Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Sgt. Adam Vassallo, Training Division -EVOC Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Nick Bassett , PSU
Volume 25-11
Deploy ment of Stop Sticks for Traffic Control Purposes
5-29-2025
The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is authorizing the deployment of Stop Stick tire-deflation
devices as an option for scene protection during traffic control events. Although Stop Sticks will not
stop a high -speed vehicle in most circumstances, their use does offer an additional level of
deterren ce and protection during most traffic control events performed by the SPD . The information
listed b elow outline s consider ations for deploy ment , reporting requirements, and applicable codes for
enforcement .
Consider ations for deploy ment of Stop Sticks for traffic control:
- Officers shall not deploy Stop Sticks as the first barrier when performing traffic control. The Stop
Sticks shall be placed behind a vehicle, cone line, or flare pattern. Basically, for a motorist to drive
over a Stop Stick, they will have already disobeyed the traffic closure. (Example Below)
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by Sgt. Adam Vassallo, Training Division -EVOC
Prepared by: Officer Nick Bassett, PSU Katherine Lester, Chief of Police
Volume 25 -11
- The officer deploying the Stop Sticks is responsible for them and shall maintain visual contact with
them to minimize accidental incidents with members of the public and other officers.
- Unless the deplo yment of Stop Sticks at their traffic control point are part of a pre -planned Incident
Action Plan, employees shall voice over the radio that they have been deployed , so responding
officers and additional resources , such as the Sacramento Fire Department , are aware.
- Supervisors shall acknowledge the deployment .
- Dispatch shall note the deployment and removal on an appropriate CAD call and notify relevant
outside agencies .
Officer s should consider deploying Stop Sticks for their safety and for the safety of the public
when ever they perform a closure of a roadway. A supervisor may also direct officers to utilize Stop
Sticks during an incident at critical traffic closure points.
The deployment of Stop Sticks should especially be considered during events requiring traffic control
for extended road closures such as :
- Special events such as marathons or concerts.
- Crime scenes requiring traffic control due to roadway closures.
- Traffic collision scenes with multiple involved vehicles or extensive scene clean up.
Documentation and e nforcement action
- If a member of the public punctures a tire by driving over a Stop Stick , a City of Sacramento Public
Injury/Property Loss Report Form RM3 (Red Border) shall be completed.
- If no enforcement action is taken an information report shall be completed.
- If an enforcement action is taken a crime or information report shall be completed.
- Listed below are two common applicable codes for reference:
1. Vehicle Code § 2818 makes it unlawful to traverse an electronic beacon pattern, a flare
pattern, cone pattern, or combination of electronic beacon, flare, or cone patterns, provided for
the regulation of traffic, or provided in a situation where public safety personnel are engaged in
traffic control or emergency scene management.
• Enforcement of this section would require the Stop Sticks to be located behind such cone,
flare, or beacon pattern so that the driver would have first violated the statute prior to the
damage of the vehicle's tires.
2. Vehicle Code § 2800(a) makes it unlawful to willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order,
signal, or direction of a peace officer, when that peace officer is in uniform and is performing
duties pursuant to any of the provisions of this code.
• Enforcement of this section would require the officer to be out of the ir vehicle directing
traffic, giving clear direction to drivers; and the driver would need to willfully disobey the
direct order or direction.
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by Sgt. Adam Vassallo, Training Division -EVOC
Prepared by: Officer Nick Bassett, PSU Katherine Lester, Chief of Police
Volume 25 -11
- If another officer or city vehicle punctures a tire, a City of Sacramento Vehicle Accident Report
Form RM2 (B lue Border ) should be complete d and routed appropriately.
CSOs are authorized to utilize Stop Sticks for traffic control after having completed a presentation by
the traffic unit or the training division on proper and safe deployment.