Ohio - Police - Fire - EMS

OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to the Ohio State Highway Patrol! This handbook details all the
policies, guidelines and procedures of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. All the
information in this handbook has to be followed by all deputies within the
Highway Patrol and all new deputies are required to read and complete the
following policies, guidelines and procedures below. The information below are to
ensure deputy safety and realistic game play for all members of OSHP (Ohio State
Highway Patrol). A deputy within the Training Unit will quiz all new Cadets on the
information in this handbook to ensure you have read and completed the policies,
guidelines and procedures below. If you have any questions please contact your
Field training Officer.
Updated: 4/2/2016

Phonetic Alphabet

SYMBOL SPELLING SYMBOL SPELLING

A ADAM 0 ZERO
B BOY 1 ONE
C CHARLES 2 TWO
D DAVID 3 THREE
E EDWARD 4 FOUR
F FRANK 5 FIVE
G GEORGE 6 SIX
H HENRY 7 SEVEN
I IDA 8 EIGHT
J JOHN 9 NINER
K KING
L LINCOLN
M MARY
N NORA
O OCEAN
P PAUL
Q QUEEN
R ROBERT
S SAM
T TOM
U UNION
V VICTOR
W WILLIAM
X X-RAY
Y YOUNG
Z ZEBRA
Codes and Signals

I. Codes:
SIGNALS
1 Contact Sherif 37 Out of Service / On Scene

3 Contact Chief Deputy 39 Location

5 Contact Headquarters 41 On Portable
7 Registration Check 43 Home
7A Stolen Check 45 Universal Medical Precautions

9 Misc. Complaint 47 Report

11 Arrest Record Check 49 Radio Repair
11A Driver's License Check 51 Cannot Answer
13 Special Detail 53 Coroner
15 Subpoena / Paper Service 55 **Subject Wanted**
15A Warrant 57 All OK
17 Meet with Person 59 Disregard
19 Call Person by Phone 61 E.T.A.
21 Prisoner 63 Negative
23 Eating (Provide Location) 65 En Route
25 Headquarters 67 Gone on Arrival
25A East District Office 69 Advised
27 **Emergency Run** 71 Unable to Copy
29 Emergency Squad 73 Computer Down
31 Wrecker 75 Transport Detail
33 In Service 77 Improper Radio Procedure

35 On Patrol 79 Homeland Security Alert

99 **Emergency Radio Traffic**

 CODES
2 Non - Injury Crash 48 Rape
4 Injury Crash 48A Sex Ofense
4A Fatal Crash 48B Indecent Exposure
6 Aircraft Crash 50 Robbery
8 Assault 50A Robbery In Progress
10 Assist Other Unit 50B Strong Arm Robbery
12 Burglary 52 Shooting
12A Burglary in Progress 54 Stabbing
14 Bad Check / Forgery 56 Stolen Vehicle
16 D.O.A. 58 Suicide
18 Dog Bite 58A Attempted Suicide
20 Domestic Dispute 60 Suspicious Person
22 Drowning 60A Suspicious Vehicle
24 Intoxicated / Impaired Person 62 Traffic Detail
24A Impaired Driver 62A Traffic Stop
26 Fight 62B Traffic Complaint
28 Fire 64 Vandalism
28A Vehicle Fire 66 **Jailbreak or Escape**

30 Gambling 68 Menacing / Telephone Harassment

32 Homicide 68A Bomb Threat

34 Juvenile 70 Drugs / Narcotics
36 Theft 72 Disabled Vehicle
38 Missing Person 74 Stranded Motorist
40 Gun 76 Neighbor Complaint
40A Knife 78 **Riot**
42 **Nature Unknown** 80 Livestock on Roadway
44 **OFFICER IN TROUBLE** 82 E.D.P. (Emotionally Disturbed Person)

46 Prowler 84 U.F.O.
86 Littering Complaint

Call Signs

I. Ohio State Highway Patrol:

(Unit Numbers Based on Seniority)

A. State Patrol Head Administration / Administration:

Unit =
Car 1 = Colonel
Car 2 = Lieutenant Colonel
Car 3 = Major
Car 4 = Captain
Car 5 = Lieutenant

B. Uniformed Patrol:
Car 6-7 = Sergeants
Car 20+ = Troopers

District, first of badge number, then how many per car (SPD) four digit unit numbers (OSP)
D. K9 Unit:
K-9 1
 K-9 2...

III. Ohio Communications Center:

Known as Dispatch, and will be addressed as such. Dispatch will not be addressed as control.

State Patrol Ranks

I. State Patrol Head Administration:

A.Colonel:
The Colonel is the highest rank within the State Patrol. The Colonel is the head of
the Ohio state Highway Patrol.

B. Lieutenant Colonel:
The Lieutenant Colonel is the second highest rank within the State Patrol. The
Under Colonel is the assistant head of the department. He/She also takes responsibility
of the department in a long absence of the Colonel.

C. Major:
The Major is the third highest rank within the State Patrol. The Majors main
responsibility is to oversee all State Patrol Administration and Supervisors.

II. State Patrol Administration:

A. Captain:
The Captain is the fourth highest rank within the State Patrol. The main duty for a
Captain is to run the Public Safety Academy and to assist the Colonel and Under Colonel
when needed and takes responsibility in a long absence of the Colonel, Under Colonel
and the Chief Deputy.

B. Lieutenant:
 A Lieutenant is the fifth highest rank within the State Patrol. The main duty for a
Lieutenant is to run the Patrol Division and to assist the Head Administration when
needed and takes responsibility in a long absence of other Administration Personnel.

III. State Patrol Supervisors:

A. Sergeant:
A Sergeant's main duty is to serve as a in and out of game supervisor within a
State Patrol Division.

IV. State Patrol Personnel:

A. Trooper / Probationary Trooper:

The Trooper rank has two classes, Probationary Trooper and Colonels
Trooper. A Probationary Trooper is a Trooper that has finished all training and
involution by his/her Field Training Officer. A Colonels Trooper is a Trooper that
has proven to be mature, professional and proven no longer be overseen by a
Field Training Officer.

B. Academy Recruit:
A Recruit is where all new deputies start within the State Patrol. At the
time of being a Recruit, you will have gone through standard community
orientation, basic training and at least one patrol. If a Recruit hasn't shown
progress of knowing the State Patrol policies and procedures, the Recruit will
proceed for at least one or two more patrols to show the capability of not having
a FTO beside him/her at all times.

Radio Communications
When talking on the radio you will refer to dispatch, not Dispatch. Dispatch does not
give orders like Dispatch would. The on duty supervisor will give standing orders.
Dispatch can be used interchangeably with 12.
I. Traffic Stops:
 All traffic stops have to be reported to Dispatch. Deputies have to broadcast code, 62A
(traffic stop). After Dispatch has copied the 62A location, Dispatch will request the location
(street & closest cross street), vehicle description, (please give in order as listed) the license
plate, color of vehicle, kind of vehicle, number of occupant(s), and whether or not an additional
unit(s) are requested.

A. Example:
Trooper: Car 56 to Dispatch 62A Dispatch: Car 56 go ahead with your 62A
Trooper: 62A, Topaz Street cross of Frankfort Avenue, Break Dispatch: Copy Car 56
Standby. Dispatch: Car 56 go ahead on the vehicle description Trooper: Dispatch the
vehicle description is going to be Adam(A) Boy(B) Charles(C) 1 2 3, red 2 door sports car,
1 occupant, no additional

II. Responding to Calls:

All calls have to be reported to Dispatch. Troopers have to broadcast call sign,
responding to a call, type of call, location (street & closest cross street), extra information to
provide (optional), and if or no 10(s) (additional unitor units) are requested.

A. Example:
Trooper: "Car 56 to dispatch" Dispatch: "Car 56 go ahead." Trooper: "Car 56
show me 65 to a 26 (fight in progress), on Topaz cross Frankfort, can you send me a 10
(additional unit)"

III. Pursuits:
All pursuits have to be reported to Dispatch as a priority situation.

A. Vehicle Pursuit:
Troopers in a vehicle pursuit have to broadcast call sign and priority. Dispatch
would then acknowledge the Deputies transmission to go ahead with the Troopers
Priority. The Troopers would then broadcast call sign, in pursuit, going eastbound Topaz
Street. Dispatch would next clear/hold all radio traffic and request the Troopers in-
pursuit to go ahead with the pursuit. The Trooper has to broadcast the (please give in
order as listed) license plate, color of vehicle, kind of vehicle, updated direction of travel,
and updated location. After the Deputy has finished broadcasting, Dispatch will assign
patrol unit to be enroute to the pursuit. During a vehicle pursuits secondary unit calls
out the pursuit, such as giving updates on direction of travel and location.

I. Example:
Trooper: "Car 56 to dispatch Priority" Dispatch: "Car 56 go ahead"
Trooper: "Car 56 Vehicle Pursuit, going eastbound Topaz Street" Dispatch:
"Dispatch to all units priority traffic initiated, Car 56 is currently in a Vehicle
Pursuit going eastbound Topaz Street, Unit Car 56 go ahead with your Vehicle
Pursuit" Trooper: Car 56 in pursuit of Alpha(A) Bravo(B) Charlie(C) 1 2 3, red 2
door sports car, going eastbound Topaz Street"

B. Foot Pursuits:
Troopers in a foot pursuits are required to broadcast call sign and priority.
Dispatch would then acknowledge the Troopers transmission to go ahead with the
Troopers Priority. The Trooper would then broadcast call sign, in pursuit, going
eastbound Topaz Street.Dispatch would next clear/hold all radio traffic and request the
Trooper in-pursuit to go ahead with the pursuit. The Trooper has to broadcast the
(please give in order as listed)ethnicity, gender, apparel, updated direction of travel, and
updated location. After the Trooper has finished broadcasting, Dispatch will assign patrol
unit to be enroute to the pursuit. During a foot pursuits Troopers have to give updates
on direction of travel and location.

I. Example:
Trooper: "Car 56 Priority" Dispatch: "Car 56 go ahead" Trooper: "Car 56
Foot Pursuit, going eastbound Topaz Street" Dispatch: "Dispatch to all units
priority traffic instated, Car 56 is currently in a Foot pursuit going eastbound
Topaz Street, Car 56 go ahead with your traffic" Trooper: Car 56 in pursuit of a
white, male, blue jeans, black jacket going eastbound Topaz Street"

C. Example for an Update:

Trooper: "Car 56 to dispatch update, now going eastbound Topaz Street"
IV. Other Radio Communications:

A. Checking On Duty:
When a patrol starts and the briefing is finished you must check on duty and In-
Service.

I. Example for Checking On Duty:

Trooper: "Car 56 to Dispatch show me 35 "

B. Checking Of Duty:
When you are about to get out of game and will not be returning in-game for the
rest of the patrol, you must check Of Duty.

I. Example for Checking Of Duty:

Trooper: "Car 56 to Dispatch, show me 37"

Traffic Stops

I. Introduction:
Initiating traffic stops is one of the most common duties Troopers do while patrolling. Traffic
stops are meant to stop vehicles) breaking traffic laws or stopping BOLO (Be On the Lookout)
suspect vehicles.

A. Normal Traffic Stop:

You always want to begin a traffic stop by radioing in to dispatch and telling them
to have a 62A (traffic stop) You want to tell dispatch your area, (The street your on, and
the closest cross street). You also want to tell them the make, model, and color of the
vehicle you have stopped. Also tell them how many times the vehicle is occupied by and
advise if you request an additional unit. To proceed with a normal traffic stop, approach
the vehicle's window to tell driver of the vehicle why the Trooper initiated a traffic stop
on the vehicle and to retrieve drivers and passengers information (license, registration
and proof of insurance). If driver or passenger(s) of the vehicle comes back with a
warrant, the Trooper must notify Dispatch to request additional unit to the Troopers
location. (Traffic Stop becomes felony) If driver comes back with a revoked license,
Trooper/Officer must notify Dispatch. An additional is not needed and the Trooper can
proceed with the traffic stop. After running the information of occupant(s) of the vehicle,
proceed back to drivers window, give information back to driver and passenger(s) and
issue driver ticket or warning. If the driver came back with warrant, proceed with arrest
and if passenger(s) comes back with warrant, proceed with arrest. If the driver came
back with a revoked license, proceed to impound the vehicle, Giving a ticket for a minor
traffic ofence is at Troopers discretion.

B. Felony Traffic Stop:

If a felony traffic stop continued as normal, approach the vehicle's window to
retrieve driver's and passengers information (license, registration and proof of
insurance). If driver doesnt come back with a warrant and was the driver of a the
vehicle with a criminal ofense, driver will be detained at station until ownership of
vehicle is proven. If all passengers of said vehicle are cleared and dont have any
warrants, they will be released at scene.

C. Road Safety:
Only proceed with a traffic stop once all vehicles involved are out of the path of
traffic. Circumstances many vary as AI many not pull to the right shoulder. ELS
(Emergency Lighting System) have to be activated from start to finish of said traffic stop.

D. Trooper Safety:
On felony traffic stops proceed to the suspect vehicle with firearm unholstered
and in-hand. On felony traffic stops additional unit(s) need to have their firearm
unholstered and pointed at suspect(s) inside said vehicle. When a Trooper initiates a
traffic stop on a vehicle, the Trooper needs to have his/her vehicle positioned with
vehicle's front bumper pointing into traffic. The reason for this is that a Troopers engine
 block is protecting the Trooper while at the vehicle's window, as well as to provide cover
if suspect fires upon the Trooper.

Responding to Calls

I. Introduction:
Responding to calls is one of the most common duties a Troopers do well patrolling.
Responding to calls via script or given by Dispatch is the primary way in which calls are created.
Troopers are required to respond and resolve situations and/or eliminate a threat to the public.

A: Vehicle Speeds:
Exceeding the speed limit to arrive on scene as fast as possible without causing
harm to bystanders is at responding Troopers discretion.

B: Road Safety:
Avoid using opposite lanes of traffic unless no other options are available.

C: ELS (Emergency Lighting System)

Code 1 (no light and no siren), Code 2 (lights and siren at intersections, clear
a path of travel, etc.), or Code 3 (lights and siren) is not used in this clan. Response will
be Code 1 or Code 3 only. Code 3 is also known as 27 by the Sherifs Office.

Pursuits

I. Introduction:
Pursuits take place when a suspect(s) is resisting arrest by fleeing on foot or by vehicle.
Pursuits are created by fleeing from a routine traffic stop, felony traffic stop, failing to stop when
signaling pull over or when ordered to stop on foot.

A. Vehicle Speeds:
 Exceeding the speed limit to remain visual with fleeing suspect is at Troopers
discretion. If speeds become life threatening to bystanders or personnel, pursuit will be
called of if pursuit is non-felony.

B. PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique):

To use a PIT to immobilize a fleeing suspect, position the Troopers vehicle to
where the portion of the Troopers vehicle forward of the front wheels is aligned with the
portion of the suspects vehicle behind the back wheels.

I. PIT Authorization Requirements:

The PIT is up to the discretion of the pursuing Trooper . It is the Troopers responsibility to make
sure that the roadway is clear of cars, civilians, and other obstructions. If excessive damage to
property, cars, injury or death to other motorists or pedestrians, then the Trooper will be held
liable and face disciplinary action.
C. Road Safety:
If the suspect goes into oncoming traffic, only the primary vehicle will be able to
follow the suspect, all other personnel in the pursuit must stay in the correct lanes of
travel.

Vehicle Structure

I. Introduction:
The Law Enforcement Vehicle Structure has to be followed during all Official/Serious
Patrols. As you move through the ranks within in your department/division you will unlock
vehicles to drive during patrols. When promoted to a new rank you will be able to drive said
vehicles listed under said rank. After being promoted you will still be able to drive said vehicles
from your previous rank.

A. Ohio State Highway Patrol

I. Uniformed Patrol:
Probationary Trooper:
 Marked CVPI
Trooper:
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Senior Trooper
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
K9 Unit:
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Sergeant:
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Lieutenant:
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Captain
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Major
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Lieutenant Colonel
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer
Colonel
Marked CVPI
Marked Dodge Charger
Marked Tahoe
Marked Explorer