Policy Text
1 (12/18/2024 ) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONAL ORDER
Subject: AUXILIARY TRAFFIC SERVICES
Index as: Dignitary Visits /Escorts Roadway Hazards Traffic Services
Escorts Stranded Motorists
Accreditation Standards: 41.2.4, 61.4.1, 61.4.2 , 61.4.4
Cross Reference:
Replaces : I.O. V.5:9, Auxiliary Traffic Services ( August 28, 2017 )
This Order establishes procedures for providing services indirectly related to traffic flow. It consists of the following sections:
I. General Assistance
II. Stranded Motorists
III. Hazardous Roadway Conditions
IV. Hazardous Materials on the Roadway
V. Dignitary Visits and Escorts
I. GENERAL ASSISTANCE
A. The Department will provide information related to traffic law and traffic safety.
1. Informal requests for information will be courteously and promptly answered.
2. Requests for formal presentations or speaking engagements will be directed to the Lieutenant, Traffic Section .
3. Traffic safety information will be disseminated by the Traffic Section and the Community Awareness Division .
B. Employees will courteously provide direction and information when requested by motorists or pedestrians.
C. When necessary, officers will make use of temporary traffic control devices such as cones and barricades, etc. to
insure safe and expedient traffic flow.
II. STRANDED MOTORISTS
A. Sworn personnel encountering a stranded motorist will:
1. Stop and offer assistance; or, if encountered while responding to a call for police services as directed by the
Emergency Communications Center, request another unit to respond to help assure the safety of the motorist.
a. When practical, strategically park t he police vehicle to protect the stranded vehicle until it is removed.
b. Activate the emergency warning lights to increase the visibility of the police vehicle.
2. Coordinate, via radio, a wrecker or repair service as requested by the motorist and ensure that help arrives in
a timely fashion;
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
August 2017 Immediately V.5:09
Distribution: All Employees
Instructional Order V.5: 09
2 (12/18/2024 ) 3. Request the contract wrecker service which provides 24 -hour emergency road service .
NOTE: Officers should advise the motorist that the contract wrecker service will charge a fee and City is not
responsible to any charges incurred.
B. Employees will not perform, or use City equipment for, any type of repair work on the disabled vehicle . This includes
pushing, siphoning of fuel, or providing a City vehicle for a jump -start, etc.
C. In the interest of safety, officers may consider transporting the motorist to a safe location when in a hazardous
location or environment.
III. HAZARDOUS ROADWAY CONDITIONS
A. Roadway Debris
1. Accident debris will be removed by the wrecker service removing the accident vehicle.
2. If there is no wrecker service and the d ebris is too extensive for the officer to remove, the officer will notify the
Emergency Communications Center , which will coordinate the response of the appropriate City department to
clean up the debris.
3. Debris in the roadway, unrelated to an accident or incident, will be reported to the Emergency Communications
Center which will coordinate its removal by the appropriate City department.
4. Drivers of vehicles dropping debris will be made aware of the situation and required to remove it. If appropriate,
they will be cited.
B. Roadway defects will be reported to the Emergency Communications Center , which will coordinate the response of
the appropriate City department.
C. Improperly operating mechanical traffic control devices and damaged, down, missing, improper, or visually
obstructed signs will be reported to the Emergency Comm unications Center , which will coordinate the response of
the appropriate City department.
D. The on -scene officer will ensure the safety of motorists encountering defects in the roadway, debris, inoperative
traffic control devices, or damaged signs.
E. Scenes of Working Fires
1. Although two police units are the standard response, additional units may be needed to:
a. Protect hose lines crossing roadways;
b. Ensure a safe area of operation for fire personnel and equipment by controlling traffic entering the area.
2. When necessary, officers should coordinate their activities with the Incident Commander who will usually be
located near the on -scene command post .
3. If available, the Volunteer Road Patrol should be considered when resolving hazardous roadway conditions.
IV. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON THE ROADWAY
A. Hazardous material control or removal will be handled by the Fire Department. The officer will take the following
actions and precautions:
1. Be alert for standardized placards describing hazardous materials and markings required on vehicles.
Instructional Order V.5: 09
3 (12/18/2024 ) 2. When encountering a hazardous material in an accident or other incide nt (for example, leaking), the officer will:
a. Request the Fire Department's assistance;
b. Move and keep people away from the incident scene;
c. Not walk into nor touch any spilled material;
d. Avoid inhalation of all gases, fumes and smoke, even if no hazardous materials are involved;
e. Never assume that gases or vapors are harmless because of lack of odor.
B. Officers will assist the ranking Fire Department official in abating the emergency.
V. DIGNITARY VISITS AND ESCORTS
A. Requests for traffic assistance for dignitary visits and escorts will be