Police in DDS2 operate on a heat system called "wanted level." Understanding how this system works is the difference between running a smooth operation and constantly losing product to raids. This guide covers police behavior, how wanted level works, how to avoid detection, and what to do when police are actively pursuing you.
How the wanted level system works:
Your wanted level has four states, each with increasing police aggression. Based on community discussions and the Fandom wiki:
| Level | Name | Police Behavior | How to Reduce |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | Standard patrols, no special attention | No action needed |
| 1 | Person of Interest | Increased patrols in your area, police notice you more | 3-5 minutes of no illegal activity |
| 2 | Suspect | Active search, roadblocks at zone exits | 5-10 minutes, avoid all crime |
| 3 | Wanted | Full pursuit with reinforcements, possible helicopter | 10+ minutes, hide in safe spot |
Each level escalates how aggressively police search for you and increases the probability of hideout raids. The key insight from community testing: wanted level only increases when police witness or directly detect illegal activity. Selling drugs through dealers does not increase wanted level -- only manual activities in public view do.
What triggers wanted level increases:
| Activity | Wanted Level Increase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selling drugs in public | Low | Risk increases in high-patrol zones |
| Assaulting NPCs in view of police | Medium | Direct witness triggers immediate increase |
| Gunfire in populated areas | High | Guaranteed wanted level increase |
| Fighting police during a raid | Very High | Each wave of reinforcements adds more heat |
| Robbing stores or homes | Medium | Depends on whether you are seen |
| Carrying large product stacks in public | Low-Medium | Citizens may report suspicious behavior |
How to avoid detection:
The most effective prevention strategy is simple: do not commit crimes in view of police or civilians. Here are specific tactics:
- Sell through dealers -- Passive sales through your assigned dealers do not increase wanted level. Prioritize building a distributor desk and hiring dealers.
- Use parkour for travel -- Roof routes and alley shortcuts keep you out of police line of sight. The Fandom wiki recommends parkour for avoiding police.
- Time your activities -- Police density varies by time of day and zone. Industrial zones have fewer patrols at night. Downtown areas are always high-risk.
- Keep product in hideouts -- Carrying large amounts of product in public increases suspicion if you are stopped. Always move small quantities between locations.
- Rotate selling locations -- Selling repeatedly in the same spot attracts attention. Move between client meeting points.
Practical example: Daily routine to minimize heat
Here is the schedule I follow to keep my wanted level at None:
- Morning -- Visit hideouts to collect product and check staff assignments. No public activity during this time.
- Midday -- Make deliveries using pre-planned parkour routes through low-traffic areas. Complete 3-4 deliveries then return to hideout.
- Afternoon -- Production activities inside hideout (safe). Restock dealers with product.
- Evening -- One final delivery run. Police density is lower in some zones during shift changes.
- Night -- Only inside hideout activities. Let any accumulated heat decay overnight.
What to do during a raid:
If a raid triggers despite your precautions, follow these steps:
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stay calm, do not panic | Panic leads to bad decisions |
| 2 | Exit through rear/window | Front entrance is likely blocked |
| 3 | Use parkour to break line of sight | Police lose track of you faster |
| 4 | Do not fight | Fighting increases wanted level and raid duration |
| 5 | Wait for heat to decay | 5-10 minutes of hiding reduces your profile |
| 6 | Return after wanted level drops | Check before approaching the hideout again |
Hideout-specific anti-raid measures:
| Measure | Effect | Cost | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-visibility hideout | Reduces base raid probability | Location-dependant | High |
| Guard station | Adds security rating, offsets visibility | ~$5,000 | Medium |
| Reinforced doors | Delays police entry during raids | ~$3,000 | Medium |
| Hidden storage | Conceals some items from search | ~$1,500 | Low |
| Multiple hideouts | Contains losses if one is hit | Varies | Critical |
Related Guides:
- Raid Prevention -- Detailed asset protection strategies
- Hideout Guide -- All hideout locations with visibility ratings
- Parkour Guide -- Movement mechanics for escaping police
- Common Mistakes -- Beginner pitfalls related to police heat
Community Verification & Resources
Data values may shift with patches. Cross-check against community resources before building your strategy.