With the recent addition of cloth physics editing to zmodeler3, I decided it was time to make a mod that I've always wanted for GTA V... a police tape mod! This is still in development and needs a bit more work before it'll be ready for release, but I think it's working well enough now to share it with the world. Check out the video below to get a quick look at how the mod works, then scroll down for some more info:
How do you use it?
Press a key combo to activate police tape placement mode. You can then aim and click (same as using a weapon) to attach tape to props and world objects, such as fences, telephone poles, walls, street lights, mail boxes, etc. You can also spawn barriers/cones using the mod, and the tape will automatically attach to the barrier/cone.
Does it actually stop peds?
Yes! Ambient peds are blocked from crossing any police line you set up. Once you remove the police line, peds will be allowed to walk through again. Peds with navigation tasks (such as police backup, peds you've ordered to follow you, bodyguards/partners, etc.) may go through the tape sometimes.
Does it stop cars, too?
Yes. It uses several methods to prevent cars from going through, including preventing some ambient traffic from going through that area, and if any vehicles do make it through, they will be stopped before they can cross the line. The traffic control isn't perfect still, and that's one of the things I'm continuing to work on. Additionally, emergency vehicles are always allowed to pass through the police line.
How do you remove tape?
Right now, with a console command. I'm working on adding an RNUI menu that will allow you to manage all active tape strands.
Will there be an API?
Yes, that is something else I'm still working on. Developers will be able to use police tape in scenes for callouts, etc.
Does it require any other mods?
Only RPH. It runs as a stand-alone RPH plugin.
When will it be released?
I don't know yet, but sometime relatively soon. Probably before Coastal Callouts. You can get early access through the Parks Benefactor Program if you're so inclined.
The tape seems to bend/blow in the wind/droop through the ground a lot...
Yeah, I know. There's limitations to what's possible with cloth physics right now. The zmodeler3 devs are still researching cloth data formats, and I'm still experimenting with the various parameters. I don't know if it'll be possible to eliminate this issue, but it is definitely mitigated by using shorter strands (i.e. placing cones more frequently).
Is it hard to install?
I don't know, how good are you at installing mods? The tape requires installing a simple DLC. I might make an OIV installer for it before public release, we'll see.
Can you put text on the tape?
You're welcome to edit the tape texture. But in my testing, I found that text looks really weird and distorted, due to how rendering of cloth material works in the game.
Can I beta test it for you or use it in my YouTube videos?
Beta testing and video use is available to members of the Parks Benefactor Program. Please don't send me unsolicited PMs asking for beta access, especially if I don't know you.