Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of traffic law enforcement?
What is an essential element of any enforcement action?
Who is responsible for traffic crash investigation in unincorporated areas of Escambia County?
What is the primary responsibility of law enforcement agencies in incorporated cities?
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What should Communications Unit members do after receiving information from an officer at a crash scene?
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What is the purpose of an officer's first response at a traffic crash scene?
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What type of actions may be substituted for arrest or citation in some circumstances?
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What is the desired outcome of traffic law enforcement?
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Which agency will investigate crashes occurring on private property resulting from a vehicle leaving the roadway?
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In what situation will an officer transport an ill or injured person?
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Who will provide escorts for dignitaries and public officials?
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What is the primary function of an officer when assisting other emergency vehicles?
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What type of patrol is used to highlight specific violations?
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What is a verbal warning used for?
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Who will receive a written warning?
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What is an officer required to do once a Uniform Traffic Citation is completed?
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What is the purpose of saturation patrols?
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What is the goal of agency traffic enforcement efforts?
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What is the primary purpose of positioning a vehicle with blue lights activated at a crash scene?
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What should officers do if they suspect a hazardous material incident as a result of a traffic crash?
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What should officers do if they come across a hit-and-run crash?
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What is the role of officers in traffic crashes with no injuries, no obstruction to traffic, and no other requirement for law enforcement assistance?
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What should officers do if they need to secure an owner's property at the scene of a crash?
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What should officers do if they need to expedite the removal of vehicles and debris from the roadway?
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What is the role of officers in evaluating a crash?
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What should officers do if they identify special hazards at a crash scene?
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What should officers do if they are involved in a crash with no injuries and minor damage?
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What is the role of officers in securing a crash scene?
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What information is included on the citation?
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How many days does a violator have to respond to a non-criminal citation?
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What happens if a violator refuses to sign a citation?
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When is a court appearance mandatory?
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What is placed on the back of the court copy of the citation in certain situations?
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What is required for criminal traffic violations that result in a physical arrest?
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What is written in the signature line on a citation resulting in a physical arrest?
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What is the consequence for a violator who knowingly drives while their license is suspended or revoked?
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What is the purpose of requiring a violator's signature on a citation?
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What type of violation may result in a custodial arrest?
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What is the procedure for military personnel when a custodial arrest is made?
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What is the treatment of non-resident motorists?
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What is the purpose of radar detection?
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What is the requirement for radar operators?
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How often must radar units be calibrated and re-certified?
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What is the procedure for pace detection?
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What is the procedure for equipment violations?
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What is the purpose of traffic stops for minor equipment violations?
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What must an officer do before issuing a citation for an equipment violation?
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What happens after a violator presents a repaired vehicle for inspection?
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What is the procedure for operators of off-road or all-terrain vehicles under 16 years old?
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What is the officer's consideration when dealing with public carriers and commercial vehicles?
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What is the purpose of issuing multiple citations?
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What is the officer's responsibility in pedestrian or bicycle violations?
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What is the purpose of notifying officers of newly enacted laws or ordinances?
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What should an officer do when dealing with a driver who has a suspended or revoked license?
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What is the purpose of seizing a tag?
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What should an officer do when seizing a tag?
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What is the procedure after paying an inspection fine?
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When can an officer choose not to seize a tag?
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What is the process for seizing a driver's license?
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What is the purpose of the DHSMV Driver's License Division Request for Reexamination or Medical Reporting form?
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What is the policy regarding the use of seat belts and child restraint devices by agency members?
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What is the consequence for an agency member who suffers an injury that could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt?
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What is the primary goal of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office regarding seat belt and child restraint device laws?
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What is the process for submitting a seized tag?
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What is the purpose of the Uniform Traffic Citation?
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What is the requirement for passengers under the age of three (3) years?
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What is the goal of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office regarding habitual traffic offenders?
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Why should spotlights be avoided during a vehicle stop?
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What should an officer do after exiting the patrol vehicle during a vehicle stop?
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What should an officer do when using a public-address system during a vehicle stop?
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What is the reason for impounding a motor vehicle under the specified circumstances?
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What is required for officers directing and controlling traffic?
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What is the primary step an officer must take before impounding a vehicle?
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What should plainclothes officers do when directing traffic?
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What happens if the vehicle is not released within 35 days after impoundment?
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What is the purpose of hand signals when directing traffic?
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What is required for an officer to release the impounded vehicle to the owner?
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What should officers do when directing pedestrian traffic?
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What should the officer do with the seized vehicle tag?
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What is the primary responsibility of the first officer arriving at a traffic scene?
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What is the purpose of completing a Uniform Traffic Citation?
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What is the officer's primary concern during a vehicle stop?
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What should officers do when handling unexpected traffic direction and control duties?
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What is the purpose of selecting positions that are visible to drivers and pedestrians?
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What should the officer do after requesting a rotation wrecker?
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What is required if the officer seizes any items and turns them in to evidence?
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What should the officer do with the invalid driver's license if the driver had it in their possession?
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What should an officer do when stopping a vehicle on a hill or curve?
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What is the purpose of activating emergency lights and/or sirens during a traffic stop?
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Under what circumstances can unmarked Sheriff's Office vehicles be used for traffic enforcement?
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What should an officer do if a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other substances stops in an undesirable location?
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What is the recommended position of the patrol vehicle during a traffic stop?
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What is the officer's responsibility during a high-risk stop?
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What should the officer do when approaching the driver's side of the vehicle during a traffic stop?
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What is the role of the passenger officer during a traffic stop made by two officers in the same vehicle?
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When making a high-risk stop, where should the officer position the patrol vehicle?
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What should the officer do after stopping a vehicle driven by a wanted or suspected felon?
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What is the role of the OIC of the Traffic Unit in the process of invalidating a citation?
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When must the Traffic Unit list voided citations on a transmittal form?
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What is the purpose of conducting an audit of citation information?
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What happens to the results of each audit?
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What type of data is made available to the public upon request?
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Where are records of all audits maintained?
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What is the correct way to use whistle blasts when directing pedestrians?
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When using a traffic wand, what should the officer do to signal a 'stop'?
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Who has the authority to direct traffic at fire scenes?
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What is the purpose of using a flashlight when directing traffic at night?
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What should an officer do if they are assigned to a post at a special event and need to respond to an emergency?
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Who is in command of a checkpoint operation?
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What should an officer do when using a traffic wand to command a 'go' or turns?
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What is the purpose of manual control of traffic signals?
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Who will evaluate and plan traffic assistance requests for special events?
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What should an officer do when directing pedestrians across the road?
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What is the purpose of the briefing before a checkpoint operation?
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What is essential for a checkpoint operation?
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Who is responsible for the receipt, distribution, and reconciliation of Uniform Traffic Citations?
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What happens when an officer issues a citation that is later voided?
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Who is required to sign the accountability receipts for citations?
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What is the procedure when a citation is lost or stolen?
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What is the role of the Traffic Unit OIC?
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Why would an officer void a citation?
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What is the consequence of disposing of a traffic citation or copies thereof in a manner other than as required?
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What happens to an officer's citation book when they retire, resign, or are terminated?
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Study Notes
Traffic Enforcement and Control
- The Escambia County Sheriff's Office aims to enforce traffic laws in a fair, consistent, and courteous manner to foster a positive public attitude.
- Officers have discretion to draw upon their training, common sense, and sound judgment to exercise discretion in evaluating the seriousness of the violation and circumstances.
Accidents and Crash Scene Control
- The Sheriff's Office has delegated the responsibility of traffic crash investigation in unincorporated areas to the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Officers may be required to respond to the scene of crashes involving death or injury, hit and run, DUI, damage to public property, hazardous materials, disturbance between principals, or major traffic congestion.
- Officers will position their vehicles with activated blue lights to provide maximum protection to the crash scene without endangering the public.
- Officers will evaluate the crash, determine the number and extent of injuries, request additional units for traffic control, and request medical assistance as needed.
Escorts
- Officers will not escort vehicles driven by civilians who have a medical emergency, but will summon Escambia County Emergency Medical Services for treatment/transport of the ill or injured person(s).
- Officers will assist other emergency vehicles when requested and clear intersections to ensure safe passage.
- Escorts may be provided for dignitaries and public officials when requested by the FBI, Secret Service, or when directed by the appropriate agency authority.
Enforcement Techniques
- Agency traffic enforcement efforts will be directed towards violations that most often result in traffic crashes.
- Enforcement techniques include public awareness and education, area, line, or directed visible patrols, overt and covert stationary observation, unmarked and semi-marked vehicles in specialized enforcement operations, preventive patrols, saturation patrols, safety and sobriety checkpoints, and analysis of traffic enforcement activities.
Enforcement Actions
- Officers have the option to issue a verbal warning, written warning, Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC), or make an arrest for traffic law violations.
- Verbal warnings will not be used to scold, belittle, or berate the violator.
- Written warnings may be issued for minor equipment violations, non-moving violations, moving violations of a minor nature, minor violations committed by foreign or out-of-state drivers, and violations of newly enacted laws or regulations.
- Uniform Traffic Citations will be completed in accordance with the Division of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Uniform Traffic Citation Manual.
Military Personnel and Non-Residents
- Military personnel are not afforded special privileges or consideration for violations of traffic laws.
- Non-resident motorists are not granted special privileges or considerations, unless the traffic regulation violated is unique to the area.
Violation Guidelines
- Speed violations will be enforced and processed in conformance with Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, Traffic Control.
- Radar detection procedures require certification through the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, proper care and upkeep of radar units, calibration and re-certification every six months, and visual verification and record of the digital reading of the target vehicle's speed.
- Pace detection involves an officer using a certified speedometer to pace a speeding vehicle, with speedometers calibrated every six months.
- Other moving and non-moving violations will be enforced according to established arrest and warning procedures.
- DUI violations will be enforced according to the General Order 523, DUI Enforcement Program.
- Equipment violations will be enforced, with offenders able to present repaired vehicles for inspection and payment of a fee.
- Off-road vehicles require helmet use for operators under 16 years old, and violations will be enforced accordingly.
- Public carriers and commercial vehicles will be handled similarly to other vehicles, with consideration for passenger and cargo safety.### Custodial Arrest
- Officer issues a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) for the appropriate charge
- Completes an arrest report and offense report
- Attaches the driver's license, a copy of the FCIC/NCIC confirmation of the suspension, and a copy of the arrest report to the UTC
Non-Custodial Arrest
- Officer issues a UTC as a Notice to Appear
- Court date is entered on the citation
- Violator's right thumbprint is affixed to the court copy
- Driver's license is attached to the UTC
Tag Seizure
- Officer confirms "seize tag" order through DHSMV via Communications Unit
- Removes tag from vehicle
- Writes "Tag Seized" across the front of the registration, if available, and returns it to the driver
- Issues a citation for driving with a suspended license and completes an offense report
- Attaches a printout of the driver's license status to the original citation
- Submits the seized tag to the Evidence Unit
Possession of a Suspended or Revoked License
- Officer seizes the driver's license and delivers it to the Traffic Office
Request for Driver Reexamination
- Officer completes the DHSMV Driver's License Division Request for Reexamination or Medical Reporting form
- Verifies that the information contained in the request addresses the nature of the problem, including all physical defects
- Establishes that reasonable grounds for the reexamination exist
- Forwards the completed form to the nearest DHSMV office
Enforcement of Seat Belt Usage and Child Restraint Requirements
- Officer issues Uniform Traffic Citations to drivers found to be in violation of Florida Statute regarding Seat Belt Usage and Child Restraint Requirements
- Agency members must comply with the requirements of the state statute regarding Seat Belt Usage and Child Restraint Devices while operating or riding in agency vehicles
- Passengers under the age of 18 years must be properly restrained for their personal safety
Habitual Traffic Offenders
- Officer impounds a motor vehicle owned by persons previously convicted of driving with a suspended license
- Officer determines by registration that the driver is either the owner or co-owner of the vehicle
- Requests a rotation wrecker from Communications to impound the vehicle
- Allows owner to remove any personal items from the vehicle
- Advises owner that the vehicle will remain impounded until one of the following conditions are met:
- The owner presents proof of insurance
- The owner presents proof that the vehicle has been sold
- The owner obtains a court order to have the vehicle released
- If proof is not presented within 35 days after the impoundment, a lien will be placed upon the vehicle
Vehicle Stops
- Officer attempts to stop the violator in an area with ample space and lighting
- Notifies Communications of the tag number, tag state, vehicle description, and location
- Activates emergency lights and/or siren to make presence known and signal the driver to stop
- Positions the patrol vehicle approximately two car lengths behind the violator's vehicle
- Approaches the driver from the rear of the violator's vehicle while checking the rear seat area for passengers or weapons
High-Risk Stops
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Officer notifies Communications immediately if the vehicle is driven by a wanted or suspected felon
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Informs the dispatcher of the vehicle tag, tag state, a description of the vehicle, location, and description of the occupants
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Keeps the suspect vehicle within view and requests assistance in making the traffic stop
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Positions the patrol vehicle to the rear of the suspect vehicle when conditions are appropriate and backup units are available
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Uses spotlights to light up the suspect's vehicle interior after it has stopped### Public Transportation Access
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Emergency vehicle access is essential in public transportation
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Coordination with other public service and transportation agencies is necessary
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News media access is important for public notification
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Public notice of temporary changes in street utilization, parking availability, public transportation services, and parade route is crucial
Checkpoints
- Checkpoint operations can be used for DUI, vehicle defects, and/or driver license enforcement
- Operations must be conducted in strict conformance to federal and state guidelines
- A detailed written plan must be submitted to the OIC of the Uniformed Service Section for approval
- One supervisor will be in command of the operation
- Members will be briefed on the purpose of the operation, limitations imposed, and their individual responsibilities
- All members must be in uniform and marked patrol vehicles must be clearly visible
- Checkpoints must be in an area with sufficient lighting and space for traffic safety
- An escape route must be provided for officers and the public
- Inconvenience/intrusion to motorists must be minimal
Traffic Record System
- The Traffic Unit is responsible for the receipt, distribution, and reconciliation of Uniform Traffic Citations, DUI Traffic Citations, Warning Citations, and Parking Tickets
- It is unlawful for any officer or member of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office to dispose of a traffic citation or copies thereof in a manner other than as required
- Citation books will be stored in secure locations and issued only by the Traffic Unit OIC or his/her designee(s)
- Accurate records must be maintained for all traffic and DUI citation books
- The receiving officer will ensure all citations are present and sign the accountability receipts for the citations
- Officers who issue citations will route copies to the Traffic Unit
- The Traffic Unit will complete a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (DHSMV) citation transmittal form
- The transmittal form and copies of citations will be distributed in compliance with DHSMV Uniform Traffic Citation Procedures Manual guidelines
Traffic Citation Procedures
- Officers are authorized to void citations that they have issued
- Justification for voiding a citation may include: the violator locates his/her driver license, registration, or proof of insurance during the initial contact
- Citations that are being voided or declared spoiled must be returned with the original and all copies to the Traffic Unit
- The officer will sign the signature line on the citation and write the word "VOID" or "SPOILED" on the face of the citation
- The officer will complete an E-mail detailing the reason for voiding or how the citations became spoiled
Traffic Analysis
- The agency will maintain records on traffic enforcement including citations, arrests, dispositions, and locations
- Analysis reports and crash data are available to the public upon request to the Department of Transportation
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Description
Quiz on traffic law enforcement, crash investigation, and communication protocols. Covers roles and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies and communication units.