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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: December 6, 2024  Amends - GO 6.1.2 ( March 7, 2024 ) Number: 6.1.2 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: May Reviewing Authority: SOD / Traffic Subject: Escorts This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to verify that agency escorts are performed in a safe and efficient manner. 2. Policy It is the policy of the agency to conduct escorts in a safe and prudent manner consistent with applicable laws. All escorts, either on or off -duty, will be approved by the Traffic Section Commander or designee and should, when possible, be staffed with Tra ffic Section personnel. 3. Definition A. Ceremonial Functions – Events which may include, but not be limited to agency motorcycles being utilized in a static posture for demonstrative purposes only. There is no immediate expectation of law enforcement action. Common examples may include displays at schools, churches and for community groups. B. Escort – A coordinated event utilizing agency vehicles (car, motorcycle, and/or SUV) to lead, surround, and/or follow one or more vehicles in the inter est of security or expeditious travel to a designated location. C. Lead Vehicle – The agency vehicle at the front of the escort package. This vehicle sets the course and speed of the package being escorted. D. Package – The vehicle or group of vehicles to be escorted to a designated location. The number of vehicles in the package will determine the number of agency vehicles required for a safe escort. E. Parade - a public procession usually to mark a holiday or special event F. Presidential Protection Detail Escort Training (PPD) – Agency training certifying escort personnel in PPD escorts. 6.1.2, Page 2 of 6 G. Tail Vehicle – The agency vehicle that follows the escort package. This vehicle ensures that the package remains consistent and limit s other vehicles from interfering with the escort. H. Working Vehicle – Agency vehicles that work in conjunction with the Lead and Tail Vehicles to minimize interference with the escort package. 4. Procedures A. Emergency Escorts 1. Emergency escorts wil l not be provided for emergency vehicles or privately owned vehicles, except as listed below. 2. A Lieutenant or above may authorize the escort of specialized equipment necessary to preserve life or property to the scene of an existing emergency and for in cidents involving agency employees injured in the line of duty. B. Medical Emergency Escorts 1. Ambulances are to be relied upon for transporting sick and injured persons whenever possible. 2. Members may be authorized by their immediate supervisor to personally direct or escort sick or injured persons, riding in a private vehicle, to the nearest emergency treatment facility when the need for immediate medical attention is apparent. Agency vehic les will not operate as emergency vehicles when providing this escort service. 3. Operators of agency vehicles must immediately notify the Communications Section of the mission and request that the proper medical authorities be advised to prepare for the arrival of the emergency conveyance. 4. Transport of a sick or injured person may be made in an agency vehicle when it is determined to be an extreme emergency. C. Dignitary Escorts 1. Escorts for visiting dignitaries, persons of significant interest or public officials may be provided upon approval of the Traffic Section Commander or designee using on –duty or off -duty personnel. Should the decision be made to provide the escort in an off -duty capacity, the request will be handled in accordance with GO 4.3.1 Off Duty utilizing Traffic Section personnel. 2. Escorts will be organized, coordinated and supervised by a Traffic Section Sergeant, or designee. The Traffic Section Commander, or desi gnee, in cooperation with the agency responsible for the personal protection of the principal being escorted, may be called upon to review the plan prior to its inception for safety or logistical reasons. This includes a determination of the number of veh icles included in the escort package. 6.1.2, Page 3 of 6 3. Escorts will be conducted based on the operational, tactical, and the logistical needs of the operation. These needs should include a threat assessment when involving dignitaries or a homeland security function. 4. Working vehicles may use pre -posted closures of roadways, rolling roadblocks and other methods approved by the Traffic Section Sergeant or designee to accomplish a safe escort. Only deputies certified in Presidential Protection Detail Escort Tr aining (PPD) may pass the escort package while performing working vehicle duties. 5. Taking into consideration the safety of the escort package and the motoring public, a Traffic Section supervisor or designee may cancel the escort if deemed unsafe. All att empts will be made to resolve the unsafe situation with the primary dignitary or lead agent responsible for the personal protection of the principal being escorted prior to cancellation. D. Security Escorts Security escorts will not be provided to employe es or owners of business establishments for purposes of depositing funds in financial institutions by on -duty personnel. Requests for this service will be handled in accordance with GO 4.3.1 Off Duty. E. Fundraising/Community/Other Escorts 1. Escorts for fundraising, community sponsored events or events that may pose a specific