Policy Text
09.10 .0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to establish department guidelines for traffic
ancillary services. These services are activities that have an indirect effect on traffic flow,
as well as those that are responses to citizen -generated requests for assistance. These
tasks include general assistance, emergency assistance, provid ing public information
and directions, identifying and reporting roadway and roadside hazards, and checking
abandoned vehicles.
09.10 .1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department to provide reasonable assistance
to motorists t raveling the roads and highways in the City of Concord.
09.10 .2 GENERAL MOTORIST ASSISTANCE
A. The department shall offer reasonable assistance at all times to motorists and other
highway users in need of aid. Consideration to the needs of the motorist, weather
conditions, location, time of day, and other service demands must be made when
determining the most appropri ate way to assist stranded motorists.
B. General assistance to motorists may include, but is not limited to:
1. Providing information and directions;
2. Aid in obtaining fuel or mechanical assistance;
3. Assist with c hanging flat tires .
C. Stranded motorists shall not be left unattended in dangerous situations. In such
cases, officers shall notify communications of the location and nature of the problem,
and assist the motorist in securing an alternative form of transportation , if requested.
D. Officers shall not use a police vehicle to push a disabled vehicle from the roadway
unless the officer reasonably believes that immediate action is necessary to eliminate
a traffic hazard dangerous to life, and no other practical means are readily available .
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
TRAFFIC ANCILLARY SERVICES
GENERAL ORDER: 09.10 CREATED: August 11, 2021 ISSUE DATE: July 25, 2023
CALEA STANDARD: 61.4.1, 61.4.2 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 25, 2023
ACTION: Amends general order dated March 29, 2023 .
General Order 09.10 TRAFFIC ANCILLARY SERVICES Page 2 of 2
E. Officers shall not manually push a disabled vehicle from the roadway unless the
officer reasonably believes that such action is necessary to eliminate a traffic hazard,
and can be safely accomplished without undue risk of injury to the officer a nd other
persons assisting in the effort.
F. Motorist s may be transported in police vehicles, with supervisory approval, to a place
of lodging, to obtain mechanical assistance or to a location deemed safe and
appropriate , while arrangements are being made for repairs to their vehicle. All
efforts shall be made to prevent persons from being left in locations that would prove
hazardous.
G. Officers shall render necessary emergency assistance to motorists, to include the
administration of basic first aid, e xtinguishing minor fires, and summoning fire,
medical, or rescue services as needed. Officers sh all promptly notify communications
as to the nature of the emergency and request services as needed.
09.10 .3 HAZARDOUS ROADWAY CONDITIONS
A. Roadway and roadside hazards are contributing factors in many traffic crashes . When
such hazards come to the attention of an officer, the officer shall take steps to
eliminate them, if possible . If not, the officer shall report it to communications, who
should report it to the proper authorities for corrective action. Such hazards include
but are not limited to :
1. Debris on the roadway;
2. Defects in the roadway;
3. Lack of or broken traffic control and information signs;
4. Damaged or missing gu ardrails;
5. Lack of roadway lighting systems or defective lighting systems including street
lights;
6. Obstructions;
7. Ice or heavy snow accumulations on roadway surface .
GARY J. GACEK
CHIEF OF POLICE