AJ 53 –Police Field Operations

Chapter 7 –Traffic Direction and

Enforcement

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?