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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
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Los Santos: As we reflect on the year 2024, the Los Santos Police Department acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that came forward throughout the year but is also proud to share the strides that were made to further the Department while we move into the new year.
2024 was a year during which the Los Santos Police Department faced challenges, not only as an organization and internally but also with outside factors. Throughout the year, a significant increase of violence towards and against law enforcement and the State occurred, which saw both officers and officials of the Department put in a difficult position, determining how to best move into a future where exceptional service is still provided to the residents of the City of Los Santos, while also ensuring officers were best equipped to handle the active violent threats with minimal risk to the lives of others and themselves, without the change in dynamic painting an intimidating picture for law-abiding citizens.
Nevertheless, the Department, despite the many violent challenges posed towards both the agency, the Government, and the safety of citizens throughout the year, maintains a positive outlook.
The Los Santos Police Department has continued under the leadership of Los Santos Police Chief Elena Flores, aided by First Assistant Chief Phillipe Sanchez, who is assigned as her Chief of Staff, assisting with and often managing the personnel and day-to-day operations of the Department. Chief Elena Flores and Chief of Staff Phillipe Sanchez are joined by Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar, who oversees the Office of Operations, and newly-appointed Assistant Chief Dezzy Bala, who is assigned to oversee the Office of Support Services.
Department Command Staff, over the year 2024, has been revitalized with returning and new, promising faces being appointed among its ranks. Throughout the year, we have had the pleasure of congratulating Captain Jonathan Willowick, Captain Samuel Martin, Captain Mike Luigi, and Captain Bill Breacher on their assignments within Command Staff. Moreover, we have had the pleasure of seeing Captain Jason Steel return to the Department and his subsequent re-entry into the ranks.
We have also seen the departure of prominent members of the team, such as Commander Steve Smyth, who now serves Los Santos County in the prestigious position of Assistant Sheriff. Moreover, we have had to part ways with a Deputy Chief due to general absence, which is a rare occurrence within the Department, but marks a pivotal turning point in accountability and standards being enforced across the Department, irrespective of rank and assignment.
Despite the many challenges, the year has been one of joy and warmth for the Department as well, with its efforts in community relations. Commander Jessica Nash has spearheaded a handful of successful events throughout her time with the Community Relations Section, succeeding former Lieutenant Rija Luigi, who was also an advocate of community outreach and relations. Without the efforts of the spectacular women leading their respective renditions of the Community Affairs Section, many of the events that were well received by the public and officers alike would not have been possible, and we thank them for that.
Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
NR086-24
December 31, 2024
Year in Review 2024
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Structural Changes | Division Updates | Major Operations | Crime Update | Events Review
Vinewood Walk of Fame | First Year in the LSPD | Statistics Review | Closing Message
Vinewood Walk of Fame | First Year in the LSPD | Statistics Review | Closing Message
Los Santos: As we reflect on the year 2024, the Los Santos Police Department acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that came forward throughout the year but is also proud to share the strides that were made to further the Department while we move into the new year.
2024 was a year during which the Los Santos Police Department faced challenges, not only as an organization and internally but also with outside factors. Throughout the year, a significant increase of violence towards and against law enforcement and the State occurred, which saw both officers and officials of the Department put in a difficult position, determining how to best move into a future where exceptional service is still provided to the residents of the City of Los Santos, while also ensuring officers were best equipped to handle the active violent threats with minimal risk to the lives of others and themselves, without the change in dynamic painting an intimidating picture for law-abiding citizens.
Nevertheless, the Department, despite the many violent challenges posed towards both the agency, the Government, and the safety of citizens throughout the year, maintains a positive outlook.
The Los Santos Police Department has continued under the leadership of Los Santos Police Chief Elena Flores, aided by First Assistant Chief Phillipe Sanchez, who is assigned as her Chief of Staff, assisting with and often managing the personnel and day-to-day operations of the Department. Chief Elena Flores and Chief of Staff Phillipe Sanchez are joined by Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar, who oversees the Office of Operations, and newly-appointed Assistant Chief Dezzy Bala, who is assigned to oversee the Office of Support Services.
Department Command Staff, over the year 2024, has been revitalized with returning and new, promising faces being appointed among its ranks. Throughout the year, we have had the pleasure of congratulating Captain Jonathan Willowick, Captain Samuel Martin, Captain Mike Luigi, and Captain Bill Breacher on their assignments within Command Staff. Moreover, we have had the pleasure of seeing Captain Jason Steel return to the Department and his subsequent re-entry into the ranks.
We have also seen the departure of prominent members of the team, such as Commander Steve Smyth, who now serves Los Santos County in the prestigious position of Assistant Sheriff. Moreover, we have had to part ways with a Deputy Chief due to general absence, which is a rare occurrence within the Department, but marks a pivotal turning point in accountability and standards being enforced across the Department, irrespective of rank and assignment.
Despite the many challenges, the year has been one of joy and warmth for the Department as well, with its efforts in community relations. Commander Jessica Nash has spearheaded a handful of successful events throughout her time with the Community Relations Section, succeeding former Lieutenant Rija Luigi, who was also an advocate of community outreach and relations. Without the efforts of the spectacular women leading their respective renditions of the Community Affairs Section, many of the events that were well received by the public and officers alike would not have been possible, and we thank them for that.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: The Los Santos Police Department continues to come up with innovative solutions and modern techniques to not only tackle crime but to better the work environment of the Department for all employees. Following the trend of 2023 the Department has seen both small and large structural changes to its operations.
From small internal procedural changes to the forming of a new division under the Detective Bureau 2024 has been an impactful year for the Los Santos Police Department. Changes for the previous year have been solidified and proven effective under the helm of Chief of Police Elena Flores but the ever-growing need for improvement and continuous need to adapt has pushed the Department to make the following changes in 2024.
Relinquishing of the Vinewood and Vespucci Patrol Division
Patrol Divisions have seen some changes with the Vinewood and Vespucci Patrol Divisions being relinquished, and the Rockford Hills Patrol Division take the place of the two - effectively allowing the Department to have two Patrol Divisions in two key parts of the city, those being the Mission Row Patrol Division and Rockford Hills Patrol Division.
Compared to the old structure, each Patrol Division has a standard Commanding, and Assistant Commanding Officers with the addition of a slot in the Watch Commander section, Patrol Command, and Patrol Supervisor section. Each Patrol Division now has two Watch Commanders, two Patrol Command members, and three Patrol Supervisors. Mission Row is currently led by Captain Mike Luigi, and Sergeant Saurian Logan, while Rockford is spearheaded by Lieutenant Joseph Sanchez and Sergeant Charles Williams.
Introduction of the Detective Services Group
We have seen the making of the Detective Services Group which now houses the Detective Support Unit and the Detective Training Program who were previously under the authority of the Detective Bureau directly, and whose duties were split by the Major Crimes Division, and Gang and Narcotics Division. The Detective Services Group is now a stepping stone into the Detective Training Program, allowing joining Officers to gain real field experience through means of training with real Detectives - becoming trained and capable to conduct duties only a Detective could.
The intention of the Detective Services Group is to have consolidated supervision and focus on areas outside the supervision of the other two pre-established Detective Bureau divisions, namely the updating and administration of the Detective Training Program, the supervision of the Detective Support Unit, and the eventual creation of a Forensic Services Unit.
Captain Jason Steel has been selected as the Commanding Officer of this new division. His vast previous experience within the Bureau will bring the solid leadership required to establish this division in an effective and timely manner.
In addition, changes are being made to Detective Training Program recruitment. Going forward all applicants to the Detective Training Program will be required to have previously served as a member of the Detective Support Unit. This change is being made to ensure that all future detectives have the same level of training before acceptance into the program and to provide Commanding Officers with field-based evidence of candidates' suitability for the program.
It is hoped that these changes will improve the quality of training provided to our Detective Trainees and will result in the further growth of the Detective Bureau's capabilities.
Reformatting of the Media Relations Division
The Media Relations Division has seen reformatting in 2024 with the division being effectively split into three different sections, each of which reserves a specific task and unique kind of work. We have introduced the Media Relations Section (MRS), the Community Affairs Section (CAS), and Public Information Section (PIS).
Namely, with all sections, the Media Relations Section is designated with handling all media-related affairs - it being writing news releases, news advisories, or working in tandem with government, non-government agencies, and civilians alike to provide transparency and information through our Newsroom. Given the delicate nature of work the Los Santos Police Department does, it is our duty and mission to keep everyone in the city of Los Santos, and the State up to speed with the work our Department does on a regular basis. A Media Relations Officer of the Media Relations Section is tasked with working on public releases, similar to this one, informing the public of changes, happenings, and developments the Department is making real-time.
The Community Affairs Section is specifically designed to host events on behalf of the Department, and to attend how formal, that informal events and gatherings on behalf of the Los Santos Police Department as well. Duties of a Community Affairs Officer of the Community Affairs Sections revolve around event planning, event hosting, and community patrol to better the relationship with the general public, and to bridge the gap between the Los Santos Police Department and the citizens of Los Santos proactively. Notably, the Community Affairs Section has seen a significant increase in recruitment - tripling the amount of available Officers to further aid the mission the Community Affairs Section is tasked with.
The Public Information Section handles our Public Inquiries forum, providing answers and information to the public through the aforementioned forum to all concerned, government and non-government government agencies, and civilians alike. Familiarly, the Los Santos Police Department have Spokespersons to speak on their behalf, and a Public Information Officer of the Public Information Section takes on the role of a Spokesperson to provide information and speak on happenings, answer inquiries, and provide information on behalf of the Department.
Previously, members of the Media Relations Division would assume all of these responsibilities bar the responsibility of a Spokesperson unless certified which stifled growth of the Division and diminished interest due to the heavy administrative load each member would take on. This change allowed the division to exponentially grow, concretely assign members specific roles, and alleviate pressure on Officers - allowing them to take on work they like, and are talented for.
Hiring of civilian employees
The Los Santos Police Department opened its doors to civilian employees in 2024, hiring two Public Relations Specialists, and one Media and Legal Affairs Specialist. These employees do not take on the tasks a regular Police Officer does within the Department, but are assigned work unrelated to law enforcement, primarily revolving around public relations and work with the media through the Media Relations Division.
This was introduced to allow talented, motivated, and willing individuals to join the Los Santos Police Department to perform administrative duties, in turn bettering the employment rates within the city and giving the Department more reach and capabilities in the realm of public relations.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 2
Structural ChangesLos Santos: The Los Santos Police Department continues to come up with innovative solutions and modern techniques to not only tackle crime but to better the work environment of the Department for all employees. Following the trend of 2023 the Department has seen both small and large structural changes to its operations.
From small internal procedural changes to the forming of a new division under the Detective Bureau 2024 has been an impactful year for the Los Santos Police Department. Changes for the previous year have been solidified and proven effective under the helm of Chief of Police Elena Flores but the ever-growing need for improvement and continuous need to adapt has pushed the Department to make the following changes in 2024.
Relinquishing of the Vinewood and Vespucci Patrol Division
Patrol Divisions have seen some changes with the Vinewood and Vespucci Patrol Divisions being relinquished, and the Rockford Hills Patrol Division take the place of the two - effectively allowing the Department to have two Patrol Divisions in two key parts of the city, those being the Mission Row Patrol Division and Rockford Hills Patrol Division.
Compared to the old structure, each Patrol Division has a standard Commanding, and Assistant Commanding Officers with the addition of a slot in the Watch Commander section, Patrol Command, and Patrol Supervisor section. Each Patrol Division now has two Watch Commanders, two Patrol Command members, and three Patrol Supervisors. Mission Row is currently led by Captain Mike Luigi, and Sergeant Saurian Logan, while Rockford is spearheaded by Lieutenant Joseph Sanchez and Sergeant Charles Williams.
Introduction of the Detective Services Group
We have seen the making of the Detective Services Group which now houses the Detective Support Unit and the Detective Training Program who were previously under the authority of the Detective Bureau directly, and whose duties were split by the Major Crimes Division, and Gang and Narcotics Division. The Detective Services Group is now a stepping stone into the Detective Training Program, allowing joining Officers to gain real field experience through means of training with real Detectives - becoming trained and capable to conduct duties only a Detective could.
The intention of the Detective Services Group is to have consolidated supervision and focus on areas outside the supervision of the other two pre-established Detective Bureau divisions, namely the updating and administration of the Detective Training Program, the supervision of the Detective Support Unit, and the eventual creation of a Forensic Services Unit.
Captain Jason Steel has been selected as the Commanding Officer of this new division. His vast previous experience within the Bureau will bring the solid leadership required to establish this division in an effective and timely manner.
In addition, changes are being made to Detective Training Program recruitment. Going forward all applicants to the Detective Training Program will be required to have previously served as a member of the Detective Support Unit. This change is being made to ensure that all future detectives have the same level of training before acceptance into the program and to provide Commanding Officers with field-based evidence of candidates' suitability for the program.
It is hoped that these changes will improve the quality of training provided to our Detective Trainees and will result in the further growth of the Detective Bureau's capabilities.
Reformatting of the Media Relations Division
The Media Relations Division has seen reformatting in 2024 with the division being effectively split into three different sections, each of which reserves a specific task and unique kind of work. We have introduced the Media Relations Section (MRS), the Community Affairs Section (CAS), and Public Information Section (PIS).
Namely, with all sections, the Media Relations Section is designated with handling all media-related affairs - it being writing news releases, news advisories, or working in tandem with government, non-government agencies, and civilians alike to provide transparency and information through our Newsroom. Given the delicate nature of work the Los Santos Police Department does, it is our duty and mission to keep everyone in the city of Los Santos, and the State up to speed with the work our Department does on a regular basis. A Media Relations Officer of the Media Relations Section is tasked with working on public releases, similar to this one, informing the public of changes, happenings, and developments the Department is making real-time.
The Community Affairs Section is specifically designed to host events on behalf of the Department, and to attend how formal, that informal events and gatherings on behalf of the Los Santos Police Department as well. Duties of a Community Affairs Officer of the Community Affairs Sections revolve around event planning, event hosting, and community patrol to better the relationship with the general public, and to bridge the gap between the Los Santos Police Department and the citizens of Los Santos proactively. Notably, the Community Affairs Section has seen a significant increase in recruitment - tripling the amount of available Officers to further aid the mission the Community Affairs Section is tasked with.
The Public Information Section handles our Public Inquiries forum, providing answers and information to the public through the aforementioned forum to all concerned, government and non-government government agencies, and civilians alike. Familiarly, the Los Santos Police Department have Spokespersons to speak on their behalf, and a Public Information Officer of the Public Information Section takes on the role of a Spokesperson to provide information and speak on happenings, answer inquiries, and provide information on behalf of the Department.
Previously, members of the Media Relations Division would assume all of these responsibilities bar the responsibility of a Spokesperson unless certified which stifled growth of the Division and diminished interest due to the heavy administrative load each member would take on. This change allowed the division to exponentially grow, concretely assign members specific roles, and alleviate pressure on Officers - allowing them to take on work they like, and are talented for.
Hiring of civilian employees
The Los Santos Police Department opened its doors to civilian employees in 2024, hiring two Public Relations Specialists, and one Media and Legal Affairs Specialist. These employees do not take on the tasks a regular Police Officer does within the Department, but are assigned work unrelated to law enforcement, primarily revolving around public relations and work with the media through the Media Relations Division.
This was introduced to allow talented, motivated, and willing individuals to join the Los Santos Police Department to perform administrative duties, in turn bettering the employment rates within the city and giving the Department more reach and capabilities in the realm of public relations.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: As part of our Year in Review tradition each Commanding or Assistant Commanding Officer of every division bar Patrol Divisions provide a quote on behalf of their division highlighting the work, progress, and changes their respective division has seen. The Los Santos Police Department continues to innovate new techniques and problem-solving methods to improve the efficiency of every division, which, in turn, betters the efficiency of the Department as a whole.
In the following article we highlight the changes every division has undergone to tackle the task of bettering our operations and capabilities to provide the citizens of Los Santos, and San Andreas altogether a better, and safer environment to live in.
Major Crimes Division
The Major Crimes Division falls under the Detective Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The mission of the Major Crimes Division is to focus mainly on robberies, homicides, firearms trafficking, and many other crimes committed by very limited groups of individuals without clear affiliations with known criminal organizations.
The Major Crimes Division is structured into two units, the Robbery-Homicide Unit and the Vice Unit. These two units have specific tasks and duties that they perform to solve the above-mentioned crimes. The Robbery-Homicide Unit name best describes itself with a focus on anything ranging from petty thieves to cold-blooded murderers. The Vice Unit is more versatile and deals with criminal threats and hate crimes, firearms sales and trafficking, fraud, illegal gambling, prostitution, and various other crimes.
Youngest of all divisions the Detective Services Group saw its forming in early August this year in a bid to reformat the Detective Training Program and bring in more manpower to the Detective Support Unit tasked with handling crime reports which is now under the wing of the Detective Services Group. The division is a stepping stone for Officers looking to become Detectives - receiving partial Detective training in their Officer stage to allow them real in-field experience before their eventual progression to the Detective Training Program.
The Internal Affairs Division is a division within the Los Santos Police Department that maintains officer accountability and is separate from all other Divisions. The Internal Affairs Division, or IAD, is run strictly under the Office of the Chief of Police to stay indifferent and neutral in their investigations. The Internal Affairs Division also acts as the investigative arm of the Chief of Police with respect to employee misconduct. All complaints are reviewed by the Internal Affairs Division to determine the appropriate investigative entity. The Internal Affairs Division is responsible for investigating the more serious complaints of misconduct and cases of official corruption.
The Legal Affairs Division was established as a separate division and was decoupled from the Internal Affairs Division in 2023 to prepare for an eventuality where the San Andreas Judicial Branch and the courts expand in any way that would warrant adaptation on the end of the Los Santos Police Department. Namely, the Legal Affairs Division deals with all outward legal affairs related to the Los Santos Police Department, primarily working with the San Andreas Judicial Branch working on legal disputes and providing information on behalf of the Department in court cases.
The Air Support Division, commonly known by the abbreviation ASD, falls under the Special Operations Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The Air Support Division (ASD) is responsible for providing Air Support to patrol and specialized units of the Los Santos Police Department. The Air Support Division is also here to enhance Officer and public safety, reduce the incidence of crime and thus reduce the fear of crime. To accomplish their mission, they will provide rapid response, tactical insight, and airborne assessments of incidents, in a safe and professional manner.
The Traffic Enforcement Division has seen many changes and developments through the past years but is now situated under the Special Operations Bureau, previously being a separate Patrol Division. Officers with the Traffic Enforcement Division stand at the forefront of anything and everything traffic-related - known for their rigorous enforcement of traffic laws they are also known for their versatility and in-field capabilities with modern equipment to tackle the issue of traffic violations, pursuits, and drunk-driving to name a few. Specialized training and strict regulations make them a known staple of the Los Santos Police Department in real of patrol.
The Firearms Licensing Division, commonly known by the abbreviation FLD, falls under the Administrative Services Bureau inside the Los Santos Police Department. The FLD is the entity that regulates the provision of firearms licenses for the populace of San Andreas. It is therefore the division that most civilians will encounter, especially if they are interested in obtaining such a license.
Licensing officers are the ever-diligent individuals behind the screen who are constantly reviewing the gargantuan amount of firearms licensing applications received by the LSPD. This team consists of officers who hold the rank of at least Police Officer II and who have shown to be the most proficient and accurate with paperwork out of the whole Department.
The Recruitment and Employment Division, or RED, falls under the Administrative Services Bureau. RED is the division that new applicants to the Los Santos Police Department will likely encounter first. Overall, RED is split into two groups. The first one is Application Handlers and Interviewers, and the latter is Academy Instructors.
Application Handlers and Interviewers are the ever-diligent individuals behind the screen who are constantly reviewing the gargantuan amount of applications received by the LSPD. These individuals are comprised of only the most capable officers holding the rank of Police Officer II and above. Following up on them would be the Interviewers who bring applicants in for a face-to-face interview in order to get to know them better. This position is very selective, only accepting those holding the rank of Police Officer III and above.
Academy Instructors are the friendly men and women ready to teach and assist applicants on their first day in the Department. Once they are sworn in as Law Enforcement Officers, these instructors will teach them all they need to know for their first day on the job. The position requires an officer to be quite experienced, which is why the position is restricted to the rank of Police Officer II and above.
The Training Division falls under the Police Training Bureau as part of the Los Santos Police Department. This division is dedicated to providing programs to Officers that allow them to both expand their introductory knowledge and advanced knowledge into a specific technique or field. The Training Division also helps with ongoing training, reviewing basic and advanced policing measures with dedicated classes in specific areas throughout the year.
The Basic Training Division also falls under the Police Training Bureau, and is responsible for carrying out police academies for new Cadets joining the Department. This is an important step in every Cadet's career, as the first time they don their uniform and participate in an activity as employees. The academy teaches Cadets the most basic safety and professional procedures needed before they can start their field training. This was previously the responsibility of the Recruitment and Employment Division, and the Basic Training Division is a new addition this year.
The Field Training Division, commonly known by the abbreviation FTD, falls under the Police Training Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The mission of the Field Training Division is to provide the best possible training for new Police Cadets that passed the Police Academy and police personnel from other agencies who avail themselves of our services.
The Media Relations Division is situated under the Administrative Services Bureau and is in charge of all public relations related work, how with government agencies, that with the general public as a whole. Media Relations has seen slight reformatting the last year but the core values and mission remained the same - bridging the gap between the Los Santos Police Department and the general public. With the new system, the Media Relations Division has grown exponentially, namely through the Community Affairs Section tasked with events and handling public gatherings.
Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 3
Division UpdatesLos Santos: As part of our Year in Review tradition each Commanding or Assistant Commanding Officer of every division bar Patrol Divisions provide a quote on behalf of their division highlighting the work, progress, and changes their respective division has seen. The Los Santos Police Department continues to innovate new techniques and problem-solving methods to improve the efficiency of every division, which, in turn, betters the efficiency of the Department as a whole.
In the following article we highlight the changes every division has undergone to tackle the task of bettering our operations and capabilities to provide the citizens of Los Santos, and San Andreas altogether a better, and safer environment to live in.
Major Crimes Division
The Major Crimes Division falls under the Detective Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The mission of the Major Crimes Division is to focus mainly on robberies, homicides, firearms trafficking, and many other crimes committed by very limited groups of individuals without clear affiliations with known criminal organizations.
The Major Crimes Division is structured into two units, the Robbery-Homicide Unit and the Vice Unit. These two units have specific tasks and duties that they perform to solve the above-mentioned crimes. The Robbery-Homicide Unit name best describes itself with a focus on anything ranging from petty thieves to cold-blooded murderers. The Vice Unit is more versatile and deals with criminal threats and hate crimes, firearms sales and trafficking, fraud, illegal gambling, prostitution, and various other crimes.
Detective Services GroupCaptain Jonathan Willowick wrote: The Major Crimes Division has seen significant progress and achievements throughout the year. With a commitment to protecting the citizens of Los Santos, our team has tackled investigations with dedication and professionalism. We would like to extend our gratitude to former Deputy Chief Lex Roth for his prior service and leadership, which laid a strong foundation for our continued success within the division.
Looking forward, we are focused on advancing new tools and strategies to further our ability to enhance public safety and conclude more cases. These improvements will help our detectives to respond to challenges effectively while maintaining the highest standards of investigations. As we close out the year, we remain committed to upholding our mission and look forward to continuing our service to the community of Los Santos.
Youngest of all divisions the Detective Services Group saw its forming in early August this year in a bid to reformat the Detective Training Program and bring in more manpower to the Detective Support Unit tasked with handling crime reports which is now under the wing of the Detective Services Group. The division is a stepping stone for Officers looking to become Detectives - receiving partial Detective training in their Officer stage to allow them real in-field experience before their eventual progression to the Detective Training Program.
Internal Affairs DivisionCaptain Jason Steel wrote: The division saw it's inception with great popularity, enthusiasm and has already seen several batches of personnel promote from within its ranks to other divisions in the bureau. It has been challenging work, as a good part of it has been to concentrate old and new protocol into bite-sized modules that can be taught to officers as they join the bureau for the first time.
In the future, the division will look into the possibility of expanding further, and incorporating a second, yet to be announced unit under its umbrella, in order to further aid all personnel within the Detective Bureau with more advanced investigative abilities.
The Internal Affairs Division is a division within the Los Santos Police Department that maintains officer accountability and is separate from all other Divisions. The Internal Affairs Division, or IAD, is run strictly under the Office of the Chief of Police to stay indifferent and neutral in their investigations. The Internal Affairs Division also acts as the investigative arm of the Chief of Police with respect to employee misconduct. All complaints are reviewed by the Internal Affairs Division to determine the appropriate investigative entity. The Internal Affairs Division is responsible for investigating the more serious complaints of misconduct and cases of official corruption.
Legal Affairs DivisionCaptain Josh Durry wrote:The Internal Affairs Division has continued in its efforts to maintain officer integrity and to uphold the standards set out by the policies and procedures as outlined within the department handbook. Internal Affairs has received a total of 328 complaints against officers within the department, of those 328 complaints, 220 complaints were investigated further to determine officer misconduct. Of those complaints, 81 were concluded as No Misconduct, 57 were concluded as Sustained, 43 were concluded as Exonorated. The other conclusions weren't significant enough to count.
The Internal Affairs Division gained and departed ways with a Commanding Officer this year, Captain Alex Schill. Retired Captain Schill's efforts towards the division cannot be understated, and was a vital source of divisional development across the year. The division has now been passed onto myself and I will continue to uphold the standards as outlined within our handbook with oversight from the Office of the Chief of Police and the Civilian Review Board. Our investigators continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the officers within this department are adhering to internal policy and their work is the reason for our continued success as a division.
The Legal Affairs Division was established as a separate division and was decoupled from the Internal Affairs Division in 2023 to prepare for an eventuality where the San Andreas Judicial Branch and the courts expand in any way that would warrant adaptation on the end of the Los Santos Police Department. Namely, the Legal Affairs Division deals with all outward legal affairs related to the Los Santos Police Department, primarily working with the San Andreas Judicial Branch working on legal disputes and providing information on behalf of the Department in court cases.
Air Support DivisionDetective Edward Linton wrote:The Legal Affairs Division is happy to see movements within the San Andreas Judicial Branch and the creation of the Bench Trials Process. With this change, we can now take a deeper step into the legal process, allowing for quicker and more effective justice.
The introduction of bench trials allows the LSPD to represent ourselves in court. We have tested the system, and while it is still being refined by both SAJB and internally within the LSPD, the opportunity to engage in the process on four separate occasions has been invaluable. We look forward to the future of the system, the opportunities this will bring, positions opened up, and the opportunity for defendants to be heard much earlier in the process without delay, settling cases for all involved.
The Legal Affairs Division has also introduced civilian staff into our team. This change will allow us to get a broader perspective on cases when it comes to the prosecution of crimes from the LSPDs side. Civilian staff will also help workload and allow for more cases to be taken on by the department at one time. This ensures quick responses to the Office of the Attorney General.
The Air Support Division, commonly known by the abbreviation ASD, falls under the Special Operations Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The Air Support Division (ASD) is responsible for providing Air Support to patrol and specialized units of the Los Santos Police Department. The Air Support Division is also here to enhance Officer and public safety, reduce the incidence of crime and thus reduce the fear of crime. To accomplish their mission, they will provide rapid response, tactical insight, and airborne assessments of incidents, in a safe and professional manner.
Traffic Enforcement DivisionCaptain Josh Durry wrote:The Air Support Division has continued its efforts in assisting on the ground officers with their day-to-day duties. We have provided aerial coverage across the year for a total of roughly 1400 logged hours. Over the year, the Air Support Division has had many developments worked into the division, starting with the acquisition of the Sea Sparrow, a unique aircraft that allows our Special Flight Section pilots the ability to perform nautical and aerial operations in conjunction with the Metropolitan division to a far improved success rate. This collaboration has continued to strengthen our relationship with the Metropolitan division and throughout the year many successful operations have been completed with this partnership, the most recent being operation Kutte Throat.
Moving towards a recent addition, we have created and introduced the role of Helicam Operator to the division. This role allows officers who do not wish to partake in the actual operation of an aircraft to still be involved with the division in some capacity. Whilst it's still in its infancy stage, the Helicam Operator could prove to be a vital and key component to operational efficiency whilst conducting aerial tasks such as pursuits or search and rescue missions. 2025 is on track to be a year of continued development for the division as we look to improve our internal training and acting on the feedback received for this new role.
The Traffic Enforcement Division has seen many changes and developments through the past years but is now situated under the Special Operations Bureau, previously being a separate Patrol Division. Officers with the Traffic Enforcement Division stand at the forefront of anything and everything traffic-related - known for their rigorous enforcement of traffic laws they are also known for their versatility and in-field capabilities with modern equipment to tackle the issue of traffic violations, pursuits, and drunk-driving to name a few. Specialized training and strict regulations make them a known staple of the Los Santos Police Department in real of patrol.
Firearms Licensing DivisionOfficer Mark Payne wrote:The Traffic Enforcement Division has seen a few changes in it's leadership since 2023. Retired-Detective Philo Marks lead the division throughout the majority of 2024 until his resignation from the department in September. In September, then-Detective Murphy Azalea was appointed to the Commanding Officer position alongside Officer Mark Payne as the Assistant Commanding Officer. Following Detective Azalea's resignation, Officer Payne was appointed as the Commanding Officer in December.
The Traffic Enforcement Division introduced new vehicle additions to the fleet, these came in the form of the Bravado Police Hellfire Interceptor and the Shitzu Police Hakuchou Motorcycle, both vehicles assist in enhancing and providing extra support to traffic officers in their day-to-day patrols.
New uniforms, donning the famous LSPD Traffic Patch were acquired and added into the lockers of all Traffic Officers in addition to a new leather jacket with the same famous patch.
Deputy Chief Victor Einhart, Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Bureau introduced the Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Program, the program aims to target impaired driving through coordinated roadblocks and field tests.
October saw Detective Azalea and Officer Payne working together on planning, setting up and running the LSPD TED Breast Cancer Awareness Legal Streat Race event where a staggering $3,000,000 was raised for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Now under the leadership of Police Officer III+1 Mark Payne, the Traffic Enforcement Division continues to work towards its mission statement of being the backbone of the Los Santos Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Duties, providing a stable and effective traffic enforcement within the City of Los Santos, its highways, and unincorporated areas, while gearing towards a more informative and educational enforcement of traffic law with discussions improving the division and allowing the officers within it more choices and options for the work that they put in.
The Firearms Licensing Division, commonly known by the abbreviation FLD, falls under the Administrative Services Bureau inside the Los Santos Police Department. The FLD is the entity that regulates the provision of firearms licenses for the populace of San Andreas. It is therefore the division that most civilians will encounter, especially if they are interested in obtaining such a license.
Licensing officers are the ever-diligent individuals behind the screen who are constantly reviewing the gargantuan amount of firearms licensing applications received by the LSPD. This team consists of officers who hold the rank of at least Police Officer II and who have shown to be the most proficient and accurate with paperwork out of the whole Department.
Recruitment and Employment DivisionCaptain Mike Luigi wrote:Throughout 2024, the Firearms Licensing Division has demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining a robust team of dedicated personnel. This commitment has ensured consistently fast response times to meet the needs of the hundreds of individuals seeking to obtain a firearm license, update existing licenses, or report lost or stolen weapons.
A major highlight of 2024 was the introduction of the Guard Card, spearheaded by our Assistant Commanding Officer Police Officer III+1 Dean Molloy. While its implementation has been a gradual process, the program has shown significant promise. More organizations are increasingly adopting the Guard Card, leveraging its capabilities to enhance security measures for both individuals and events.
Finally, I wish to thank all of our members for their continued dedication to the division and contribution to its success.
The Recruitment and Employment Division, or RED, falls under the Administrative Services Bureau. RED is the division that new applicants to the Los Santos Police Department will likely encounter first. Overall, RED is split into two groups. The first one is Application Handlers and Interviewers, and the latter is Academy Instructors.
Application Handlers and Interviewers are the ever-diligent individuals behind the screen who are constantly reviewing the gargantuan amount of applications received by the LSPD. These individuals are comprised of only the most capable officers holding the rank of Police Officer II and above. Following up on them would be the Interviewers who bring applicants in for a face-to-face interview in order to get to know them better. This position is very selective, only accepting those holding the rank of Police Officer III and above.
Academy Instructors are the friendly men and women ready to teach and assist applicants on their first day in the Department. Once they are sworn in as Law Enforcement Officers, these instructors will teach them all they need to know for their first day on the job. The position requires an officer to be quite experienced, which is why the position is restricted to the rank of Police Officer II and above.
Training DivisionDetective George Hill wrote:The Recruitment and Employment Division underwent significant restructuring this year, marking an important moment in its progression. A key change was the separation of academy instructors into the newly formed Basic Training Division, allowing both teams to focus on their specific areas of expertise. Internally, we reintroduced a fitness test for applicants and made improvements to our structure, all aimed at enhancing both the efficiency of the division and the overall experience for applicants. These changes were designed to elevate the standard of our recruitment process and, in turn, strengthen the department as a whole.
While the division faced some challenges in September with applicant standards not meeting expectations, the swift recovery was a testament to the dedication of my command team and myself. Since then, we have seen a steady increase in both internal morale and the quality of applicants, all while fostering a positive and supportive environment for future officers. Moving forward, the Recruitment and Employment Division remains committed to continuous improvement, and we will not rest until we have set a new standard of excellence within the department.
The Training Division falls under the Police Training Bureau as part of the Los Santos Police Department. This division is dedicated to providing programs to Officers that allow them to both expand their introductory knowledge and advanced knowledge into a specific technique or field. The Training Division also helps with ongoing training, reviewing basic and advanced policing measures with dedicated classes in specific areas throughout the year.
Basic Training DivisionDetective Zoey Deul wrote:In summary, this year the Training Division went through several changes. One of the changes was a push for more consistent training sessions as well as a variety of the types of training offered to officers within the department. The darker times for the division were the lack of instructor activity which the goal in mind going into the new year will be to have active members contributing. The Training Division has seen a change in leadership, not only just the Training Division but also its bureau commanding officer. Which resulted in progress made to overhaul divisional manuals and policies.
The Basic Training Division also falls under the Police Training Bureau, and is responsible for carrying out police academies for new Cadets joining the Department. This is an important step in every Cadet's career, as the first time they don their uniform and participate in an activity as employees. The academy teaches Cadets the most basic safety and professional procedures needed before they can start their field training. This was previously the responsibility of the Recruitment and Employment Division, and the Basic Training Division is a new addition this year.
Field Training DivisionLieutenant Joseph Sanchez wrote:The Basic Training Division has seen great success this year. After its creation in April of this year, separating it from the Recruitment & Employment Division, the division has seen much growth and progression. Starting with just myself, the division has grown to have an extremely strong & efficient command team, which consists of myself, Sergeant II Charles Williams, and Detective I Edward Linton. We now have an experienced, dedicated, & hardworking roster of instructors who volunteer at academies every two weeks to give the best training to the next generation of Police Cadets.
On top of its membership, the academy itself has seen many innovations to its curriculum while remaining efficient. The current goal for an academy is to have a runtime near two hours, while also being informative and engaging for the students. We have moved away from the previous academy style, which was classroom-heavy, in favor of more sections which allow the students to get hands-on experience and stay focused. Moving into the new year, we hope to keep the division running efficiently while continuing to make more improvements.
The Field Training Division, commonly known by the abbreviation FTD, falls under the Police Training Bureau within the Los Santos Police Department. The mission of the Field Training Division is to provide the best possible training for new Police Cadets that passed the Police Academy and police personnel from other agencies who avail themselves of our services.
Media Relations DivisionDetective George Hill wrote:The Field Training Division continues to provide incoming Cadets with the exemplary standard of training required to facilitate a steady transition from Civilian to Law Enforcement Officer. This year, the Field Training Division, assisted by the Basic Training Division, has performed some minor restructuring to the Field Training Program to allow for a more comprehensive progression of training material for our Cadets. I have been pleased to see the positive effects of these changes in recent months and I look forward to working with Field Training Officers and Cadets alike to further improve the overall experience in the new year.
It is only just that I, on behalf of the Field Training Division Command team, extend my greatest thanks and appreciation to every single Field Training Officer, past and present, for their seemingly endless dedication to the training of our Cadets, especially during the multiple periods of heavy workloads we have encountered this year. Here's to an even greater year in 2025!
The Media Relations Division is situated under the Administrative Services Bureau and is in charge of all public relations related work, how with government agencies, that with the general public as a whole. Media Relations has seen slight reformatting the last year but the core values and mission remained the same - bridging the gap between the Los Santos Police Department and the general public. With the new system, the Media Relations Division has grown exponentially, namely through the Community Affairs Section tasked with events and handling public gatherings.
-Detective Tim Havlicek wrote:The division has seen far greater improvement in staffing compared to previous years which in turn allowed to provide more consistent, correct, and timely answers to inquiries, host well-planned events, publish informative and transparent releases, and continuously push our boundary to not only match, but exceed expectations.
Media Relations has been kept in great shape and following internal reformatting it continues to blossom and move in a direction the Los Santos Police Department wants it to. I am proud of our members and their unwavering commitment and selflessness to give the city of Los Santos the safety and reassurance it needs. We are only satisfied when our accomplishments no longer need to be named but are known amongst our peers and citizens in the highest regards.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: Throughout the year 2024, the Los Santos Police Department has undertaken many large-scale and major operations that had large-scale effects on the operations of illegal organizations, groups, and cells operating within the State of San Andreas.
Many such operations achieved such success and notable results that they were covered in their own separate news releases through the years, and few were performed at a smaller scale but still had a significant impact, even if it was not addressed publicly, whether that be intentional or not. To commemorate the strides made and the results achieved this year, a recap will be provided of the most major and notable operations of 2024, irrespective of whether they were preplanned or impromptu.
On April 21st, the Los Santos Police Department became involved in an employee of the San Andreas State Government being held against her will in her own apartment by armed assailants. Officers of LSPD's D Platoon responded once they were informed, and coordinated their efforts with gang officers and detectives, to assess the situation at hand, and safely extract and rescue the hostage. A hostage negotiator was appointed and attempted to establish contact with the assailant, who at this time was armed with a suppressed firearm, to no avail, as any reason and attempts at negotiations were refused. Once all efforts and attempts at a peaceful resolution for all parties involved were exhausted, the room in which the employee was being held was breached, and the suspect was incapacitated. The state employee was safely extracted from the apartment and, beyond being shaken by the experience, was otherwise unharmed.
Investigators of the LSPD's anti-gang unit, the Gang and Narcotics Division, spent the month of April conducting an independent investigation into individuals and properties associated with an, at the time, prominent criminal organization, which led to the discovery of a penthouse within the Diamond Casino resort being found to be a base of operations of sorts, for firearms trafficking. On May 1st, gang detectives and officers of the D Platoon conducted a large-scale operation to execute the signed search warrant on the property. Officers took all necessary precautions to ensure officer and civilian safety due to the affiliation of the homeowner but were met with no resistance. This operation resulted in the seizure of over one hundred firearms, three of which were class three firearms, over ten thousand rounds of ammunition, one hundred weapon modifications, eight hundred units of drugs, and a significant quantity of general contraband.
On May 2nd, a shootout involving gang detectives occurred after they attempted a routine stop outside of the Pacific Allied Shipyard on Elysian Island. The traffic stop led the detectives to take a closer look at the warehouse, after which they were fired upon by several armed suspects. Officers then engaged in a firefight with the group until further assistance could arrive. Once additional officers arrived, suspects barricaded themselves within a small office room in the warehouse, leading to a temporary cease-fire which in turn led to the discovery of two LSPD detectives being fatally shot and killed in the exchange of fire. Tactical elements of LSPD SWAT and LSSD SED were deployed in a mutual aid incident, resulting in a forced entry being made into the office through the blanket of cover provided by smoke canisters. A notable quantity of weapons, narcotics, and general contraband were confiscated at the conclusion of the operation. Despite the best efforts of all emergency responders, ten suspects had been pronounced dead, and four officers had made the ultimate sacrifice, one that remains in our hearts and minds to this day.
Detectives of the Gang and Narcotics Division, on May 3rd, executed a search warrant with a deployment of a tactical element of the D Platoon for support. Officers were cautious of resistance due to the affiliation of the home-owner and the nature of the warrant but were met with no resistance and were able to make a swift entrance and exit, resulting in the seizure of twenty weapons, over one thousand rounds of ammunition, and more general contraband.
Taking a moment to extend the scope from tactical operations and returning to the basics of policing with traffic enforcement, on May 4th, the Traffic Enforcement Division, in a collaborative effort with major crimes detectives, conducted a bait car operation around Legion Square, an area in the heart of Los Santos which was assessed and determined to be a hot zone for vehicle theft. A vehicle was prepared and planted, and not long after, the vehicle was taken by a suspect, who was then stopped by traffic officers and taken into police custody.
On May 26th, undercover detectives were monitoring a property located in Rancho due to suspicion of the property containing a "chop shop". Their surveillance led to the witnessing of an individual approaching the vehicle deployed by the detectives, and later attempting to break into it. The suspect then drove the vehicle into the garage attached to the property they were monitoring. Additional officers were requested and surrounded the property, after which an individual standing outside of it was detained. After an estimated ten minutes, the suspect inside the garage failed to respond to any attempts made at contact, and forced entry was made into the garage of the property, where officers then located a partially dismantled vehicle. A search warrant was later filed and signed by a Judge, granting investigators access to the attached property, where they then seized further tools, firearms, and a large quantity of stolen vehicle parts.
Investigators of the Gang and Narcotics Division were made aware of an ongoing meeting between criminal organizations on June 1st, leading to detectives conducting surveillance on the location. Their surveillance led to the discovery of a number of individuals brandishing heavy weaponry, after which the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon and the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department were alerted for assistance. Upon a cautious approach, officers and deputies were met with a blockade of vehicles established by suspects and were then fired upon by the barricaded suspects. Tactical elements coordinated a push on multiple fronts and entry points, with patrol maintaining and advancing the perimeter of the structure at the Port of Los Santos, pushing the suspects into a confined area. A large firefight took place, resulting in multiple suspect casualties. Officers were injured, some in critical condition, but made a full recovery.
On June 23rd, an individual requested assistance from an officer through a 911 call indicating they wished to hand over contraband, a request to which an officer responded. The suspect then took the unsuspecting officer hostage by knife at the Mission Row Station. Due to the concern for the safety of the officer, negotiators met the initial demands established by the suspects, after which the suspect continuously added more demands to his list, resulting in negotiators having to firmly stand their ground. The suspect made multiple attempts to evade but was apprehended.
Investigators of the Gang and Narcotics Division executed a search warrant on a trailer home in conjunction with officers assigned to the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon on July 30th. This search warrant was obtained after strenuous surveillance was conducted on the home based on the affiliation and identity of the homeowner. Officers were cautious of potential risks but were met with no resistance and were able to make a swift entry and exit, resulting in the seizure of over four thousand units of drugs, over one hundred firearms, three of which were class three, over fifteen thousand rounds of ammunition, and a significant quantity of general contraband, such as body armor, drug paraphernalia, and more, with a value which was estimated to have exceeded six million dollars.
More impromptu and planned operations took place throughout the year, and while many produced the desired results of the search warrants that were executed, they either were or are ongoing investigations that cannot be covered, whether extensively or briefly, publicly prior to all information being available and allowing for an assessment to be made, or were not determined to have been significant to the point of warranting a separate release. Nevertheless, while a little over a handful of large-scale notable operations were mentioned, many occur, far exceeding the implied frequency thereof by highlighting these specifics.
The successes of the Los Santos Police Department in the area of operations are primarily accredited to the Gang and Narcotics Division and the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon, two divisions, and units that often collaborate to produce the best possible results, as highlighted within this article. Captain Martin, Commanding Officer, Gang and Narcotics Division, has been reached out to for a comment, and has provided the following.
While the seizures highlight the successes of the Los Santos Police Department, it also puts the spotlight on the challenges the Department and its officers face when conducting their duties. Malicious actors are heavily armed, at times being able to match the equipment of law enforcement, and while it is deserved to relish in the successes, it is important to remember where these confiscations originate from, and the challenges and risks that are posed to the safety of not only the City and the Department, but also the civilians by illegal organizations being armed and equipped with this grade of equipment.
The Los Santos Police Department will continue its efforts of removing weaponry, drugs, and contraband from the streets into 2025, and hope for an equally if not more effective year.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 4
Major OperationsLos Santos: Throughout the year 2024, the Los Santos Police Department has undertaken many large-scale and major operations that had large-scale effects on the operations of illegal organizations, groups, and cells operating within the State of San Andreas.
Many such operations achieved such success and notable results that they were covered in their own separate news releases through the years, and few were performed at a smaller scale but still had a significant impact, even if it was not addressed publicly, whether that be intentional or not. To commemorate the strides made and the results achieved this year, a recap will be provided of the most major and notable operations of 2024, irrespective of whether they were preplanned or impromptu.
On April 21st, the Los Santos Police Department became involved in an employee of the San Andreas State Government being held against her will in her own apartment by armed assailants. Officers of LSPD's D Platoon responded once they were informed, and coordinated their efforts with gang officers and detectives, to assess the situation at hand, and safely extract and rescue the hostage. A hostage negotiator was appointed and attempted to establish contact with the assailant, who at this time was armed with a suppressed firearm, to no avail, as any reason and attempts at negotiations were refused. Once all efforts and attempts at a peaceful resolution for all parties involved were exhausted, the room in which the employee was being held was breached, and the suspect was incapacitated. The state employee was safely extracted from the apartment and, beyond being shaken by the experience, was otherwise unharmed.
Investigators of the LSPD's anti-gang unit, the Gang and Narcotics Division, spent the month of April conducting an independent investigation into individuals and properties associated with an, at the time, prominent criminal organization, which led to the discovery of a penthouse within the Diamond Casino resort being found to be a base of operations of sorts, for firearms trafficking. On May 1st, gang detectives and officers of the D Platoon conducted a large-scale operation to execute the signed search warrant on the property. Officers took all necessary precautions to ensure officer and civilian safety due to the affiliation of the homeowner but were met with no resistance. This operation resulted in the seizure of over one hundred firearms, three of which were class three firearms, over ten thousand rounds of ammunition, one hundred weapon modifications, eight hundred units of drugs, and a significant quantity of general contraband.
On May 2nd, a shootout involving gang detectives occurred after they attempted a routine stop outside of the Pacific Allied Shipyard on Elysian Island. The traffic stop led the detectives to take a closer look at the warehouse, after which they were fired upon by several armed suspects. Officers then engaged in a firefight with the group until further assistance could arrive. Once additional officers arrived, suspects barricaded themselves within a small office room in the warehouse, leading to a temporary cease-fire which in turn led to the discovery of two LSPD detectives being fatally shot and killed in the exchange of fire. Tactical elements of LSPD SWAT and LSSD SED were deployed in a mutual aid incident, resulting in a forced entry being made into the office through the blanket of cover provided by smoke canisters. A notable quantity of weapons, narcotics, and general contraband were confiscated at the conclusion of the operation. Despite the best efforts of all emergency responders, ten suspects had been pronounced dead, and four officers had made the ultimate sacrifice, one that remains in our hearts and minds to this day.
Detectives of the Gang and Narcotics Division, on May 3rd, executed a search warrant with a deployment of a tactical element of the D Platoon for support. Officers were cautious of resistance due to the affiliation of the home-owner and the nature of the warrant but were met with no resistance and were able to make a swift entrance and exit, resulting in the seizure of twenty weapons, over one thousand rounds of ammunition, and more general contraband.
Taking a moment to extend the scope from tactical operations and returning to the basics of policing with traffic enforcement, on May 4th, the Traffic Enforcement Division, in a collaborative effort with major crimes detectives, conducted a bait car operation around Legion Square, an area in the heart of Los Santos which was assessed and determined to be a hot zone for vehicle theft. A vehicle was prepared and planted, and not long after, the vehicle was taken by a suspect, who was then stopped by traffic officers and taken into police custody.
On May 26th, undercover detectives were monitoring a property located in Rancho due to suspicion of the property containing a "chop shop". Their surveillance led to the witnessing of an individual approaching the vehicle deployed by the detectives, and later attempting to break into it. The suspect then drove the vehicle into the garage attached to the property they were monitoring. Additional officers were requested and surrounded the property, after which an individual standing outside of it was detained. After an estimated ten minutes, the suspect inside the garage failed to respond to any attempts made at contact, and forced entry was made into the garage of the property, where officers then located a partially dismantled vehicle. A search warrant was later filed and signed by a Judge, granting investigators access to the attached property, where they then seized further tools, firearms, and a large quantity of stolen vehicle parts.
Investigators of the Gang and Narcotics Division were made aware of an ongoing meeting between criminal organizations on June 1st, leading to detectives conducting surveillance on the location. Their surveillance led to the discovery of a number of individuals brandishing heavy weaponry, after which the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon and the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department were alerted for assistance. Upon a cautious approach, officers and deputies were met with a blockade of vehicles established by suspects and were then fired upon by the barricaded suspects. Tactical elements coordinated a push on multiple fronts and entry points, with patrol maintaining and advancing the perimeter of the structure at the Port of Los Santos, pushing the suspects into a confined area. A large firefight took place, resulting in multiple suspect casualties. Officers were injured, some in critical condition, but made a full recovery.
On June 23rd, an individual requested assistance from an officer through a 911 call indicating they wished to hand over contraband, a request to which an officer responded. The suspect then took the unsuspecting officer hostage by knife at the Mission Row Station. Due to the concern for the safety of the officer, negotiators met the initial demands established by the suspects, after which the suspect continuously added more demands to his list, resulting in negotiators having to firmly stand their ground. The suspect made multiple attempts to evade but was apprehended.
Investigators of the Gang and Narcotics Division executed a search warrant on a trailer home in conjunction with officers assigned to the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon on July 30th. This search warrant was obtained after strenuous surveillance was conducted on the home based on the affiliation and identity of the homeowner. Officers were cautious of potential risks but were met with no resistance and were able to make a swift entry and exit, resulting in the seizure of over four thousand units of drugs, over one hundred firearms, three of which were class three, over fifteen thousand rounds of ammunition, and a significant quantity of general contraband, such as body armor, drug paraphernalia, and more, with a value which was estimated to have exceeded six million dollars.
More impromptu and planned operations took place throughout the year, and while many produced the desired results of the search warrants that were executed, they either were or are ongoing investigations that cannot be covered, whether extensively or briefly, publicly prior to all information being available and allowing for an assessment to be made, or were not determined to have been significant to the point of warranting a separate release. Nevertheless, while a little over a handful of large-scale notable operations were mentioned, many occur, far exceeding the implied frequency thereof by highlighting these specifics.
The successes of the Los Santos Police Department in the area of operations are primarily accredited to the Gang and Narcotics Division and the Metropolitan Division's D Platoon, two divisions, and units that often collaborate to produce the best possible results, as highlighted within this article. Captain Martin, Commanding Officer, Gang and Narcotics Division, has been reached out to for a comment, and has provided the following.
To put into perspective the successes of the Department in terms of confiscated weaponry and so forth, please allow the following list to serve as an indicator. Important to note, however, is that this is a list put together based on publicly disclosed confiscations, meaning that the numbers provided below are the minimum numbers, and the true numbers exceed both the quantities and the estimated value.Captain II Samuel Martin, Commanding Officer, Gang and Narcotics Division wrote: Gang Detectives, over the last year, have led multiple operations, spearheading confiscations estimated to have totaled millions of dollars, pushing past eight figures, worth of illegal contraband from numerous criminal organizations. One of the most notable seizures in recent times occurred when gang detectives were informed of an upcoming import of illegal weaponry. Officers intercepted the shipment and seized a large quantity of heavy weaponry, including three RPGs.
The Gang and Narcotics Division is the LSPD's response to gang violence and presence within the City and the State and specializes in gang enforcement which has been tailored to fit the behavior of the gangs and organizations they deal with daily, and the risks associated with their assignment. As it stands, the division currently boasts a roster of twelve, which is significant as it is the largest number of personnel assigned to the division in recent history, each person bringing a certain skill- and mindset to the table. My detectives often come together and conduct their work as a group, which makes them a stronger and more formidable team.
I want to extend my gratitude to all personnel assigned to the Gang and Narcotics Division. The team would not be the same without the efforts they put in and the things that they do.
- 6 Class 3 Firearms
- 117 Class 2 Firearms
- 96 Class 1 Firearms
- 26,701 rounds of various types of ammunition
- 237 weapon modifications
- 5,483 units of drugs
- 1,443 units of drug paraphernalia and chemicals
- 11 units of drug manufacturing equipment
- 41 pieces of body armor
While the seizures highlight the successes of the Los Santos Police Department, it also puts the spotlight on the challenges the Department and its officers face when conducting their duties. Malicious actors are heavily armed, at times being able to match the equipment of law enforcement, and while it is deserved to relish in the successes, it is important to remember where these confiscations originate from, and the challenges and risks that are posed to the safety of not only the City and the Department, but also the civilians by illegal organizations being armed and equipped with this grade of equipment.
The Los Santos Police Department will continue its efforts of removing weaponry, drugs, and contraband from the streets into 2025, and hope for an equally if not more effective year.
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###
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: This year has seen the introduction of multiple powerful tools into the criminal underworld, posing new challenges for law enforcement to overcome. As the arms race continues, the Los Santos Police Department works hard to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of gangs operating in the city.
July saw the first use of powerful new devices that jam radio frequencies and GPS signals. These devices have become a popular tool amongst gangs for use against law enforcement, effectively preventing any effective communication within a significant distance of the device. When used against a radio frequency, it becomes impossible to understand any communication over that frequency, and when used against GPS signals, GPS trackers in police vehicles fail, making it impossible to track an officer's location. The devices are extremely effective, blocking all communication within a radius of 400m, and pose a significant threat to the ability of law enforcement to coordinate during critical moments.
Jamming devices have been deployed ahead of major criminal operations, during pursuits of gang affiliated persons, and as distractions from other illegal activity. The use of these devices has posed a major challenge for law enforcement to adapt to. Thankfully, certain technologically adept employees of the Department have been quick to develop specialized tools to aid in locating the devices quickly and efficiently. Today, law enforcement officers can typically locate and disable a jammer within 5 minutes.
Gangs have also gained access to another type of device this year, called an encryption zero-day device, which exploits previously unknown vulnerabilities in the encryption protocols law enforcement communication devices. There are two known types of devices currently in use. One variant allows the user to directly access law enforcement radio communication, while another allows the user to see the live location of all police vehicles with GPS trackers. These devices enable criminals to infiltrate restricted police communication channels, allowing them to eavesdrop on the strategic communication of law enforcement, which can be extremely dangerous during high-risk situations such as shootouts and pursuits. Knowing the plans and potential locations of law enforcement can make it easier for gang members to hide from law enforcement, foil police operations, and most significantly, to locate and harm officers. When a breach is discovered, law enforcement agencies are forced to adapt by using alternative communication techniques, and by being wary of the information shared over radio frequencies.
This year has also seen an uptick in the criminal misuse of vehicle license plates. Criminals have started removing license plates from their vehicles prior to committing crimes or evading law enforcement, to make it more difficult to locate the vehicle and its occupants later. However, vehicles without license plates attract attention, and to avoid this, some individuals have begun stealing license plates from parked vehicles to affix to their own vehicles. Swapped license plates are more difficult to detect, as officers have to cross check the issuance number of the affixed plate with records, which has required an update of Department instructional material. As a result of this new type of crime, the charges VM08 - Vehicle Registration Fraud and VM09 - Operation of a Vehicle without a License Plate have been added to the State of San Andreas Penal Code, in addition to the citation VC14 - Operation of a Vehicle without a License Plate. The citation is applicable when the lack of a license plate is the only violation, while the misdemeanor applies if another crime is committed using a vehicle with no license plate.
A new way of robbing ATMs has emerged this year. Rather than robbing ATMs on the spot, where every second that goes by increases the chance of capture, criminals have been stealing the ATM machines themselves, by towing them with vehicles. Banks and insurance companies have responded to this by installing GPS trackers that activate when power to the ATM is lost, and sharing the location of the ATM with law enforcement until the battery runs out. The LSPD has adapted to this quickly, and has been highly effective in catching these criminals.
As with every year, automakers have introduced even faster cars this year. With technological developments within electric cars making quick progress, cars with extreme acceleration rates are becoming more common. Other cars are further pushing the boundaries of top speed. These developments keep the Department on its feet, requiring more driver training and updates to the patrol car fleet. As speeds reach truly dangerous levels, good radio communication and teamwork between law enforcement officers and agencies become ever more crucial elements of police work.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 5
Crime UpdateLos Santos: This year has seen the introduction of multiple powerful tools into the criminal underworld, posing new challenges for law enforcement to overcome. As the arms race continues, the Los Santos Police Department works hard to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of gangs operating in the city.
July saw the first use of powerful new devices that jam radio frequencies and GPS signals. These devices have become a popular tool amongst gangs for use against law enforcement, effectively preventing any effective communication within a significant distance of the device. When used against a radio frequency, it becomes impossible to understand any communication over that frequency, and when used against GPS signals, GPS trackers in police vehicles fail, making it impossible to track an officer's location. The devices are extremely effective, blocking all communication within a radius of 400m, and pose a significant threat to the ability of law enforcement to coordinate during critical moments.
Jamming devices have been deployed ahead of major criminal operations, during pursuits of gang affiliated persons, and as distractions from other illegal activity. The use of these devices has posed a major challenge for law enforcement to adapt to. Thankfully, certain technologically adept employees of the Department have been quick to develop specialized tools to aid in locating the devices quickly and efficiently. Today, law enforcement officers can typically locate and disable a jammer within 5 minutes.
Gangs have also gained access to another type of device this year, called an encryption zero-day device, which exploits previously unknown vulnerabilities in the encryption protocols law enforcement communication devices. There are two known types of devices currently in use. One variant allows the user to directly access law enforcement radio communication, while another allows the user to see the live location of all police vehicles with GPS trackers. These devices enable criminals to infiltrate restricted police communication channels, allowing them to eavesdrop on the strategic communication of law enforcement, which can be extremely dangerous during high-risk situations such as shootouts and pursuits. Knowing the plans and potential locations of law enforcement can make it easier for gang members to hide from law enforcement, foil police operations, and most significantly, to locate and harm officers. When a breach is discovered, law enforcement agencies are forced to adapt by using alternative communication techniques, and by being wary of the information shared over radio frequencies.
This year has also seen an uptick in the criminal misuse of vehicle license plates. Criminals have started removing license plates from their vehicles prior to committing crimes or evading law enforcement, to make it more difficult to locate the vehicle and its occupants later. However, vehicles without license plates attract attention, and to avoid this, some individuals have begun stealing license plates from parked vehicles to affix to their own vehicles. Swapped license plates are more difficult to detect, as officers have to cross check the issuance number of the affixed plate with records, which has required an update of Department instructional material. As a result of this new type of crime, the charges VM08 - Vehicle Registration Fraud and VM09 - Operation of a Vehicle without a License Plate have been added to the State of San Andreas Penal Code, in addition to the citation VC14 - Operation of a Vehicle without a License Plate. The citation is applicable when the lack of a license plate is the only violation, while the misdemeanor applies if another crime is committed using a vehicle with no license plate.
A new way of robbing ATMs has emerged this year. Rather than robbing ATMs on the spot, where every second that goes by increases the chance of capture, criminals have been stealing the ATM machines themselves, by towing them with vehicles. Banks and insurance companies have responded to this by installing GPS trackers that activate when power to the ATM is lost, and sharing the location of the ATM with law enforcement until the battery runs out. The LSPD has adapted to this quickly, and has been highly effective in catching these criminals.
As with every year, automakers have introduced even faster cars this year. With technological developments within electric cars making quick progress, cars with extreme acceleration rates are becoming more common. Other cars are further pushing the boundaries of top speed. These developments keep the Department on its feet, requiring more driver training and updates to the patrol car fleet. As speeds reach truly dangerous levels, good radio communication and teamwork between law enforcement officers and agencies become ever more crucial elements of police work.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: The LSPD has participated in a lot of community events this year. The Department sees this as an important part of building a relationship with the community. Department participation in and hosting of events is managed by the Community Relations team, but the great success of these events has been made possible jointly by the amazing people of Los Santos.
A highlight from May 5th is the Cinco de Mayo event, a wonderful celebration of Mexican independence from France in 1886. The event was kicked off with free thematic food and drinks courtesy of the LSPD. The mood was set by DJ Asbjorn, and one of the over 40 attendees of the event was the lucky winner of a decorated Slam Van Custom. The true highlight is the incredible turn-up of the Los Santos Motorcycle Club's many members, rolling up in their leather jackets all adorning taco masks to fit the theme.
For Taxi Appreciation Day on the 22nd of June, in honor of the hard workers at the Downtown Cab Company, the LSPD organized for 5 of the Departments decommissioned Crown Victoria police vehicles to get a few last rides in the hands of the DCC's talented drivers. In this event, Officers and Taxi Drivers teamed up to transport the people of Los Santos in a very special vehicle, not to jail, but to the destination of their choice. The event was a symbol of cooperation and a great chance for Officers, Cab Drivers, and citizens to bond. The LSPD also organized a show of gratitude to the Los Santos Customs on the 27th of July for their continued service to the city. The LSC has been a staple company of the city for many years, and this was heavily reflected in the incredible turnout of the public. The support shown by the community for its local business was humbling.
As we entered the Autumn season, the LSPD invited citizens to a job fair. This event was a success not just for the aspiring cadets but for any citizen wanting to know more, or even just to meet and greet officers and see LSPD equipment up close. Everything from the Airship and special vehicles to the arsenal, uniforms and equipment of various LSPD divisions was on demonstration. This event saw an overwhelming turnout and was a great success, and the Department extends a huge thanks to all who took the time to come say hello.
One of the favorites of the year, and perhaps the one that saw the most engagement, was the "Race for the Cure" hosted by the LSPD Traffic Enforcement Division. This event saw the Citizens of Los Santos take the challenge to race against the LSPD's finest drivers. This was a great opportunity for people to experience the thrill of racing and testing their skills against officers in a safe and controlled environment, and the event brought excellent turnout and feedback. More importantly, it raised an impressive $3,000,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
On the 27th of October, the Los Santos Police Department participated in a city-wide event hosted by Weazel News to celebrate Halloween. Participating organizations had the chance to choose a trick or treat based event to represent themselves, with the Los Santos Police Department opting out for a trick, and treat event. For the trick part of the event participants had to complete an obstacle course without being tackled by attending Officers to receive their treat. 150 individuals individuals participated which made it one of the most visited venues of the event. An additional photo booth was set up in front of our Mission Row station with a crime scene based theme to give participants a unique, unforgettable photo to remember the event by. This was amongst our favorite events of the year and an honor to take part in, and the Department extends its thanks to the great planners at Weazel News for executing such a successful community event.
Reflecting on a great year of community events, the LSPD extends its thanks to everyone for the amazing support and positive spirit, and for building a better Los Santos with us. We hope to see you in another eventful and thrilling year in 2025.
Take care Los Santos.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 6
Events ReviewLos Santos: The LSPD has participated in a lot of community events this year. The Department sees this as an important part of building a relationship with the community. Department participation in and hosting of events is managed by the Community Relations team, but the great success of these events has been made possible jointly by the amazing people of Los Santos.
A highlight from May 5th is the Cinco de Mayo event, a wonderful celebration of Mexican independence from France in 1886. The event was kicked off with free thematic food and drinks courtesy of the LSPD. The mood was set by DJ Asbjorn, and one of the over 40 attendees of the event was the lucky winner of a decorated Slam Van Custom. The true highlight is the incredible turn-up of the Los Santos Motorcycle Club's many members, rolling up in their leather jackets all adorning taco masks to fit the theme.
For Taxi Appreciation Day on the 22nd of June, in honor of the hard workers at the Downtown Cab Company, the LSPD organized for 5 of the Departments decommissioned Crown Victoria police vehicles to get a few last rides in the hands of the DCC's talented drivers. In this event, Officers and Taxi Drivers teamed up to transport the people of Los Santos in a very special vehicle, not to jail, but to the destination of their choice. The event was a symbol of cooperation and a great chance for Officers, Cab Drivers, and citizens to bond. The LSPD also organized a show of gratitude to the Los Santos Customs on the 27th of July for their continued service to the city. The LSC has been a staple company of the city for many years, and this was heavily reflected in the incredible turnout of the public. The support shown by the community for its local business was humbling.
As we entered the Autumn season, the LSPD invited citizens to a job fair. This event was a success not just for the aspiring cadets but for any citizen wanting to know more, or even just to meet and greet officers and see LSPD equipment up close. Everything from the Airship and special vehicles to the arsenal, uniforms and equipment of various LSPD divisions was on demonstration. This event saw an overwhelming turnout and was a great success, and the Department extends a huge thanks to all who took the time to come say hello.
One of the favorites of the year, and perhaps the one that saw the most engagement, was the "Race for the Cure" hosted by the LSPD Traffic Enforcement Division. This event saw the Citizens of Los Santos take the challenge to race against the LSPD's finest drivers. This was a great opportunity for people to experience the thrill of racing and testing their skills against officers in a safe and controlled environment, and the event brought excellent turnout and feedback. More importantly, it raised an impressive $3,000,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
On the 27th of October, the Los Santos Police Department participated in a city-wide event hosted by Weazel News to celebrate Halloween. Participating organizations had the chance to choose a trick or treat based event to represent themselves, with the Los Santos Police Department opting out for a trick, and treat event. For the trick part of the event participants had to complete an obstacle course without being tackled by attending Officers to receive their treat. 150 individuals individuals participated which made it one of the most visited venues of the event. An additional photo booth was set up in front of our Mission Row station with a crime scene based theme to give participants a unique, unforgettable photo to remember the event by. This was amongst our favorite events of the year and an honor to take part in, and the Department extends its thanks to the great planners at Weazel News for executing such a successful community event.
Reflecting on a great year of community events, the LSPD extends its thanks to everyone for the amazing support and positive spirit, and for building a better Los Santos with us. We hope to see you in another eventful and thrilling year in 2025.
Take care Los Santos.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: In February this year, the city began to establish the Vinewood Walk of Fame in Downtown Vinewood to celebrate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices that have been made by the citizens of Los Santos. The last stones placed so far were laid down in May. A piece of the city's history, from members of the Los Santos Police Department to the drivers of the Downtown Cab Company, people that have earned their name and place in the city have a piece of them etched on the Vinewood Walk of Fame.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 7
Vinewood Walk of FameLos Santos: In February this year, the city began to establish the Vinewood Walk of Fame in Downtown Vinewood to celebrate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices that have been made by the citizens of Los Santos. The last stones placed so far were laid down in May. A piece of the city's history, from members of the Los Santos Police Department to the drivers of the Downtown Cab Company, people that have earned their name and place in the city have a piece of them etched on the Vinewood Walk of Fame.
A long list of members from our very Department received their stars for their focus, dedication, and commitment to making Los Santos, and San Andreas a safer and better place, for everyone. We take a lot of pride in knowing that our Officers are valued members of the community as the job they do is not easy and is often times overlooked. We would like to congratulate and thank not only the people on the Vinewood Walk of Fame for their work, but all the Officers whose good deeds might have gone unnoticed in situations nobody was there to see them. With this, we also send our prayers and express our gratitude to Officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, giving their lives protecting and serving the people of this city.In a grandiose gesture that pays homage to the city's unsung heroes and illustrious entrepreneurs, the City of Los Santos has embarked on a monumental project along Vinewood Boulevard. The iconic boulevard, already synonymous with stardom, has received a glittering addition in the form of engraved marble stars, each bearing the names of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the local community. The recognition extends beyond emergency services to encompass the indomitable spirit of those who have left an indelible mark on the city's business landscape.
As Vinewood Boulevard transforms into a walk of fame for the city's finest, the majority of the coveted spots have already been claimed by esteemed figures. These luminaries represent the resilience and dedication of emergency service personnel and the entrepreneurial prowess of local business magnates.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
I am Officer Jenevelle Arcana, and I joined the Los Santos Police Department at the beginning of this year after my time in the military. I have been asked to reflect on my first year as a new officer, my experience with the recruitment and training process, and settling into the role of law enforcement.
Originally I joined the army to help people and to try my best at making a difference. With the LSPD, I figured this would be my chance to do that. Someone has to step up and do the things they do, because keeping people safe is their job and that is what I wanted to do with my career in the LSPD. Once initiated as a Cadet, I was required to learn all the ropes and ensure that I was physically fit. I learned a lot through basic policing and advanced training further into my time as a Cadet, and I can safely say I use most if not everything that was taught. I had my struggles in my cadet phase due to my anxiety issues, but through my training I was able to overcome this challenge. Training was hard at times, but my Field Training Officers made it that much more easier, thanks to the commitment the LSPD has towards their newest.
After a while, it was deemed fit to hold the rank of Police Officer I, getting my own callsign to patrol by myself. From this moment, the Department trusted in me that regardless of the situation, I would be able to act correctly. It was hard to get used to having to be ready for anything, but I went into it feeling prepared. Of the variety of situations I have been a part of this year, the one I remember most vividly was when City Hall was infiltrated by armed gang members. What started as a normal day soon became chaos as every unit responded to the situation. Securing the area, I couldn’t help but feel worried for the hostages inside, and was prepared for anything. Seeing how the LSPD is able to adapt to any situation that comes up and is always ready to help is truly inspiring. Those that join are sworn in to protect and it always reflects regardless of the circumstances.
We have had many good times as well, connecting with the community through events. I was present for the doggy park as well as the Halloween event we had set up. The doggy park was really cool because a lot of the K9 officers brought over their partners for the public to meet and give treats to. My personal favorite was the Halloween event because I had a lot more involvement in it. I had fun hiding and trying to scare those that were trying to get to the end. Events like those were so needed because it gave us time to actually bond with the public and have a good time. Being able to take a step back from duties and have a laugh with everyone is a rewarding part of the job because you never know if they needed that as well. Both events impacted my career, and inspired me to join the Media Relations Division as well as becoming a K9 Officer.
As a Police Officer III, I have continued to learn and master new skills. By developing the drive to help out and the leadership to take action, I hope to be remembered as someone that aims to help rather than one that's just there to enforce. Throughout the year I have built my confidence, and I am grateful to have the support of the Department and the friends I have made within. The Department have made me feel welcome since the moment I stepped foot in the interview room.
To be an officer in 2024 was about helping my community. Originally I thought it was going to be just shootouts and high speed chases, but the community outreach we have has been such a rewarding change for me to embrace. With every crime we help prevent and every event we facilitate, we hope to bring the community together. Being an officer of the LSPD means I can help the people of my city, the city I love and am proud of.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 8
First Year in the LSPDOriginally I joined the army to help people and to try my best at making a difference. With the LSPD, I figured this would be my chance to do that. Someone has to step up and do the things they do, because keeping people safe is their job and that is what I wanted to do with my career in the LSPD. Once initiated as a Cadet, I was required to learn all the ropes and ensure that I was physically fit. I learned a lot through basic policing and advanced training further into my time as a Cadet, and I can safely say I use most if not everything that was taught. I had my struggles in my cadet phase due to my anxiety issues, but through my training I was able to overcome this challenge. Training was hard at times, but my Field Training Officers made it that much more easier, thanks to the commitment the LSPD has towards their newest.
After a while, it was deemed fit to hold the rank of Police Officer I, getting my own callsign to patrol by myself. From this moment, the Department trusted in me that regardless of the situation, I would be able to act correctly. It was hard to get used to having to be ready for anything, but I went into it feeling prepared. Of the variety of situations I have been a part of this year, the one I remember most vividly was when City Hall was infiltrated by armed gang members. What started as a normal day soon became chaos as every unit responded to the situation. Securing the area, I couldn’t help but feel worried for the hostages inside, and was prepared for anything. Seeing how the LSPD is able to adapt to any situation that comes up and is always ready to help is truly inspiring. Those that join are sworn in to protect and it always reflects regardless of the circumstances.
We have had many good times as well, connecting with the community through events. I was present for the doggy park as well as the Halloween event we had set up. The doggy park was really cool because a lot of the K9 officers brought over their partners for the public to meet and give treats to. My personal favorite was the Halloween event because I had a lot more involvement in it. I had fun hiding and trying to scare those that were trying to get to the end. Events like those were so needed because it gave us time to actually bond with the public and have a good time. Being able to take a step back from duties and have a laugh with everyone is a rewarding part of the job because you never know if they needed that as well. Both events impacted my career, and inspired me to join the Media Relations Division as well as becoming a K9 Officer.
As a Police Officer III, I have continued to learn and master new skills. By developing the drive to help out and the leadership to take action, I hope to be remembered as someone that aims to help rather than one that's just there to enforce. Throughout the year I have built my confidence, and I am grateful to have the support of the Department and the friends I have made within. The Department have made me feel welcome since the moment I stepped foot in the interview room.
To be an officer in 2024 was about helping my community. Originally I thought it was going to be just shootouts and high speed chases, but the community outreach we have has been such a rewarding change for me to embrace. With every crime we help prevent and every event we facilitate, we hope to bring the community together. Being an officer of the LSPD means I can help the people of my city, the city I love and am proud of.
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###
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: The Los Santos Police Department closely monitors a variety of trends throughout the year, as each division logs data from their respective duties. Using this data, statistics can be charted to look back on how the city has evolved through the year in relation to police work. The publication of this data for the public to see is an important part of the Los Santos Police Department's mission to provide transparency in its operation. Follow along for a review of the evolution in the rate of various common crimes, numbers from the Department's recruitment and employment, and statistics on the outcomes of internal affairs cases from 2024.
Crime rate
The total number of arrest reports submitted each month serves as an indicator of the crime rate. Based on this indicator, the overall crime rate has been at or slightly above 2023 levels for most of the year, peaking at 17% over 2023 levels in June. However, it has fallen drastically towards the end of the year, as mentioned previously in a separate news release from mid November. Since then, the crime rate has remained more than 30% below that of the same month last year. Because of this late dive in crime, the total number of arrests reported this year is just over 14,000, around 4% less than last year. The crime rate throughout the year can be seen on the figure on the right, overlaid on the crime rate from 2023.
Looking into the charges listed on each arrest report, it is possible to get an idea of the rate of specific types of crimes as well. Often, more than one charge is listed on each arrest reports, so the number of charges for each individual type of crime will surpass the total number of arrests. Furthermore, multiple of the same charge can be listed on one arrest report. This data looks exclusively at the number of people arrested in connection with each specific type of crime. Looking into this data, it becomes clear that the reduction in crime has not extended to serious felonies, such as murder and bank robbery, which have been significantly higher than last year.
Instead, general felonies like burglary, robbery, and grand theft auto have fallen. This indicates an increase in organized crime and gang activity, while unaffiliated crime has decreased.
Looking at the percentage change since last year in the crime rate for each of these 5 types of crime, in comparison to the overall percentage change of crime, illustrates this clearly. The general felonies of burglary, robbery, and grand theft auto rates have decreased in almost every month, while the serious felonies of murder and bank robbery rates have increased. Furthermore, the general felonies have had growth below the overall crime rate, while the serious felonies have had growth significantly above the overall crime rate, albeit less consistently. The chart below illustrates this, but the extremely high increase in bank robberies has been trimmed out to better show the other rates.
In May, June, and July, the bank robbery rate was respectively 567%, 313%, and 195% higher than in the same months in 2023. The total amount of arrests with a murder charge filed in 2024 was around 1600, 250 more than in 2023. The total amount for bank robbery has increased from 318 to 462. This stark increase in gang related crime is a significant challenge for the LSPD, underlining the necessity of the Gang and Narcotics Division and the Department's increased anti-gang measures. A murder rate this high is extreme, and indicative of the high level of gang activity taking place in the city. Fortunately, most of the danger remains between rival gangs and law enforcement, but it is clear that continued efforts to combat gang activity are desperately needed.
Recruitment & Employment
The number of people employed with the Los Santos Police Department has remained steady over the past three years, increasing slightly this year to just over 120. The difference is likely due to natural fluctuations from the timing of academy graduations compared to resignations and terminations, and the consistency of this employee count indicates that the Department is operating with great stability and at capacity. The total number of employees at the end of each of the past 3 years can be seen on the chart on the right.
There has been a slight but steady growth in the number of applicants accepted, which has allowed for the slight increase in employees this year. However, there has been a significantly higher interest from applicants in joining the Department this year, with a total of nearly 400 job applications submitted. Only around 100 of these were successful, and this lower acceptance rate made 2024 one of the most challenging years for applicants trying to join the Department. The low acceptance rate demonstrates that the Department is satisfied with its current employee numbers, and has allowed recruitment staff to be highly selective in who is given a chance to serve with Los Santos' Finest.
Public Inquiries
The Los Santos Police Department maintains a public inquiries section on the public website to allow citizens to ask questions and obtain information, as well as arrange meetings with Department personnel. Maintaining an open communication channel with the public is viewed as an important tool in the Departments mission to maintain transparency and build trust with the public. This year has unfortunately seen a significant drop in the number of public inquiries made, from 57 last year to just 32 this year. 17 were filed by independent civilians, and 12 were filed by Weazel News.
Nevertheless, the Department has maintained its dedication to answering every single inquiry within a reasonable amount of time, and hopes to encourage more inquiries next year. Over 90% of inquiries were acknowledged or answered within 2 calendar days, and the longest wait time was 5 calendar days. The average wait time this year remained just below 1 calendar day, and has generally been even more consistent than last year.
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Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs has received a total of 332 reports against Department employees this year, 67 more than last year. This marks another increase in the number of complaints filed, and the highest number of complaints filed since the first Year in Review was published in 2020.
Of the 332 complaints filed this year, 59 were sustained, meaning that wrongdoing was found and disciplinary action was warranted against the offending employee. Additionally, it was found that the employee's actions could have been improved in 24 cases, but no policy was breached and no disciplinary action issued. In 43 complaints, the employee was exonerated, meaning that the employee's actions were investigated, and the actions were found to be justified. 189 complaints were found to contain no misconduct following a preliminary review of the accusations. The remaining 17 complaints either led to procedural changes, were passed on to a supervisor for investigation, or have not yet been resolved.
This means that, in spite of the total number of IA reports rising for the second year in a row, the number of complaints where wrongdoing was found has not increased significantly, with sustained complaints making up a decreasing percentage of total complaints. In fact, with the total number of IA reports now surpassing the recent high in 2021, the number of sustained complaints has actually fallen for the second year running, from 113 in 2022 to 59 this year, the lowest amount ever recorded in a Year in Review. The number of sustained complaints falls just short of the 60 sustained in 2023, a year with comparable, albeit slightly lower numbers of employees and reported arrests.
The continued fall in sustained IA reports demonstrates the rising standards of the Department's employees, and the success of revised training programs. The contrasting significant rise in total complaints being filed indicates an increasing tendency by criminals to misuse the Internal Affairs system. This is especially notable considering that the amount of arrests carried out this year has actually fallen slightly compared to last year, while the amount of complaints filed has increased by over 25%. The Department nevertheless encourages the use of the Internal Affairs system whenever needed to ensure that its high standards are upheld across all of its employees.
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Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 9
Statistics ReviewLos Santos: The Los Santos Police Department closely monitors a variety of trends throughout the year, as each division logs data from their respective duties. Using this data, statistics can be charted to look back on how the city has evolved through the year in relation to police work. The publication of this data for the public to see is an important part of the Los Santos Police Department's mission to provide transparency in its operation. Follow along for a review of the evolution in the rate of various common crimes, numbers from the Department's recruitment and employment, and statistics on the outcomes of internal affairs cases from 2024.
Crime rate
Looking into the charges listed on each arrest report, it is possible to get an idea of the rate of specific types of crimes as well. Often, more than one charge is listed on each arrest reports, so the number of charges for each individual type of crime will surpass the total number of arrests. Furthermore, multiple of the same charge can be listed on one arrest report. This data looks exclusively at the number of people arrested in connection with each specific type of crime. Looking into this data, it becomes clear that the reduction in crime has not extended to serious felonies, such as murder and bank robbery, which have been significantly higher than last year.
Recruitment & Employment
There has been a slight but steady growth in the number of applicants accepted, which has allowed for the slight increase in employees this year. However, there has been a significantly higher interest from applicants in joining the Department this year, with a total of nearly 400 job applications submitted. Only around 100 of these were successful, and this lower acceptance rate made 2024 one of the most challenging years for applicants trying to join the Department. The low acceptance rate demonstrates that the Department is satisfied with its current employee numbers, and has allowed recruitment staff to be highly selective in who is given a chance to serve with Los Santos' Finest.
Public Inquiries
Nevertheless, the Department has maintained its dedication to answering every single inquiry within a reasonable amount of time, and hopes to encourage more inquiries next year. Over 90% of inquiries were acknowledged or answered within 2 calendar days, and the longest wait time was 5 calendar days. The average wait time this year remained just below 1 calendar day, and has generally been even more consistent than last year.
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Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs has received a total of 332 reports against Department employees this year, 67 more than last year. This marks another increase in the number of complaints filed, and the highest number of complaints filed since the first Year in Review was published in 2020.
The continued fall in sustained IA reports demonstrates the rising standards of the Department's employees, and the success of revised training programs. The contrasting significant rise in total complaints being filed indicates an increasing tendency by criminals to misuse the Internal Affairs system. This is especially notable considering that the amount of arrests carried out this year has actually fallen slightly compared to last year, while the amount of complaints filed has increased by over 25%. The Department nevertheless encourages the use of the Internal Affairs system whenever needed to ensure that its high standards are upheld across all of its employees.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
Los Santos: Thank you for joining us for another Year in Review, and thanks to everyone that has made this another special year. While we continue to combat worrying developments in the criminal world, with ever new tools and methods, we reflect on this year as a successful one for the Department. Much progress has been made within our many Bureaus and Divisions on refining our methods and training, and with the help of new tools we can fight crime more efficiently than ever. Our officers have done an excellent job this year, and are some of the most professional and service-minded employees we have ever had. With the crime rate breaking and falling over the past few months, we hope to go into a year of order and civility, where we can focus on building safe communities together.
A special thank you goes out to those who helped put together our best ever Year in Review. The Year in Review is an important staple not just for the Media Relations Division, but for the whole Department, as a time to reflect on progress and important moments throughout the year. It is important to document our history and look inwards, to ensure that we learn from mistakes and continue to improve, and as an institution for the people of Los Santos, we aim to provide transparency on the inner workings of the Department. Creating such a comprehensive release could not be done without the contributions of many passionate individuals.
Thank you to the following individuals for their direct contributions to the Year in Review:
Los Santos, San Andreas
News Release
Page 10
Closing MessageLos Santos: Thank you for joining us for another Year in Review, and thanks to everyone that has made this another special year. While we continue to combat worrying developments in the criminal world, with ever new tools and methods, we reflect on this year as a successful one for the Department. Much progress has been made within our many Bureaus and Divisions on refining our methods and training, and with the help of new tools we can fight crime more efficiently than ever. Our officers have done an excellent job this year, and are some of the most professional and service-minded employees we have ever had. With the crime rate breaking and falling over the past few months, we hope to go into a year of order and civility, where we can focus on building safe communities together.
A special thank you goes out to those who helped put together our best ever Year in Review. The Year in Review is an important staple not just for the Media Relations Division, but for the whole Department, as a time to reflect on progress and important moments throughout the year. It is important to document our history and look inwards, to ensure that we learn from mistakes and continue to improve, and as an institution for the people of Los Santos, we aim to provide transparency on the inner workings of the Department. Creating such a comprehensive release could not be done without the contributions of many passionate individuals.
Thank you to the following individuals for their direct contributions to the Year in Review:
- Chief of Police Elena Flores
- Police Detective III Tim Havlicek
- Police Sergeant II Charles Williams
- Police Sergeant I Jamie Lockwood
- Police Detective I Isabella Cavallera
- Police Officer III Jenevelle Arcana
- Police Officer II Steve Martinez
- Commanding officers of each division
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-
69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
-