HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

500.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The ultimate goal of traffic law enforcement is to reduce traffic collisions. This may be achieved through the application of such techniques as geographic/temporal assignment of personnel and equipment and the establishment of preventive patrols to deal with specific categories of unlawful driving behavior. Traffic enforcement techniques are based on accident data, enforcement activity records, traffic volume, and traffic conditions. This department provides enforcement efforts toward violations, not only in proportion to the frequency of their occurrence in accident situations, but also in terms of traffic-related needs.

500.2 TRAFFIC DEPUTY DEPLOYMENT

Several factors are considered in the development of deployment schedules for deputies of the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department. Information provided by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System (SWITRS) is a valuable resource for traffic accident occurrences and therefore deputy deployment. Some of the factors for analysis include:

• Location
• Time
• Day
• Violation factors All deputies assigned to patrol or traffic enforcement functions will emphasize enforcement of accident-causing violations during high accident hours and at locations of occurrence. All deputies will take directed enforcement action on request, and random enforcement action when appropriate against violators as a matter of routine. All deputies shall maintain high visibility while working general enforcement, especially at high accident locations.

Other factors to be considered for deployment are requests from the public, construction zones or special events.

Traffic Enforcement

500.3 ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement actions are commensurate with applicable laws and take into account the degree and severity of the violation committed. This department does not establish ticket quotas and the number of arrests or citations issued by any deputy shall not be used as the sole criterion for evaluating deputy overall performance (Vehicle Code § 41603). The visibility and quality of a deputy’s work effort will be commensurate with the philosophy of this policy. Several methods are effective in the reduction of collisions:

Traffic Warning

500.3.1 WARNINGS

Warnings or other non-punitive enforcement actions should be considered in each situation and substituted for arrests or citations when circumstances warrant, especially in the case of inadvertent violations.

Traffic Citations

500.3.2 CITATIONS

Citations may be issued when a deputy believes it is appropriate. It is essential that deputies fully explain the rights and requirements imposed on motorists upon issuance of a citation for a traffic violation. Deputies should provide the following information at a minimum:

• Explanation of the violation or charge
• Court appearance procedure including the optional or mandatory appearance by the motorist
• Notice of whether the motorist can enter a plea and pay the fine by mail or at the court Traffic Arrest

500.3.3 PHYSICAL ARREST

Physical arrest can be made on a number of criminal traffic offenses outlined in the Vehicle Code or Penal Code. These physical arrest cases usually deal with, but are not limited to:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Felony and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Felony or misdemeanor hit-and-run
• Refusal to sign notice to appear
• Any other misdemeanor at the discretion of the deputy, such as reckless driving with extenuating circumstances Suspended of Revoked Licences

500.4 SUSPENDED OR REVOKED DRIVER’S LICENSES

If a deputy contacts a traffic violator for driving on a suspended or revoked license, the deputy may issue a traffic citation pursuant to Vehicle Code § 14601.

If a computer check of a traffic violator's license status reveals a suspended or revoked driver license and the traffic violator still has his or her license in possession, the license shall be seized by the deputy. The deputy shall verbally advise the traffic violator of the suspension or revocation and issue the citation. The deputy will be responsible for filling out the Verbal Notice form (DMV form DL-310) and causing that form and license to be forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

500.5 HIGH VISIBILITY VEST

• HIGH-VISIBILITY VESTS- The Department has provided American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Class II high-visibility vests to increase the visibility of department members who may be exposed to hazards presented by passing traffic, maneuvering or operating vehicles, machinery and equipment (23 CFR 655.601; 8 CCR 1598).Although intended primarily for use while performing traffic related assignments, high-visibility vests should be worn at any time increased visibility would improve the safety or efficiency of the member.
• REQUIRED USE- Except when working in a potentially adversarial or confrontational role, such as during vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian stops, high-visibility vests should be worn at any time it is anticipated that an employee will be exposed to the hazards of approaching traffic or construction and recovery equipment. Examples of when high-visibility vests should be worn include traffic control duties, accident investigations, lane closures and while at disaster scenes, or anytime high visibility is desirable. When emergency conditions preclude the immediate donning of the vest, officers should retrieve and wear the vest as soon as conditions reasonably permit. Use of the vests shall also be mandatory when directed by a supervisor. Vests maintained in the investigation units may be used any time a plainclothes officer might benefit from being readily identified as a member of law enforcement.

Traffic Collision Reporting Traffic Collision Reporting