Police Guide | Onyx Heights

ONYX HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT

THE PREMISE

"Congratulations, Rookie! Welcome to the Onyx Heights Police Department."

Only the 'baddest' men and women from the streets of Onyx Heights are accepted within the Department, and then there's you. Those that show great courage and poise out in public, those who are not afraid to stand against all the evil, those that will not back down from the challenge. If you believe you have what that takes, apply within.

The police department is at the heart of the criminal role-play in Onyx Heights. Since many policing role-play features such as Citations, Arrests, and Case Assignments are designed to award roles to the general population, it’s important to understand the following:

Police players are responsible for exemplary role-play etiquette, a positive attitude with both new and existing players, and maintaining inclusive stories. Every function and feature is designed to encourage player-to-player scenes and weave stories – it is not about simply leveling ranks, following complex hierarchies, and mundane training requirements.
While we do understand that some players may have prior police roleplay experience in other RP Sims there is really no way to show this except through active roleplay. Additionally, the Anarchy Isle world is not linked with any other roleplay sim in Second Life. Because of this, and in order to be fair to all players, all new police offices will start off as Rookies. Rookies have all the same expectations of a normal Officer, so please do not think this hinders your roleplay in any way! Ranking up and earning things in-character is fun!
The Onyx Heights Police Department is not considered “corrupt” but please do not let this refrain from your character being so. “Good Cop vs Bad Cop” is a thing. Just expect in character consequences if your character is caught showing favoritism or anything alike!
- While we do not typically allow 'firing' to keep roleplay fair and fun, do expect to be treated differently if your character opposes the brass within the department. We uphold strong thoughts on ICA (In-Character Actions) = ICC (In-Character Consequences)

GENERAL RULES

When applying for the Police Department please understand we are looking for proper roleplay etiquette. There will be no exceptions to the general rules that are set for Anarchy Isle. No metagaming knowledge, no god modding scenes, and no power gaming under any circumstance.

Police are expected to wait at least a FULL Post Round before posting an approach to the scene. Your character can not just drop in out of thin air - allow those in the scene to see your approach as you assess the situation. This is so you have the general feel on what your character is about to walk into. Understand that Police work is a SUPPORT role for the sim - meant to enhance others stories, while also creating your own.

When using you radio it must always be an attempt even if there is no way to be stopped that you can see. One post to attempt. A second post to RP its success at which point you can post into municipal groups.

When approaching a combative scene, you are expected to follow the same structure as everyone else. Please be reasonable with your attacks/defenses. Doing “too much” within a few seconds is frowned upon. Play fair! The Police Department is respected, and can handle more than the average human. But you’re not a superhero!

When responding to an "Active Shooter" call, your character IS allowed to enter the scene armed. This is the only instance. Again, do not metagame. This must be a CLEAR radio call prior to your entrance, in which you ICly respond to over the Municipal radio.

NPC USAGE

NOTE: NPC’s are to ONLY be used to enhance a scene. By no means will you use them to provide yourself, or the Police Department, an unfair advantage. If there are players active in the scene, there should be absolutely NO NPC’s involved. NPCs give players no room to react, or seek plausible retaliation. If you abuse this, there will be consequences and possible termination.

There are various NPC’s that the department has. And it is plausible to believe that there is always someone in the bullpen and jail area alike. These NPCs are NOT to be used outside of the station. And are believed to be incapable of any actual help on the streets. They are limited to desk duties and dispatching.

Players are encouraged to make some NPC's within Anarchy Isle themselves. The infamous fat bastard cop that is too lazy to walk down the stairs and assist inmates? Yeah, he's around... somewhere. Name him. Have fun. Laugh! Just be engaging without abusing.

Using a NPC in a scene to “assist” your character in combat is NOT allowed. This is to encourage players to roleplay together. Take a partner out on a patrol, or follow up on a Detective case together. Not with Timmy the NPC running around with a long rifle.

There will be times that there is LEAD or ADMIN approval to use NPCs. But these cases are rare. If you need such “backup” please contact your lead and/or Staff to plan a scene like this out. These times could include, but are not limited to, raids – gang attacks – SWAT dealings and more!

UNIFORM / DRESS CODE

At the current moment, we do not have an "official" uniform to use. All that is required is a Standard looking Police Department Uniform that is BLACK. We suggest Wazzer Uniforms, but you can piece together your own as long as it stays Professional looking with the following guidelines:

While on patrol, Officers will be expected to appear well-groomed at all times and follow the dress code. Officers failing to follow the dress code will face administrative consequences that can range from suspension to dismissal, depending on severity and repeat offenses (IC consequences).

The uniform for Officers on patrol should consist of black tactical shirt or t-shirt, black tactical cargos, black combat boots. Cutoffs, crop tops and anything considered revealing is not allowed ICly.

Detectives and higher ranking officers may wear business-casual plain clothes, but must keep a professional look I.E. slacks, button ups, skirts, blouses, dress shoes.

Approved Utilities

Standard Issued Radio – If requesting backup, make sure to radio into your Municipal Chat in world to communicate with other ON DUTY Officers. (See Radio Usage for more information)
Taser – Google basic usage of a taser before using it.
Tactical Baton
Pepper Spray
Handcuffs & Zip Ties
Standard Issued Firearm (9mm and Semi Auto ONLY)
Vest – You may take 2 hits to the vest before it is rendered useless. NO extra plating, as it takes a bit to change those out. Play fair!
Officers CAN use a shotgun or even a SEMI Auto Rifle. But will not have them on their person at all times. They can have them in their vehicles, or stashed in the gunlocker within the Police Department. If caught out in the streets with such items, without plausible cause, might warrant questions from Brass!

NOTE: There will be “special” equipment issued to officers to help deal with gang Issues. Not all Officers will have access to these items, these are limited to special events that only brass can approve of. Unsure? Check your notices or contact your lead! Communication is key.

VEHICLES

We understand people may come with their own vehicles. And that's awesome! In order to drive your own personal vehicle please make sure you're following the RENTAL rules. There are cars along the Police Department that are open for anyone to use. These are provided to enhance scenes for everyone, even the criminals!

Understand, patrol Officers ONLY may drive the MARKED squad cars unless approved to be in the Detective vehicles and/or SUVs.

CAREER PATHS

All players, including players coming in with experience from other sims will be expected to show their experience, dedication to the role, and roleplay skills by working as Rookies on probation for 30 days while “paperwork” comes through, after which they will be eligible for promotion to Patrol Officer (P2). For those who make the extra effort, there is also a "Rookie Fast Track" which outlines all that is needed to become an officer as soon as the character is able to meet the requirements.

Officers are promoted as needed due to their IC roleplay, helpfulness and commitment to the force. If you want the higher ranking, please note we do pay attention and we see you! Create stories, seek IC ways to stand out and stay positive!

Promotions happen on an as-needed basis, but this doesn't this hinder your roleplay. Officers and senior Detectives alike will all work cases in efforts to bring criminals in. It's not dominated by one group. Many officers still investigate on a detectives behalf. Do the job to earn the job!

PATROL

DETECTIVE

COMMAND

ARRESTS & CITATIONS

It is no secret that the Police Department here in Onyx Heights is corrupt at the core. While your character might not be the bad cop, many in the department are! The Mayor is highly encouraging of this and even covers it up to the common public.

With that being said, many criminals will find themselves being arrested for mundane crimes. Things they might have not even done! Of course, this comes with the risk of those pesky lawyers down the line but the Mayor does not care. The income into the Department is the only goal in mind, to most senior Brass members!

Check out our in Depth Arrest guidelines! And if you have any questions, or need guidance, reach out in our discord or to the Department lead! We're here to help.

ARREST & CITATION GUIDELINES

INMATE PROTOCOLS

Remember, we appreciate our criminals! They give the Officers something to look forward to during Roleplay. And with that, we need to show them that appreciation when they are locked up.

ALL Officers are REQUIRED to do at least ONE follow-up scene after any arrest. This is simply to make sure that stories are flowing.

Arrest roleplay should be looked at the same as capture roleplay. There are limits, and we must respect those. Communicate with inmates to make sure they are happy on an out-of-character level prior to going on your patrols.

Get creative. There is an inmate yard at your expense. Want to humiliate a pain in the ass criminal publicly? Go for it. Take them to ISO to have some unrecorded one-on-one time where there's no holds barred. Pit the inmates against one another in a Royal Rumble within the cell block. The Police Department is your playground as a Cop. Just remember, ICA = ICC.

CAMERAS AND CCTV

It’s the twenty-first century! There are cameras everywhere around Onyx Heights and even within the Onyx Heights Police Department. Remember, if you plan on using camera footage in anyway to roleplay out that there is a camera in view that way all parties can react accordingly.

Cops are allowed to wear body cams that record the events that are happening. Remember to post this in your scenes. Wearing hover text is not enough. It needs to be written for the sake of chat logs.

CCTV usage from ANY business must be approved by the business lead to be used. In the event there is not an active lead of the business, an admin will need to grant that approval with the Notecard of the events - in it’s entirety. This must be a scene where an Officer goes to that business and has direct contact with the player lead. NONE OF THIS should be NPC’d to avoid any issues.

Any recorded footage, in any capacity, needs to be agreed upon by all parties involved. The cop, the victims (even if they are not present). Consent, consent, consent. Communication is not hard. Cameras can lead to iffy “metagaming” accusations. So this is enforced to avoid any of that happening.

Remember, anything you EVER use against another player in a harmful way, needs to be communicated between all parties involved.

CCTV within and around the Onyx Heights Police Department is ONLY obtainable by COMMAND ranking Officers.

Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains and above

CCTV Within and around the Onyx Heights Police Department can ONLY be tampered or deleted by the Captain OR the Chief of Police.

Cameras are positioned all around the Onyx Heights Police Department. They are non-negotiable. The only camera that can be turned “off” is the one in the interrogation room and in solitary there is NO camera. This is free reign for your sick minds.

MAIN POINT: If you plan on using recorded footage, in any shape or form, against another player, make sure you gain that OOC consent.

INTAKE AND RELEASE

This is a huge area where senior ranking Officers are encouraged to help new hires. The intake process can offer tons of Roleplay. From everyone's favorite strip searching's, to holding criminals belongings hostage.

Upon being booked into Hotel OHPD, inmates will be logged into the system. Their fingerprints inserted to trace them to any known cases they're involved with, to their ID be scanned for future raids.

The Jail cells are coed. Meaning, guys and girls can be mixed up. Rival gangs locked up at the same time? That's an Officers paradise. Have fun and promote as much chaotic roleplay as your little heart desires.

The bail out process can be done after an inmate as served a minimum amount of their sentence. This needs to be logged on their arrest report clearly so there is no confusion. Officers (with consent) may BLOCK an inmate from being bailed out. This furthers stories and builds hatred within the streets! Do keep in mind, this will typically warrant severe consequences but tons of fun!

Please regard to our complete guide for any questions you might have! This can be a learning curve, and never hesitate to reach out to staff or your lead to assistance.