ShamrockRP

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Law SOP

Introduction

  • 1.This SOP serves as the official guide for all law enforcement officers in Shamrock RP, detailing the procedures for handling crimes, uniforms, jail sentences, and the rankings within the Sheriff Department and U.S. Marshal service.
  • 2.The goal is to maintain law and order in a manner consistent with the year 1899 and the expectations of both the citizens and the law enforcement officers.

General Guidelines

  • 1.Law enforcement officers are responsible for maintaining peace, protecting citizens, and enforcing laws in accordance with the legal standards set by the state or federal authorities.
  • 2.Officers must uphold high moral and professional standards and adhere to the codes of conduct while dealing with citizens and other officers.

Handling Crimes - Classification

  • 1.Minor Crimes (e.g., petty theft, disturbing the peace, vagrancy, public intoxication): Typically handled by a single deputy, may result in a fine, brief detention, or a warning.
  • 2.Felonies (e.g., armed robbery, assault with intent to kill, murder, horse theft): Should be handled by at least two officers. May require investigation, pursuit, and potentially arresting dangerous individuals.
  • 3.Major Offenses (e.g., treason, rebellion, large-scale smuggling, kidnapping): Handled by senior officers or marshals. These crimes may involve multiple jurisdictions or special enforcement.

Handling Crimes - Procedures

  • 1.Arrests: Officers should announce their presence and reason for the arrest before taking action. Arrested individuals should be properly restrained and transported to the nearest holding facility.
  • 2.Investigation and Evidence: All evidence must be properly collected, documented, and stored. Deputies and Marshals should consult each other on serious crimes that cross jurisdictions.
  • 3.Pursuits: Deputies should always call for backup if engaging in high-speed chases or tracking criminals across difficult terrain. No officer should engage in reckless pursuits that endanger civilian lives.
  • 4.Use of Force: Force should only be used as a last resort when suspects resist arrest or pose a threat to life. Officers are authorized to use non-lethal force when possible (e.g., physical restraint, use of lassos, or using sidearms).
  • 5.Specialized Crimes: For crimes involving large-scale investigations (such as train robbery or large gang activities), marshals will oversee the investigation. Deputies may assist, but must report progress to a senior marshal or lead marshal for coordination.

Uniform Requirements - Sheriff Deputies

  • 1.All Sheriff Deputies, regardless of rank, wear the same standard uniform. This includes a brown or tan jacket, black trousers, white shirt, brown or black vest, wide-brimmed hat, boots, and a sheriff's star.
  • 2.Accessories include any revolver or handgun and a lasso. Long guns or shotguns are not standard and must have reason to be equipped or used.

Uniform Requirements - U.S. Marshals

  • 1.All U.S. Marshals, regardless of rank, wear the same uniform. This includes a dark blue or black long coat, black shirt & vest, black pants, wide-brimmed hat, black boots, and the U.S. Marshal badge.
  • 2.Accessories include a Navy revolver(s) and a lasso. Long guns or shotguns are not standard and must have reason to be equipped or used.

Jail Time and Sentencing - Crime Sentencing

  • 1.The length of jail time is determined based on the severity of the crime: (1 month is one minute in game, e.g. 2 years is 24 minutes in game).
  • 2.Minor Crimes (e.g., Petty theft, disturbing the peace): Sentence Range: Up to 24 hours to 1 year in jail, a fine, or both.
  • 3.Felonies (e.g., Armed robbery, assault with intent to kill): Sentence Range: 1 - 9 years in a state prison, depending on the severity of the offense.
  • 4.Major Offenses (e.g., Treason, large-scale smuggling, organized crime): Sentence Range: 10+ years in Sisika Federal Prison or, in extreme cases, death by hanging or firing squad (depending on the crime and severity, though note this means permadeath and will need to be agreed to beforehand). These cases are handled by U.S. Marshals as Sheriff's and under do not deal in federal offenses.

Jail Time and Sentencing - Jail Management

  • 1.Deputies and marshals should ensure that prisoners are housed according to their crime and any security risks they present.
  • 2.Prisoners should be checked for any weapons or contraband before being placed in their cells.
  • 3.Jail guards should document all prisoner interactions and keep a detailed log of events.

Weapon Use Guidelines

  • 1.Standard Weapons: The standard weapon for all law enforcement officers, whether they are Sheriff Deputies or U.S. Marshals, is a handgun or revolver. These weapons should be used for regular patrols, arrests, and self-defense.
  • 2.Lasso: Officers are also authorized to carry and use a lasso for capturing suspects. This is a primary tool for law enforcement in the field when suspects are attempting to flee or resist arrest.
  • 3.Long Arms (Shotguns, Repeaters, etc.): Shotguns, repeaters, or other long arms are not allowed to be actively carried on your back. Generally, these are used for felonies or worse crimes. Long arms should be used when dealing with dangerous criminals, such as during armed robberies, treasonous acts, or large-scale confrontations and should be equipped solely for those situations then unequipped afterwards. Long arms should not be used or carried during the handling of minor crimes or routine patrols. Officers are expected to equip only standard sidearms unless the situation calls for more force.

Rankings and Chain of Command - Sheriff Deputies

  • 1.Sheriff Deputies serve as local law enforcement officers within a specific county or town. Their primary responsibilities include patrolling, enforcing local laws, investigating minor crimes, and maintaining peace within their jurisdiction. They are often the first responders to incidents and handle a broad range of duties, from arresting petty criminals to managing the county jail. Sheriff's departments are typically smaller, with a focus on more localized law enforcement. The Sheriff's authority is primarily over county matters, though they may collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in certain situations.
  • 2.Deputy: Entry-level rank. Deputies handle minor crimes and general duties. They report to a Senior Deputy or Undersheriff for guidance.
  • 3.Senior Deputy: More experienced deputies, often taking on leadership in investigations and patrols. Responsible for assisting in larger operations and training new deputies.
  • 4.Undersheriff: Second in command, assisting the Sheriff in all law enforcement matters. Makes major decisions and handles large-scale criminal activities.
  • 5.Sheriff: The head of the Sheriff Department. In charge of all law enforcement operations in the area, including overseeing deputies and senior staff.

Rankings and Chain of Command - U.S. Marshals

  • 1.U.S. Marshals are federal law enforcement officers who operate across the United States, tasked with enforcing federal laws, apprehending fugitives, protecting witnesses, and managing federal prisoners. Unlike Sheriff Deputies, U.S. Marshals are not confined to a specific county or jurisdiction—they operate nationwide, often called upon to handle federal cases that require significant coordination between states. U.S. Marshals have a broader scope of authority, and their work often involves dealing with more serious crimes, including large-scale criminal operations, organized crime, and federal offenses. Due to their national jurisdiction, U.S. Marshals are considered to have higher authority than Sheriff Deputies.
  • 2.Deputy Marshal: Entry-level U.S. Marshal. Handles investigations and assists in federal law enforcement activities. Reports to Senior Marshal.
  • 3.U.S. Marshal: More experienced, overseeing operations and leading investigations. Mentors junior marshals and coordinates multi-jurisdictional law enforcement efforts.
  • 4.Chief Marshal: The head of the U.S. Marshal's operational command. Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and handles high-priority federal cases.
  • 5.Head Marshal: The highest rank in the U.S. Marshal service. Holds ultimate responsibility for law enforcement operations across territories and reports directly to federal authorities.

Chain of Command and Jurisdictional Authority

  • 1.It is important to note that U.S. Marshals outrank Sheriff Deputies, regardless of the individual ranks within each department.
  • 2.Although both agencies have their own roles and responsibilities, the U.S. Marshal service holds federal jurisdiction and is empowered to operate across the entire United States. In contrast, Sheriff Deputies have authority confined to their specific counties or towns.
  • 3.In any case where there is overlap, or if U.S. Marshals are called in to oversee or assist in a federal case, their authority supersedes that of the Sheriff Department, regardless of rank.

Conclusion

  • 1.Law enforcement in the year 1899 requires the upholding of justice with honor and professionalism. All officers must abide by this SOP and work together to ensure the safety and peace of the citizens they serve.
  • 2.This document is subject to review and updates as the needs of the community and law enforcement evolve in Shamrock RP.

Documents are subject to change. Staff have final say in all situations.