Policy Text
Policy
511Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentUse of Speed Measuring Devices - 1Use of Speed Measuring Devices
511.1 POLICY
The department will utilize radar/laser in high or potentially high accident locations when speed
is a factor; in areas where speed limit violations are prevalent; in response to citizen complaints
concerning speeding motorists; and to conduct traffic volume and speed percentile studies and
radar street surveys.
Radar/Laser and/or other electromechanical speed measuring devices must be deployed with the
safety of the officer in mind at all times.
511.2 AUTHORIZED SPEED MEASURING DEVICES
The International Chiefs of Police (IACP) have tested and certified that the Kustom Signals Inc. Pro
Laser III, speed measuring instruments meet all requirements of the model minimum performance
specifications for Lidar speed measurement devices, as published by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration of the USDOT, and adopted by the Highway Safety Committee of the IACP.
511.3 USE OF RADAR/LASER
All officers utilizing radar/laser must successfully complete the basic operator training program
and receive certification prior to utilizing departmental speed measuring devices.
The Traffic Sergeant or their designee will establish procedures to:
(a)Periodically recertify operators to ensure their continued proficiency;
(b)Ensure that radar/laser devices receive proper care;
(c)Ensure programmed maintenance, testing, and calibration of speed measuring
devices.
511.3.1 MAINTENANCE OF RADAR/LASER
Per CVC Section 40802(D) all speed-measuring devices (radar and or laser) will meet or exceed
minimal operational standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). Each speed-measuring device is required to be calibrated within three years.
It will be the policy of the Garden Grove Police Department to calibrate each speed measuring
device by an independent, certified radar and or laser repair and testing and or calibration facility,
biennially.
All calibration records will be kept in the radar/laser calibration file within the traffic office. They
will be available for court and discovery requests.
511.4 RADAR/LASER UNIT OPERATION
(a)The radar/laser unit must be properly installed and connected to the appropriate power
supply.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Use of Speed Measuring Devices
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentUse of Speed Measuring Devices - 2(b)The effective range of the particular unit must be thoroughly understood by the
operator so visual observations can support the speed meter readings.
(c)The radar/laser unit location will be conducive to the effective and safe operation of
radar/laser.
(d)The radar/laser unit will be properly calibrated to insure accuracy in checking speed
prior to use at each location. This calibration will be confirmed.
(e)All radar/laser units shall comply with all local, state and federal regulations.
(f)All radar/laser units utilized by the department shall meet or exceed the specifications
of the National Highway Safety Administration.
(g)Any radar/laser unit found to be malfunctioning shall be removed from service
immediately and a repair slip filled out on the unit.
(h)Radar/laser will only be used on highways or streets that have been surveyed pursuant
to California Vehicle Code Section 40802 within the last seven years, and whose prima
facie speed limit has been supported by an engineering or traffic survey. Radar/laser
will not be used on any highway or street that does not have a completed survey
within the last seven years, or If an engineering and traffic survey was conducted more
than seven years prior to the date of the alleged violation, and a registered engineer
evaluates the section of the highway and determines that no significant changes in
roadway or traffic conditions have occurred, including, but not limited to, changes in
adjoining property or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume, 10 years..
(i)A list of surveyed streets can be found in the back of the Garden Grove Police
Department intranet. A complete Street Survey is located in the Traffic Unit Office and
a copy may also be obtained from the Traffic Engineering Department at City Hall.