Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 10/13/2015 11/01 /2022 11/01 /2026
BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
______________________________
CP 530 - Traffic Direction and Control 1 CP530 TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
CP530 .1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This procedure provides guidelines for directing and controlling traffic. The responding employee
should assess the hazards presented at the scene and act appropriately to prevent further
damage to life or property.
CP530 .1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA standards: 61.3.2, 61.3. 4
CP530 .2 TRAFFIC DIRECTION AT COLLISIONS & CRITICAL INCIDENTS
When ass igned to manual traffic control , officers should use uniform traffic control signals and
gestures. The major objective of the person carrying out manual traffic direction and control is to
maintain or restore the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
High-visibility reflective vests are provided and required for all employees directing traffic or
controlling traffic in the roadway per BPPD Policy § 500.8, Traffic Function and Responsibility |
High-Visibility Vests .
CP530 .2.1 TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
All uniformed personnel may be used for traffic direction and control functions . Personnel should
have access to the necessary equipment to safely direct and control traffic in situations that may
include, but are not limited to, the following :
a) Traffic accident scenes
b) Critical incidents and special even ts
c) Emergency conditions
d) Signal light failure
e) Adverse road or weather conditions
f) Disabled vehicles
CP530 .2.2 UNIFORM TRAFFIC DIRECTION HAND SIGNALS
Stop Signal : The basic signal to stop is an upraised hand at the end of an extended arm raised
to well above shoulder level, with the palm of the hand clearly facing the approaching driver for
whom the signal is intended.
Starting Signal : The signal for a stopped vehicle to start moving begins at shoulder level, with
the officer extending his arm toward the stopped vehicle (pointing) and waving the car onward by
bending his or her arm at the elbow and drawing his or her hand toward his or her chest.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 10/13/2015 11/01 /2022 11/01 /2026
BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
______________________________
CP 530 - Traffic Direction and Control 2 Pull Up Signal : The signal to pull up to a position, indicated by the officer directing traffic at an
intersection, is usually reserved for turning traffic facing opposing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
It is started by the officer poi nting to the position at which the driver should pull his or her stopped
or slowly approaching vehicle. It is completed by maneuvering the driver forward to the selected
position to hold the turning vehicle until conditions are safe for the turning movemen t.
Turning Traffic : Once it is safe for the motorist to complete the turn, the opposing traffic should
be stopped using the standard stop signal, and motioning the turning vehicle to complete its turn
by making a come -along signal with the other hand.
CP530.3 TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING POWER OUTAGES
The Buena Park’s major intersection traffic signals are all designed with a conflict monitor that will
put the intersection into a flashing all -red mode if a signal conflict is detected. This is for the safety
of the public , since a traffic signal that flashes red for all intersection approaches becomes an all -
way stop until normal signal operation can be restored. Each control box uses battery bac kup
power during power failures .
In the event of an after -hours traffic red flash, the City's traffic signal maintenance contractor will
be called out at only the signalized intersections designated by Traffic Engineering as major
arterials o n a list available to Dispatch. Only signalized intersections i n which two major arterials
cross will just ify calling out a member of the signal maintenance staff during an after -hours traffic
signal red flash. All other signalized intersections will remain on red flash operation until the next
City operating day.
CP 530.3.1 PLANNED POWER OUTAGES
If a planned power outage affect s traffic signals, the involved contractor will be required to provide
traffic direction and control as stipulated by Traffic Engineering as part of the planned outage.
There sho uld be no police assistance required for these events.
CP 530. 3.2 UNPLANNED POWER OUTAGES
If an unplanned power outage affect s traffic signals, the affected intersections shall revert to an
all-way stop condition per California Vehicle Code Section 21800(d). The traffic signals should go
to a flashing all -red mode as stated in CP530.3 , utilizing the battery backup power . If the duration
of the power outage exceeds the life of the battery backup , or the battery backup fails, an officer
may be sent to make a determination if manned traffic control or the placement of stop signs is
warranted for the safety of the public. Officers must understand that once manned traffic control
is initiated, i t must continue until an alternative method of traffic control is in place , or the power
returns the permanent traffic signals to normal function.
CP 530. 3.3 INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF STOP SIGNS D