Bullboy

Dear all, 
 
As many of you will have noticed, my activity in the LSPDFR scene has decreased significantly over the past few months. There are many reasons for this, the details of which I won't bore you with. It mostly comes down to being busy with other things in my life, as well as LSPDFR becoming less interesting for me having played it for so long and the introduction of frameworks allowing modded GTA5 multiplayer environments.
 
How times have changed since when I joined the community in 2015, from me taking an interest in learning to code in C# to having multiple plugins released on the site. It's been one heck of a journey here. I recall well the first 'mod' I uploaded for the LSPDFR community, which was called 'More Jail Points' at the time. This was first published for RAGEPluginHook 0.20. This later evolved into 'More Jail Points & Prisoner Transporter' and is now known as the all-so-familiar Arrest Manager. When I was contacted by @dbock1989, who was so enthusiastic about my More Jail Points & Prisoner Transporter plugin at the time, I couldn't quite believe it. He had been so kind as to create a variety of images related to the plugin (see below)! It frankly couldn't have been a more exciting moment at the time and, alongside other overwhelmingly positive and welcoming feedback, served as a major motivation factor for me to continue learning to code and create plugins.

 
Following this, I was looking to give more purpose to the LSPDFR traffic stop system. And so, Traffic Policer was born - a plugin originally intended to add a few ambient events related to traffic offences. This has now grown into one of my most feature-packed plugins to date. By this time, some YouTubers started using my plugins in their videos. Not only was this a great way for me to obtain feedback on my mods' user experience, I also watched @Zachary Houseknecht with great pleasure while my ANPR Hit AI lit many of his police vehicles on fire... An absolute howler: https://youtu.be/4D8HshZzWMQ?t=606
 
Some weeks on and Assorted Callouts was next in line. This was originally created out of a callout idea by  @CaptainSugarFree  and turned into what is now known as the Pacific Bank Heist. This took about 4 weeks of intensive development to fully complete (and am I shocked at the code quality looking back at it now... works though). As the first of its kind, the callout featured voice-overs and an intense, detailed SWAT based LSPDFR callout. I was incredibly proud for this to be featured on @Jeff Favignano's channel and I see now that the video in question has amassed over 1.9 million views... breathtaking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIXKvUyzylA
 
Moving on again. At this point, @FinKone had managed to get me into YouTube. After having released British Policing Script, longing for an LSPDFR experience closer to home for me, many longed a version of the plugin for international and American users to incorporate the traffic stop improvements and a court system. With that, I released LSPDFR+ by doing my first ever YouTube live stream, which was quite the experience. After this, I released Siren Mastery, PoliceSmartRadio and a variety of other tools and smaller plugins. Many hours of coding, effort, stress, giving support and obtaining feedback had been put in by this point. I was absolutely chuffed to then achieve one million downloads on my published files...
This figure has since risen to over five million.
 
Following some negative coverage of LSPDFR in some of the Australian media, I'm also very happy that Wired UK decided to publish an overwhelmingly positive article on the whole GTA5 police modding scene: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/gta-5-mods-lsdpfr-british-police?utm_content=buffer9ca53
 
After PoliceSmartRadio's release - with the infamous April FoolsRadio download giving four thousand people a perhaps frustratingly good laugh - I placed the whole modding scene lower in my priority list. As mentioned previously, this has since been pushed far further down.
 
Some thoughts on the community's development over time
I would describe the LSPDFR community as healthy. @Sam @LMS and all the other contributors have created something very special for all the right reasons and this is largely reflected in the attitudes of the staff & moderation team and community members. With publishing mods on a popular website like this, unfortunately, comes some drama and negativity - and while I have not always agreed with the way and speed the moderation team dealt with my reports relating to me and my work, they have done a good job overall. The few issues that I experienced were all resolved. From my experience in the plugin side of the modding scene, this continues to be the case now.
 
One thing I noted during the months that passed is that both experienced but particularly newer modders are now frequently treated with disdain in the scene. The modding scene has grown massively since when I first started and unfortunately, in this area, it shows. Everyone starts somewhere and the fact someone is spending their free time creating something for all of you to download, for free, has become massively underappreciated and taken for granted. Sure, a new modders' release may be full of bugs and be nowhere near as feature-rich as more developed plugins, but this takes time to solve. Had I received the negative feedback I've seen on many a new modder's release page back in 2015, you can rest assured I wouldn't have continued my development here. When providing feedback, by all means, point out the issues, but do so in a friendly, constructive manner, not in an entitled, toxic one. Have a look at the first few comments on my Arrest Manager download page to see what that is like - this was a major factor for me to consider continuing development! It is essential for the development of the LSPDFR modding community that this attitude is changed back to what it was in the 'good old days'.
 
With all that said, I also hope the release of LSPDFR 0.4 kicks a breath of fresh air into the now somewhat stale core LSPDFR modification. With over 2 years having passed since the latest update of the core modification, I'm sure we all agree that an update would be a very welcome step. From the various preview posts released by the development team, it looks that we all have something great to look forward to there.
 
'Retirement'? So does that mean you're permanently done with the LSPDFR modding scene?
No, but I won't be actively developing plugins for LSPDFR any more. To be fair, nothing's really changing much now compared to the past few months. I intend to remain as a member of the LSPDFR Testing Team and I'm sure I'll be drawn back in at some point to explore some of the new development options in the 0.4 API. I'll also stay around on my discord and occasionally the forums and I intend to continue publishing occasional videos on my Youtube channel. If my time and motivation levels allow, I may publish some minor updates to my current mods before 0.4 is released. The fact remains, however, that I would currently classify myself as 'inactive' in the scene. With so much other stuff going on, I simply don't have the time to commit that I used to. It would be a pity to say the least to let all my work slowly deteriorate and waste away. Therefore, I've decided to publish the source code to some of my plugins to https://github.com/Albo1125/. At the very least, I would like it to be a learning resource for other ambitious plugin developers in the scene. At best, I hope other developers will take it upon themselves to improve the code where necessary (yes it is very necessary!) and create pull requests to share those improvements. These can then be merged and released, with credits obviously included for contributors.
 
Back when I started developing for LSPDFR, very few learning resources were available bar the great example project by @LukeD . This hasn't really changed since, despite the creation of the LSPDFR API repository by LMS (https://github.com/LMSDev/LSPDFR-API) and some posts aiming to document the LSPDFR functions by myself in the API development subforum. A noteable step was the creation of the LSPDFR Developers Discord server thanks to  @Stealth22 A full post with current development resources can be found here: 
I'm planning to publish the source code to a number of my plugins one-by-one to improve this and give something to the community:
Arrest Manager: https://github.com/Albo1125/Arrest-Manager  Assorted Callouts: https://github.com/Albo1125/Assorted-Callouts Albo1125.Common: https://github.com/Albo1125/Albo1125-Common Traffic Policer: https://github.com/Albo1125/Traffic-Policer LSPDFR+: https://github.com/Albo1125/LSPDFRPlus British Policing Script: https://github.com/Albo1125/British-Policing-Script  
By no means do I claim that any of the code I post is perfect or amazing - on the contrary, far from it. With the experience I have now gained, reading through some of my old code makes me want to tear my hair out. This is only to be expected, though - most of my plugins were created as part of my learning experience of C#. Prior to this, I had no coding experience or knowledge. It's fascinating to see how the quality of my code has evolved over time by looking at my various different plugins in order of initial release date.
 
Wrapping up. I hope this post provides some clarification and closure for those of you wondering where on earth I've been over the past few months. It's been an absolute blast and a pleasure. To all of you who were a part of my journey here, thank you.
 

Some updates on FPIU

You may be thinking, "XDUFJUFSJHNGHANWHF ME OPENIV IS GOOONNENEEE AAAAaaAaaaAAAaAAAAAA I CXANT MOD NO MOREEE HOW CN I FCLIVE NO MOAR U TUBE VIDEYASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well you've come to the right topic.
 
Now you may still have OpenIV on your computer if you didn't overreact like some spastic tweaker, but you'll see a new update (version 2.9) or a new message.

Now you know you're no lawyer, but you're an edgy pre-teen who likes GTA V minion mods, or some short circuit light bulb who drives around in a retired fleet car with amber "warning" lights, with thin blue line garbage plastered everywhere the rectangle will fit, and pretends to enforce his neighborhood watch program while being as grey as he can with the law, but who uploads YouTube videos with that there __PDFR mod, where they could do all those things that would be in direct violation of your state and federal laws. Yet let's assume you'll get some knowledge from my simple how-to topic here that'll hopefully let you see that nothing has changed and you're not as sol as you think you are.
 
Step 1:
Press the button.

 
holy shit look at that!!!!

You hacked the modder code you law breaking sob.

Channel 7 News in Australia ran a story regarding LSPDFR yesterday, misrepresenting that LSPDFR and other modifications are used as a simulation for killing police officers.  This has since been picked up by other media outlets, as well as the gaming press.  Obviously, this simply isn't the case, and you can read our statement regarding this matter below.

 
 

some progress on front of FPIS
headlight still WIP

 

well, spotlight as extra, because there's folded version too,
well, but cars will spawning without mod parts, so its not a best solution, but yeah, better than nothing, i was thinking about this.

ELS has just been released  I think Desmond might like to check out how to convert a vehicle for ELS  

Emergency Lighting System for GTA V 
 
After much waiting and anticipation, the time has finally come.  Emergency Lighting System for Grand Theft Auto V is now available.  Much like its predecessor for GTA IV, ELS-V brings hundreds of new lighting patterns, a bunch of siren options and a beautiful new interface for controlling your vehicle's emergency equipment.  Developed by our own @Lt.Caine and @LMS, ELS-V is a must-have for any one that enjoys realistic police and emergency vehicles in their game.  
 

 
Realism Dispatch Enhanced 
 
As if the release of ELS-V wasn't enough, we've also been spoiled today by the latest release of Realism Dispatch Enhanced.  RDE is a massive modification that brings loads of new lore-friendly models and textures for vehicles, models and even police stations.  Also new in RDE 3.0 is a custom wanted level system that not only re-introduces the six star wanted level, but also fully utilizes all of the new assets added by the RDE modification, meaning that should the player become wanted in the airport, for example, they will be chased by airport police.
 

 
Both of these modifications are available in our Downloads section now

ok so ive been getting alot of work done on the setina partition.
mainly reshaped it a bit. added side skirts and glass.
all i really have to do now is add the minor details like screws.
then theres the variations, which i may just do at another time, variations would be k9, single partition and a cargo partition.
atm heres what i have.
 
 
side skirts
 
 
 
screens

well, yes
but 
 

10 Patterns for halogen ( headlight wigwags if you will,) 10 patterns for strobes and 10 patterns for LEDs that can be used as hide-a-ways and headlight flashers.
 
If i remember correctly there's over 110 patterns for primary light stages.

Can't someone in the admin team sort this out now? I am like everyone really looking forward to this coming out and the updates posted. I therefore have set alerts to come up to let me know of said updates. My emails however are filled with stupid questions which are asked every few days which frankly do not need to be asked. Unless you have something constructive to now say please say NOTHING. 
 
The progression of this is going very well which is hugely evident from the videos that both Prophet and Albo have been kind enough to post. You constant questions which have no purpose is blighting this topic which therefore means people are having to look further back for updates. It then means i too am putting unnecessary posts which i would rather not be doing. Please keep it to the topic instead of the silly questions and nonsense posts you put on. 
 
To the Mod Team, 
 
Guys I really am loving the progress seen and really look forward to see more in the future and the release when it finally arrives which I like everyone else are more than happy to wait for given the level of work that clearly is been put into this. So for that I thank you all. 

Will be showcasing the INI and more in depth functions related to the patterns and systems available for developers.

The method used for setting up ELS will be just like IV along with support of the V defaulting lighting system, from a "modeler" standpoint ELS takes less time & work to setup compared to the default V police lighting system.

IRL Pic
Do not pay attention on some missing polygons on boot border, it's just my mistake, and it's just a test, when i merge this new part for boot, i accidentally deleted this polygons.
But as i always say, i don't use test version in future, i'm reconverting it.
 

You can rest assured that there will be some indepth documentation including a table of default controls 

Modeled the trunk for FPIS.
First pic - original trunk in Forza model, Second pic - trunk by me

Looks really Awesome.
Even Ziva was enjoying the update. ;-)

Please note I did this video at a moments notice because I know I am going to be busy this week. This is an extremely impromptu video and I hope to cover the next part in a more organized manner.

In Depth ELS showcase coming this week! Possibly even today if I get the time.

No need to reply to a comment like that. Report, and move on. 
 
I think this thread can do with some cooling down. ELS will be released when it's released. That's it. 

Hi! Thank you all for your concern with ELS and its updates/release date. I will be looking to make a complete update/commentary video regarding it. No promises yet, however, if I get the green light, this video will be out this week. I hope to give background information about the modification and issues that plauge its development if possible.

I haven't really commented much yet, but here are my thoughts.  Its cool to wait and anticipate this.  That's always exciting and brings large crowds just waiting to see the unvail.  We do this with movies, new electronics, you name it.  I run a small business and in my experience my only suggestion to the ELS team is that it is okay to give updates and keep people interested and happy with the best customer service instead of always shutting people down since its free.  Silence is not always the best approach.  Yes of course I am SELLING a product and a image for my small business and ELS is more your hobby, so I understand the differences, but we can still learn something from the film industry.  They have their actors on shows promoting the film, showing clips, constantly bringing it to the public, and getting everyone excited for the RELEASE DATE.  That is done for the success of the movie, the actors, and the production companies to thrive and continue in their great endeavor.  That is a great way to do it and what most people are accustomed to.  We are your fans ELS team, but from reading most comments on here, they feel ignored, not valued, and always left in the dark with losing hope.  This is mostly from patience and losing hope.   
 
To the ELS modding team, please don't take the comments from the fans as complaints, but rather see through to the true underlying meaning.  They are desperately anticipating this release supporting you guys, but without any attention or feeling valued, but given very little to go on.  In my opinion this is bad business ans bad customer relations.  I know this is free though, so there is not too much the public can say and we are forced to be left in the dark holding our tongues.  That is okay if you want to make your fans feel like that, but like I said, there is nothing wrong with giving minor updates throughout the weeks.  Share a little bit of things we already know about, or that might be improved without giving away too much, just giving the people what they want with your wise boundaries.  Even with a DVD release there is a set date, with a new phone there is a general date, and most products they gather their fans to follow them anticipating with them, not making them feel discouraged and pushing them away to lose hope.  Just my two cents.  Take it for what its worth from a successful small business. 
 
I know this is not a business for the ELS team, so please don't post a lot of comments about the differences from business to this game/free hobby, but we can still share in beneficial practices in all aspects of life.  I am just trying to help in all of your communication, keeping the peace, and a "give and take" on both sides to keep everyone happy.  There is too much of this forced to respect and appreciate the modder, but he doesn't have to respect and appreciate his fans in return ONLY because he's offering something for free.  That is unrealistically, unfair, and exalting of one self above the rest.  Not saying Lt. Caine or anyone here is doing that, but the elephant in these forums is always that underlying theme.  Hope this helps some of you to come to a better understanding, better communication, and a great journey along the way.  I am looking forward to the release of ELS and understand they want to put out the product fully functioning.  Then life happens and ELS gets put off.  That's okay guys, but I think the people would like to know and it makes them feel comfortable.  There is nothing wrong with that on either side.  Thanks for hearing us out ELS team and I hope you can take some of this into consideration.  No one is above the other here, we are all contributing members with ideas, products, opinions, and at the least value.  Keep up the great work ELS team.       

Trust me, it will be worth the wait.  I promise you this. ELS V will have features that isn't seen in ELS IV nor has it been revealed to the public yet. All Lt. Caine wants from you guys is to keep up with the lasting patience because it will pay off in the end.  
 
Now, the bad news is that I won't be posting any more updates about ELS. This is to ensure that you have the element of suprise when playing with ELS V for the first time.  We've shown you guys the basic idea of how ELS is going to work,  and we're saving the best features for final release.
Thank you for your understanding. :)
 
Happy Halloween everyone! 

Nice looks like a hotwheel :)