Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF OPERATIONS
538.05
ASSISTING STRANDED MOTORISTS
09-16-91
PURPOSE
To establish procedures for assisting stranded motorist.
POLICY
To assist motorists stranded on state highways, freeways, and surface streets within the city limits.
PROCEDURE
A. OBSERVATIONS
1. On-duty, uniformed officers in marked police vehicles who observe motorists parked on
state highways, freeways, or surface streets within the city who appear to be having
vehicle problems shall stop and inquire if assistance is needed.
2. Officers are to render all assistance necessary.
3. Officers should consider the age, sex, and physical capabilities of the motorists and the
place and hour of the day when deciding to leave the motorist prior to the arrival of the
requested aid. If in doubt, remain on the scene until assistance arrives.
4. Officers unable to stop are to notify Communications so appropriate action can be taken.
a. In the case of a stranded motorist on the freeway, Communications shall notify
the California Highway Patrol (CHP) of the situation.
b. In the case of a stranded motorist on a surface street, another city unit shall be
dispatched when possible.
B. GENERAL
While officers may, if necessary, push stalled vehicles to the side of the road in order to remove
them from traffic, they shall not push- start vehicles or jump batteries to start the vehicle.
Assistance may include, but is not limited to:
1. calling for a tow
2. notifying friends or relatives
3. transporting the motorist a short distance to a place or to a garage to seek help.
O.O.O. 538.05
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