TRAFFIC DIRECTION & CONTROL 14.2
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
GENERAL ORDER: 14.2A
EFFECTIVE: October 1, 2005
RESCINDS: 14.2
PAGES: 6
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. MANUAL TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
II. MANUAL CONTROL OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
III. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
IV. FIRE SCENES
V. SPECIAL EVENTS
VI. ROADBLOCKS
VII. ESCORTS
VIII. GLOSSARY
PURPOSE:
To establish guidelines for traffic direction and control.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all law enforcement officers.
DISCUSSION:
Traffic direction and control functions will be performed by law enforcement officers when necessary
(Reserve officers may be assigned to assist.)
to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
POLICY:
Traffic direction and control will be performed in conformance to law and this order.
PROCEDURE:
I. MANUAL TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL:
Officers charged with directing and controlling traffic
will be familiar with agency procedures for executing this task. They will exercise careful judgment when performing
manual traffic control and follow the procedures taught in their recruit academy and field training program. The
following guidelines apply:
A.
Officers will wear the full uniform to include the reflective traffic vest when handling traffic direction and control
assignments. When handling unexpected traffic direction and control duties, they will wear the vest as soon as
practical. Officers will be equipped with a flashlight or traffic wand, a portable radio, a raincoat, and flares for use as
dictated by road, lighting, and weather conditions.
B.
Plainclothes officers will direct traffic only in an emergency and must display their badge and wear a reflective
vest.
G.O. 14.2A
C.
The first officer to arrive at a traffic scene will coordinate traffic control responsibilities with other officers.
D.
Officers will select positions that are visible to drivers and pedestrians, and that provides a full view of the
intersection or scene.
E.
Officers will use the following signals:
1. Hand Signals:
Officers will use hand signals as follows:
a. “Stop” - The arm is extended at shoulder level toward approaching traffic with the palm out and fingers
pointing upward.
b. “Go” (forward) - The officer should stand with his shoulder and side toward the traffic to be started. He will
point at the driver and establish eye contact. The pointing arm is swung from the elbow with the palm up through
a vertical semicircle until the hand is adjacent to the chin. This gesture is repeated until the traffic begins to move.
To start traffic from both directions, the procedure is repeated for traffic from the other
direction.
c. “Turns” - The officer will point at the driver and establish eye contact. The officer will indicate the turn by
bending the arm at the elbow and pointing in the direction of the turn. Left turning traffic should not be
directed to move while the Officer is directing oncoming traffic to proceed.
d. When directing pedestrians, the officer must first control the vehicular traffic. Pedestrian traffic will be
coordinated into the traffic pattern. Pedestrians should walk from corner to corner in the same direction as the
traffic is flowing. The officer should point in the direction intended.
2. Verbal Commands:
The voice is seldom used when directing traffic because of outside noise and the risk of
misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
3. Traffic Wand Signals:
The traffic wand should be used as an extension of the hand and index finger. Signals
and directions should be exaggerated and repeated often. The wand should be turned off when it is not being used.
a. When using the wand to command a “stop,” the officer should:
1) Face oncoming traffic;
2) Hold the wand with the elbow bent and the wand vertical;
3) Swing the wand from left to right through a 45-degree arc.
b. To command “go” or turns, use the same gestures as described in hand signals.
4. Flashlights:
Officers will use flashlights when directing traffic at night or during adverse weather conditions, i.e.,
fog, smoke, rain, etc. The flashlight should be used only to stop traffic -- not as a traffic baton. To stop traffic, swing
the beam of light slowly across the path of oncoming traffic. (The beam should strike the pavement as an elongated
spot of light.) After the driver has stopped, hand signals may be given in the usual manner with the vehicle’s
headlights providing illumination.
II. MANUAL CONTROL OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS:
Officers do not have access to the control boxes for automatic
traffic signals, except during emergencies. If a traffic signal malfunctions or requires manual operation, the Palm Beach
County Traffic Engineering Division, or the Florida Department of Transportation must be contacted.
III. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES:
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G.O. 14.2A
A.
Portable signs, barricades, flashing lights, and traffic cones may be used to expedite the flow of traffic and
promote safety, but their use and placement must be approved by a supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for
coordinating their removal when the situation is resolved.
B.
Temporary devices placed by other entities will not be removed by agency members.
IV. FIRE SCENES:
Firefighters have the authority to direct traffic at fire scenes. However, officers should consider
that the firefighter’s primary duty is to control or extinguish the fire. Officers should assume responsibility for traffic
control, when possible and will:
A.
Park his or her vehicle (with emergency lights activated) in a way that does not block driveways or access to the
scene.
B.
Report pertinent information to the operator for relay to the fire department, i.e., whether there are known
occupants within the structure, the specific locations of traffic or road conditions that will interfere with access to the
scene, and supply additional information as requested.
C.
Divert traffic from the area and set up a traffic perimeter that is close enough to allow control of all access, but
distant enough to prevent injuries to persons or damage to equipment. F.S. 316.2034 prohibits motorists from driving
over unprotected fire hoses.
D.
Establish a crowd control perimeter for spectator and media personnel that provides for citizen safety and prevents
interference with fire department operations.
V. SPECIAL EVENTS:
A.
All requests for traffic assistance at special events (parades, sporting events, etc.) must be approved by the Chief
for evaluation and planning. The following factors should be considered:
1.
Number of officers to provide adequate crowd control;
2.
Alternate routes for traffic;
3.
The coordination of pedestrian and vehicular traffic within the event;
4.
Temporary traffic control devices;
5.
Designated parking areas;
6.
Public transportation access;
7.
Emergency vehicle access;
8.
Coordination with other public service and transportation agencies;
9.
News media access;
10.
Public notice of temporary changes in street utilization, parking availability, public transportation services, and
parade route, when applicable;
11.
Communications.
B.
Officers will wear the uniform of the day, unless informed otherwise by competent authority.
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G.O. 14.2A
C.
An officer may leave an assigned post to provide emergency police services if failure to do so would likely result
in serious injury or death to another, or great property loss. A supervisor must be notified as soon as practical so that
arrangements can be made to cover the post.
D.
An incident report will be completed for any action taken that would require a report.
VI. ROADBLOCKS:
A. Authorization:
The use of a roadblock/checkpoint must be approved by a supervisor. A supervisor or a designee
will be present, in charge at a scene, and have the authority to cancel the roadblock/checkpoint at anytime.
B. Criteria:
A supervisor must review the following factors when considering the use of a roadblock:
1.
Risks to the public safety vs. the need for the roadblock;
2.
Officer safety;
3.
Time of day;
4.
Volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic;
5.
Road and weather condition; and,
6.
Officer and supervisor familiarity with the area.
C. Types of Roadblocks:
Roadblocks may be moving, fixed, or checkpoints.
1. Moving Roadblocks (“Boxing-in”):
Moving roadblocks are extremely dangerous and should be used only after
lesser means of traffic control have failed, or have been determined to be ineffective or impractical. Specific
procedures for moving roadblocks can be found in the Motor Vehicle Pursuit general order.
2. Fixed Roadblocks:
A fixed roadblock requires the blocking of a road at a certain or fixed point. A fixed
roadblock will not be used to apprehend a fleeing vehicle, or as part of any pursuit. Fixed roadblocks may be used
for:
a. Apprehension of a fleeing felon (as a method of search and not pursuit).
b. Containment or isolation of crime scenes, riots, civil disorders, or other restricted zones.
c. Limiting or stopping traffic flow during emergencies or adverse conditions.
d. Other circumstances approved by a supervisor.
3. Checkpoints:
Checkpoint operations may be used in conjunction with DUI, narcotics, vehicle defects, and/or
driver license enforcement. They will be conducted in strict conformance to federal and state guidelines. The
following general procedures apply:
a. A detailed written plan must be submitted to the Chief of police for approval. The plan must include mission
objectives, staff assignments and specific verbiage for officers to use, provisions for public notification, equipment
needs, and procedures for operational contingencies.
b. One person will be in command of the operation.
c. Members will be briefed on the purpose of the operation, limitations imposed, and their individual
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G.O. 14.2A
responsibilities.
d. All members will be in uniform, and marked patrol vehicles will be clearly visible.
e. The checkpoint must be in an area with sufficient lighting and space for traffic safety. An “off street” parking
area must be available for follow-up investigation. If the location is on private property, permission will be
obtained from the property owner/agent in advance;
f. Sufficient traffic control devices and signs will be used to indicate a controlled entry into a checkpoint.
g. An escape route must be provided for officers and the public.
h. The inconvenience/intrusion to motorists will be minimal;
i. Once the checkpoint is started, all vehicles should be required to stop, unless traffic volume necessitates
stopping vehicles at a predetermined sequential pattern, or when the operation is suspended or terminated. The
operation supervisor will make these determinations.
D. Procedure:
When implementing a fixed roadblock, the following apply:
1.
Personnel and equipment will be assembled.
2.
The members will be briefed on the purpose of the roadblock, limitations imposed, and their individual
responsibilities.
3.
The supervisor will notify communications of the location, time initiated, and the members involved.
4.
Any law enforcement officer can discontinue a roadblock if its use is a threat to public safety.
6.
The supervisor will notify communications of the time the roadblock is discontinued.
VII. ESCORTS:
A. Medical Emergencies:
Officers will not escort civilian vehicles in medical emergencies. If a civilian requests
an escort, the officer will summon Tequesta Fire Rescue for treatment/transport of the ill or injured person(s). The
(Officers may
officer will render first aid consistent with his or her training pending the arrival of medical personnel.
transport ill or injured persons in extreme emergencies and with supervisor approval.)
B. Emergency Vehicles:
Officers will assist other emergency vehicles when requested. The officer’s primary
function will be to “clear” intersections so the emergency vehicle may proceed safely. Supervisor approval is not
required.
C. Dignitaries and Public Officials:
Escorts will be provided for dignitaries and public officials when requested
by the FBI, Secret Service, or when directed by the appropriate agency authority. All requests will be referred to the
shift supervisor.
D. Other Escorts:
Requests for funeral, oversized vehicles, or hazardous or unusual cargo escorts will be referred to
the shift supervisor. Tequesta Fire Rescue will be notified if the cargo is hazardous material.
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G.O. 14.2A
VIII. GLOSSARY:
ADVERSE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS - For example, debris in the roadway, downed power lines, fog,
ice, flooding, exposed guard rails, pot holes, etc.
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE - All signs, signals, markings, and devices placed on, over, or adjacent to a street or
highway used to guide or regulate traffic.
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL - Any manual, electronic, or a mechanical device used to control traffic flow.
INDEXING:
ADVERSE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
CHECKPOINTS
ESCORTS
FIRE SCENES
ROADBLOCKS
SIGNALS
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
DRAFTED:
JPF/July 19, 2005/Filed: Traffc14.2
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
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