Suspects facing arrest for offences carrying a sentence of seven years or more are classified as high-profile, as they are more likely to be targeted for breakouts. They are usually arrested for serious felonies such as Aggravated Burglary (11.11) or even Murder (9.5).

Paralake is known to have a significant presence of organised criminal groups associated with these types of arrests. As a result, it is common for these groups to attempt a breakout when they become aware that one of their members is being arrested, often using heavy weaponry, including firearms and, in some cases, explosives such as grenades. For this reason, it is essential to identify when a high-profile suspect is at risk of being broken out and to follow the appropriate procedures to prevent such incidents. 

One of the most common indicators is when a suspect alerts others that they are being arrested for a serious offence, often referred to as a “10 toes” call. However, these communications have become more discreet to avoid detection by officers. As such, it is important to prevent the suspect from communicating with others and to relay over the radio if you believe a “10 toes” call has been made.  

Another common indicator occurs when high-profile suspects are arrested in front of known organised groups or multiple uninvolved but observant individuals. Officers should remain vigilant of their surroundings during the arrest and while transporting the suspect to PD, watching for signs that the suspect may be under surveillance.

Important: If a potential PD raid has been identified, it is crucial that this information is relayed over both the government radio and the government text channel. If you are unable to type while transporting a suspect, request that another officer relay the message in text on your behalf. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action for negligence.

Once a potential PD raid threat has been identified, the Police Department should be placed under LOCKDOWN, and the following procedures must be followed: 

• Available certified TFOs (If possible) should equip their heavy gear whilst inside the PD

• All civilians must be evacuated from the PD public lobby as soon as possible

• All officers must have their weapons drawn in a passive stance at all times when entering the PD until the lockdown has been lifted. It is advised to remind everyone over the radio to do so. 

• If the resource is available, the TFU BearCat can be authorised to conduct a limited patrol around the exterior of PD to gather information while the lockdown is active. 

• For maximum security, officers operating around PD should patrol in pairs and should actively patrol both the rear entrance and the public entrance.

• If dispatch is available, they should maintain constant surveillance of the PD via cameras and actively relay any suspicious movements or activity over the radio.

PD lockdowns should remain in effect until the suspect has been released, as once they are released, offenders are usually no longer interested in breaking in. However, if a PD raid does occour then the Police Department shall remain in lockdown until all threats have been neutralised and the situation is declared Code 4. 

Note: As a member of TFU, it is your responsibility to ensure that TFU policies are followed once the PD lockdown has ended. Preparing for a PD raid grants authorisation to deploy heavy TFU equipment strictly for defensive purposes during the lockdown. Once it is clear that the lockdown is over, you must immediately return to standard patrol duties and properly gear down, including returning the BearCat to the PD. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in disciplinary action

One of the most common and effective methods criminals use to gain access to PD is by taking an officer hostage to gain leverage. If this occurs, it is essential to follow the hostage situation procedures outlined in the handbook. 

However, additional considerations must also be taken into account due to the unique environment of the Police Department:

• Evacuate all civilians out of the Police Department.

• Establish a perimeter on Main Street to prevent civilians from entering or loitering around the PD. Ensure officers are positioned along the perimeter to maintain security and control access at all times. 

• Gather as much information as possible on the hostage-takers. Determine how many hostages are being held, who the suspects intend to release, the number of hostage-takers involved, and what vehicles they arrived in and are likely to use to leave PD.