At the New Team of Weapons and Tactics, the Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) promulgates fundamental regulations, herein referred to as "gameplay guidelines," which serve the purpose of ensuring efficient law enforcement within the realm of GTA Online. These guidelines are intended to provide both members of the public and team participants with an immersive experience that is free from excessive constraints which may detract from the integrity of the virtual environment.
Recognizing the evolving nature of GTA Online, inclusive of the introduction of advanced weaponized vehicles and energy-based firearms, the guidelines established herein are designed to remain adaptive and subject to modification as necessary to maintain equilibrium within the game. Members of the gaming community are afforded the right to request revisions, amendments, or rescission of any regulations via a democratic voting process, which may be initiated at any time.
It is imperative to note that the regulations enumerated herein pertain solely to the conduct of the members of the LSPD and the manner in which they enforce these regulations. These rules do not constitute mandatory requirements for either the general public or team participants. For further details on the internal code of conduct applicable to our team members, please refer to the specific policies governing such conduct.
Furthermore, members of the LSPD retain the discretionary authority to determine whether they are "on active duty," in which case they are actively engaged in the enforcement of these regulations, or "off duty," during which time they shall not enforce said regulations.
For those who prefer a simplified version of these laws, see our Laws (Abridged).
List of Basic Laws and Regulations
Table of Contents
- Speeding
- Traffic Controls
- Weapons
- Vehicles
- Vehicles and Grand Theft Auto
- NPC/AI Interactions
- Environment Interactions
- Robbing of In-Game Stores
- Player Interactions
- Player Bounties
- Car Meets and Other Events
- Racing
- Modders
- Cheaters
- Verbal Abuse
- Sexual Exploitation
Speeding
The LSPD does not enforce any speed limits nor does it pursue individuals for violations of such limits.
However, it is acknowledged that excessive speed may result in hazardous situations depending upon the location and the velocity at which a vehicle is operated. Players shall bear full responsibility for any damages or injuries resulting from the failure to adhere to posted speed limits. In instances where a member of the LSPD causes an accident due to speeding while in the process of responding to an emergency call, the department shall indemnify the victims by covering the costs of vehicle repairs and medical expenses.
Traffic Controls
The LSPD does not enforce traffic control devices or pursue individuals for violations thereof. This includes, but is not limited to, traffic signals, stop signs, and one-way street signs.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, disregard for traffic control devices may engender hazardous conditions, contingent upon the specific location and traffic controls disregarded. Players assume full responsibility for any incidents that result from failing to observe posted traffic controls. As in cases involving speeding, should a member of the LSPD cause an accident due to the failure to observe traffic controls, the department shall compensate victims, including vehicle repair and medical expenses.
Weapons
The LSPD acknowledges the Second Amendment and the inherent right to bear arms. No punitive actions shall be taken against players for the possession or use of weapons in accordance with the guidelines.
Vehicles and Grand Theft Auto
Given the very title of the game, Grand Theft Auto, the LSPD endorses the liberty of players to commandeer vehicles at will and enjoy the game as intended. However, players may report the theft of their personal vehicles and request their return. Upon receipt of such a report, the LSPD is authorized to pursue the perpetrator with the objective of recovering the vehicle for its rightful owner. Should the perpetrator voluntarily return the vehicle, no further punitive actions shall be taken. If the perpetrator refuses, the LSPD reserves the right to arrest or cite the offender.
NPC/AI Interactions
The LSPD’s primary function is to serve real players. Accordingly, players are at liberty to engage with non-playable characters (NPCs) and artificial intelligence (AI) entities as they see fit. Acts such as shooting, detonating explosives, or kidnapping NPCs are permissible, as is the collection of any items or currency dropped by deceased NPCs.
Environment Interactions
Players are granted full discretion to engage in any interaction with the virtual environment. This may include combat with NPC law enforcement or military personnel, or the use of explosive devices against structures.
Robbing of In-Game Stores
The act of robbing in-game stores is considered a legitimate means of acquiring in-game currency and, as such, does not constitute a criminal offense. Consequently, the LSPD shall not pursue players for engaging in such activities.
Player Interactions
As the LSPD is tasked with serving real individuals, most of the regulations pertain to fostering an environment of respect and civility among players. Acts of verbal abuse or violence directed at other players may result in the issuance of citations or the performance of arrests, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Player Bounties
The LSPD treats bounties placed on players as grounds for arrest, given that this feature is an integral gameplay mechanic initiated by other players. As bounties can arise from actions not deemed criminal, such as vehicle theft from NPCs, LSPD officers are afforded discretion in determining whether to make an arrest. The pursuit of a bounty is optional and is not required.
Furthermore, players are granted full authority to eliminate other players, including members of the LSPD, who have an active bounty placed on them, without facing any legal repercussions. This includes immunity from citations, arrests, or any form of punitive action, regardless of the identity or affiliation of the player being targeted. The existence of a bounty is considered sufficient justification for such actions, and as such, no penalties will be imposed upon players engaging in the elimination of a bounty target.
Car Meets and Other Events
Unlike many law enforcement agencies that tend to disrupt car meets, the LSPD encourages and supports such events, as well as other similar gatherings. When feasible, the LSPD may also provide security services to ensure the safety of participants.
Racing
The LSPD fully endorses racing among players. However, participants should remain cognizant that racing may result in dangerous conditions and potential accidents, as outlined in the aforementioned regulations on speeding and traffic control violations.
Modders
In accordance with the official GTA Online Community Guidelines, the LSPD welcomes modders to operate within designated modder lobbies. Modding in official, non-modded sessions is prohibited, and the LSPD reserves the right to cite players engaged in unauthorized modding activities, particularly if such actions disrupt the enjoyment of others.
Cheaters
Cheating constitutes a serious offense, as it disrupts the fairness of gameplay and provides an undue advantage to those who engage in such practices. Cheating is strictly prohibited in GTA Online, a ranked multiplayer environment with data recorded on official servers. This policy is consistent with the LSPD’s internal cheat and exploit policies as well as the official GTA Online Community Guidelines.
LSPD personnel may issue citations to individuals caught cheating, although the arrest of such individuals is often impractical, given the nature of cheats that render players invincible. Cheating often results in increased hostility, including player-on-player violence and server disruptions, which may lead to innocent players being kicked or disconnected from the game.
The LSPD's response to cheaters is limited to the issuance of citations, as LSPD personnel are prohibited from using cheats or exploits in accordance with the cheat and exploit policies and official GTA Online guidelines. The LSPD encourages players to stay informed of crime statistics by visiting the department’s website, where updates on recent arrests, cheaters, and related incidents are regularly posted.
Identifying Cheaters
Our personnel utilize several authorized methods to identify cheaters effectively, without compromising the integrity of our operations. Since the use of cheats is strictly prohibited within our organization, employing cheats to catch other cheaters is not permitted. Instead, we rely on a comprehensive understanding of game mechanics and how the game operates at various levels. Some members of our staff are experts in the technical structure of gameplay, using this specialized knowledge to establish procedures and guidelines that enhance our ability to detect cheating. By observing anomalies in player behavior, reviewing player statistics, and applying this deep understanding of game dynamics, our staff can carefully investigate and identify instances of cheating.
Additionally, we leverage other means to uncover cheaters. Some of these methods are straightforward, such as monitoring players who openly admit to cheating through voice or text communications, in-game messages, or platform-based messaging systems. We also employ undercover personnel who observe from a distance or actively engage with players to gather intelligence. Confidential informants also play a crucial role—these are players who have volunteered to share information anonymously, either as part of a community initiative or, in rare cases, in exchange for leniency on minor violations.
While we cannot disclose all of our internal methods for identifying cheaters due to security concerns, the approaches mentioned above illustrate the measures we take. We continually seek new, reliable, and discreet techniques to identify cheaters and promote awareness of fair gameplay within the community.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse and harassment are strictly discouraged within the GTA Online community. LSPD officers may arrest individuals who engage in such conduct if the severity of the situation warrants such an action. Although it may seem trivial, the LSPD treats any form of abuse seriously, as it diminishes the enjoyment of the game for others. Players are reminded to relax and enjoy the game in good spirit.
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation, including solicitation and the production of child pornography, is treated as an extremely serious offense by the LSPD. This includes the solicitation of minors (individuals under the age of 18) for any sexual act, whether through text, email, or the transmission of images or video. Perpetrators of such offenses will be cited and may be listed on the City of Los Santos Sex Offender Registry.