Procedure Section 5 (Vehicles and Transportation) Flashcards
5.1 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION- When it can be used
Use of Emergency Equipment During Routine Matters
Emergency equipment may be used whenever the circumstances of an incident indicate that such use is appropriate to protect the public (Examples: traffic collisions, traffic warnings, road hazards, etc.) or to perform traffic stops.
Emergency Vehicle Operation
During an emergency response, a deputy’s first responsibility is to arrive at the emergency in a safe manner. The use of the Code 3 procedure is discretionary and requires careful consideration of whether the deputy’s expeditious arrival is necessary in a life threatening situation. The decision should include factors such as:
Type or nature of the incident;
Traffic and pedestrian congestion;
Time of day;
Road and weather conditions.
All of the equipment on the emergency vehicle must be used in a rational and legal manner.
Maximum speed is not determined by posted speed limits but by the traffic, weather, road conditions and safe and prudent operation. Vehicles should be driven at speeds where drivers may avoid the unexpected actions of other motorists and pedestrians.
5.1 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION- Code 3 Definition
The vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency situation or while engaged in rescue operations or is being used in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law (21055 CVC).
Section 21055 CVC does not relieve deputies from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor does this section protect deputies from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of the privileges granted (21056 CVC).
When a vehicle is being operated in a Code 3 manner the deputy driving shall use the emergency lights and siren activated simultaneously at all times. Neither the siren nor the emergency lights alone are sufficient; both must be used for the response to be considered emergency in nature, except in the following conditions:
If a deputy is driving to a call where sound tactics suggest cutting the siren prior to arrival in order not to alert the suspect(s), or if the use of the siren could increase the risk to the deputy or others, the deputy may reduce to lights only. Deputies switching to the lights only mode must notify the Communications Center and must continue to drive in a cautious manner with due regard for the safety of others.
5.1 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION- Code 3/11-99 Response
A Code 3 response may be initiated by the Communications Center Watch Commander, field supervisor, or a field deputy, whenever sufficient knowledge or cause is known to exist for the timely protection of life or reduction of injury.
If responding Code 3, the deputy shall notify the Communications dispatcher who will seek acknowledgment from the field supervisor or, in his/her absence, the Communications Center Watch Commander.
Deputies requesting Code 3 backup should use the radio code, “10-88 Code,” “Code 3 Cover” or “Code Cover.” If appropriate, specify the number of units needed to respond Code 3.
A Code 3 response is inherently dangerous and Deputies should evaluate whether to respond Code 3 when a reasonable number of units are already en route to the scene.
Once units on-scene are Code 4, Deputies should notify dispatch as soon as possible to have all other units discontinue their Code 3 response.
Upon receiving an 11-99 call, only deputies within a reasonable distance shall respond Code 3 considering the below factors:
The distance to the 11-99 location.
Traffic and pedestrian congestion.
Time of day and weather conditions.
Proximity / Location of other units
Units that are at excessive distances from the 11-99 scene will advise the Communications Center of their location and respond as directed by the Communications Center Watch Commander or the field supervisor
5.1 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION-MFF Platoon Ops
When responding to an emergency during Mobile Field Force (MFF) Platoon operations, with the approval of a supervisor who has direct knowledge of the emergency, marked and unmarked vehicles equipped with emergency lights and siren, may respond Code 3, whether as individual units or in caravans. If it is deemed necessary for a caravan to respond Code 3 to an emergency event, all vehicles in the caravan, including those used to block traffic at intersections, shall use the emergency lights and siren activated simultaneously at all times.
When Mobile Field Force caravans are responding to non-emergency situations, including MFF training, it may be necessary to use marked patrol vehicles to block intersections to maintain the integrity of the caravan. Units entering intersections to block traffic shall use the emergency lights and siren activated simultaneously until the traffic block has been established. Once the traffic block has been established the emergency lights shall remain turned on and the siren may be used as necessary.
5.2 VEHICLE COORDINATION AND USAGE -VEH COR Notifications
The Department Vehicle Coordinator shall be notified immediately, in writing, in the event of any of the following circumstances:
The assigned vehicle is no longer required.
The vehicle is reassigned to another individual, division or section.
The vehicle is damaged and/or must be replaced.
When an individual to whom a vehicle is assigned will be temporarily off duty due to vacation, illness, or other reason, the vehicle will be turned over to the division commander.
5.4 COLLISIONS INVOLVING SHERIFF’S VEHICLES-Investigations
All traffic collisions involving Sheriff’s Department personnel (sworn, civilian, volunteers and reserves) operating Department vehicles, publicly owned vehicles, or any vehicle in the performance of their official duties, shall be investigated within the following guidelines. (Sheriff’s Department personnel should utilize pool cars whenever possible and available for official business).
Every collision occurring in contract cities serviced by Sheriff’s stations shall be investigated by that traffic division.
In cases where only Sheriff’s vehicles, or County property is involved and there are no injuries, the supervisor can waive the necessity to have a Law Enforcement Accident report made. These collisions would typically include backing accidents into our own vehicles, gates, walls or property. Nothing prevents the supervisor from requesting an investigation if they feel it is warranted. All other required reports mentioned below must be completed.
In cases where another agency has jurisdiction, no parallel investigation will be conducted by a Sheriff’s traffic unit unless:
The agency of jurisdiction does not respond and complete an investigation
The employee was involved in a collision during a vehicle pursuit
Specifically requested by the responding supervisor or station command
The employee is involved in a collision which results in death or severe injury, to any party involved, as defined by SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System)
Severe Injury is defined as follows:
An Injury, other than a fatal injury, which results in broken, dislocated or distorted limbs, severe lacerations, or unconsciousness. It does not include minor lacerations requiring hospital admission.
An employee involved traffic collision which results in death or severe injury will be investigated by a Sheriff’s Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, (STAR) team member. The on-scene supervisor shall ensure notification of the Sheriff’s Reconstructionist and provide any coordination necessary with other agencies. The traffic supervisor from the investigating traffic division shall oversee the investigation.
All employees involved will cooperate fully with the other agency’s investigation and assist them as requested.
5.4 COLLISIONS INVOLVING SHERIFF’S VEHICLES-Supervisor Responsiblities
When an employee is involved in a traffic collision, which results in death or severe injury, the employee’s supervisor will respond to the scene whenever possible. If unavailable the on-duty supervisor shall respond to the scene.
Whenever possible, make an on-scene investigation.
Review and approve reports submitted and make copies for the supervisor’s investigative package.
Complete and forward originals of the following documents to Traffic Coordinator the following business day:
“Supervisor’s Accident Investigation Report” (OES RM-3)
“Confidential Vehicle Accident Report” (CD-2)
Deputy’s Report or Driver’s written statement
Obtain a copy of the traffic collision report and forward to Traffic Coordinator when available.
Conduct an investigation to determine if the collision was chargeable or non-chargeable. If the collision is determined to be “chargeable”, then proceed as outlined in Policy and Procedure Section 3.3 (“Disciplinary Procedures”). The investigating supervisor shall complete the chargeable investigation in a timely manner, not to exceed 60 days from the date of the incident unless an extension has been granted by the bureau commander. An estimated cost of the damage to the county vehicle must also be included in the investigation.
If the collision was determined to be “non-chargeable”, then proceed with completing a non-chargeable Employee Accident Investigation, and route it through the chain of command. All non-chargeable collision investigations shall be completed and sent to the Traffic Coordinator within 60 days of the incident unless an extension has been granted by the bureau commander.
5.6 GASOLINE CREDIT CARDS
Station/facility supervisors will review all credit card receipts. Review shall consist of:
Identifying County vehicle number.
Checking for improper use (i.e., unauthorized purchases or repairs, not County vehicle, etc.).
If repairs are made, identify what type, such as replace radiator hose, etc.
If parts are purchased, identify what type: Emergency items such as headlights, fuses and windshield wipers.
Supervisor initials receipt after review and forwards to Vehicle Coordinator at mail stop O-341.
Credit cards are issued to patrol vehicles. All other credit cards are issued to individuals who are responsible for their use.
Lost/Stolen Credit Cards: Must be reported verbally (next business day) and in writing on a Form 153 to the Sheriff’s Vehicle Coordinator and must include: (1) entire card number; (2) vehicle number card is assigned to or individual the card is assigned to; (3) date card was lost/stolen. (10-10-98) (Reviewed 4-11-2011)
