Policy Text
1 OF 2 SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF OPERATIONS ORDER
537.04
LIDAR/RADAR OPERATION
02-08-12
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for the use of LIDAR and RADAR speed detection
devices.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department that trained officers may utilize both LIDAR
and RADAR devices to enforce speed laws in an effort to reduce both the number and severity of traffic
collisions in the City of Sacramento. LIDAR and RADAR shall be used in compliance with California
State law and in accordance with accepted procedures as outlined by POST.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITIONS
1. ACCURACY CHECK - A test or set of tests conducted to ensure a device is working
correctly. For RADAR, this includes an internal test and a tuning fork test. For LIDAR
this includes an internal test and a distance accuracy test.
2. CALIBRATION - Testing conducted at least every three years in accordance with 40802
CVC. Testing is conducted by an independent third party to ensure the device is working
within the operational standards of the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration.
3. LIDAR - An acronym for Light Detection and Ranging.
4. LIDAR DEVICE - A device utilizing LIDAR technology to detect the speeds of vehicles.
5. LIDAR / RADAR PROGRAM SUPERVISOR - An officer, Sergeant or other Department
employee assigned to oversee the Department's LIDAR / RADAR program.
6. RADAR - An acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging.
7. RADAR DEVICE - A device utilizing RADAR technology to detect the speeds of vehicles.
8. SPEED SURVEY - A document prepared by the City Traffic Engineers Office, which sets
the speed limit for a roadway (pursuant to 40802 CVC).
9. SPEED TRAP - Using a known distance and a clock to determine speed or a roadway
where the speed limit is not justified by an engineering and traffic survey (with some
exceptions, see 40802 CVC).
B. LIDAR/RADAR DEVICES
1. LIDAR and RADAR devices owned or acquired by the Department shall be inventoried
and assigned by the Traffic Section, Metro Division, Office of Field Services. The Traffic/
Air Operations Lieutenant shall assign an employee to supervise the LIDAR/RADAR
program.
2. LIDAR and RADAR devices shall only be assigned to officers who have completed a
POST -certified LIDAR/RADAR operator's course.
3. Officers assigned LIDAR and RADAR devices shall ensure they maintain their LIDAR/
RADAR operator's certification by attending POST -approved recertification courses as
needed.
4. Officers assigned LIDAR and RADAR devices shall:
a. Take reasonable care to ensure the security of devices.
b. Place the device in a secured location such as a locked vehicle or locked
motorcycle bag when away from the device.
c. Take reasonable steps to protect the device from damage.
d. Not subject the device to rain.
e. Advise the LIDAR/RADAR program supervisor of any problems observed
regarding the proper operation of the device.
5. The assigned LIDAR/RADAR program supervisor shall:
a. Maintain a log of all LIDAR and RADAR devices including:
(1) Who each device is assigned to.
(2) When each device is next due for calibration.
O.OO. 537.04
2 OF 2 SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF OPERATIONS
b. Maintain the device calibration records and certificates.
c. Ensure that all assigned devices are calibrated in accordance with 40802 CVC.
d. Ensure devices in need of maintenance or repair are taken from service.
e. Arrange for device maintenance and/or repair as approved by the Traffic/Air
Operations Lieutenant and within required budget constraints.
f. In conjunction with POST -certified LIDAR/RADAR instructors, schedule sufficient
LIDAR/RADAR courses and recertification courses to meet the needs of the
Department.
C. USE OF LIDAR/RADAR DEVICES
1. LIDAR and RADAR enforcement locations:
a. Should be selected based on:
(1) collision rates.
(2) citizen traffic complaints.
(3) officer traffic complaints.
(4) other valid reasons for enforcing speed laws.
b. Shall have a current speed survey (unless exempt from the speed survey
requirement per 40802 CVC) and not be locations that constitute a speed trap.
c. Should provide for the safety of both the officer and the citizen by:
(1) providing a safe location for the officer to monitor traffic