[size=120][color=#c0392b][b]Section 1 - Introduction to the Department[/b] [b]Our Mission[/b][/color][/size] to enforce the law fairly and within constitutional authority; to be proactive in our approach to crime prevention; to enhance public trust through accountability; to maintain a constitutionally sound and rehabilitative approach to incarceration; to provide a safe and secure court system; to maintain peace and order; and to work in partnership with the communities we serve to ensure the highest possible quality of life. [size=120][color=#c0392b][b]Our Core Values[/b][/color][/size] COURAGE - COMPASSION - PROFESSIONALISM - ACCOUNTABILITY - RESPECT With integrity, compassion, and courage, we serve our communities-- protecting life and property, being diligent and professional in our acts and deeds, holding ourselves and each other accountable for our actions at all times, while respecting the dignity and rights of all. [size=120][color=#c0392b][b]Earning the Public Trust Every Day![/b] [b]Code of Conduct[/b][/color][/size] All deputies are expected to hold themselves and each other to the highest standard at all times. All officers are expected to protect and serve the citizens of Rockford to the fullest extent of their training and knowledge. Tied in with the Code of Conduct, all Deputies are expected to uphold the EdgeGamers Code of Conduct and specific server rules listed for the GTA server.[b]Discretion[/b] A deputy will use responsibly the discretion vested in his position and exercise it within the law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the officer's determinations, and the deputy will consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether any legal action shall be taken. Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional policing competence, will do much to preserve good relationships and retain the confidence of the public. There can be difficulty in choosing between conflicting courses of action. It is important to remember that a timely word of advice rather than arrest, which may be correct in appropriate circumstances can be more effective means of achieving the desired level. [size=120][color=#c0392b][b]Department Suggestions/Questions[/b][/color][/size] Please follow your chain of command if you have a question or place the suggestion/question in the suggestion forum on this website. Going straight to a command staff member may be met with disciplinary action. [color=#c0392b][b]Probable Cause[/b][/color] Probable cause is a suspicion based upon actual facts and/or evidence of a person having committed a crime or is currently committing a crime. Probable cause is enough to search and arrest upon. [color=#c0392b][size=120][b]Reasonable Suspicion[/b][/size][/color] Reasonable suspicion is the LEO using their knowledge and training to suspect a crime that may have happened, or may be in progress not based upon actual fact or evidence. Reasonable suspicion is not enough to arrest, search, or seize upon. Hard facts and evidence (probable cause) must prevail. Reasonable suspicion is enough for a LEO to stop and detain if the LEO feels a crime has, or is being committed. [color=#c0392b][size=120][b]Chain of Command[/b][/size][/color] Chain of Command must be followed at all times, please take questions first to a Master Deputy, if they do not know the answer then they will direct you to the most appropriate person. While command and supervisors are always willing to help and take questions, it is best for all of us if you follow the chain of command. [color=#c0392b][size=120][b]Ten Codes/Phonetic Alphabet:[/b][/size][/color] [b]10-2[/b]: Sufficient [b]10-4[/b]: OK [b]10-6[/b]: Busy [b]10-7[/b]: Out of Service [b]10-8[/b]: In Service [b]10-9[/b]: Repeat [b]10-13:[/b] Emergency! Officer Down [b]10-19[/b]: Enroute [b]10-20[/b]: Location [b]10-22[/b]: Disregard [b]10-23[/b]: On Scene [b]10-36[/b]: Traffic Stop [b]10-41[/b]: On Duty [b]10-42[/b]: Off Duty [b]10-50[/b]: Motor Vehicle Acciden t[b]10-51[/b]: Requesting Tow Truck/Tow Truck [b]10-52[/b]: Requesting Ambulance/Ambulance [b]10-80:[/b] Vehicle Pursuit [b]Signal 100[/b]: Emergency Traffic Only [b]211 (In Progress):[/b] Robbery  [b]Code 0 -[/b] Game Crash [b]Code 1 -[/b] Responding no lights or sirens, following traffic laws [b]Code 2 -[/b] Responding with lights, sirens/horn through intersections, normal speed [b]Code 3 -[/b] Responding with lights and sirens, escalated speed. [b]Code 4 -[/b] Scene Secure - No Additionals Needed.  [size=120][color=#c0392b][b]Terms:[/b][/color][/size] Direct - Heading in a particular direction or at a particular person, until advised otherwise. [b]This policy sets standards for the use of force by Rockford Sheriff deputies in the line of duty.[/b] [color=#c0392b][size=120][b]Use of Force:[/b][/size][/color] Rockford Sheriff deputies will use only reasonable force to accomplish lawful objectives. Lawful objectives include effecting an arrest, preventing escape, preventing injury, preventing damage to property, and maintaining or restoring order. Officers will never use force to punish an offender. A deputy may use deadly force only when the deputy reasonably believes that the action is in defense of human life, including the deputies own life, or in defense of any person in imminent danger of serious physical injury. The Department will not tolerate unreasonable or unnecessary use of force. There is no requirement to use levels of force in sequence or to directly match the behavior of the subject. For example, if a deputy arrives on scene, witnesses a suspect stabbing a victim with no hesitation upon the deputies arrival, a deputy may be justified in using lethal force. Once the violator has complied and become cooperative, the escalation of force by the deputy must cease. Deputies will not strike or attempt to strike individuals who are handcuffed or who have been otherwise sufficiently restrained unless such person is attempting to kick, bite, or otherwise assault the deputy and the deputy cannot otherwise reasonably avoid such assault and still carry out the deputies assigned duties. Firearms are not to be discharged from any moving vehicle or at any moving vehicle except when necessary in the defense of the deputies life, or the life of another person. When jeopardy is no longer present, deputies may not fire from or at any moving vehicle.