Guidelines For Volunteers On Patrol

These Guidelines are applicable to Auxiliary patrols generally, including security patrols and livestock patrols. These guidelines should be used as the basis for operations orders or as a fallback in the case of a no-notice deployment.

Organization

Patrols should always consist of at least two pairs of volunteers who will be available for mutual support. Volunteers may also be paired with law enforcement officers or other responders (e.g. CERT, Cattlemen, Missouri Militia, National Guard) if the mission requires it.

Use of Force/Rules of Engagement

Volunteers may carry sidearms or pepper-spray during patrol according to LCSA and Sheriff's Office policy. Our mission is Observe and Report only: force, including deadly force, shall only be used for Life Protection or under direct orders of a Peace Officer. Volunteers may defend themselves if directly threatened and no retreat is available or if retreat would expose civilians to threat of severe bodily harm or death. Volunteers shall not pursue. LCSA volunteers are specifically prohibited from using force to defend property from theft or vandalism. Volunteers shall not block roadways or otherwise restrict flight unless directed by law enforcement.

Volunteers using firearms on patrol, even when required in self-defense, must be mindful of the potential for friendly fire. Every attempt must be made to properly identify targets and to ensure a clean background, including the potential for inhabited structures.

If a patrol vehicle comes under fire, the first preference should be to maneuver away from the danger and call for help.

Observation of Suspicious Activity

If directed to follow a suspect, stolen vehicle, or otherwise continue to observe suspicious activity, volunteers shall do so without forcing a confrontation with the suspects unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer. Volunteers shall maintain a full 360-degree look-out while observing suspicious activity to remain mindful of other threatening individuals, traffic, the positions of and potential danger to bystanders. Volunteers shall make a recording of activity if possible.

Patrol vehicles shall obey all traffic rules. We are not authorized to have or run lights and sirens.

Patrols are not authorized to trespass. We require permission from land-owners to enter property.

Communications

Patrols should be organized to have (at least) one licensed communications specialist per team. By default, Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) checks should be made every 60 minutes with dispatch. Any time a significant action is made, for instance, when a volunteer stops to investigate activity, they should check in with dispatch or a patrol leader before taking the action. That way, if something goes wrong, leadership can determine a last-known whereabouts for the patrol and send help. In remote areas of the county where communications is poor, use a cell-phone or relay to another patrol vehicle to make a report.

A rally point shall always be designated for a patrol, where volunteers who have lost communications will be expected to return to by a specified time.