Policy Text
Page 1 of 7 General Order 08-01 - (08/29/2023 )
REGULATION OF TRAFFIC
RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: REGULATION OF TRAFFIC
Chapter
8 Number
1 Pages
7
Chief of Police:
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines for traffic signal emergency service and
procedures for the regulation of traffic .
II. SUMMARY OF CHANGE
This policy is due fo r triannual review. The policy CALEA references were updated .
III. POLICY
It is the policy of the Richmond Police Department to provide safe and consistent regulation of
traffic throughout the City of Richmond. Traffic safety is a responsibility of every police officer.
Whenever any officer notices a defect or hazard, the location should be relayed to Traffic
Engineering to maximize safety.
III. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines set forth in this
general order. Failure to comply will result in appropriate corrective action. Responsibility
rests with the Division Commander to ensure that any violations of policy are investigated and
appropriate training, counseling and/or disciplinary act ion is initiated.
This directive is for internal use only, and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in any
way. It should not be construed as the creation of a higher standard of safety or case in an
evidentiary sense, with respect to third part y claims. Violation of this directive, if proven, can
only form the basis of a complaint by this Department, and then only in a non -judicial
administrative setting.
References:
CALEA : 45.3.1b, 61.3.1a , 61.3.2 a-g, 61.4.1
Va State Code: §46.2 -833, §46.2 -834 Related Orders: Effective Date : 08/29/2023
Revised By: PD-132
Prv. Rev. Date: 10/25/2019
Page 2 of 7 General Order 08-01 - (08/29/2023 )
REGULATION OF TRAFFIC IV. PROCEDURE
A. Directing Traffic: [CALEA 61.3.2 a]
At the scene of a situation requiring traffic control including , but not limited to , an
accident , fire, disabled vehicle, incident involving death or injury , hit and run ,
impairment of operator due to alcohol or drugs, damage to public vehicles or property,
hazardous materials, dist urbances between principals, major traffic congestion, towing
or any other like situation requiring traffic control, the involved police officer shall:
1. Utilize the police vehicle’s (marked or unmarked) emergency lights to warn
motorists ;
2. Exit the police ve hicle and direct traffic to ensure the orderly flow of traffic ; and,
3. Utilize the Department’s reflect ive traffic vest or the reflect ive reversible raincoat ,
which is to be worn over the outer most garments. The traffic vest is to be worn
regardless of wea ther conditions, lighting conditions or time of day . After dark or
during inclement weather, the flashlight or flares will also be utilized. [CALEA 61.3.2g]
B. Motorist Assistance : [CALEA 45.3.1b, 61.4.1]
When assisting a motorist , officers , includin g Neighborhood Assistance Officers
(NAO s), shall :
1. Ensure the safety of the motorist(s) and other highway users . If necessary, stand
by until assistance arrives on the scene ;
2. Identify any injured parties and begin first aid procedures if needed ;
3. Summon emergency medical services or fire service if needed;
4. Use flares or other reflect ive devices to establish a safety zone for the vehicle , if
needed ;
5. Consider the time of day and location and ensure the safety and security of the
occupants of the disabled vehicle ;
6. Request road assistance , wrecker for the vehicle or other necessary assistance if
requested or required ;
7. If necessary, assist the disabled vehicle off of the roadway;
8. If necessary, t ransport the stranded motorist to a locat ion where assistance can be
obtained;
9. Provide motorist with travel directions , information pertaining to necessary
services and initiate notification of third parties, if requested or necessary ; and
10. Return to their regular patrol duties as soon as traffic and personal safety issues
have been resolved.
Page 3 of 7 General Order 08-01 - (08/29/2023 )
REGULATION OF TRAFFIC C. Hand Signals : [CALEA 45.3.1b, 61.3.2b]
Pursuant to VA Code §46.2 -834, signals by law enforcement officers and crossing
guards shall be as follows:
1. Law enforcement officers may assume control of traffic at any intersection
regardless of whether such intersection is controlled by lights, other traffic
control devices or uncontrolled . In such event s, signals by such officers shall
take precedence over such traffic control devices .
2. Uniform ed school crossing guards and NAOs may assume control of traffic
otherwise controlled by lights . In such event s, signals by uniformed crossing
guards shall take precedence over such traffic control devices.
3. Uniformed school crossing guards and NAOs may con trol traffic at any marked
school crossing whether such crossing is at an intersection or another location.
4. Instruction s