AIR-1 SOP

Los Santos Police Department

Concrete RP · Specialized Division · Officer Rank & Above

Sec. 1 — Introduction & Licensing

The LSPD Air One Division is a specialized unit responsible for aerial support in law enforcement activities, such as assisting in the apprehension of criminals and providing situational awareness. Air One operates in conjunction with ground units to enhance the department's operational efficiency.

1.1 Pilot License

All Law Enforcement must have already obtained a private pilot license in the city of Concrete before applying to Air One. If a license is unobtainable, the Los Santos Police Department can grant a LEO internal profile note/license after successful training has been completed.

Sec. 2 — Roles, Responsibilities & Authority

General Duties

Maintain the LSPD's air presence to keep the upper hand in areas where standard patrol can't reach, support ground units, and maintain a safe air space on standard profile cases and pursuits.

Division Roles

2.2 Authority

• Exceptions: The Air One leader has the discretion to grant exceptions to any rules as necessary within reason or circumstance.

• Disciplinary Action: Air One members are held to higher standards of conduct and professionalism. Any violation of LSPD SOPs will result in disciplinary action, up to and including contract termination or removal from the division. Both pilots and co-pilots are accountable for all actions taken during flight operations.

Note: All air operations must prioritize public safety and LEO safety.

3.1 — No-Fly Zones

Air One is prohibited from flying over the following areas unless the zone has been cleared and approved by dispatch for an emergency service:

• Bolingbroke Penitentiary

• Government buildings such as City Hall

• Military installations, including the Air Force Base

3.2 — Helipad Procedures

3.3–3.4 — Airport Operations & Standard Landing Locations

3.3 Airport Operations

When operating at the following locations, pilots must use designated taxiways and runways:

• Los Santos International Airport (LSIA)

• Sandy Shores Airfield

3.4 Standard Landing Locations

• VPD

• LSIA

• Sandy Shores Airfield

• Paleto Bay Station

• BCSO Landing Pad

4.1 — Pre-Flight Checks

Before any flight, the pilot and co-pilot must conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Key inspection areas:

• Engine and rotor components

• Fuel levels (minimum of 25%)

• Ensure the takeoff area is free of loose objects and hazards

4.2 — Takeoff & In-Flight Operations

Communication

Clear, concise communication is critical between the aircrew and ground units. Use proper aviation terminology:

Altitude

Maintain a minimum altitude of 600 feet when not involved in an active operation. Avoid excessive noise in sensitive areas (e.g., schools, hospitals).

Fuel Management

Flights must not begin with less than 25% fuel. Plan to return to a refueling point before fuel levels fall below this threshold.

4.3 — Landing Procedures

Standard Landing

Preferably land at designated helipads.

Unmarked Landings

Conduct a risk assessment for potential hazards such as obstacles, loose objects, or people. Follow proper approach profiles and report the aircraft's status to dispatch after shutting down the engines.

5.1 — Air One Usage in Operations

Air One is deployed for various operations including, but not limited to:

5.2 — Rules and Regulations

Spotlight Usage

Use the spotlight only with ground unit approval or pilot approval, as it can reveal positions and potentially blind officers or civilians.

Thermal Camera

Thermal imaging may be used for tracking suspects but cannot penetrate solid materials such as concrete or steel.

Sec. 6 — Flight Log Requirements

• All flights involved in a prosecution of a suspect must be logged, including details of the flight and hours flown.

• All flight logs must also be recorded inside of the Air One Email channel to track maintenance and certification compliance.

⚠ Failure to maintain accurate flight logs may result in grounding or further disciplinary action.

Sec. 7 — Weapons & Firing Policy

Authorized Weapons

Air One personnel may carry a Combat Pistol with a flashlight, unless authorized and certified for a higher class weapon.

Authorized Firing from Flight

No one is authorized to fire a weapon out of the Air One unit, unless the helicopter is fired upon first and an officer is struck. If the Air One unit can safely exit the scene without taking injuries or using a firearm in defense, they must attempt this action first.

Note: The goal of an Air One Unit is to provide "eyes in the sky." Use of a weapon from the vessel should be avoided at all costs.

8.1 — SWAT Guidelines

SWAT is the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit for the LSPD. Operations with them are fast-moving and precise. Individuals trained under the Surveillance Specialist Track are expected to be the direct connection between Air One and SWAT.

Requirements & Rules for SWAT Operations

• Members deploying from the unit must notify SWAT and Air Command for approval of the use of rappelling devices in a hot zone or active high-profile situation.

• Members must be trained in rappelling tactics by direct Air One Command or an authorized member from the Surveillance/Pursuit Specialist Team.

• All SWAT deploying members must hold Class 2 Certification within Standard and SWAT SOP Guidelines.

• Under no circumstance should the Air One Unit be fired from — only exception is if the team is taking fire and no redeployment or escape position is available.

• Parachutes can be used as an alternative deployment method in extremely high-risk situations including: night raids on known gang hideouts, counter-terrorism, and hostage situations involving Government Officials where negotiations have completely broken down. Requires Approval from LSPD High Command.

• Loadout for fast strikes: PD Glock with Flashlight, SWAT Classified Class 1/2, and Parachute. Heavy strike loadout determined case by case by SWAT Command and LSPD High Command.

9.1 — CIU Guidelines

CIU (Criminal Investigation Unit) conducts operations relating to Drug Enforcement, Gang Information, and Forensics. The goal is to assist in the collection of aerial evidence and intel to support a Warrant, Sting, and/or Raid Operation.

Requirements & Rules for CIU Operations

• CIU Operators are trained by the Surveillance Specialist team in camera operations for evidence/intel collection leading to a Warrant or Raid.

• Pilots working with CIU are required to maintain a 700 feet altitude position hold to avoid rotor wash from being heard. If the camera cannot get clear detail, with approval and acknowledgement of possible compromise from the Co-Pilot/CIU representative, the unit may descend to standard 600 feet per SOP.

• Under no circumstance should the Air One Unit be fired from during CIU joint operations. The primary function is recon and intel — not attack or raid operations.

• If a Warrant or Raid is executed, SWAT Guidelines must be followed and instant notification must be sent to Air One Command, SWAT Command, CIU Command, and LSPD High Command.

• Sting Operations with Air One involvement must be carefully executed due to rotor wash and engine spool. Air One pilots are required to maintain a medium distance from the location and move in upon the trigger word only — moving in earlier can compromise CIU operations and will result in an internal Air One strike on record and possible strike by LSPD Command.
  
  

⚠ Moving in on a Sting Operation before the trigger word will result in an internal Air One strike and possible LSPD Command strike.

The following guidelines establish the authorized response by PD when civilian helicopters are utilized during active pursuits or criminal operations.

Requirements & Rules for Civilian Helicopters

• Helicopter Already Staged Before the Pursuit
  If a suspect reaches a helicopter that was already staged before the pursuit began, PD are NOT authorized to disable the aircraft and are instead expected to have an Air-1 Pilot attach with PD's own Air-1.

• Helicopter Retrieved From a Garage During an Active Pursuit
  If a suspect retrieves a helicopter from a garage during an active pursuit, PD are authorized to disable the aircraft before it fully departs.

  • Guidelines:

    • Authorization limited to Command+.

    • Officers may engage the rear rotor assembly using Class 2 weapons with the intent of disabling the helicopter.

    • Once the helicopter reaches approximately 150 feet above the ground, all officers must immediately cease fire due to the increased risk to the public.

• Helicopter Actively Deploying Explosives
  If occupants of a civilian helicopter are actively deploying grenades, C4, or other explosive devices, PD are authorized to immediately disable the aircraft.

LSPD Air One Division · Concrete RP · PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Air One Division Policies & Standards