TRAFFIC SERVICES 14.3
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: ANCILLARY TRAFFIC SERVICES
GENERAL ORDER: 14.3
EFFECTIVE: October 1, 1998
RESCINDS: NEW
PAGES: 3
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. MOTORIST ASSISTANCE
II. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
III. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
IV. GLOSSARY
PURPOSE:
To establish guidelines for providing assistance to the motoring public.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all law enforcement officers.
POLICY:
Officers will render aid to stranded motorists, help those requiring emergency assistance, and assist in the
prevention of damage, injury, or death as the result of hazardous materials or road conditions.
PROCEDURE:
I. MOTORIST ASSISTANCE:
A. Non-technical Aid:
Officers will render non-technical assistance to the public that includes providing
information and directions, providing transportation to obtain fuel, and assisting with flat tires. The type and amount of
service to be rendered may vary based on the circumstances at the time.
1. Stranded Motorists:
Officers will confirm that assistance is available to stranded motorists before leaving the
area, or after transporting the motorist to another location. Disabled motorists will not be abandoned when exposed
to a hazardous situation. Officers will assist by placing warning devices, i.e., flares or traffic cones, to alert oncom-
ing traffic and periodically check the status of the motorist, when possible.
2. Courtesy Transports:
Courtesy transports may be provided to stranded motorists or citizens. Officers will use
discretion when determining if a courtesy transport is warranted. The officer will request proof of identification,
check for outstanding warrants, and complete the transport without delay.
a. The officer should consider the following when contemplating a citizen transport:
1) Sex of the person;
2) Age of the person;
G.O. 14.3
3) Time of day;
4) Weather conditions; and,
5) Present location.
b. Transport Notification: The officer will notify the dispatcher when a citizen is transported in an agency vehicle.
The dispatcher will generate an event number to document the service. The officer will provide the starting and
ending location of the transport and the starting and ending vehicle mileage, when transporting a juvenile or
person of the opposite sex.
B. Technical Aid:
Officers will assist motorists in obtaining technical assistance, but will not attempt to jump start a
vehicle or assist in unlocking a vehicle, except in an emergency.
1. Wreckers:
Wrecker requests will be made through the Communications Division. A rotation wrecker will be
dispatched unless the motorist has a preferred wrecker service. If the motorist is a member of an auto club, the
officer will provide the motorist’s auto club number, expiration date, vehicle description, tag number, and the reason
for the request.
2. Manual Removal:
An agency vehicle will not be used to push or pull a disabled vehicle.
C. Vehicle Fires:
Officers may attempt to use a fire extinguisher to suppress a vehicle fire. Fire Rescue Service will
be requested, as needed. The officer will remain at the scene and assist with traffic and crowd control and provide Fire
Rescue with the following information:
1.
The location of the fire;
2.
Type of vehicle; and,
3.
Type of cargo, if applicable.
D. Medical Assistance:
Officers will render first aid consistent with training and experience. Fire Rescue will be
requested for emergency medical assistance.
II. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS:
Officers will be alert to roadway hazards and will take immediate action to
correct and report the condition. Requests for other agency assistance will be made through the Communications
Division.
A. Debris:
Officers will take action to remove hazardous debris from the roadway. The appropriate agency will be
contacted for debris removal that the officer cannot remove. The officer will direct traffic around the debris to prevent
accidents or injuries until assistance arrives.
B. Roadway Defect:
Officers will report roadway defects to the appropriate agency (i.e., Department of
Transportation) via communications.
C. Traffic Control Device:
Officers will report damaged or missing traffic control devices to the appropriate agency,
via communications, and provide traffic control until the device is repaired, replaced, or other assistance is rendered.
III. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
Officers will report hazardous material spills to the appropriate unit or agency and
assist in the control of the materials.
A. Control:
Officers discovering hazardous materials or spills will:
2
G.O. 14.3
1.
Attempt a preliminary identification of a spill or leak by observing vehicle placards, when safety permits.
2.
Keep persons a minimum of 500 feet away from any portion of the material.
3.
Approach the area from an upwind direction and avoid close contact with the material.
4.
Avoid inhaling fumes, smoke, or vapors. Officers will not assume that odorless gases or vapors are not present or
harmless.
5.
Request additional assistance for evacuating traffic and bystanders.
B. Removal:
The Tequesta Fire Rescue Service is trained in the handling and removal of certain hazardous
materials. Only trained personnel will attempt to enter contaminated areas. Information resources for vehicle placards
and hazardous materials may be obtained from Tequesta Fire/Rescue or the Chemical Transportation Emergency
Center (CHEMTREC 1/800-424-9300).
IV. GLOSSARY:
HIGHWAY HAZARD - Any condition on a roadway that interferes with the safe passage of the public.
ROADWAY HAZARD - The physical features of the roadside environment that can affect a vehicle resulting in
unnecessary injury or damage to persons or property.
Gravel and debris are commonly encountered hazards.
INDEXING:
ANCILLARY TRAFFIC SERVICES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDOUS ROADWAY CONDITIONS
MOTORIST ASSISTANCE
TRANSPORT, COURTESY
WRECKER ASSISTANCE
DRAFTED:
RLG/February 19, 1998/Filed: Trfanc14.3
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
3