Little Creek County Sheriff Handbook

• Trainee to Deputy: Recommended by FTO and completion of exams/checklists/interviews
• Deputy to Undersheriff: Confirmation by Sheriff or AG or Judge
• Undersheriff to Sheriff: Appointment by AG or Chief Marshal
• To Marshal: Chosen by Chief Marshal, MUST send letter of interest

The chain of command MUST be respected at all times. Failure to follow will result in disciplinary action. You must go to the next highest rank to handle an issue unless that person is not available or is the issue.

• Marshals oversee all investigations for SOP violations or penal code violations
• Violations by Undersheriff must be handled at AG/Judge/Chief Marshal level
• Corruption vs. Incompetence:
  • Corruption: Consistent serious SOP violations and criminal acts
  • Incompetence: SOP violations rather than criminal acts
• Undersheriffs may fire for incompetence but not corruption

• Permitted to engage in legal profit-earning jobs while on duty (hunting, farming, etc.)
• Must STOP and respond to alerts immediately
• Assist all people you encounter - take a helping approach
• No undercover operations unless cooperating with on-duty Marshal
• Must remain in full uniform for contraband calls and stakeouts unless approved by marshal or DOJ
• May ignore simple fist fights unless help is requested or life is endangered

• Conviction of crime while off duty results in termination
• Do not directly interfere with on-duty LEOs
• May ask/be asked for assistance but do not interfere
• Off duty LEOs cannot refuse help requests from on-duty lawmen
• Do not wear uniform while off duty
• Those on administrative leave, suspension, or LOA prohibited from assisting

• Blacklisting requires approval by Chief Justice and Attorney General
• "Non-judicial punishment" may be used if not violating Constitution, Penal Code, or embarrassing/demeaning
• Examples: Additional patrols, planting crops, odd jobs
• Undersheriffs may issue strikes for SOP violations or conduct unbecoming

Terminations

• Reasons: Insufficient Activity, Poor Performance, Breach of SOPs, Criminal conviction, failure to pass training
• Terminated lawmen removed from police roster and notified via IC mail with right to appeal

Prosecutorial Discretion

The Attorney General, District Attorney, or Assistant District Attorney has full and final authority to alter any charges or corresponding penalties.

Plea Bargains

Negotiations where suspect exchanges information for reduced sentencing. Can only be made by DOJ (Judge, ADA, DA, AG) or a Marshal.

Discretion of Penalty

Sheriffs and above may offer reduced penalties (no more than 50%) for first-time offenders, cooperative suspects, or situations warranting leniency.

Right to Lawyer

Suspects always have right to attorney if they ask (we do not provide one). Attorney has 15 minutes to arrive before sentencing. Lawyers allowed in jail privately after being searched.

Speaking to Attorneys

LEOs need only provide charge information to private attorneys. Further information requires court appeal or speaking with ADA/DA/AG. Private attorneys may ONLY meet clients at police station or courthouse.

Warrants

Can be requested by Sergeant and above, processed through Department Chief or Sheriff, signed by judge.

Evidence

Physical evidence must be kept for Judge, AG, and Defense to see. Photographic evidence suffices if physical evidence not present.

Witnesses

Critical for upholding charges. Collect names, PO numbers, statements (preferably mailed), and store photographic evidence/screenshots.

Reasonable Suspicion

Based on observations that any reasonable person would conclude a crime has been/is about to be committed. Basis for temporary detainment and questioning, NOT full search.

• Examples:
  • Contraband alert with only one citizen in area
  • Contraband alert with known distributor in area
  • Bank alarm with someone running from bank
  • Bank alarm with masked person in area

Probable Cause

Totality of information that a crime has been committed and the person committed it. Required for search of person/horse/wagon and arrest.

• Examples:
  • LEO witnesses crime being committed
  • Corroborating witness statements from credible witnesses
  • Judge issues warrant based on evidence
  • Contraband alert with observed handoff and second alert

Release of Evidence and Arrest Records: ONLY the AG, DA, ADA, or a Judge may authorize release to non-DOJ members (including suspects or private attorneys).

• LEOs are first and foremost charged with crime prevention through active presence, patrolling, communication, and visibility
• Proactive law enforcement is more effective than reactive
• Communication and trust with populace is key
• Priority areas (highest to lowest):
  • Towns
  • Forts
  • Residences of Government Officials
  • Banks
  • General Stores
  • Key interest areas (mining, logging)
  • Commonly traveled roads
  • Trains
  • Private residences
• Everything you do reflects upon all LEOs - act accordingly!
• Get witness statements from bystanders, hostages, victims

• Approach slowly and assess threats/risks
• Only proceed if safe, otherwise observe until safe
• First on scene establishes command and control
• Use elevation and avoid "fatal funnels" (doorways, halls, alleys)
• Segregate involved and uninvolved persons
• Be polite but firm when asking people to leave area
• Maintain vigilance to prevent tampering with evidence
• Use multiple individuals from different directions when confronting suspects

• State to suspect they are being detained/arrested when handcuffing/hogtieing
• Move suspect to safe location (preferably horse or wagon)
• Bring to station once scene is clear
• If detained 45 minutes and jail time is 60 months, send for 15 months (includes attorney wait time)
• Time begins after reading charges and should not exceed 45 minutes
• If alone, do not keep in custody while finishing report

• Search anyone on police property unless directed by Law Command or DOJ
• Search all arrested persons and seize contraband to evidence locker
• Fleeing or evading gives probable cause to search person and horse/wagon (must be seen)
• Passengers of fleeing wagon may be detained and questioned but not searched without probable cause
• Being in narcotic areas or gang territory is NOT probable cause for search

• Lead Negotiator in charge of hostage care
• Absurd demands ($10,000 and wagon) will be ignored
• No weapons, equipment, or LEO property given in negotiations
• Hostages cannot be used to swap for prisoners or LEOs
• Money transfers must be done in person
• Negotiation ends if no proof of life or hostage execution
• Headstarts accepted but no more than 5 seconds

Grave Robbery

• Detain suspect on site and search pockets
• Confirm possession of shovel
• If contraband found: charge with grave robbing and possession
• If no contraband: take ID and write incident report
• If no one present: take notes and wait for backup

Fort Robbery

• Monitor for snipers and exit points from distance
• Do not approach until full assessment of targets/enemies
• Consider reasonable terms in negotiations, not just lockpicking

Bank/Store/Wagon Robbery

• First on scene establishes contact, backup sets perimeter
• Secure perimeter around robbery
• Non-involved persons remain outside perimeter
• Those entering perimeter told to leave or detained for obstruction
• Position detained civilians to prevent scene intelligence
• No horse traffic in perimeter
• Few watch bank for exits, most handle outside threats and perimeter security

BOLOs (Be On Look Out)

Informational only - not for initiating arrests. Used when activity/person seen but identity unknown.

Warrants

Issued when suspect identity known through witness/evidence. Required for arrest after the fact.

Bounties

Issued when warrant exists but suspect cannot be found or bounty hunters requested.