This change to protocol was implemented in order to increase RP when performing Treasury Operations. I believe when it comes to a rebel organisation blowing open one of Her Majesties vaults, police
should have increased control over the situation. This is meant to force rebels into thinking outside the box, rather than just issuing the old 'All cops seen within 1km of the bank will be shot on sight' bullshit. This is an RP server, and whenever I hear about those messages going out I would be in favour of police and PRNA making sure nobody leaves alive. Why send out a message like that unless you dislike roleplay opportunities?
With regards to 'letting the cops know', you have 3 options.
Option 1 - Let the alarm go off and notifications sent from breaking down doors. This will cause confusion for the police, as they do not know specific intentions. They will more than likely approach with caution, send in the obligatory negotiator, and set up AR.
Option 2 - Call the cops and request a negotiator. This shows you are at least half interested in roleplay. If you like to make plans, or just be successful in your operations, this would be the logical choice in order to 'win' (not lose).
Option 3 - Send out the classic 'Cops will be shot on site' RP announcement. Police will of course engage full force, and PRNA will more than likely be called in also.
Valid points have been raised about police valuing hostages lives, and I will see what I can do in regards to that. However, when gangs use their own members as hostages, I can appreciate why cops don't want to play with that.
Also with regards to RDM, once the bank job has started, roleplay has been initiated, and RDM rules are relaxed
a little. Unfortunately due to the dynamic nature of these situations, and the countless possible approaches both sides can take, I can't set down universal rules to follow here, perhaps @
Wilco would be able to express his opinion. Of course if you just shoot the negotiator in the face without warning, you can expect to be punished, the same goes for the police (so long as no
immediate and direct threat is posed to yourselves, them, or hostages). Before shots are fired there should always be a verbal exchange expressing that the situation has reached a point where gunfire is necessary. Even if this is just 'these negotiations are over' or 'pull back those officers or we will open fire'. Roleplay everything and there shouldn't be trouble.
As always I expect individuals will have comments or questions. Post them, and I'll do my best to respond accurately.