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Traffic Enforcement
Are all peace officers responsible for enforcing traffic laws? Yes, to varying degrees
Responsibility related to jurisdiction… Police = city streets Sheriff = county roads CHP = state highways
Traffic Flow People expect Law Enforcement to
ensure safe and efficient flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic
How does traffic compare to engineering of streets and roadways? Time of day Day of week Season of the year
Traffic Control Assume a safe-but-visible position
Be prepared to move Uniform and equipment?
Command Presence Everyone know you are in charge!
Hand Signals Clear and concise Leave no doubts about your directions Refer to descriptions, p. 230-233
Whistle?
Collision Investigations Very important investigation/report
Determining primary collision factor, potential fault/liability
Types of Traffic Collisions Running off the roadway
Even if collision after leaving roadway Non-collision on the road
Overturned vehicle, sudden braking… Collision with something else
Vehicle, pedestrian, animal…
Collision Investigations (continued) Pay special attention to the following…
Damage to vehicles, property, etc. Physical conditions at collision scene
Weather, sun, roadway surface, signage, etc. Vehicle equipment
Lights, turn signals, brakes, etc. Location of vehicles, drivers, witnesses
Open flow of traffic as quickly as possible Follow-up investigation as needed to…
Cite, arrest, complete report
Phases of a Traffic Collision Surprise
Realization that collision may occur No Escape
Collision becomes inevitable Maximum Engagement
Actual moment/span of collision Finale
Event comes to complete stop
Collision Investigations Quick & Safe Response
Code 3? Note Vehicles/People
Leaving the Scene Possibility of hit-and-run
Set up additional units for traffic control
Correct & Safe Placement of Patrol Car
Check for Injuries to Involved Parties
Provide First Aid Request Medical
Assistance as Needed Identify & Separate
Drivers Interview out of
hearing Interview Witnesses
Separately
Emergency Vehicle Operations When do most law enforcement vehicle
accidents occur? Normal, “routine” driving situations
Emergency conditions require same driving skills as for everyday driving
Special emphasis on defensive driving due to situation, adrenaline, etc.
Nature of situation determines Code 3 response
Injury accident, in-progress crime, etc. Governed by Dept. Policy Always be aware of increased risk to public!
Code 3 Pursuit Factors Seriousness of
violation Public safety risk if
not apprehended Suspect identity
known Communications Officer driving skills
Patrol vehicle capabilities
Familiarity with area
Weather, road, traffic conditions
Geography Time of day Other agencies
Use of Lights and Siren Main Purpose?
Clear traffic and warn bystanders Always Effective?
No! Many drivers unaware/ignorant or panic Always slow down/stop at intersections!
Protect You from Civil Liability? No, Officer/Department not necessarily
exonerated from results of unsafe driving 21055 and 21056 CVC
Allegations that the Pursuit actually caused the resulting damage, injury, or death
Pursuit Protocol Notify Dispatch/Supervisor of situation
Some departments require authorization Provide the following information…
Vehicle/suspect description(s) Reason for pursuit Location & direction of travel
Update regularly for back-up officers Speeds Environmental conditions
Calling off a pursuit should always be an option!
May be the wise and safe thing to do
Pursuit Considerations “Caravanning” should be avoided
Number of vehicles often limited to three Roadblocks?
High risk of injury Spike-strips a safer option
Plan for contingencies if pursued driver… Stops suddenly Crashes Flees on foot
High-risk vehicle stop procedures
Tactical Vehicle Intervention PIT Maneuver
Precision Immobilization Tactic Pursuit Intervention Technique
Used during extreme situations Low speeds only, below 35 mph Never at high speed! Very high risk of injury to suspect, officer,
other motorists, and bystanders Only used by specifically trained officers
Guided by Department Policy
Other Emergency Situations
Escorts Officer responsible for both vehicles 21057 CVC
Medical Emergencies Is it ever appropriate to transport an
injured person? Risk of aggravating injuries
Vehicle Stops Prior to making the stop, notify Dispatch
of… Location/reason for stop Vehicle license number/description Occupants
Officer chooses location for final stop Traffic, roadway, lighting, weather, etc. Activate red light before chosen location
Use overheads and siren as needed Use PA, spot-lights as needed
Vehicle Stops (continued) Vehicle Placement
Safe distance behind, slightly offset to left
Place patrol car in park and get out as quickly as possible!
Approach Never walk between the vehicles! Driver’s-side or passenger-side?
Advantages & Disadvantages to both
Keep an eye on all occupants/passenger area
Avoid silhouetting yourself at night
Vehicle Stop Considerations
Request back-up, wait as needed If two officers involved in stop…
Contact officer approaches Cover officer observes from safe location
Contact driver and conduct business Vehicle stop = lawful detention Allowed to search
vehicle/driver/occupants?
Traffic Violation Enforcement Do officers stop every violator they
see? How do you decide which ones to enforce
or which to ignore? Criteria used for citing/not citing
Pre-decision, driver’s attitude, etc. Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law
Officer demeanor Officer safety first and always! Professional, polite and courteous
High-Risk Vehicle Stops
Multiple-officer situation Felonies, weapons, etc.
Must coordinate the following… Clear radio frequency Patrol vehicle placement
Farther back, side-by-side, etc. Roles and responsibilities of each officer
Communications, cover, handcuffing/searching
Driving Under the Influence DUI vs. “Drunk Driving” Statistically, about 50% of all fatal traffic
collisions involve alcohol/drugs .08% BAC = Presumptive indication of guilt
Legal guidelines… 23152 CVC
Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs/combination
13353 CVC Refusal/failure to complete chemical test
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Refers to percentage of
alcohol absorbed into body’s bloodstream
Varies by individual factors Body weight, metabolism,
food, fatigue Drinking history
Refer to guidelines, p. 258
Detecting DUI Direct observation by officer
Patrol, special assignment Citizen report of unsafe driver
Motorist, bartender, friend, family member During investigation of traffic accident After vehicle stop for unrelated reason DUI checkpoints
Common Indicators of DUI Slow reactions to
traffic lights Exaggerated turns,
lane changes Inconsistent speeds Weaving, drifting,
“bouncing” Driving very slowly
Headlights off High beams on Hugging the curb Tailgating Intentional
avoidance of cops Failure to yield
DUI Vehicle Stops Same procedures for regular stops
Expect unpredictable behavior Use all senses to gather evidence
Driving pattern Physical symptoms
Eyes, slurred speech Smell of alcohol Statements made Physical evidence
Cans, bottles, drugs/paraphernalia, etc.
Field Sobriety Tests (FST) and Follow-Up Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS)
In-field, portable breathalyzer test Multiple-Function Tests = Physical &
Mental tasks performed simultaneously
Finger to nose, stand on one foot, walk heel to toe, balance while counting
Lateral Gaze Nystagmus Chemical test of blood/breath/urine
How and where administered?