Sierra Falls Police Department - Recently Updated Pages

Officer Prentiss Vaughn

Renegade_Heart — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:59:08 CST

Name:

Prentiss Kemper "PK" Vaughn

Rank:

Officer Grade II

Position:

K9 Handler

Stationed:

Operations Complex, Renishaw

Marital Status:

Single

Eyes:

Blue

Hair:

Blonde/Long, layered

Height:

5'6"

Weight:

117lbs

Born:

July 22, 1981
Reidville, South Carolina

Education Record:

1987-1990	Reidville Elementary School - Reidville, SC
1991-1993	D.R. Hill Middle School - Duncan, SC
1994-1995	James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, SC
1995-1996	Aspen Ranch (Residential Treatment Center for Troubled Teens)
1997-1998	James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, SC
1998-2002	University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC - Bachelors in Journalism
2002-2004	University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina – Masters in Mass Communication

Service Record:

2004	Police Academy - New York City, NY
2004-2005	Patrol Officer, 32nd Precinct, NYPD
2005	Promoted to Officer II
2005-2006	Patrol Officer, 32nd Precinct, NYPD
2006	K9 Handling Training - Floyd Bennett Field, NYPD
2006-2007	K9 Handler - Special Operations Division/32nd Precinct, NYPD
2007-Pres	K9 Handler - Operational Support Services Division, SFPD

Badge:

1227

History:

Prentiss was born the youngest of three to Noble and Belle Vaughn, joining the family eight years after the birth of her sister, Paxton, and twelve years after her brother, Pate. Why there was such a gap between her and her siblings, Prentiss could only guess. Her siblings often teased that she had been an accident, but she didn’t care. She was the baby, and as thus, she seemed to get more attention from both her parents, something she both loved and hated.

Growing up in Reidville, South Carolina wasn’t exactly the most exciting of things. Weekends were spent outside playing sports or riding horses. The only thing akin to “entertainment” was the town’s bowling alley and Reidville families only went there for special occasions. Prentiss grew up listening to her father’s stories of his time in the US Marines and was kept even more captivated by his tales of justice, valor, and dedication that came with being a police detective like he had been at the time. And strangely enough, she loved every moment of it.

She and her family were extremely close, even despite the age difference between her and her siblings. Her brother left home to join the Marines when she was six and her sister went off to college on academic scholarship when Prentiss was ten, but despite all of this, they couldn’t be a closer family. Pate and Paxton came back home whenever they could and were always in constant contact when they were away.

Prentiss did pretty well in school, more so in middle than high school. In fact, she skipped fifth grade all together and was a mainly A/B student until she hit seventh grade. It was then that she began acting out. At first, her parents thought it was because she felt left behind without her siblings being at home, but it soon began to become clear that something else was wrong.

In the middle of tenth grade, Prentiss’ behavior hadn’t changed and in fact, had gotten a whole lot worse. She had started with just attitude issues –outbursts of anger, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, etc–, but after she turned fourteen, she started with drinking and then got into drugs, and ultimately started running away.

Noble and Belle felt they had no choice but to do some sort of intervention. They sent Prentiss to Aspen Ranch, a residential treatment center for trouble teens in Utah. There she was helped by a number of therapeutic methods including individual and group therapy, and equine and recreational therapy. It was there that she really began to excel at horseback riding and soccer, and it was then that the reason as to why she had been acting out came to light. She confessed to her therapist, and later to her parents that their long-time neighbor, George Trent, had been molesting her since the age of ten.

She left Aspen Ranch after roughly eleven months and returned to James F. Byrnes High School where her love of sports ultimately took precedent over everything else. Her grades weren’t the best and she soon discovered that the only way she was going to get out of Reidville was on an athletic scholarship, and that was exactly what she did. She played every sport her school offered, but excelled mostly at soccer, all she had learned at Aspen Ranch helping her greatly. Her skills got her a full-ride scholarship to the University of South Carolina.

Like many new college students, at first Prentiss wasn’t sure what she wanted to major in. She flip-flopped from Criminal Justice to Theatre to Russian to Social Work before she finally settled on Journalism and Communications. She found that she had a knack for both and was intent on either becoming a reporter or some sort of press liaison for some government agency or another.

She graduated with her bachelors in Journalism and her masters in Mass Communication, thus ending her college career in the spring of 2004. She was in the process of looking for a job in her field when she received word from her mother that her father had been murdered by his arch nemesis, Arnold Maddock, that he had put behind bars years before, but had somehow managed to get early parole. The Vaughn family knew it had been him who had killed their father, but they had no proof, no weapon, nothing. Prentiss’ rage about the lack of police action in the case spurred her into taking a completely different direction with her life. Instead of getting a job in something to do with everything she had just spent the past six years in college working for, she decided to become a cop. Her family was not exactly thrilled by the decision.

Prentiss headed to New York after coming to the conclusion that if she was going to be a cop, she wanted to be the best and who is more well known than the NYPD? Strangely enough, her sister and her niece, Hallie, were already living in New York as well and Prentiss was able to stay with them while she attended the Police Academy. She made it through and after almost two years of being a patrol officer, was accepted into the K9 Handler course which she passed with flying colors.

Her partner became a large Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as a French Mastiff, named Bruin. The pair trained in most everything including standard patrol, narcotics, explosives, arson, and even cadavers. Bruin is a pretty easygoing and friendly dog when off duty, but when he’s working, he’s all business. Prentiss couldn’t have asked for a more loyal partner.

Prentiss, Paxton, Hallie, and Bruin all stayed in the same small NYC apartment until they got word from some sources that Arnold Maddock had headed to the West Coast and was apparently hiding out in California. Determined to keep an eye on him, and ultimately find him guilty of their father’s murder, the sisters decided that they would head to the West Coast, too.

They wanted to stay as close as possible, and Prentiss wanted to make sure Bruin would be able to come with her as well. The only place they could make that happen was in Sierra Falls, and that’s exactly where they went. After Prentiss put in a special request in to have Bruin bought by the SFPD and transferred with her, a few weeks later, she, Paxton, Hallie, and Bruin all made the big move to Sierra Falls.

Personality Profile:

Prentiss is a pretty tenacious and hardworking individual. She tends to be quite spunky and sarcastic, and has no qualms with putting you in your place if she knows she’s right. She loves her family, and close friends, more than life itself and would do anything to protect them. She’s very friendly, but if you rub her the wrong way, she can also be a real bitch. Her temper sometimes gets the better of her and it, along with her overly insatiable curiosity about everything, has gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion.

Physical Profile:

Prentiss is small-boned, thin, fit, and toned. Her skin is a soft ivory and she has a light smattering of freckles across her nose that tend to come out when she’s in the sun. Her most prominent feature is undoubtedly her almost too-blue eyes. Her blonde locks are cut in long layers, the longest of which falling to just about the bottom of her shoulder blades. She has “05-30-04”, the date of her father’s death, tattooed on the inside of her left wrist and also has three-inch-long scar running horizontally across the front of her right hip.

When it comes to how she dresses, Prentiss is far less reserved and “old fashioned” than her sister. She’s most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt or some sort of “surfer” style clothing. She does have one or two “little black dresses” for those special dates and a few more elegant pieces for more formal get-togethers along with footwear for every occasion.

Family:

Father: Noble Weston Vaughn (b. September 13, 1945; d. May 30, 2004)

Mother: Belle Clara Vaughn (b. March 19, 1948)

Brother: Pate Harrison Vaughn (b. April 7, 1969)

Sister: Paxton Emery Vaughn (b. October 2, 1972)

Sister-in-Law: Olivia Anne Vaughn (b. November 11, 1972)

Nephew(s): Pate Harrison Vaughn Jr. (b. May 22, 1995), Weston James Vaughn (b. October 20, 2002)

Niece(s): Hallie Love Paxton Vaughn (b. March 5, 1997) Temperance Belle Vaughn (b. January 4, 1999)

Hobbies:

Soccer, horseback riding, dramatic arts, writing, drawing, painting, surfing, Tai Chi, volleyball, softball, singing, dancing, kickboxing, dog training

Private Vehicles Owned:

1994 Yellow Land Rover Defender

Home Address:

3951 Southpointe Drive, APT 307
Sierra Falls, California

Additional Information:

Bruin: Six year old Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)

- Prentiss carries a Walther P99 as her service weapon, and the Walther P99C as her backup weapon. She privately owns an H&K USP Match and a Smith and Wesson Model SW1911PD Tactical Rail Series; both privately owned weapons are silver.

Writer:

Riley

Hallie Vaughn

shannyfish — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:47:25 CST

Name:

Hallie Love Paxton Vaughn

Eyes:

Blue-Green

Hair:

Blonde

Height:

4'5"

Weight:

75 lbs.

Born:

March 5, 1997
Reidville, South Carolina

Education Record:

2001 - 2007	Saint Luke's New York, New York
2007 - Present	Saint Sebastian Pineville, California

History:

Hallie Love Paxton Vaughn was born on March 5th in 1997 to Paxton Vaughn in Reidville, South Carolina. She was born at six pounds and three inches and was twenty inches long. She was given the middle names Love and Paxton because her mother wanted Hallie to grow up in a world of Love and "Pax"ton (Peace). She was not given her father's last name since Paxton didn't want a reminder of him, along with the fact that Todd had not wanted the child in the first place. Hallie was to be Paxton's child alone. She was raised until the age of three in her grandparents' home. She was kept in family care while she lived in South Carolina.

In 2001, at the age of four, Hallie moved with her mother to New York. Her mother had been offered a job there and was trying to build a new "better" life for them. Hallie began to attend a private preschool at Saint Luke's while her mother worked with the New York State Police Forensic Center. She was lucky enough to be in a school which took in grades P-8, so there was no need to change schools. Hallie continued and excelled at Saint Luke's, even able to receive financial aid, up until 2007 when her mother and Aunt Prentiss both received job offers for Sierra Falls Police Department.

When the family moved to Sierra Falls, California Hallie was put in another private school, but this time one that required uniforms. Hallie really wasn't thrilled with the move, since New York was her home and all she'd ever known.

Personality Profile:

Hallie is generally a happy child and will change her accent in order to fit in with whatever group she is with. She will use her southern accent with her aunt and mother, but will drop it when she's at school to blend in with classmates easier. She is quite intelligent and knows it, though she'll tone it down to also blend in.

Physical Profile:

Hallie is an average child, weight and height. She has a single set of pierced ears. She tends to wear jeans and t-shirts, though ocassionally is made to wear skirts and dresses by her mother.

Family:

Father: Todd Gage

Mother: Paxton Vaughn

Grandfather: Noble Vaughn (deceased)

Grandmother: Belle Vaughn

Uncle: Pate Vaughn

Aunt(s): Prentiss Vaughn, Olivia Vaughn

Cousin(s): Pate Vaughn Jr., Weston Vaughn, Temperance Vaughn

Hobbies:

listening to music on her iPod, reading

Home Address:

3951 Southpointe Drive, APT 308
Sierra Falls, California

Additional Information:

Writer:

Shannon

Paxton Vaughn

shannyfish — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:12:06 CST

Name:

Paxton "Pax" Emery Vaughn

Rank:

none

Position:

CSI

Stationed:

Crime Lab - Effington

Marital Status:

Single

Eyes:

Blue-Green

Hair:

Blonde

Height:

5'3"

Weight:

120 lbs

Born:

October 2, 1972
Reidville, South Carolina

Education Record:

1977-1983	Reidville Elementary School - Reidville, SC
1983-1986	D.R. Hill Middle School - Duncan, SC
1986-1990	James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, SC
1990-1994	University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC - Bachelors in Biological Sciences
1994-1997	University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC - Masters in Biological Sciences
2003-2004	University of Florida - Online University Program - Masters in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensics Toxicology

Service Record:

1990	James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, SC Valedictorian
1990-1997	The J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Program University of South Carolina, Columbia
1990-Current	The American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification
1994	“The Reproductive Cycle of Calliphora Augur” Published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Journal
1996	“Multispectral Analysis of the Caliciviridae Family Protein Coat” Published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Journal
2000-2004	New York State Police Forensic Center – New York, New York DNA Technician
2004	Front Sight: Firearms Training Institute – Las Vegas, Nevada Firearms Training Rifle Training
2004-2007	New York State Police Forensic Center – New York, New York Crime Scene Investigator
2005	Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program Funding New York State Police Forensic Center DNA Lab
2007-Present	Sierra Falls Police Department – Sierra Falls, California Crime Scene Investigator

Badge:

civilian

History:

Paxton Emery Vaughn was born to Belle and Noble Vaughn on October 2nd in 1972. She was born the second child out of three. She didn’t find being in the middle too hard, her brother was only three years older while her sister was eight years younger. She had the benefit of a protective older brother, plus a baby sister to do girl things with. It was from her siblings that her nickname of “Pax” started. School was a breeze for her considering that studying and books were what she emerged herself in after school. Though, Paxton was bright enough to be included in as an honors or GATE student, there was not such a program available at any of her schools growing up. She graduated valedictorian of her graduating class, which didn’t make her feel very accomplished. The J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Program selected Paxton to receive it her senior year, making her dream to go to college a reality. This gave her the opportunity to attain a degree that could possibly get her out of South Carolina some day.

Accepted to University of South Carolina, Columbia (USCC), Pax pursued her bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences. For the first time, she was able to live away from the family home on her own, in the dorm rooms on the campus. She found it oddly calming being able to spend the day in the library and then just to head home to sleep on campus at the end of the day. It made her ability to do lab work much easier. She managed to finish it at the scheduled time she had projected, exactly four years. She was able to procure other scholarships through her work in the biological science department and in her classes. She was able to turn around and re-apply for the masters program in the same subject area. She was happily accepted, and she started her fifth year at USCC. During her second year in the masters program, she met a fellow student on the campus also in a masters program, but for a different department, Todd Gage.

Todd and Paxton dated and became intimate. Paxton felt special and quite in love with him, especially since he wasn’t a hick, he was quite the gentleman with her. That was until Paxton found out she was pregnant unexpectantly. She had told Todd and at first he had seemed nervous, but fine with it, but the next week he started to beat Paxton. He left her bruised in various places, and Paxton tried to keep it from her friends and family as much as possible. She felt it was her fault, that she had gotten Todd mad. When she started to spot during her second month, it scared her enough to tell Todd that she was done. Todd ended up giving Paxton a pretty badly bruised eye, broken arm, and various cuts and bruising on her arms.

That was the end of the relationship. Paxton pressed charges, and Todd was charged with felony battery. He was given a sentence of ten years in prison with the option for early release for good behavior. Even one year seemed like a lifetime to Paxton. She went through a time of debating on what to do with the baby, but decided to keep it. She couldn’t even think about aborting the baby, but had dabbled at the idea of adoption, but she had a feeling she’d always wonder.

Given the date of when the baby was due, Paxton figured that she could finish her master’s work. She had expected to graduate in May 1997, but took summer classes and winter classes, so that she could push her graduation date to January 1997. It was hard, and Paxton thought about giving up several times, telling herself that she could finish after she had the baby, but she managed to get through school and graduate. It gave her three months to get the last of her planning together for the baby.

On March 5th in 1997, Paxton gave birth to a baby girl. Her daughter was full term and weighed six pounds three ounces and was twenty inches in length. She named her daughter Hallie Love Paxton Vaughn. She didn’t write in Todd as the father or use his surname for her daughter. As far as she was concerned, her baby only had one parent. She had given her two middle names, Love and Paxton, since Pax meant peace; it gave her a bit of hope for the future. Love and peace was a world that Paxton really wanted to live in and wanted her daughter to live in.

She stayed at her parents’ home for about three years, trying to find a job that suited not only her talents and her intelligence, but her duties as a mother also. She worked in a lab a good distance from her parents’ house, which caused her to put in a lot of mileage on the car she was using. She managed to save up enough money to move in those three years. She had kept her spending to a minimum, mainly spending on the things Hallie needed.

In 2001, Paxton and Hallie Vaughn moved from Reidville, South Carolina to New York City, New York. She had been researching jobs up there, and had come up with one that would be steady and would provide great benefits for her and Hallie. It was a job in the forensics lab with the New York State Police. It took about six months for her to get hired, but once she did, Paxton felt at ease. She didn’t feel the need to worry about money or where Hallie would go to school eventually. She worked as a tech in the DNA lab, since she had a bachelor’s and a master’s in biological sciences; it was an easy fit for her.

While in New York in 2003, Paxton got a call from her mother letting her know that her father had been murdered. They had suspected someone who had been put behind bars, but had threatened their father, but they weren’t sure about the evidence the case had. Months later, Prentiss joined her and Hallie in New York.

With Hallie in school, Paxton felt the need to get a set career path. Her sister was attending the police academy to become a cop like their father had been. She had been working in the lab and had looked into getting another master’s degree, this time in forensic science. Since she already had a slight advantage, Paxton didn’t think it could be too challenging. She found an online program that would let her do most of the work at home. She completed the online assignments and flew down the Florida and attended the final tests and in-lab projects in person at the University of Florida leaving Hallie in Prentiss’ hands.

Returning to New York, Paxton was able to put in for a transfer. Her superior hadn’t wanted Paxton to move departments, especially after she had gotten the lab a grant for DNA, but had agreed to give her a chance in the field as a crime scene investigator. Paxton caught on quickly, and started to feel like a part of the team. She was transferred two weeks later permanently. She felt a bit connected with Prentiss with being a crime scene investigator…she felt it was part of law enforcement even though she wasn’t a police officer.

To celebrate, she and Prentiss went to Las Vegas for a couple days leaving Hallie with a close friend. Not only did they celebrate and bond, but they also went to a firearms training center. Prentiss was already trained from the academy, but Paxton felt better being trained in such things. They even knew how to use rifles from their times in South Carolina, but the little piece of paper that said that she’d passed made her feel better. The idea had come about after she’d received a letter saying that Todd Gage was up for a probation hearing, and that had scared the hell out of her. She felt the need to be able to protect herself and Hallie.

As Paxton and Prentiss’ jobs settled and they found their niche in New York City law enforcement, the world couldn’t seem to be better for both of them. Ever since their father’s death, though, they’d been trying to keep track of his killed, who had never been sent to prison. He’d moved westward. The girls had agreed to move to keep an eye on them; they had both still wanted to try to find some evidence in order to link him to their father’s death. Murder was something that didn’t have an expiration date on it. So, they figured they had time.

Paxton had hated pulling Hallie from her school in 2007 to move westward when her daughter loved her school, but she also knew it wouldn’t happen often. Plus, she figured that Hallie would appreciate California like she had New York. They ended up in Sierra Falls; it was the only place in the area of where they wanted to go to keep an eye on the guy that could use both of them. Otherwise, they’d have to live almost 400 miles apart.

Personality Profile:

Paxton is more sociable and personable around women, since it’s very difficult for her to trust men after Todd. She’s usually happy and optimistic, but can become extremely introverted when she feels threatened. Like the mother she is, Paxton will protect those she loves with every fiber of her being. Once she’s warmed up to people and she knows that she can trust them with her life, Paxton warms up, but since Todd, she’s found few people who she can trust at all.

Physical Profile:

A single set of pierced ears and a purple and pink butterfly tattoo on the left side of her stomach about an inch from her belly button are the only unusual markers on Paxton Vaughn. She tends to dress in knee length dresses. She hardly ever tends to wear pants let alone jeans. She’s got an old fashioned sense of style.

Family:

Father: Noble Weston Vaughn (b. September 13, 1945; d. May 30, 2004)

Mother: Belle Clara Vaughn (b. March 19, 1948)

Brother: Pate Harrison Vaughn (b. April 7, 1969)

Sister: Prentiss Kemper Vaughn (b. July 22, 1981)

Sister-in-Law: Olivia Anne Vaughn (b. November 11, 1972)

Daughter: Hallie Love Paxton Vaughn (b. March 5, 1997)

Nephew(s): Pate Harrison Vaughn Jr. (b. May 22, 1995), Weston James Vaughn (b. October 20, 2002)

Niece(s): Temperance Belle Vaughn (b. January 4, 1999)

Hobbies:

reading, writing, music, black and white movies, cooking, gardening, painting

Private Vehicles Owned:

Mini Cooper S

Home Address:

3951 Southpointe Drive, APT 308
Sierra Falls, California

Additional Information:

Writer:

Shannon

K9/Medic/AvWing

Renegade_Heart — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:15:41 CST

Operational Support Services Division - Specialist Officers
Sierra Falls Police Department has many specialist officers throughout it's ranks. However, officers with skills that are required throughout the Sierra Falls Police Department area, have, for ease of command, been grouped into the Operational Support Services Division. Paramedic Trained Officers offer emergency medical support primarily to the Police Department, however their duty as a police officer means that their skills may be called upon throughout the city by anyone, and they therefore work alongside the ambulance and paramedic services to provide emergency medical treatment at incident scenes throughout the city area. Paramedic Trained Officers utilise the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 in Police Department colours, but with the additional of the staff of Caduceus symbol on the rear side windows, hood and tailgate to identify them as medical support. The vehicles are fully equipped to deal with most incidents requiring immediate medical attention. K9 Handlers, previously attached to districts, have been brought under the Operational Support Services Division due to the current lack of handlers throughout the department area. K9 Handlers provide assistance to patrol, highway, detective and SWAT officers throughout the SFPD area. Their specific duties, dependant upon the individual K9's skills, include: - tracking, immediate pursuit and detainment of offenders, suspects and fugitives. - assistance in drugs, firearms, explosive, body/body part, weapon & handled property searches of land, premises, vehicles and at seaports, airports and rail terminals; - assistance with public disorder incidents (dependant upon K9 temperament) - Firearms Incident & Dangerous Environment Observation (abbreviated to Fido) system, the use of a K9 mounted camera to see into areas perceived to be of high-risk to officers safety. In addition to their role-specific duties, these specialist officers also provide assistance by proactively patrolling the Sierra Falls Police Department area and responding to calls as required by dispatch. Both K9 handlers and Paramedic Officers operate under the command of Operational Support Services Division, and are specifically supervised by Special Weapons & Tactics command staff (Lt Clarke). OSSD also incorporates the Aviation Wing, also known as Air Support. AvWing is staffed by both civilian (generally ex-military) and police staff. They operate three variations of aircraft, all helicopters: - Aerospatiale SA 365 Dauphin 2 - Bell UH-1N Huey - OH-58 Kiowas / Bell 206B Jet Ranger All are operated from the SFPD Operations Complex in Renishaw, Sierra Falls. The unit is headed by a Captain and two Lieutenants. Each crew (helicopter) is commanded by a Sergeant (either Pilot or Observer) and has at least 2 Officer air observers. Attachments to the Aviation Wing may be granted to Detectives or Officers if deemed that such experience would be beneficial to the effectiveness of the Department.

Officer Jack Steele

Renegade_Heart — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:14:29 CST

Name:

Jackson Wyatt Steele

Rank:

Officer II

Position:

SWAT Officer

Stationed:

SWAT Complex And Ranges, Effingham

Marital Status:

Married: Detective Nicola M. Steele, CIDB

Eyes:

Blue

Hair:

Light Brown

Height:

6'6"

Weight:

230lbs

Born:

January 5, 1978
Marble Falls, Texas, USA

Education Record:

1982-1992	Home-Schooled
1992-1996	Marble Falls High School
1996-2000	Texas A&M University, Mathematics Major

Service Record:

2000-2003	United States Marine Corps, Force Recon	-
2003	Sierra Falls Police Department Academy	Cadet
2003-2005	Patrol Officer, Central District, SFPD	Officer III
2004	Honorary rank of Officer II attained	Officer II
2005	Leave of Absence granted by Dep Chief Scott	Officer II
2006	Returned to Sierra Falls Police Department	-
2006-Pres	Assigned to SWAT	Officer II

Badge:

History:

Jackson Wyatt Steele was born and raised in the wilds of Texas near the beginning of the year of 1978. He's the middle son of John Washington Steele's three boys. John Steele was a construction engineer and "cattle-baron" when Jack was born, but retired to be a full-time rancher when his youngest son was born. The Steele Ranch is one of the largest in the country, spanning across much of Central Texas.

The three Steele boys were raised to love their land, but no one loved it so much as Jack. Jack was born to the land, and raised more by it than anyone else. The three Steele sons were close growing up, until things started to change. Ben was older than Jack by two years, and Nathaniel was the youngest, ten years younger than Jack. He was the treasure of the family, cherished and pampered by all of them. Ben was the logical and responsible one as the oldest, and Jack growing up was carefree and independent, hard to pin down, but even so, he was the most protective of the three, especially of his little brother.

Jack's mother had a need to make her three sons cultured and refined so they could go on to prestigious schools and have great careers within high society. That was something Jack couldn't handle. His life was at the ranch, where he thought the whole family belonged, but Ben left the family when he was twelve to attend a prominent boarding school. Jack was to be sent next, but refused. He managed to convince his parents to allow him to attend a regular public school instead of a boarding school. The hours away from the ranch that he loved killed him, but he managed.

The only subjects he ever fully applied himself in were his mathematics courses, which he excelled and took an interest in. He also loved football and was on the Varsity football team for the large school as a young sophomore, and was starting as a junior, serving as a relentless linebacker. He loved the camaraderie of the team and thought highly of his coach. Coach King had been in the Marine Corps for twenty years. Jack took a keen interest in the Marine Corps, and it was King that inspired him to join.

Jackson had never looked beyond his own family and the ranch until he met Coach King, and realized the securities of his family were insured by men like him. Jack was one of the greatest athletes King had coached, but saw a different kind of potential in him. He was a leader. Though he would have loved to see Jack accept one of the many football scholarships that came his way, he convinced him to apply for an NROTC scholarship. He did, and got it.

He did so without the consent of his parents. His father had lost faith in the government long ago, and his mother didn't want any of her sons in a career such as that-she especially didn't want the influence on Nathan. Jack had never imagined the effect it had on the family, but couldn't let it dissuade him. It devastated him to leave the ranch, but he felt he had a duty to fulfill, so at the age of seventeen, after graduating, he went to Texas A&M University to carry out his NROTC scholarship.

He served in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and majored in construction science. He’d been recruited to play for the Aggie football team, but it was that or the Corps of Cadets and he chose the latter. He had time for little else, but adapted to the life quickly. He graduated with his commission in the Marine Corps four years later. Jack moved from infantry to special operations, serving with Marine Expeditionary Units. Not long before the conflict in Afghanistan began, he'd earned his place with the elite Marine Corps Force Recon.

Jack's elite team was together for two years, serving in Central America and the Middle East. His team was one of the first to head into Iraq when the conflict began. They served there successfully for two months before something went wrong on one of their missions. Due to bad intelligence, the team was compromised, resulting in the deaths of most of the team. Two survived. Jack was seriously injured, and his remaining teammate was left crippled.

After three months in a military hospital in Washington, D.C., Jack was finally released, with a medical discharge from the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps did not think his injuries were fully correctable. For awhile, Jack thought so as well, but soon decided to push himself to recovery. Despite the metal plate in his neck, Jack made it through the Sierra Falls Police Academy with excellent marks, ahead of the game due to his time in the Marine Corps.

He served as a patrol officer in the Central District of Sierra Falls until 2005 when he found out that, although he had been medically discharged from the Marine Corps, he could return to Iraq by joining the United States Army Rangers. He’d already completed Ranger School for Force Recon. After a short retraining period, he was sent to Italy and then returned to Iraq.

Steele served one more distinguished tour there before finally deciding it was time to move on. He returned to Sierra Falls to marry the woman he’d met and fell in love with before he’d left, Nicola Murphy. After a couple of more months, he has decided to return to SFPD, but this time to SWAT.

Personality Profile:

Jack is quiet and standoffish. He hates large crowds, though he isn't unfriendly. He keeps to himself mostly, but has a protective nature. He's dedicated to the Corps as well as to the SFPD. He looks older than his years because of his personality and what he's been through at his young age. Although more mature in many aspects than most his age, he sometimes has a boyish shyness about him. He wasn't always that way, but has been since he returned from Iraq the first time.

Physical Profile:

Jack is tall and well-built, standing at 6'6". He has a powerful build but isn't bulky. His muscles are long and lean from his time in the Marine Corps. He has bright eyes and short hair. Sometimes he'll allow a short, neatly-kept goatee to grow, but most of the time he is clean shaven. He has a scar on his neck as well as on his chest and left leg (bullet and shrapnel scars).

Jackson also has a tribal armband tattoo around his left upper arm. In the center of it, it has 'John 15:13,' which is the Bible verse that says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." On his left shoulder blade is a tattoo of the Marine Corps emblem: the eagle, globe and anchor. His last tattoo is the Marine Corps Force Recon "Jack-of-all-trades" skull on the underside of his right forearm.

Family:

Wife: Nicola Murphy Steele

Father: John Washington Steele

Mother: Elizabeth Sarah Steele

Older Brother: Benjamin Alexander Steele

Younger Brother: Nathaniel Marcus Steele

Son: Jameson Paul Steele

Hobbies:

Football, running, boxing and Marine Corps Martial Arts (black belt), United States History, Mathematics & Engineering, the outdoors

Private Vehicles Owned:

Black 2005 Dodge Ram 4x4

Home Address:

150 Beach Walk
Westbrook Cliffs
Sierra Falls, CA

Writer:

Amanda L.

Detective Nicola M. Steele

Renegade_Heart — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:14:04 CST

Name:

Nicola Murphy Steele

Rank:

Detective 2

Position:

Detective, CIDB

Stationed:

Headquarters

Marital Status:

Married: Officer Jackson Steele, SWAT

Eyes:

Hazel

Hair:

Light brown, collar length

Height:

5'8"

Weight:

N/A

Born:

November 22, 1980
Evanston, Illinois, USA

Education Record:

1984-1991	St. Elizabeth's Day School, Evanston, IL
1997-1997	L’Academie Ste. Jeanne d’Arc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
1997-2001	Harvard University, A.B. with concentrations in Social Studies and Psychology, with Honors.
2001	Accepted to the University of Oxford ’s Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, recipient of Rhodes Scholarship (attended for three months before returning to the United States to care for her ailing mother).
2004-Pres	University of California -Sierra Falls, College of Law (part time), currently an L-2.

Service Record:

2002	Sierra Falls Police Academy	Cadet
2003-2005	Patrol Officer, West District, SFPD	Officer III
2003	Passed Detectives Exam	Officer III
2004	Honorary Officer II rank attained	Officer II
2005	Obtained Crisis Intervention Team Certificate	Officer II
May 2005	Detective II Rank attained; transferred to Criminal Investigations Detective Bureau, Team 1	Detective II
July 2005	Received Medal of Meritorious Service for her role in breaking up a nationwide child prostitution ring.	Detective II

Badge:

History:

Nicola grew up in a well-to-do family that nonetheless saw public service as the highest calling. When she was young, both her parent’s were prosecutors. Her mother, the only daughter of famed opera conductor Claudio Monteverdi, was in the Cook County District Attorney’s office. Her father, the son of a Chicago Alderman and big cog in the Chicago Democratic Party Machine, worked the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Growing up, Nick had strong ideas about becoming an FBI agent. Her entire life was geared toward that goal. She excelled in academics and sports.

When her parents got divorced when she was ten, it was Nicola who sat them down and insisted that they be civil toward each other, especially when it came to custody. She proposed that because her father had been transferred to Washington , she be sent to a boarding school in Canada that was academically rigorous instead of having them fight about custody. She insisted they hire an advocate for her and go through mediation instead of fighting it out in court. Because of this forceful appeal, her parents have remained friends since. While at Ste. Jean d’Arc, her mother was appointed to the Appellate Court in Sierra Falls.

After graduating from secondary school, Nicola attended Harvard University and upon receiving her degree was to go to Oxford but her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Nicola decided it was best that she move in with her mother. There she became both nurse and law clerk while her mother continued her work. When the M.S. became too far advanced, Judge Monteverdi retired from the bench and insisted that her daughter get moving on her own life. Not wanting to leave her mother, Nicola decided to begin her career in public service close to home rather than attending Law School at the University of Chicago where both of her parents had attended.

Upon joining the SFPD, she has assertively and ambitiously achieved everything she can. Having passed the Detective Exam in 2003, she had planned on transferring to the Detective Bureau as soon as she was eligible. However, when she was approached to help start the Crisis Intervention Team, she put those plans on hold. Vowing to stick the program out until enough officers were trained to cover the city, she put in for the transfer in March of 2005. She was promoted in May of 2005 and transferred to the Detective Bureau, where she is currently assigned to Team 2.

Detective Steele has on two occasions used deadly force. The first occurred while she was off duty and because she was brutally attacked. The second occurred during a raid on a location where children were being actively exploited. The official story is that she reacted to a man pulling a gun on her. For that action of saving those children, she received a medal.

Nicola recently married Jackson W. Steele, who was the first officer on the scene after she was attacked and killed Adam Lowell, her attempted rapist. The relationship has been a passionate one, with ups and downs associated with two people who are so different yet very much in love. Before the couple was married, Nicola found out she was pregnant.

On February 24 th, 2006, Nicola gave birth to a baby boy, whom Jack and she named Jameson Paul Steele.

Personality Profile:

Nicola is highly cultured but enjoys working with all sorts of people. She is equally comfortable attending opera and watching Adam Sandler movies. She’s an amateur musician, playing violin in the Sierra Falls Community Orchestra as well as lead guitar and keys in an all-cop rock band called Blue. She and her mother have season tickets to the opera, symphony, chamber music society, and the S.F. Repertory Theatre but she can also be seen haunting the local clubs, catching the newest music.

She’s athletic, enjoying tennis, basketball and rowing. She was on the crew team at Harvard and was looking forward to immersing herself in the sport in England . Since the rivers around SF, CA tend to consist mainly of white water, she’s recently hung up her skull and is learning to kayak.

She can be a little condescending but only because so many people don’t understand her arcane cultural references. This can manifest itself in her over-explaining references or becoming impatient with co-workers.

Physical Profile:

Nicola is an athletic woman who is not hard to look at. Because of her infrequent use of cosmetics during working hours, she doesn’t attract too much attention from her co-workers. She does, however, know how to “clean up” nicely.

She is very neat in her appearance and wears her hear cropped just under her ears in a “bob cut.” Her dress is slightly trendy, leaning toward the Banana Republic style when she’s just hanging out and toward Donna Karan when she is attending cultural events.

Family:

Husband: Ofc. Jackson Wyatt Steele, SWAT Officer, SFPD

Father: Sean Patrick Murphy, Partner with the law firm Farlin, Jackson & Murphy in Washington , D.C. ; Former Deputy Attorney General of the United States.

Mother: Judge Isabella Victoria Monteverdi, Retired Federal Appellate Judge

Son: Jameson Paul Steele (b. 02.10.2006)

Hobbies:

None Stated.

Private Vehicles Owned:

2005 Toyota Prius

Home Address:

150 Beach Walk
Westbrook Cliffs
Sierra Falls, CA

Writer:

Conja

SWAT Roster

Renegade_Heart — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:36:13 CST

Position

Name

Rank

Status

SWAT Team One

SWAT Officer	Jack Steele	Officer II	PC
SWAT Officer	Lars Thorson	Officer II	PC

Weapons

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:38:06 CST

Less Than Lethal Options
	ASP Expandable Baton Extendable Striking/Control Baton Length: 21" / 26" The ASP baton, the newest thing in Law Enforcement has replaced the PR-24 Side Handled Baton as the best choice for less than lethal hand to hand weapons. In close quarters it has been known to break wrists. It collapses and can fit in a pouch on a belt, thus allowing officers to respond far quicker than the days when they had to remove and then replace the baton in their belts when entering and exiting their vehicles.
	Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray OC spray causes irritation to the mouth, nose and eyes therefore disabling suspects and allowing officers to take control. It should be noted that suspect under the influence of some controlled substances will not be affected by OC spray.
	Taser X26 / M26A Following a successful take-down by a NYPD officer on attachment to Sierra Falls in September 2005, the Department ordered and was supplied with the less than lethal weapon by TASER Internaional. There are currently two variants of the Taser available, the X26 (shown left) designed for human use will take down 90% of suspects. The M26A (in red) is for use in taking down animals and delivers a higher charge (please note: animals refer to nothing larger than cattle).

Firearms - Sidearms
Sierra Falls Police Department are one of the few police organisations in the US to provide a choice of personal weapon to their officers. Officers may choose between the H&K USP and Walther P99, which are both departmental issue. Officers may also choose to use a privately owned weapon whilst on duty, however this must be approved by the SFPD Armorer prior to being carried on active duty. In August of 2005, Chief Wells entered into an exclusive contract with Heckler & Koch. The Department is replacing it's Glocks with USPs. In addition, Walther has been gracious enough to re-chamber the P99's to .45 ACP, providing the Department with a standard type ammunition. With the Heckler & Koch (H&K) MP-5's being older and outdated, H&K is replacing them with the newer UMP.
	Glock 22 Personal Issue Sidearm The Glock 22 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered to .45". It is widely used by law enforcement agencies and military throughout the world and is manufactured by Austrian based company Glock. The contract for the providing of the G22 was completed in 2005 and not renewed. Length: 7.4" / Barrel: 4.49" Height: 5.16" / Width: 1.18" Weight (empty): 22.36 oz
	Walther P99 Personal Issue Sidearm Made by German manufacturer Carl Walther PmbH, the P99 is utilised by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Released in 2005, the rechambered .45" P99 was advertised as the 'ideal' lightweight pistol. It is of ambidextrous design, unlike most other sidearms of it's class. Length: 7.12" / Barrel: 4.12" Height: 5.37" / Width: 1.2" Weight (empty): 25.0 oz
	Heckler & Koch USP .45 Personal Issue Sidearm This side arm is finding a large following among Police throughout the U.S.. Miami PD is changing over to them as well as several smaller Departments. An ambidextrous safety, and clip release makes it versatile as well as functional. The metal and ABS composite plastic is extremely sturdy and dependable.
	Paraordnance .45" The .45 caliber para-ordinance is a retooling of the popular 1911. It allows for a larger clip capacity. The clip holds 15 rounds. The gun is very popular with older officers and those that dislike the newer plastics.
	Glock 33 Compact Backup Firearm The Glock 33 is chambered to .357 ammunition and is employed by SFPD as a backup sidearm due to it's compact nature. The 33 is as reliable and widely used as the 22 and all other Glocks. Length: 6.29" / Barrel: 3.46" Height: 4.17" / Width: 1.18" Weight (empty): 19.75 oz
	Walther P99C Compact Backup Firearm The Walther P99C is the compact brother of the P99. It features the same design and safety features, ambidextrous, ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal as the P99, but is slightly smaller and chambered to .357 Length: 6.6" / Barrel: 3.5" Height: 4.3" / Width: 1.25" Weight (empty): 18.6 oz
	USP Compact Compact Backup/Covert Firearm A smaller version of the popular pistol. Is gives up only a small amount of ammo and range for greater ability to hide. Popular with under-cover officers as well as off-duty ones. Many members of the F.B.I. Hostage Rescue Team carry these.

Firearms - Shotgun/Rifle/Specialist
	Remington 870 General Shotgun All SFPD officers are trained in the use of the Remington 870 shotgun and one is available in each cruiser. Type: Pump Action Gauge: 12 / Barrel: 18" Capacity: 8 rounds / Weight: 3.2kg
	Franchi SPAS 12 Police Semi-Automatic Shotgun SWAT officers have a number of SPAS 12 shotguns at their disposal. The SPAS is dual-mode shotgun, allowing pump-action or semi-automatic functionality. Length (stock ext): 37" Barrel: 17" / Weight: 9 lb 10 oz Capacity: 8 rounds
	Benelli 12 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun The Benelli 12 Ga. Shotgun is replacing the Franchi SPAS 12 as the riot gun for SWAT teams everywhere. More dependable, larger capacity, as well as both semi-automatic and pump action firing modes. It fires the 3.5 inch shell. It also is able to fire the less-than-lethal "bean bag" rounds.
	Heckler & Koch MP5A3 Sub-Machinegun The HK MP5A3 is the most widely utilised law enforcement sub-machinegun in existance today. It is chambered to the NATO 9mm round and features an extendable stock. The SFPD version features attached foreend light and red-dot sights. The MP5 is now being replaced by the H&K UMP, below.
	Heckler & Koch UMP Sub-machinegun The UMP is a popular replacement for the aging MP-5. With the U.S. Marines getting the new MP-7, The UMP has quickly become more and more popular. With it's .45 ACP power, and the cyclic rate of the MP-5 it has gained quite the reputation for being the next generation of Sub-Machinegun. It uses a standard 30 round clip. It also comes with a threaded barrel and rails for use with multiple attachments, such as scopes, laser sights, and flashlights.
	Colt M-4 Assault Rifle The M-4 is a military weapon that is finding its way into Law Enforcement. It fires the civilian .223 round. And uses a 30 round clip.The rail mounting system aids in use, allowing for sights, scopes, flashlights, and a fore handle. It however only fires in semi-auto and three round burst modes.
	Colt AR-15 Assault Rifle The Colt AR-15 is an automatic assault rifle utilised by SFPD SWAT teams. It is more accurate than the MP5 due to it's longer barrel (16"), but is unsuitable for close-quarters use. The AR-15 is chambered to 5.56mm NATO standard round. It weighs 8.5 lbs empty.
	SOCOM Sniper Rifle The Socom is a reworking of the M-14. It fires the .308 round, popular with both hunters as well as snipers. It sports a smaller barrel and shorter stock. This allows for greater ease of use in urban environments. While the composite stock lightens the weapon even further. This weapon is quickly becoming popular with SWAT teams and Tactical Teams all over the U.S. It is semi auto and more popular when situations may call for rapid firing than the M-700.
	Heckler & Koch MSG90 Sniper Rifle The MSG90 is available for use by SWAT Sniper Teams. It is chambered to the NATO 7.62mm round and has range settings up to 1500m. Length: 45.87" / Barrel: 23.62" Height: 10.23" / Width: 2.56" Weight (empty): 14.11 lbs Capacity: 5 or 20 rounds
	Remington M-700 Sniper Rifle The Remington M-700 is a .308 sniper rifle. It is bolt action and the mainstay sniper weapon for most metropolitan police departments.

Missing and Wanted Persons

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:07:10 CST

AT-RISK MISSING PERSON
	Name:	Daniela Chavez
	Missing:	Sep 4th, 2005
	Age:	12 years
	Sex:	Female
	Descent:	White/Caucasian
	Height:	4' 1"
	Missing from:	Westbrook, Sierra Falls
	Report #:	05-584962
Daniela Chavez (12 years) was last seen in the front yard of her home address in Westbrook, Sierra Falls. Her parents believe they saw a vehicle, described as tan or light brown, large car possibly a Taurus or Grand Prix, driving away from the address possibly containing their daughter. Any information to: Lt Applegate, CIDB, Sierra Falls PD Headquarters
AT-RISK MISSING PERSON
	Name:	Gabby Mendez
	Missing:	Sep 1st, 2005
	Age:	11 years
	Sex:	Female
	Descent:	Latino/Spanish
	Height:	4' 4"
	Missing from:	Westbrook, Sierra Falls
	Report #:	05-584951
Gabby Mendez (11 years) was last seen by a school friend heading to her home address in the Westbrook area of Sierra Falls. Her journey from her friend's to her home address should have taken up to 5 minutes, Gabby did not return. Any information to: Lt Applegate, CIDB, Sierra Falls PD Headquarters
LONG-TERM MISSING PERSON
	Name:	Stacey Wilberg
	Missing:	June 2nd, 2004
	Age:	24 years
	Sex:	Female
	Descent:	White/Caucasian
	Height:	5' 8"
	Missing from:	Huntington Beach, CA
	Report #:	HBPD - 04-315541
Stacey Wilberg (23 years at time of disappearance) was last seen at 2150 hours on June 2, 2004 at her home address in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California by her family after a party. There was no apparent concern at the time. Stacey was on prescribed anti-depressants following the death of her partner, although showed no signs of suicidal tendencies. A family member reports that Stacey had considered moving out of the area to 'get away from it all'. A female matching Stacey's description was sighted in Santa Maria County by the SMSD on August 24, 2005; however identification of this person was not confirmed. Any information/sightings to: Lt Jim Robinson, Crimes Against the Person Unit, Huntington Beach Police Department, Huntington Beach, CA


Wanted Persons

WANTED BY THE SIERRA FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
City of Sierra Falls Michael J Walls, Chief of Police
	Suspect:	Landon Eisenmann
	Sex:	Male
	Height:	5' 11"
	Hair:	Black
	Eyes:	Brown
	Date of Birth:	December 20, 1978
	Tattoos:	None known
Wanted for: Murder, Attempted Murder, Burglary
On August 2, 2005, Landon Eisenmann gains entry to his ex-wife's property armed with a 9mm handgun. He fires several shots in an attempt to kill his ex-wife before her new partner intervenes. Her partner was shot three times in the chest and died at the scene. Eisenmann escaped from the property in a vehicle stolen from the address. The vehicle was later recovered in the Meanwood area. He is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. All information to Det Sgt Ty Kepplinger, CIDB, Sierra Falls PD

Police Vehicles

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:56:14 CST

Sierra Falls Police Department covers a large area of both urban, suburban and rural area, including a major highway, and as such operates a variety of vehicles designed for specific purposes and roles.

Important Information:

Between 1995 and 2005 Ford were contracted to provide vehicles to the SFPD. In 2005 following various technical faults with the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor the contract with Ford was not renewed.

Various options were consider by the SFPD Fleet Management. Trials were conducted of the various Police packages offered by the main American automotive companies. The final choice for the SFPD was the Dodge Charger /Magnum package as the primary cruiser. Dodge have also been contracted to provide various other vehicles, although contracts with General Motors/Chevrolet have also been signed in relation to specialist vehicles.

Marked Patrol Vehicles
	Ford Police Interceptor Police Cruiser The Crown Victoria is the workhorse of almost all the Police Departments across America. The vehicle to the left is a 2004 model SFPD patrol cruiser. All SFPD cruisers are now fitted with push bumpers to the front, and most newer vehicles have updated lighting systems. Unfortunately, due to technical problems with the Ford Police Interceptor, the contract for Ford to provide patrol vehicles has not been renewed by SFPD.
	2005/06 Dodge Charger Police Cruiser/Highway Vehicle In August 2005, SFPD agreed a contract with Dodge to provide the Department with replacement police cruisers, the first to be delivered in mid-Septemer 2005. The 2006 model Charger is equipped with a 3.5 litre V6 engine for standard district patrol and a 5.7 litre V8 for highway units.
	2005/06 Dodge Magnum Supervisor/K9/Highway Vehicle As part of the contract with Dodge, SFPD also requested a more agile vehicle to equip to K9 Handlers, and a larger capacity vehicle for Sergeants/Highway Units to use. The result was the Dodge Magnum Stationwagon. The vehicle is equipped with a 5.7 litre V8 engine capable of delivering 340 hp at 5000 rpm. Note: Vehicle shown will be provided in SFPD colours (as per Dodge Charger above)
	Ford Explorer 4x4 Patrol/K9 Vehicle The Ford Explorer is utilised by units operating in more rural regions, and around the beach areas to provide 4x4 capability to the police officers utilising them. The K9 Explorer carries two seperated dog cages in the rear (extending into the rear seating area).
	Ford Expedition Supervisor Vehicle Supervisory Officers (Sergeants + above) also operate the Ford Explorer 4x4 vehicle. The Supervisor vehicle carries more equipment than a standard cruirser and is designed to act as a command post in the event of a major incident.
	BMW 1000cc Motorcycle Motorcycle Wing Patrol Unit The Motorcycle Wing currently utilise the BMW 1000cc bike for patrol purposes. The motorcycles are equipped with a mounted onboard video system, laser speed detection equipment and various other items, including flares and first aid kit, in the event of the motorcycle attending a collision.
	Ford F150/F250/F350Pickups 4x4 Patrol & Utility Vehicle Ford Pickups are used for 4x4 patrol vehicles in rural and beach areas. Officers in Crime Scene Investigations may choose to utilise the marked Ford Pickups due to their more extensive cargo capacity.They are also utilised by SWAT.
	Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 Specialist Utility Vehicles Chevrolet Tahoe stationwagons are utilised by Sierra Falls PD as specialist vehicles, should the need arise to use a 4x4. CSI and SWAT utilise these vehicles due to the additional cargo capability. The Chevrolet Tahoe is also used by Police Paramedic Units.
	Alpine 'Bulldog' Armoured Personnel Carrier The Alpine Bulldog, or 'SWAT Truck' as it is commonly referred to, is utilised by the SFPD SWAT based at Airport Division Precinct. They are equipped with 3 of these vehicles, along with a number of Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4's in black. All SWAT vehicles are fitted with blue lights and sirens.
	GMC 'MCU' Bus Mobile Command Unit Sierra Falls Police Department utilises a GMC custom-made extended touring wagon, commonly referred to as the 'command bus', as the mobile command unit for major incidents. It is equipped with a variety of computer and radio equipment and can be satellite/radio linked to the SFPD Communications/Dispatch centre.


Unmarked Vehicles
Unmarked Police Vehicles are both owned and hired by Sierra Falls PD for use by non-uniform departments, primarily the Detective Bureau and various branches, Command Team and Administration-related staff. Police owned unmarked vehicles are equipped with permanently fitted covert grille, dash and deck lights and often a siren, all are fitted with police radios. Hired vehicles utilise temporary mounted beacons either on dash or roof.
Ford Crown Victoria Dodge Charger Dodge Stratus	Ford Crown Victoria/ Dodge Charger/ Dodge Magnum/ Dodge Stratus Unmarked Patrol/Transport Vehicle SFPD owns a variety of Ford Crown Victorias built between 2000-2005 which has been the back-bone of the Department for several years. SFPD have also purchased a number of Dodge vehicles, including the 3.5 litre V6 Charger and Magnum and 2.7 litre V6 Stratus, to replace the Crown Victorias.
	Ford Explorer 4x4 Utility Vehicle SFPD owns several Ford Explorer 4x4 vehicles for use by supervisory officers (Lieutenants and above) and district command staff, they are individually issued to specific personnel by the department, unlike the Crown Victoria pool cars. Detective Sergeants who act as Assistant Squad/Unit Commanders may also be issued Explorers when available.
	Ford Explorer SportTrac / Ford Expedition There are 4 Ford Explorer SportTrac pickups available at the SFPD Garages, Valley Area Precinct, for use by anyone with reason to require an unmarked 4x4 vehicle, these vehicles are not available at division or Metro level. Ford Expeditions are issued to SFPD Command Staff (Chief/Deputy Chief) and the SFPD SWAT Commander for both personal and business use, and carry an array of equipment for major incident command purposes.

Uniforms

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:22:47 CST

	All Sierra Falls Police Department sworn officers wear the uniform shown, with the exception of the non-uniformed criminal investigations division. Standard Patrol Uniform Patrol officers wear the standard uniform which consists of:- - Navy blue Police-badged t-shirt - Navy blue Shirt (long & short sleeved) - Navy blue Trousers - Black Boots - Navy blue Field Jacket or - High visibility Field Jacket - Service cap (not shown) All officers wear the SFPD patch on their left shoulder, their official badge on their left upper chest, and silver anodised surname badge on their right upper chest.
High visibility Field Jacket	Utility Patrol Uniform SWAT Officers, CSI, Beach Detail & Bike Patrol wear the utility uniform which consists of:- - Navy blue or white SFPD badge polo shirt or navy blue short-sleeved shirt - Navy blue utility trousers or shorts - Black boots or cycle shoes - Navy blue or hi-visibility Field Jacket - SFPD badged standard cap (similar to one shown) Captains and above have the option of not wearing uniform, this ruling is duty dependant.
	Level IIIA Ballistic Armor All officers are now issued with level IIIA ballistic armor vests, similar to the one shown. The vests are black in colour, worn covertly, and have a printed SFPD badge on the front with the word 'POLICE' printed beneath, and also on the rear across the shoulders, in case they are required to wear it overtly. Wearing of armour is no longer optional. All officers must wear level II or level III body armour whilst on duty, though they may choose to purchase a different design with their uniform allowance.
	SWAT Tactical Gear Members of SWAT are issued with full tactical gear, consisting of:- - Nomex (flame-retardant) coveralls - Kevlar ballistic helmet with optional visor - Scott lexan goggles - Level IV tactical armor vest -- the vest incorporates pouches for magazines, flashbangs, and various equipment carried by SWAT members. - Hip holster for sidearm - Lowa GTX Combat Boots (heat resistant)
	Uniform Dress Regulations SHORT SLEEVED UNIFORM The optional uniform shall consist of the basic uniform with short sleeves, an open convertible collar, and the tie removed. If an undershirt is worn under the short sleeved uniform shirt, the undershirt shall be the department issued black T-Shirt or similar and shall have a round crew neck or V-neck collar. Officers not wearing the short sleeved shirt uniform shall wear the long sleeved shirt and a tie. Although the optional uniform is authorized, officers shall wear the basic uniform, with long sleeves and a tie, when the division commanding officer deems it appropriate. UTILITY PATROL UNIFORM Officers of the Operational Support Services Division, including Police Paramedics, K9 Handlers, CSI and SWAT and Highway Policing Team have the option of wearing the Utility Patrol Uniform in lieu of the standard uniform when not on specialist deployment. The Department issued polo shirt in either navy blue or white, complete with embroidered badge, shall be worn in lieu of the uniform shirt. The Department badged cap shall also be worn in lieu of the official hat. Utility trousers, with leg pockets, shall also be worn in lieu of the standard trousers. Bike and Beach Details of Patrol Divisions shall also wear the utility patrol uniform, and may wear navy utility shorts in lieu of trousers, Department issued Merrell cycle shoes or ankle boots should be worn with utility shorts in lieu of the hi-leg boot. JACKET The nylon waist-length field jacket shall be worn by uniformed officers when seasonal conditions require. Officers may also choose, or be directed, to wear the High Visibility Field Jacket. When officers choose to wear the field jacket, it shall be worn with either the long-sleeve shirt or optional short-sleeve shirt and tie. The utility belt must also be readily accessible when wearing the jacket. Note: Officers wearing the optional short-sleeve shirt with the field jacket shall wear the tie with the uniform field jacket. SCARF. A scarf may be worn only with the field jacket. The scarf shall be plain and black, gray, or dark blue in colour. HEADDRESS. Patrol officers, while on-duty, shall ensure that their uniform hat or baseball cap (dependant upon assignment) is serviceable and available either at their division of assignment or in their assigned vehicle. Officers assigned to Highway Unit shall ensure that their uniform hat is available in the passenger compartment of their assigned vehicle and shall wear it when directing traffic. The wearing of the uniform hat is mandatory for all officers:- - when working an assigned foot beat, - when working an assignment in which the primary function is crowd control, - at inspections, ceremonies, funerals, and other appropriate formal events, HAIR STANDARDS Male Employees. On-duty uniformed male employees shall keep their hair properly trimmed. The hair shall be at least moderately tapered, shall not extend below the top of the shirt collar nor cover any portion of the ear, and shall not interfere with the proper wearing of the uniform hat. Female Employees. On-duty uniformed female employees assigned to field duty shall arrange their hair so that it does not extend below the bottom edge of the collar, nor interfere with the proper wearing of the uniform hat. Hair shall be arranged so as not to interfere with vision in any way. On-duty uniformed female employees assigned to field duty shall not arrange their hair in a ponytail hairstyle. Uniformed females who are not field certified shall maintain their hair so as to present a neat appearance consistent with the type of duty performed. Exception: Employees in low visibility assignments may deviate from these standards with the approval of their commanding officer. ORNAMENTATION. Uniformed employees shall not wear any unauthorized ornamentation such as earrings; necklaces; bracelets; or large, conspicuous rings. IDENTIFICATION CARDS & BADGE When in uniform, all officers shall wear the official badge currently issued to them. The badge shall be attached to the badge holder provided on the outermost garment and shall be clearly visible at all times. . When in uniform, all officers shall have in their possession the identification card currently issued to them. The SFPD identifcation card allows access, via a magnetic code facility, to all areas of police buildings to which the appropriate officer has authorisation. If a card is lost it must be reported immediately. TIE BAR. All uniformed officers shall wear the prescribed tie bar. The tie bar shall be worn horizontally and level with the bottom points of the shirt pocket flaps. WEARING DECORATIONS. General. Employees shall be encouraged to wear authorized medals or ribbons on the uniform shirt. Medals or ribbons shall not be worn on the nylon waist-length field jacket. If only one medal is to be worn, it shall be worn on the extreme right of the top seam of the left breast pocket flap. If two or more medals are to be worn, they shall be worn on the top seam of the left breast pocket flap beginning at the extreme right of the flap and extending to the left in descending order of precedence. Ribbons representing authorized Department medals may be worn on the uniform in lieu of the respective medals. They shall be centered above the left breast pocket below the badge extending toward the wearer’s left in descending order of precedence with the bottom row on the seam. Three ribbons shall constitute a complete row. Precedence of rows shall be top to bottom. Additional rows shall also extend toward the wearer’s left in descending order of precedence. An incomplete row shall be the top row with its ribbons centered on the complete row(s) beneath. When an employee receives the same award more than once, the second and subsequent awards shall be indicated by a bronze oakleaf cluster worn on the original ribbon. A silver oakleaf cluster will be worn in lieu of five bronze clusters. MOTORCYCLE WING Motorcycle Wing officers shall wear the department-approved breeches in lieu of uniform trousers. They shall also wear the leather field jacket in lieu of the nylon field jacket. Officers shall wear a department-approved motorcycle helmet when operating a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle.
	Non-Uniform Dress Regulations Dress regulations for non-uniform divisions are duty-dependant and are generally at the discretion of the specific division commander. All shall wear clothing suitable for their role and present, where appropriate, a smart, disciplined appearance.
	REACTIVE DETECTIVE BRANCH / INTERNAL AFFAIRS Reactive Detective Branch, and Internal Affairs officers, shall wear either a business suit with shirt and tie; or dress trousers, a round-necked t-shirt/polo shirt and sports jacket/blazer. (See photos to left) Detectives should carry/wear their department-issue badge and identification card so they are available on request. Detectives must wear footwear appropriate to the task. Non-uniform officers shall keep their hair neat, tidy and of smart appearance.
	CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Crime Scene Investigation officers shall wear department issued polo-shirts with 'Crime Scene Investigator' embroided on the right breast and the SFPD badge embroided on the left breast. PROACTIVE DETECTIVE BRANCH Sworn officers assigned to the Proactive Detective Branch shall wear clothing appropriate to their duty. This may consist of jeans and t-shirt, and is considered to be plain clothes. Officers in Proactive are exempt from uniform regulations with the exception of carrying their department-issue badge (in situations where disclosure of a persons identity as a police officer may jeopardise their safety or the operation they are performing, they are permitted not to carry the badge with the authorisation of their unit commander).

Ribbons and Awards

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:49:02 CST

MEDALS

MEDAL OF VALOR
	Awarded for conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of law enforcement service in response to criminal situations involving extreme danger to the officer.

PURPLE HEART
	Awarded for an officer incurring serious injury or death during exposure to hazardous actions or the apprehension of a suspect.

MEDAL OF COURAGE
	Awarded for the display of bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of law enforcement service in response to a non-criminal situation involving extreme danger or a criminal situation involving danger to a lesser degree than required for the Medal of Valor.

MEDAL OF MERIT
	Awarded for conspicuous performance of duties which brings significant status or recognition to the department.

RIBBONS / BADGES
	Special Weapons and Tactics - Awarded to and worn by officers attached or posted to the SFPD SWAT teams.
	Negotiator - Awarded on succesful completion of the crisis negotiation course (4 week course at Academy)
	CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) - Awarded on successful completion of the Crisis Intervention Officer course.
	Community Relations Bureau - Worn by members of the Community Relations Bureau, and attached officers.
	DARE (Drug Awareness & Resistance Education) - Worn by DARE Trained Officers and Schools Liaison Officers.
	Academy Graduate - Awarded to all sworn officers who graduate from Sierra Falls Police Department Academy.
	Long Service Ribbon - Awarded at 15, 20, 30 years service. 15 years is plain ribbon, 20 years is ribbon with bronze leaf, 30 is ribbon with silver leaf.
	Lifesaving Ribbon - Awarded following a meritorious attempt, whether successful or not to save the life of a person.
	Barlow Award - originally presented by Chief of Police Ian Barlow, for the complete shutdown of a drugs cartel in 1981, this ribbon is awarded to all officers who assist in the successful conviction of a Serious Drug Supply Syndicate (Cocaine/MDMA)
	Hanoishi Award - awarded for exceptional service to the community. Usually awarded following numerous letters of appreciations from community members/leaders.
	Officer of the Year - awarded to officers voted by their colleagues and superiors as officer of the year. One officer from the Department is awarded this per year. More than one award is denoted by a bronze cluster for each additional year, and a silver cluster for each group of five years.

Radio Codes and Procedures

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:46:10 CST

Although radio messages are often passed in clear speech, various 'status codes' and '10 codes' (i.e. "Ten-Four") are given to indicate to dispatchers and other officers the current status of officers, without jeopardising confidentiality. The following codes and phrases shall be used, when applicable, in local radio transmissions: Officer Needs Help. This emergency call shall be broadcast when immediate aid is required by an officer. 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 other available units in the vicinity *shall* respond "Code Two." An "Officer Needs Help" call shall not be broadcast when "assistance" only is needed. The Department will provide assistance and respond to "Officer Needs Help" calls within the City when requested by the CHP and SMSD. The senior officer of the agency requesting emergency assistance shall be in charge of the incident unless the incident involves a situation which is the responsibility of the other agency, in which case the senior officer of the responsible agency will be in charge. Firefighter Needs Help. This emergency call shall be broadcast when immediate police assistance is required because firefighters are being attacked, attack is imminent, or other emergency exists. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three" and other available units in the vicinity *shall* respond "Code Two." Officer Needs Assistance. This call shall be broadcast when additional aid is required by an officer. The officer requesting shall include the location, followed by the unit identification and all other pertinent information, including the reason for request. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Two" and other available units in the vicinity *shall* respond when practicable. Firefighter Needs Assistance. This call shall be broadcast when police assistance is required due to hostile crowd action or other incident. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Two" and other available units in the vicinity *shall* respond, when practicable. Back up Unit Request. This call shall be broadcast when an additional unit is required by an officer. The officer requesting shall include the location, followed by the unit identification and all other pertinent information. *Only* the specific unit dispatched shall respond. The request shall be canceled when, prior to the arrival of the assigned back up unit, it is determined that an additional unit will not be needed. "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. Communications Division will broadcast advisory information concerning pursuits by the CHP and SMSD within the City. Department personnel shall not become involved in CHP pursuits on the freeways unless for serious felonies committed within the City of Sierra Falls. Code One. A radio call accompanied by a "Code One " designation is a non-urgent, "prompt" call and shall be answered as soon as practicable, but in the next 48 hours. The lights and siren shall not be used, and all traffic laws shall be observed. 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. 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. Exemption from provisions of the Vehicle Code (Division 11) is granted. Lights and siren may be used if practicable. Any call may justify a "Code Three" if any of the following elements are present: - A serious public hazard. - The preservation of life. - A crime of violence in progress. - The prevention of a crime of violence. - An immediate pursuit. - A unit at the scene requests another unit "Code Three." The final decision for the use of "Code Three," other than in response to a directed radio call, shall be made by the vehicle operator. An officer shall immediately broadcast his intention to proceed "Code Three" when the decision is based on other than a directed police radio call. The "Code Three" broadcast shall include the nature and location of the activity and, when known, the starting point, route of travel, and destination. When the "Code Three" has been terminated, the officer shall notify Communications Division as soon as practicable. When more than one unit is "Code Three" in the same general area, they shall be notified by Communications Division that other units are "Code Three" in the vicinity. 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. 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. Units on "Code Six" status shall remain available for reassignment to priority calls by monitoring their radio frequencies. A unit on "Code Six" status may indicate to the dispatcher additional circumstances which will make the unit unavailable for assignment to a priority 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 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. The control operator shall instruct the unit to "Stand By" until it can be determined whether the request can be immediately granted. If the request cannot be granted, the control operator shall instruct the unit to "Continue Patrol." If the request is granted, the control operator shall inform the unit "OK for Seven." Code Ten. This call is broadcast when a clear frequency is required to check a suspect for wants and/or warrants. When an officer desires a clear frequency to check a suspect for wants and/or warrants, he/she shall: - Determine that the frequency is not in use; - Identify himself/herself with his or her unit number; - Request "Code Ten," and state the number of suspects to be checked; and, - Indicate whether suspects are juveniles. Code Twelve. An officer who responds to a "Code Thirty," "Code Thirty Adam," "Code Thirty Ringer," "Code Thirty Victor," or a 211 silent, and determines that there is no evidence of a burglary or robbery, and it appears that the false alarm was caused by equipment malfunction or subscriber error, shall broadcast "Code Twelve," the address, and firm name, if any. Code Thirty. This call is broadcast for general information when a silent burglar alarm has been reported by an alarm company or by an automatic tape message. Units in the vicinity should respond to the call but remain available for calls unless it is necessary to go "Code Six" for the purpose of assistance or investigation. Code Thirty Adam. This call is broadcast when a silent burglar alarm has been reported by an alarm company and the location is being monitored audibly. Units in the vicinity should respond to the call but remain available for calls unless it is necessary to go "Code Six" for the purpose of assistance or investigation. If the location appears to be secure, officers shall ascertain, via Communications, whether the alarm company is monitoring any activity within the location. Code Thirty Ringer. This call is broadcast when a Communications dispatcher receives information that a ringing burglar alarm has been activated. Units in the vicinity should respond to the call but remain available for calls unless it is necessary to go "Code Six" for the purpose of assistance or investigation. Code Thirty Victor. This call is broadcast when a visual verification alarm has been activated. Upon receipt of the alarm activation and the display of photographs depicting an intruder, the alarm company will notify Communications Division. A unit shall be dispatched to respond to the call immediately. Officers responding shall only be interrupted to perform police work of major importance or to respond to a higher priority radio call. Code Thirty Seven. Communications Division Radio Telephone Operators running want/warrant information for field personnel shall broadcast a "Code Thirty Seven" when stolen vehicle information is returned on vehicle license numbers. Field personnel shall employ appropriate defensive tactics and/or report pertinent information such as location, direction of travel, vehicle description, until control is assured. When the suspect(s) are under the complete control of sworn officers or additional assistance is not required, field employees shall broadcast a "Code Four" in response to a "Code Thirty Seven." Code 100. This code shall be broadcast by a field unit to notify other units that a possible escape route of a suspect from a crime scene is under temporary surveillance. The term "Code 100" shall be broadcast in the following sequence: Unit identification; "Code 100;" and, the location.

Radio Communication Terms:

AC	Aircraft crash.
FB	Fallen Balloon.
QT	Secrecy required regarding location.
211	Robbery
311	Indecent exposure
390	Drunk male.
390W	Drunk female.
407	Minor disturbance
407FC	Firecrackers
415	Disturbance
459	Burglary
484	Theft
484PS	Purse/Bag Snatch
502	Under the influence driver
586	Illegal Parking
586E	Car parked blocking driveway
Roger	Message received, will comply
Come In	You are being called
Stand by	Wait until a suitable answer is determined / do not transmit
Go Ahead	Proceed with your message
Repeat	Repeat your message
Out	Out of service; not available for call (used when no other specific code applies and shall be followed by the reason).
Clear	No calls outstanding against unit; available for call. When reporting on duty, units equipped with two way radios and engaged in either uniformed or plainclothes patrol shall report “Clear” and indicate the watch to which they are assigned.
Want	Determine whether a vehicle is wanted or is to be held.
No Want	No want or hold on subject or vehicle of inquiry.
Warrant	Vehicle warrant information.
DMV	Information regarding vehicle registration.
Juvenile Check	Determine whether there is want, hold, or criminal record for juvenile subject.
End of Watch	Unit has completed tour of duty.


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. SUPPLEMENTAL BROADCAST OF CRIME DESCRIPTION. As soon as practicable after the initial brief information concerning the occurrence of a crime has been relayed to a communications operator for broadcast, supplemental information, including a detailed description of the suspect, shall be relayed to the operator. These suspects' descriptions shall follow the sequence as outlined in the related crime report. 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. AVAILABILITY WHILE ON NON PRIORITY CALLS. Field units assigned non priority ("Code One") calls, as well as units on "Code Six" status, shall remain available for reassignment to priority calls by monitoring their radio frequencies. Units reassigned to a priority call shall be responsible for the completion of their non priority call(s). Officers shall explain their change in status to the reporting person. Communications Division shall be notified when officers are prepared to resume the handling of their non priority call(s). Officers unable to resume the handling of their non-priority call(s) shall notify Communications Division. If officers assigned to a non priority call determine that additional circumstances exist which preclude their reassignment to a priority call, they shall broadcast a "Code Six" indicating the circumstances. 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, i.e. "Code 1" ASSIGNMENT OF PRIORITY CALLS-NO AVAILABLE UNITS. Communications Division shall handle priority calls in the following manner whenever there are no units available in the Area of occurrence: The call shall be broadcast for "any available unit," with the nature of the call, the address, and the code; If no units respond to the "any available unit" broadcast, the dispatcher shall broadcast one long electronic tone signal on the concerned Area's radio frequency. The tone signal alerts units assigned non priority calls to stand by for possible reassignment to a priority call; and, The dispatcher shall assign the priority call to the appropriate unit.

Ranks

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:40:03 CST

	Chief of Police This rank is reserved for the sole officer who has responsibility for the entirety of the Sierra Falls Police Department. This position will not be played by a player character
	Assistant Chief of Police The rank of Assistant Chief of Police is that of officers who have responsibility over the three branches of the SFPD. Those being the Office of Operations, the Office of Support Services and the Chief of Staff. This position will not be played by a player character
	Deputy Chief of Police The rank of Deputy Chief of Police is that of specific division heads. Those being Uniformed Services Group, Investigations Group, Professional Standards Bureau. This position will not be played by a player character
	Commander The rank of Commander is that of some unit, district and administritive commanders. Generally officers in the rank of Commander and above would posess post-graduate education and 25 years or more police service. This position will not be played by a player character
	Captain The rank of Captain is awarded to officers in Sierra Falls Police Department who are in command of specific large units, or small-to-medium sized divisions or districts. Captains will generally have around 15 years police service prior to promotion.
	Lieutenant The rank of Lieutenant is awarded to officers in SFPD who are in command of small-to-medium sized units, or specific sections of divisions or districts. Lieutenants will generally have around 7 or more years police service. Two years service as a Sergeant is required and a pass at the Command Officer Examination to be promoted to Lieutenant.
	Sergeant / Detective Sergeant The rank of Sergeant is awarded to supervisors of shifts or small sections of units or divisions. Officers must have 3 or more years police service and have passed the Sergeant Examination to be promoted to Sergeant. Detective Sergeants must have also passed the Detective Examination and may have previous service as a Detective.
	Police Officer I / Detective I Police Officer I (1st Class) is awarded to officers with 5 years service as a police officer. Detective I is awarded to Detectives with 2 years service as a Detective. There is no seniority between Police Officer I / II / III or Detective I / II. Ranks are merely honorary and to denote service level.
	Police Officer II / Detective II Police Officer II is awarded to officers who have completed their 1 year probationary period. Police Officers may apply for the Detective Examination at any point after being awarded Police Officer II rank, however they will not be eligible to take up post as a Trainee Detective until they have completed 2 years service. There is no seniority between Police Officer I / II / III or Detective I / II. Ranks are merely honorary and to denote service level.
No rank insignia	Police Officer III Police Officer III (Probationer) is awarded to officers on completion of Academy Training. The Probationer rating is maintained until the officer has completed 1 years service (from being enrolled into Academy). There is no seniority between Police Officer I / II / III or Detective I / II. Ranks are merely honorary and to denote service level.

Procedure

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:38:12 CST

This page contains some basic information on police procedure in Sierra Falls, and how the department operates. It will be subject to regular update as things are drawn up and added in game.

Shift Pattern

Probably one of the most uncomprehensible parts of any police department is the shift pattern. All Police Departments need to be available at all hours of day or night. Obviously some times of day require more officers than others. Uniform duty groups or shifts work a regular shift pattern which repeats itself every 7 days. Detective Bureau, and most other non-uniform units (inc IA and Command), do not work shifts. Instead the majority of the unit is on duty 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday. A team of two detectives per district will cover during nights and weekends. Detectives working weekends are given two days off of their choice in the week they are covering. In Anti-Crime units shifts are created the respective unit commander. This is due to the need for these units to deviate their work time for specific operations etc

Radio Procedure

Another subject that is often misunderstood by non-police is the procedure used on radio.

Over? or Out? or Over and Out? - Modern-day digital radio technology allows users to be alerted when another terminal is transmitting and when it stops transmitting. The new Airwave system used by SFPD quietly bleeps at both the start and end of any transmission. Hence the need for the use of 'over' (indicating the end of a transmission) is no longer necessary. It is however suggested it is used when passing a registration or name - to indicate there is nothing more.

Out - the word out should not be used by officers. This word signifies the end of communication, officers should always be aware of radio traffic whether it is to them or another officer, and should never be 'out' in case of emergency. Dispatch may use out to signify the end of a communication with a particular officer.

-- e.g:
Officer: "4-adam-40, person check on surname SMITH. John Robert, born May 5th, 83"
Dispatch: +4-adam-40, John Robert SMITH born 05.05.83 is recorded, previous for assault, robbery and driving under influence, over.+
Officer: "4-adam-40, 10-4."
Dispatch: +Nothing further, Dispatch out.+

"Over and out" - should never be used, it is a contradiction in terms. Over means 'I'm done and waiting for a reply', out means 'Communication finished' so the reply you're supposed to be waiting for you're not bothered about receiving.

Plain Speech or Code - Another common misconception is that police officers use codes and code-words all the time. Only when something is of high-importance or of serious-nature are codes used. i.e. crimes such as rape, murder, robbery - codes are used. Minor assaults, etc - are given in plain speech. Much of the rest of the conversation is also given in plain speech, but you won't be criticised for using either plain speech or code.

Procedure at the scene of a crime

On arrival at a crime scene (of serious nature - i.e. loss of life, life-threatening, loss of limb or comatose injury; robbery; burglary of dwelling houses) officers will endeavour to secure the scene and prevent any contamination of evidence.
Officers who have attended at a crime scene or dealt with a victim, and have not changed clothing and been washed, should where possible arrange for other officers to deal with suspects, to prevent the transfer of fibres, or DNA from the scene/victim to the suspect.

In the event of a crime scene where evidence can be gathered (photographic, body fluid, or comparable evidence - such as clothing fibres, glass fragments, paint transfer, etc), the first officer at the scene should:-

1. ensure a log of persons attending is started (this may be handed on to a designated person at a later stage).
2. contact crime scene investigation officers
3. contact detectives (where applicable)
4. advise supervisory
5. secure and preserve any evidence which may be lost over time or due to environment conditions

In the above event the first officer on seen becomes the Officer In Charge until a member of Supervisory Staff of senior rank takes charge, either in person or via radio.

Officers attending scenes of serious crimes, must as soon as practicable write a statement detailing their actions at the scene, this must be passed to the Detective/Officer In Charge within 24 hours.

Procedure at Road Traffic Collision

Upon receiving a report of a road traffic collision via 911 operators, dispatchers and call handlers should grade the incident with a suitable response (Code 1-3).
Code 1 - no collisions should be graded code 1 (routine).
Code 2 - no injury, all vehicles involved at scene, no blockage to highway.
Code 3 - injury sustained, or persons trapped, or vehicle left scene, or highway blocked.

In any event dispatchers should request the attendance of the nearest available unit, and, if not a Highway Policing Team unit, a HPT unit should also be dispatched.

On arrival at a road traffic collision officers should:-
1. create a safe area for both themselves, civilians and other emergency services to operate (this can be done by closing a road/lane of road, using the vehicle/signs/flares/cones, etc)
2. establish the nature of the collision (damage only, slight injury, serious (life-threatening, loss of limb, comatose) or fatal)

Fatal/Serious Road Traffic Collisions
In the event that the life of a driver, passenger or pedestrian has been lost, or injuries to any of them are life-threatening or may result in a coma or loss of a limb; due to a road traffic collision occuring, the officer at the scene should:-
1. close the road from the point at which the accident is suspected to have begun (initial skid of an involved car, etc)
2. remove all uninvolved persons from the scene
3. record driver, passenger, casualty and witness details on the RT-Collision form
4. record vehicle details, and rough positions on the form
5. arrange for the re-direction of traffic (inc public transport)
On the arrival of Highway Unit officers, the District Officer will pass on all recorded information and any remarks made by drivers/passengers/witnesses to the Highway Unit Officer who will become the Officer In Charge regardless of the rank of District Officers.

Damage Only/Slight Injury Road Traffic Collisions
In the event that there is only slight injury or damage:-
1. record driver/passenger/witness details on Road Traffic Collision (RT-Coll) form
2. record vehicle details (including positions) on the form
3. ensure the road is cleared as soon as possible by arranging recovery of undrivable vehicles.
4. speak to the drivers at the scene, at their home or at a police station and interview them about what occurred to cause the collision.
5. take witness statements from anyone witnessing careless driving or any offences being committed.
6. report the drivers for any offences committed and submit the RT-Coll form to supervisory with 24 hours of the collision.

Public Disorder

Where an incident occurs that has, as deemed by any officer, having the potential to escalate into a large scale public order incident (20 or more persons involved) dispatch should immediately be advised of the situation.

The SFPD Operations Manager, the Lieutenant in charge of the dispatch shift, should immediately:-
- inform a supervisor in the precinct area concerned of the incident;
- notify the on-call senior officer;
- request Operational Support assess the situation.

Division Patrol officers will attend and attempt to disperse any persons should the disorder not be large scale. In the event that large scale disorder has already erupted Operational Support will assume immediate command of the incident and units will attend as directed by them.

Normally, Air Support, and plain clothes officers will be requested to provide an assessment of the situation, prior to any dispersal action being taken. Riot-equipped divisional staff will be requested to provide a perimeter control and prevent further people entering the area of disorder.

SWAT will become riot-equipped and mobilised as soon as possible. SWAT's duty is to disperse all persons at the incident with minimal injury to all involved. Arrests will be made where possible at the time of the incident. Ops Support will also provide video evidence gatherers to accompany SWAT units in order that video evidence of specific individuals can be gained to assist with their apprehension and prosecution.

Phoentic Alphabet

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:31:26 CST

To ease understanding over radio of individual letters, the police adopted a phonetic alphabet. The alphabet employed by the Police Departments across the USA differs somewhat from that used by the aviation industry and military, however it is deemed acceptable for officers to use either format, provided it is easily understood.

A	Adam
B	Boy
C	Charles
D	David
E	Edward
F	Frank
G	George
H	Henry
I	Ida
J	John
K	King
L	Lincoln
M	Mary
N	Nora
O	Ocean
P	Paul
Q	Queen
R	Robery
S	Sam
T	Tom
U	Union
V	Victor
W	William
X	X-Ray
Y	Young
Z	Zebra

Join SFPD

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:00:32 CST

Apply to Join the Game

Before creating a character for the SFPD email game, potential players should send a message to the GM at <enter new e-mail here> to express their interest. The message should cover three things:

The message should describe a little about the player; their experience with sims or role playing games, likes, dislikes, other interests, etc. This will help the GM get to know the potential player to better know if they will be a good fit for the Sierra Falls Police Department.
The message should describe the character the potential player is thinking of playing. This does not have to be a detailed character sketch. It is simply intended to give the GM an idea of what type of character the player is thinking of, so he can make suggestions, or point out any foreseen problems with the initial concept. More detailed information on character development is discussed below.
The message should describe the position the player would like to fill (Homicide Detective, etc). The initial message should contain the players areas of interest. Sometimes, certain positions will not be available and the GM will make an alternate recommendation.

After receipt of a potential player’s application message, the GM will reply via e-mail with suggestions or changes to the initial character sketch. This may include ideas to help the character better fit in the sim, or an explanation why something in the character sketch will not work.

Once the character concept has been ironed out, the player will get the go ahead to write the character’s detailed biography. After the character's biography is written, it should be submitted to the GM for final approval.

Character Creation
The next step in character creation is in creating a biography. In a traditional role playing game there are sets of rules and statistics that govern what abilities and characteristics a character possesses.

In the SFPD e-mail game, the character biography serves this purpose. It explains key points about a character’s life and personality so that other players can visualize and interact with the character correctly when they write their parts of the story. In a way, this simplifies the process, as players do not need to read role playing manuals to figure out how to play their character.

Before creating your character, it would be wise to review the SFOD web site, most notably the database with reference to departments and ranks. While some characters will be fresh from Police Academy, most characters will have been stationed in Department for a while. When creating a biography, please keep this in mind. Also try to keep dates as accurate as possible. The game is currently around 1 month behind present time/date.

The Character Bio Template with descriptions of the categories is below. The Template gives an in depth overview of each of the elements used in character creation.

Full Name - Try to keep your name accurate to the ethnic origin of your character.

Position - Position applied for. The station will be determined by the GM.

Marital Status - Marital status of your character (i.e. single/in relationship/married)

Date of Birth - in the format Month Day, Year (Feb 12, 1980)

Place of Birth - the birthplace of your character, please remember that all US sworn police officers must be US Citizens and therefore have either been born a US citizen or have transferred nationality, requiring a minimum of 5 years stay in a US state.

Height- the height of your character, in any unit.

Weight - the weight of your character, in any unit.

Eyes - Blue, and any remarks regarding eyes

Hair - hair colour and style

Education - dates attended, institute attended and subject/level studied

Service Record :- your characters service record reflects the length of service and expereince of your character in the SFPD. All police officers must complete a 24-week course at a Police Academy prior to going on patrol. Remember that officers will not be eligile for promotion or department transfer until they have a minimum of 2-3 years service. It is also worth noting that detectives will advance from Detective Bureau detectives to other detective specialised departments, and will only 'leapfrog' units in exemptional circumstances. Provide dates of service, position and area in which served and rank.
You may also add any awards or specialist skills/knowledge gained in this section.

Awards/Decorations - Any awards or decorations (see Ribbons page for details), these must be detailed in the character history (below).

Preferred Badge Number - The badge number (up to 8999) preferred for your character.

History - The most important part of the bio, your character's life story to date. Make it as detailed as possible and remember to include points for you to expand upon during your writing. This should be a minimum of 2 paragraphs.

Personality Profile - Describe your character's personality, how they act both in and out of work. Any dislikes they have or specific quirks.

Physical Profile - Describe your character's appearance, any identifying features, etc. You may include their off-duty dress style in this too.

Family - details of parents, siblings, partner/spouse and any children

Hobbies/Interest - what does your character like to do in their spare time

Private Vehicles Owned - What does your character drive when not working?

Home Address - fictional address for your character (include a photo if possible)

Any Other Information - Anything else, not able to be included above should go here.

Writer - Your name or pseudonym and email address for game related post.

Once you have submitted your biography and it has been approved by the GMs, you may be requested to provide writing samples. Not everyone is asked to provide these samples and they will be character specific to demonstrate your writing ability. More information will be given in the email requesting the samples.

Home

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:39:01 CST

Temporary Home of the SFPD

Feel free to look around and add in information for your bio for your character if need be. You may also add in multiple pictures. Just please use something like photobucket to link from!

COULD YOU deal with the problems of a modern-day city?
COULD YOU solve the mysteries surrounding a serial killer?
COULD YOU tell a family that one of their relatives was not coming home?
COULD YOU do all this in a game??

If you've got a character idea and you feel you can write with emotion, intrigue, mystery and above all develop a character so that they seem real, then Sierra Falls PD role playing game would like to consider your application to join one of the finest police departments in California.

Sierra Falls is a fictious, relatively small city set in the central coast region of California, USA, between the cities of San Francisco/San Jose and Los Angeles. SFPD RPG is similar to many role playing games in that the storyline is driven primarily by the writer's themselves and what they want to happen, the game is here to provide an environment for people to write in, and from time-to-time where necessary, events may be directed by the game master in the form of a post from 'dispatch.

For more information on the SFPD RPG itself visit the FAQ section or if you can't wait to get started, please feel free to have a read through the RPG Guidelines and then apply to join.

This game is a proud member of Nova Horizon Simulations.

CSI Roster

shannyfish — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:47:06 CST

Position

Name

Rank

Status

CSI/Forensic Sciences

Crime Scene Investigator

Paxton Vaughn

Civilian

Sierra Falls Police Department - Recently Updated Pages

Officer Prentiss Vaughn

Hallie Vaughn

Paxton Vaughn

K9/Medic/AvWing

Officer Jack Steele

Detective Nicola M. Steele

SWAT Roster

Weapons

Less Than Lethal Options

Firearms - Sidearms

Firearms - Shotgun/Rifle/Specialist

Missing and Wanted Persons

Wanted Persons

Police Vehicles

Important Information:

Marked Patrol Vehicles

Unmarked Vehicles

Uniforms

Standard Patrol Uniform

Utility Patrol Uniform

Level IIIA Ballistic Armor

SWAT Tactical Gear

Uniform Dress Regulations

Non-Uniform Dress Regulations

Ribbons and Awards

MEDALS

RIBBONS / BADGES

Radio Codes and Procedures

Radio Communication Terms:

INITIAL BROADCASTS OF CRIME DESCRIPTION

Ranks

Procedure

Shift Pattern

Radio Procedure

Procedure at the scene of a crime

Procedure at Road Traffic Collision

Public Disorder

Phoentic Alphabet

Join SFPD

Apply to Join the Game

Archives

Home

Temporary Home of the SFPD

Feel free to look around and add in information for your bio for your character if need be. You may also add in multiple pictures. Just please use something like photobucket to link from!

CSI Roster