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5.3.1 - Incident Command

The first responding units shall stabilize the scene, summon supervision when practical, identify known hostages, and avoid unnecessary escalation. A designated scene commander shall coordinate responding units and assign a primary negotiator when available. Use of force remains governed by the Full Use of Force Policy.

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5.3.2 - Negotiation Standards

Negotiators shall communicate calmly and accurately, relay material developments to command, and avoid promises they lack authority to honor. Requests affecting roadblocks, unit deployment, or tactical positioning require scene-command coordination.

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Historically Permitted Demands

Subject to command assessment and applicable server negotiation rules:
  • Free passage.
  • No spike deployment before eight minutes (existing DPS wording; see review note).
  • No Air One, SRU, or motorcycle unit involvement.
  • Limited exclusion of individual scene officers.

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Historically Prohibited Demands

  • Weapons or evidence.
  • Money.
  • Removal of all officers.
  • Police vehicles.
These categories preserve the previous Section 5.9 language. They describe negotiated requests, not automatic entitlements or authority to compromise safety. The “before eight minutes” reference should be reconciled with the final pursuit/spike policy and server robbery/hostage mechanics.

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5.3.3 - Resolution & Reporting

Scene command coordinates safe release, suspect custody, medical assistance, and any tactical intervention. Officers shall document demands, material negotiations, agreements, significant threats, and final disposition. Preserve evidence, record force and injuries, and conduct an after-action review for significant incidents.