • The radio must be tuned to the proper channels.

    • Joint Channel : 1- This is for all services to be on when there are not many in the state. Once your department has more than 4, you must go to your respective channel.

    • State Police main channel is channel 3

      • Tac channels are 3.1 through 3.9

• Radios only to relay and obtain important information when needed.

  • You will not be permitted to hold conversation on main channels.

    • If you need to have a personal conversation, instruct to go to a tac channel or to call via cell phones.

• Quick Relay

  • In order to keep radio traffic clear, we keep radio traffic clear so everyone can be alert, we rely on 10-codes to quickly transmit messages. You will learn them in training and we advise you to memorize them to the best of your ability.

• Dispatch

  • When you speak into your radio, you are speaking directly to dispatch, not to other officers.

    • If you need to speak to another office while dispatch is active, request permission to transfer to tac channel from dispatch.

      • You: "3 adam 1 to dispatch, requesting 3 adam 10 to tac 3"

      • Dispatch: "10-4 3adam 1. Granted tac 3 to 3 adam 10"

      • Don't forget to go back to the main channel when done.

​

​

Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)

​

MDT System

• The Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is a critical tool used by all personnel of the Seven Cities State Police Department (7CSPD) to access real-time information, manage incidents, and enhance communication efficiency. This SOP outlines proper use, functionality, and operational protocols for the MDT system.

  • Access & Security

    • MDTs are for official use only. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

    • At the start of your shift, you MUST also go on duty in the system to by setting your callsign.

  • Conduct

    • Information retrieved via the MDT must remain confidential and used solely for law enforcement purposes.

  • Incident Reporting

    • After responding to an incident or interacting with a civilian, officers MUST file reports via the MDT. This includes:

    • Entering the time of arrival and departure.

    • Adding detailed notes about the situation, individuals involved, and actions taken.

    • Uploading any supporting information, such as witness statements, evidence, or photographs.

  • Registering Weapons

    • Citizens must have their weapons registered by law enforcement.

    • You will be showed how to do this in training.

  • Information you can find in MDT

    • License Plates: Retrieve vehicle registration and status.

    • Driver’s Licenses: Check for suspensions, warrants, or violations.

    • Warrants: Confirm active warrants for individuals.

    • BOLOs (Be On The Look Out)

    • Criminal History: Access prior arrest or conviction records when relevant to an investigation.

  • Billing/Sending Files

    • Do NOT send bills/Fines through the MDT system.

      • take note of the amount and send it though your phone

      • Doing this insures the person receiving the fine has time to pay as MDT takes money right away.

      • This also insures you receive your 10% bonus of the fine issued.

​

​

Probable Cause Standard

​

Probable Cause

• Probable cause is a legal standard that exists when an officer has a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or will be committed, or that evidence of a crime can be found at a particular location. This belief must be based on more than mere suspicion but less than the level of proof required for conviction.

• Principles of Probable Cause

  • Objective Standard: Probable cause must be based on objective facts and circumstances that a reasonable person would agree support the officer’s belief.

  • Specificity: The facts supporting probable cause must be specific and not based on vague generalizations, racial profiling, or assumptions.

  • Lawful Basis: All actions based on probable cause must align with constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

• Arrests

  • Officers must have probable cause to believe that a suspect has committed or is committing a crime before making an arrest which can be established by...

    • Witness statements.

    • Physical evidence.

    • Officer observations (e.g., behavior, appearance).

    • Admissions or confessions.

• A search may be conducted based on probable cause when:

  • A warrant has been issued by a judge.

  • There is a lawful exception to the warrant requirement (e.g., exigent circumstances, consent, vehicle searches, plain view doctrine).

  • Probable cause for a search requires a reasonable belief that evidence of a crime, contraband, or illegal items will be found in the place to be searched.

  • Probable cause must support the seizure of property believed to be evidence, contraband, or the proceeds of a crime.

• Establishing Probable Cause

  • Gather and document specific facts and observations that suggest criminal activity or justify the search, arrest, or seizure. Examples include:

    • Physical evidence (e.g., drugs, weapons).

    • Erratic behavior (e.g., fleeing, resisting).

    • Visible violations (e.g., broken taillight, expired tags).

  • Corroborate Evidence:

    • Evaluate the reliability of witnesses, informants, or victims providing information. Consider their past credibility, motives, and any corroborating evidence.

    • Take into account all facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Probable cause must be based on the entirety of what the officer observes, knows, and can reasonably infer.

• Legal Considerations and Warrant Exceptions

  • While warrants are preferred, officers may act without one under specific circumstances:

    • Consent Searches: If a person voluntarily consents to a search, probable cause is not required. However, consent must be freely given without coercion.

    • Exigent Circumstances: Officers may act without a warrant if waiting would result in the destruction of evidence, escape of a suspect, or harm to others.

    • Plain View Doctrine: Evidence in plain sight may be seized without a warrant if the officer is lawfully present at the location.

    • Vehicle Searches: Due to the mobility of vehicles, officers may conduct a search without a warrant if probable cause exists to believe evidence or contraband is inside.

• Probable Cause Compliance/Checks

  • Accountability

    • Supervisors will periodically review reports, arrests, and searches to ensure adherence to probable cause requirements.

    • Non-compliance or misuse of probable cause will result in remedial training or disciplinary action.

  • Failure to Comply

    • You can face disciplinary action leading up to termination of employment.

    • Suppression of evidence in court.

    • Dismissal of charges against the suspect.

    • Civil liability for the department or officer.

• Properly establishing and documenting probable cause protects officers, the department, and the public while ensuring that enforcement actions are lawful and constitutional. By following this SOP, officers maintain the integrity of investigations and uphold the community’s trust.

​

​

Weapon Usage

​

This SOP establishes guidelines for the use of force involving department-issued weapons by 7CSPD officers. It ensures that officers use appropriate levels of force based on the situation, adhere to departmental policies, and comply with state laws.

​

Weapon Classification

• Class 0: Non-Lethal

  • Includes: Taser, baton, and other non-lethal options such as Pepper spray (if applicable).

  • Purpose: Subdue or restrain individuals with minimal risk of serious injury.

    • To stop an individual presenting an immediate threat to the safety of officers or others.

  • Do not use on individuals operating a vehicle, holding weapons, or in environments that could cause secondary injury (e.g., near water).

    • Avoid repeated applications unless absolutely necessary.

  • How to use:

    • Announce "TASER!" before deployment, when possible.

    • Aim for lower torso or legs. Avoid the head, neck, and chest.

  • After Use

    • Conduct a medical assessment and document the incident in MDT.

  • Baton Use

    • To defend against physical attacks or control aggressive individuals.

      • For pain compliance in situations where verbal commands fail.

    • How To Use

      • Avoid strikes to the head, neck, or spine unless lethal force is justified.

      • Deliver controlled strikes to limbs or torso to immobilize the subject.

• Class 1: Non Automatic

  • Includes: Department-issued or approved sidearms.

  • Purpose: For self-defense, defense of others, or situations where lethal force is necessary to protect life.

• Class 3: Automatic

  • Includes: Submachine guns (SMG) and rifles (e.g., patrol rifle or SWAT-specific firearms).

  • Purpose: Used in high-risk situations, active shooters, or scenarios requiring enhanced firepower.