Powers and Definitions of Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) Act

Introduction

The purpose of this legislation is to define the powers, responsibilities, and jurisdictions of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) operating within the State of San Andreas. This Act establishes the framework for lawful enforcement, investigation, and protection of public safety, ensuring all actions by sworn officers uphold constitutional rights and due process.

Constitutional Justification

The Right to Dignity ensures that all citizens are treated with fairness and respect under the law. The Right to a Fair Trial and Due Process guarantees that enforcement actions follow legal standards and accountability. The Right to Health and Protection of Others necessitates a professional, structured law enforcement system to maintain public order and safeguard lives and property.

Definitions

1. Law Enforcement Officer (LEO): A sworn officer of the law employed by any recognised Law Enforcement Agency within the State of San Andreas, empowered to enforce state and local laws within their jurisdiction.
2. Law Enforcement Agency (LEA): A government-sanctioned organisation granted the authority to enforce laws, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety within a defined jurisdiction.
3. Use of Force: The application of reasonable and proportionate physical action by an officer to protect life, enforce the law, or ensure compliance with lawful commands.

Article I - Oversight and Command Structure

1. The Department of Justice (DOJ) holds overall oversight authority over all Law Enforcement Agencies operating within Los Santos and the wider State of San Andreas.
2. The DOJ shall work to:
   • Uphold standards of professionalism and integrity across all agencies;
   • Conduct audits, reviews, and investigations into police conduct; and
   • Enforce disciplinary or corrective measures where necessary.
3. The DOJ may issue directives, coordinate policy, and establish state-wide operational procedures.

Article II - Law Enforcement Agencies

1. Los Santos Police Department (LSPD)
   • The LSPD is recognised as the primary law enforcement authority across the State of San Andreas until otherwise amended by future legislation.
   • The LSPD is responsible for general law enforcement, patrol, emergency response, and traffic enforcement across the State.
2. San Andreas State Investigations Bureau (SIB)
   • The SIB is the state-level investigative and forensic service of San Andreas, responsible for conducting criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and the prevention of serious and organised crime.
   • The SIB provides investigative and technical support to all Law Enforcement Agencies, including the LSPD, and works collaboratively on joint operations, long-term cases, and inter-jurisdictional matters.
   • The SIB operates independently from day-to-day policing but remains under the oversight of the Department of Justice, ensuring consistency in investigative standards across the State.
   • The SIB has jurisdiction across all of San Andreas and may assume lead responsibility for investigations deemed of significant state interest or complexity.

Article III - Granted Powers

1. Law Enforcement Officers under recognised agencies are empowered to:
   • Enforce all state-wide and local laws within San Andreas;
   • Investigate crimes and issue lawful citations;
   • Detain, arrest, and charge individuals when probable cause exists;
   • Use appropriate and proportionate force in the protection of citizens, property, and themselves.
2. Officers shall act with professionalism, restraint, and accountability in all enforcement actions.
3. Each Law Enforcement Agency may establish its own internal policies, procedures, and chain of command, provided they do not contravene this Act or the Constitution of San Andreas.

Article IV - Oversight and Accountability

1. All Law Enforcement Agencies shall remain subject to the oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
2. The DOJ may investigate, audit, or review conduct, arrests, and enforcement operations to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory obligations.
3. Officers or agencies found to be in breach of constitutional rights, departmental policy, or this Act may face administrative, disciplinary, or criminal action.

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Signatories:

• Justice Bailey Harvey
• Justice Peter Brackley
• Justice Mina Mercy
• Justice Tess Timony
• Justice James Anderson