Resident Evil Roleplaying Game V.3.1
Game Master’s Assistance Guide/Briefing Sheet

 

 

RIVERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

“COLORADO’S FINEST”

 

OVERVIEW:

The Riverton Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency of the City of Riverton in Colorado . Composed of approximately 12,750 men and women, the Riverton Police Department (RPD) is arranged in seven distinct area commands, or divisions. Each division is broken into separate units for patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations, etc, with the majority of the officers in the division being assigned to the patrol section.

The City of Riverton has increased in size a great deal in the past twenty-five years, and the RPD was forced to grow with it. At first it was difficult for the small department to keep up with the city. Money was tight, and the police department was forced to cover more and more ground. By 1990, a new chief of police “turned things around” a great deal for the Riverton Police Department. Tapping into the immense amount of funding available from the Federal Government, city taxes, and shrewd business sense, Chief William Gates was able to multiply the department to nearly six times the size it was, and equip it with the finest equipment available – all while staying away from donations from powerful private interest groups like Umbrella Inc. In a city where considerable donations have been made by Umbrella Inc, and other large corporations, having an independent police department has become a sense of pride for the city.

Now in 2005, the Riverton Police Department has seen another facelift of sorts, the third major upgrade since 1995. All new equipment and vehicles were purchased, and the division and neighborhood substations were renovated. In 1990 the RPD saw the change to navy blue uniforms and the issue of the Ruger P89. In the year 1998 the RPD switched to the Ruger P90, and now in 2005 the RPD has once again upgraded to the Ruger P345. Leading the way in innovation for Colorado law enforcement, the RPD is setting a standard nationwide.

VEHICLES:

Riverton Police Department vehicles and personnel are easy to identify from their appearance. All marked Riverton Police vehicles are black and white in appearance, with black hoods and trunks, and white doors and roof, exactly how police cars appear on television. This appearance was selected because it is easily identifiable in either day or night, and easily understood to be an emergency vehicle. RPD cars from 1996 to 2005 have all been Ford Crown Victorias. Recently with the 2005 upgrade, the Riverton Police have been phasing in smaller Chevrolet Impalas and Dodge Intrepid police package vehicles as a more fuel efficient alternative to the larger Fords. By summer of 2005 the Dodge Intrepid with Hemi pursuit package has become the RPD car of choice (see figure 1). However, the Dodge Intrepid police package was discontinued by Dodge, and is no longer available. The Riverton Police have purchased many of the remaining stocks for replacements, while supplementing the fleet with Chevrolet Impala’s (figure 2), and Ford Crown Victorias (figure 3). The smaller Intrepids and Impalas are typically found in the more metropolitan areas of the city where better gas mileage is important. 

 
FIGURE 1

 
FIGURE 2

 
FIGURE 3

The Riverton Police utilize four door sedans equipped with the most modern in radio and computer equipment, as well as suspect seating and retention devices, commonly known as “cages.” Each patrol car has now been fitted with either the Federal Signal “Vector” bar with red, blue and bright white light pods, or a Code 3 series lightbar. The white pods on the Vector bar incorporate takedown and alley light functions in them, and across the rear of the Vector bar platform amber emergency directional lighting is available. Each car is mounted with two halogen spotlights on the front doorposts as well.

Each car has the following equipment standard:

Light Bar
Spotlights
Motorola digital trunk radio system (RPD and Local Channel Scan}, analog capable
CB Radio system
PA for all radio systems
Federal Signal emergency equipment control panel
Mobile Computer Terminal – NCIC, CCIC, FBI, CBI access, Windows XP Pro
Radar/Laser Traffic Enforcement System
Dashboard Camera
Pushbar
Beanbag Gun (Base Remington 870 with Bright Orange Stocks)
Benelli M2 shotgun, 12 guage
First Aid Kit
Road Flares
Heckler and Koch 33 rifle, 5.56mm

RPD cars have all been issued a Less than Lethal weapons system (LTLWS) in the form of a modified Remington 870 shotgun. The Bean Bag Gun fires either soft beanbags, hard rubber slugs, or with an adapter, gas grenades. This gives RPD officers an unprecedented flexibility when dealing with volatile situations that do not quite warrant the use of deadly force. The lives saved by the LTLWS have already been numbered in the thousands. The LTLWS, or “Bean bag Gun” can be identified by the bright orange plastic stock and furniture.

Other equipment that set the RPD apart is the general issue of mobile computer systems, consisting of an extra heavy duty laptop computer with an integrated vehicle mount. The computer allows officers in the field to access national and state criminal databases, as well as complete incident reports in the field. This allows radio traffic to be eased a great deal for routine tasks, keeping the air clear for genuine emergencies. The issuance of radar traffic control units and dash cameras to all patrol units has also made life a lot safer for the average citizen, increased RPD revenue from traffic stops, and in the case of the dash camera – resulted in rock solid cases in court, and invaluable tools in an investigation.

Besides the 4 door sedans, the RPD uses a variety of four wheel drive SUVs and pickup trucks for special tasks, BMW motorcycles, and heavy duty tactical vans for SWAT use. The RPD SWAT unit also has several light armored vehicles. There are also a variety of undercover cars in dozens of makes and models to facilitate undercover and plainclothes operations.

APPEARANCE AND EQUIPMENT:

In 1990 the RPD took the surprising move of standardizing the police officer’s handguns to one make and model. Beforehand, a smattering of handguns from all major manufacturers could be found in the holsters of RPD officers. In a highly publicized bidding process, Strum,Ruger company won the right to provide the RPD with side arms in the form of the P89 semiautomatic pistol in 9x19mm (figure 4). All RPD issue handguns to patrol units were in stainless steel, and came from the factory with Hogue rubber grips and tritium night sights. Blued models could be found in use by tactical teams and special units who deemed the potential reflectivity of stainless steel a hazard. Large and reliable, the P89 was popular with officers for many years, even though it's light 9x19mm round left something to be desired in terminal effectiveness in one shot shootings.

FIGURE 4 - Ruger KP89 in 9x19mm

By 1998 the 9x19mm 147 grain hollowpoint used by the RPD was found to be lacking in terminal effectiveness, particularly in winter months when heavy clothing was common. While the performance of the P89 was spectacular, the performance of the 9mm was deemed to be abysmal, and in 1998 all department P89s were replaced with the .45ACP Ruger P90 (figure 5). The switch went smoothly, as the P90 is the same size as the P89 and was energetically accepted. The performance of the .45ACP was found to be more than acceptable, and once again all RPD P90s came with the same modifications from Ruger. Quoted my many as the "Kalashnikov of handguns," the P90 was utterly reliable and foolproof. The P90s only downsides were that it was a large frame handgun, and difficult or some people with small hands to use, and heavier than many other models of handgun. 

FIGURE 5 - Ruger KP90 in .45 ACP - The RPD Workhorse

In 2003 the RPD began field testing of the .40 caliber round as a possible replacement for the .45ACP they had been using for several years. Two divisions were equipped with the Ruger P944 in .40 caliber guise for field testing (figure 6). The results were favorable for the P944, but the .40 caliber cartridge was not found to be superior to the .45ACP already in general use. In addition the P944 was just as heavy as the P90, despite being slightly smaller.

FIGURE 6 - RUGER KP944 in .40 Auto

For 2005 the Riverton Police Department has remained with the .45ACP, but in a new platform. On the hip of all RPD Officers the Ruger P90 has been replaced by the Ruger P345, the latest from Sturm, Ruger. Issued with a checkered polymer frame with integrated accessory rail, the P345 is considerably lighter and trimmer than the P90, and uses the same magazines. For officers with smaller hands, or smaller stature this is a welcome change as the P90 while utterly reliable is quite bulky. Recoil is mild with the polymer frame and Ruger camblock system allowing for less fatigue. As before, all RPD P345s come with the stainless steel slide, and night sights (see figure 7). Because of the redesigned grip frame, rubber grips are not necessary. Because the P345 uses the same eight shot magazines the P90 did, all RPD officers now have been issued two spare magazines to keep in the cruiser, or on the belt if they wish to carry them in an additional magazine pouch.

 
FIGURE 7 - RUGER KP345PR in .45ACP - The Unsatisfactory Replacement

 

With the switch to the P345, the Riverton Police are now using Remington Golden Saber 230 grain hollowpoint ammunition. The switch was not because of dissatisfaction with the venerable 230 grain Federal Hydra-shock, but because of the price discount offered by Remington for purchasing new Model 870 shotguns in masse. The Golden Saber round offers high terminal effectiveness, and outstanding quality and reliability.

The year 2005 saw a major change for the Riverton Police Department regarding handguns. In late January, the RPD switched to the P345 manufactured by Ruger. However, in less than three months numerous problems began surfacing regarding the design of the magazine disconnect device. Reports indicate officers were experiencing false “magazine out” conditions – a situation that would result in the pistol being totally disabled and requiring an armorer to repair. Other issues arose with the safety setup as officers used to the P90 found the P345 safety fragile, and prone to breakage if the trigger was squeezed with the safety on. The situation was presented to Ruger, and the manufacturer offered to replace any defective units. However an RPD officer was killed due to a malfunctioning P345 magazine disconnect, and an immediate replacement for the pistol was sought.

By September of 2005, the Riverton Police had found a replacement pistol, and for the first time in over a decade it was not a Ruger P-series automatic. Instead the GLOCK series of handguns was selected, largely because of ease of use and maintenance as well as reliability, but also because of GLOCK’s extensive armorer training program and support for law enforcement agencies. In order to facilitate easy ammunition compatibility the GLOCK 21 was chosen (figure 8). Both the 21, and the 21C (compensated) models have been approved for use. All feature the Generation 3 frame with molded in M1913 Picatinny Accessory rail to make use of recently procured stocks of laser/lights (see below). For plainclothes use where a smaller handgun is desirable, the GLOCK 30 has been approved.

FIGURE 8 - GLOCK 21 in .45ACP

FIGURE 9 - Compensated GLOCK firing in low light

 

The Riverton Police GLOCK 21s and 21Cs are equipped with Trijicon tritium night sights, and high capacity 13 round magazines. RPD GLOCKs also feature the Ventra grip plug at the rear of the magazine well to protect the striker assembly from dust and weather. The compensated model firearm reduces muzzle climb and flip, but is considerably louder, and has a brighter muzzle flash (figure 9).

As of February 2006 two divisions of the Riverton Police Department are testing the GLOCK 20 and GLOCK 20C for possible adoption (figure 10). The 10mm Auto cartridge is perhaps one of the most powerful made for a semiautomatic handgun, generating power similar to a .357 Magnum revolver in a package that carries fifteen shots. Calls for a more powerful handgun round have been heard as more and more felons seem to be using body armor, and/or under the influence of drugs. The high power 10mm load has the ability to defeat some body armor, and structural barriers. The only perceived drawback is that the 10mm round has more recoil, making control for smaller stature officers a potential problem. Regardless, a full power 10mm load is being field tested – developed by Double Tap Industries utilizing a Remington Golden Saber 180 grain projectile delivered at 1400 feet per second.

FIGURE 10 - GLOCK 20C in 10mm Auto

 

With the adoption of the Ruger P345, and then GLOCK 21, the Riverton Police Department has issued the Insight Technologies M6X Streamlight system. Composed of a bright 125 lumen halogen light and mil-spec red laser system, the M6X attaches to the M1913 specification accessory rail on the handgun (see figure 8, 9). This allows all RPD officers to have an optional laser sighting system, and a light with them along the axis of the handgun. Previously only used by SWAT and special units, the M6 brings a versatile tactical tool to all uniformed officers as well. The M6 light is kept in a carrier on the duty belt when not in use by most officers, as a readily available holster for the GLOCK 21 with the light attached does not exist for an acceptable bulk and price.

 

 
 FIGURE 11 - GLOCK 20 with M3/M6 Streamlight fitted to accessory rail on dustcover.

The adoption of a high powered rifle in the form of the HK33 came about largely because of the 1997 North Hollywood bank robbery and ensuing gun battle in Los Angeles , California . When the RPD had it’s annual 5 year upgrade in 2000, all cars had already been equipped with a variety of rifle systems ranging from the AR-15 to the Ruger Mini-14 and a smattering of HKs. By 2001, all rifles had been replaced with the standard HK33A2, with all other rifles phased out and sold to other agencies or private collectors. RPD HK33A2s come with 25 round magazines standard (figure 12). Normally there is one magazine in the gun, and two more stored with it in the trunk of the cruiser, either separate or attached with a magazine clamp.

 

FIGURE 12 - H&K33 Rifle in 5.56 NATO

 

In early 2006, the Riverton Police Department authorized the use and carry of a new automatic rifle for both tactical and street use by uniformed patrol officers. The HK33A2 was found to be an excellent rifle - highly accurate, easy to use and reliable. However, there were requests for a larger caliber rifle of the same design to be issued. As Heckler and Kock discontinued the manufacture of their HK91 rifle in the late 1990s, the RPD evaluated, and then adopted the JLD Enterprises PTR-91 series rifle. Manufactured on purchased HK91 factory equipment, the two rifles are identical. The PTR-91, the PTR91K and the PTR-91KP were all approved for use, and purchased in great quantities. All are chambered in 7.62mm, and feature twenty round magazines. All PTR-91 models can be converted to full automatic with the proper HK G3 parts. However, the heavy recoil associated with a fully automatic 7.62mm rifle generally precludes it's use.

The PTR-91 rifle is the standard variant, and comes with an 18 inch barrel, and the standard HK G3 style narrow forestock and fixed rear stock (figure 13). It comes readily adaptable with provisions for the HK style claw mount that will accept a variety of lasers and optics.

FIGURE 13 - PTR-91 Rifle with G3 style stock and flash hider

The PTR-91K is a shorter barreled carbine variant of the PTR-91. Barrel length is 16 inches, and the rifle comes with a flash hider, and the HK wide style forestock of the same type on the HK33A2 rifle (figure 14). The PTR-91K is the standard type approved for patrol use, and generally is issued with five magazines - one in the rifle, and the other four carried in a double magazine pouch with shoulder sling.

FIGURE 14 - PTR-91K "Kurtz" in 7.62 NATO

A third and final variation of the PTR-91is carried; the PTR-91KP. The KP model is the same 16 inch barreled short rifle as the PTR-91K, but instead of a fixed rear stock is issued with a collapsing HK style paratrooper stock. PTR-91KPs are genrally issued to officers requiring a rifle that takes up less space than a fixed stock model. The KP model can be found in use by SWAT/STARS, and plainclothes officers as a powerful addition to the 12 gauge shotgun.

FIGURE 15 - PTR91KP - Collapsing HK Paratrooper Stock

 

As an alternative to the HK33 and PTR-91, the Riverton Police Department offered SWAT and other qualified officers the option of carrying the H&K MP5A4 submachine gun in 9x19mm. The MP5A4 features a fixed stock, and the semiautomatic, three round burst, and full automatic option. When the .45 ACP was adopted for general use, the HK UMP45 was tested and accepted for general use.

With testing of the new 10mm auto cartridge, the RPD is also evaluating the H&K MP5/10 submachine gun (figure 15). Widely used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the MP5/10 is simply the standard MP5 rechambered in the 10mm auto. The MP5/10 can be easily identified by it’s non-curved semi-transparent magazines, and last round hold open for the bolt. MP5/10 magazines feature built in studs for attaching them together without a magazine clamp similar to the G36 series rifle (Figure 16, 17)

 

FIGURE 15 - MP5/10 with collapsing stock - 10mm Auto

FIGURE 16 - MP5/10 Magazines

 

 

FIGURE 17- MP5/10 with connected magazines and 10mm Auto ammunition

Traditionally the RPD has always had a 12 gauge shotgun available to officers for use in situations requiring more firepower than the service pistol can offer, and that tradition continues to this day. The Riverton police department issues the Benelli M2 shotgun in its police issue guise. With a tubular magazine of eight rounds, and semi-automatic, the Benelli M2 provides effective close range stopping power. All RPD M2s come with Ghost ring rear sights, pistol grip rear stock, and a set of sling swivels. The Benelli M2 is still coming into general issue, and has by no means replaced the Remington 870 shotgun. All Remington 870s that were in patrol units have been issued to unmarked cars and other units that did not have shotguns before.

As before, RPD officers still use the PR-24 baton, or the PR-24/C collapsing baton, pepper spray and hand to hand combat techniques to keep the street safe. All officers must qualify bi-monthly with their side arms, vehicle weapons and batons. This policy encourages proficiency as well as reduces legal liability. All RPD officers, uniformed and plainclothes are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Riverton Police Officers themselves are also easily identified by their dark navy blue uniforms. From 1993 to 2005 the RPD officer wore dark navy with a gold badge and pins. For 2005 the badge and pin colors were changed to brightly polished silver. The Riverton Police Department patches worn on the left and right shoulders were also given a facelift with the rest of the uniform. RPD officers still wear plain black leather duty gear, and highly polished police boots.

SWAT/STARS:

The Riverton Police Department has several highly trained SWAT teams in each division. Each division has a SWAT detachment of twelve men always geared and on standby, with a ready reserve of 24 officers on patrol with their SWAT gear in the trunks of their black and whites per shift.

Riverton SWAT officers are highly trained, with a majority of them having prior military experience, or time as private contractors. RPD SWAT units are armed with a variety of modern and highly effective weapons ranging from the standard P345 pistols, to H&K MP5 submachine guns and beyond. RPD special weapons and tactic teams also have access to several light armored vehicles if necessary, and are also trained in helicopter and dynamic insertion by US Military and FBI specialists.

STARS, or the Special Tactics and Rescue Squad is similar to the SWAT team, only far more specialized. There are three teams of STARS composed of 12 people. There is always one STARS team on duty or on active standby at all times in the city.

IDENTIFYING FEATURES:

The Riverton Police Department employs a unique system of identification for vehicles, officers and buildings.

RPD marked vehicles have on the front doors the gold city seal with the words “ COLORADO ’S FINEST” written above it, and the words “TO SERVE AND PROTECT” below (see figure 18). On the rear of the car “POLICE” is written in white. Depending on division a large number appears on the roof in front of the light bar. Each individual unit is identified by number on the roof behind the light bar. Generally this corresponds to the beat number. All of the cars’ decals are highly reflective at night for increased visibility.

FIGURE 18

On the front of the car above the driver’s side headlight the individual car’s ID number is in white (see figure 19). There are usually the standard Emergency 911 stickers on the bumper. Cars purchased in the 2000 upgrade have a small American flag sticker under the mirrors on the driver and passenger side doors.

 
FIGURE 19

Riverton Police Officers all carry a unique ID card. Light Blue identifies all sworn officers, and Red identifies all civilian and non-sworn employees. The ID card features a magnetic strip that allows access to sensitive areas depending on clearance level.

All RPD buildings from headquarters to each small substation are all of the same architectural design and well marked as to what they are. This is to facilitate easy location and identification by civilians.

RIVERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RADIO CODES:

Attached here as an appendix for story purposes is a list of RPD radio 10 and 11 codes, as well as penal codes if the game master decide to toss in some non-RE segments to the RP, or as background radio traffic for the player characters to hear. This list is also very helpful for the aspiring RPD character, and can add little details when required or wanted.

RPD radio traffic all on one channel would be too incredibly high for practical use. As a result, each division has it's own set of frequencies, one for regular traffic, two tactical channels, and one for inquiry. All regular traffic is run over the division net. When an officer wishes to run a person's name or ID, it is done on the Inquiry channel. 

With the adoption of the Mobile Computer Terminal, police officers in the field have access to many of the same databases that dispatchers do. Through the MCT a police officer can run a license plate, or perform an ID check without having to use the radio. Dispatchers will often post critical information such as makes and models of suspect cars, and the descriptions of suspects as well over the MCT to keep the radio air clear for emergency traffic. The MCT also allows an officer to type and file reports in the field, as well as exchange inter-departmental e-mails. The Mobile Computer Terminal truly is a flexible, and versatile law enforcement tool.

CODES:

Code 1 – Normal Response/Operation, no lights or siren
Code 2 – Lights only, no siren
Code 3 – Emergency, light and sirens
Code 4 – No further help needed, situation under control
Code 5 – Stakeout
Code 6 – Remain clear of area
Code 7 – Lunch
Code 8 – Bathroom Break
Code 9 – Set up roadblock
Code 10 – SWAT alert
Code 11 – SWAT staging area
Code 20 – See 11-99
Code 37F – Wanted person (Felony)
Code 37V – Wanted vehicle
Code Blue – Bus/taxi in trouble

Emergency – I want the air

10-CODES:

11-CODES: