go-13.pdf

\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nTALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS SUBJECT Traffic Enforcement Measuring Devices CHIEF OF POLICE Signature on File Proudly Policing Since 1826 Nationally Accredited 1986 NUMBER ORIGINAL ISSUE CURRENT REVISION TOTAL PAGES 13 01/12/1996 06/04/2025 7 AUTHORITY/RELATED REFERENCES Administrative Code 15B-14, Light Transmittance Measuring Devices Administrative Code 15B-2, Speed Measuring Devices FS Chapter 316, State Uniform Traffic Control General Order 56, Traffic Stops General Order 76, Traffic and Parking Enforcement ACCREDITATION REFERENCES CALEA Chapter 61 KEY WORD INDEX General Guidelines Procedure I LIDAR – Speed Measuring Device Procedure III Light Transmittance Measuring Device Procedure V RADAR – Speed Measuring Device Procedure II Vehicle Speedometer – Speed Measuring Device Procedure IV POLICY Officers conducting traffic enforcement are responsible for adhering to the established Department protocols and statutory mandates in the utilization of traffic enforcement measuring devices, and conducting such activities in a safe and prudent manner. DEFINITIONS LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging; a speed measuring system used to measure distances and speed through light detection and ranging, commonly referred to as LASER. The mechanical device is called a LIDAR unit.\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nTALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT Light Transmittance Measuring Device (Tint Meter): A device utilized to measure the amount of light transmitted through auto window glass having any applied film or coating. Pacing: The positioning of a Department vehicle at a stable and fixed distance behind a moving vehicle, at a matching speed, in an effort to determine the other vehicle’s speed. RADAR: Radio Detection and Ranging; a speed measuring system used to measure speed through radio wave detection and ranging. The mechanical device is called a RADAR unit. Speed Measuring Device: A Department-issued LIDAR unit, RADAR unit, or other device authorized under Florida Administrative Code. PROCEDURES I. GENERAL GUIDELINES A. Only sworn members are authorized to utilize a speed measuring device or a light transmittance measuring device for traffic enforcement purposes. B. Officers are authorized to only utilize a speed measuring device or a light transmittance measuring device for a legitimate Department purpose. C. Only Speed Measuring Devices and light transmittance-measuring devices approved by the Chief of Police or designee are authorized for Department utilization. D. Any speed measuring device and light transmittance measuring device utilized by an officer must be in compliance with applicable Florida Administrative Codes. E. The Traffic Unit’s DUI Coordinator is responsible for managing the: 1. Maintenance, testing, and calibrations of LIDAR and RADAR units, and 2. Equipment certifications of light transmittance measuring devices. F. Officers are responsible for maintaining the speedometer calibration certification for their assigned vehicle in compliance with Florida Administrative Code (i.e., every six months) for the purposes of GENERAL ORDER 13 PAGE 2 of 7 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT MEASURING DEVICES JUNE 4, 2025\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\nTALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT utilizing: 1. Pacing, and 2. Moving RADAR. G. Prior to utilizing a LIDAR or RADAR unit, the officer must successfully complete the Speed Measurement Device training course established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission pursuant to FS 943.17. H. Each officer assigned or utilizing a LIDAR or RADAR unit, or a light transmittance measuring device, is required to properly maintain the device in operable condition. I. Officers are not authorized to use any malfunctioning or out of certification LIDAR or RADAR unit, or light transmittance measuring device for traffic enforcement purposes. J. Officers are not authorized to alter, repair, or otherwise modify any LIDAR device, RADAR unit, or light transmittance measuring device, and are responsible for promptly reporting any unit or device malfunction to the DUI Coordinator. K. The DUI Coordinator is responsible for properly maintaining the maintenance, calibration, and assignment records for each LIDAR device, RADAR unit, and light transmittance measuring device, and shall, as warranted, provide such records as evidence in court. II. RADAR – SPEED MEASURING DEVICE A. The following protocols are applicable for the operation of a RADAR unit: 1. RADAR units designed for in-vehicle installation must be mounted as prescribed in certification training and/or as authorized by the DUI Coordinator. 2. The RADAR unit must be properly connected to an approved power source (i.e., battery, vehicle 12-volt outlet). 3. The effective range, and subjectivity to interference, of a particular RADAR unit must be understood by the officer in order to properly match visual target speed observations with speed readings. GENERAL ORDER 13 PAGE 3 of 7 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT MEASURING DEVICES JUNE 4, 2025\n\n--- Page 4 ---\n\nTALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT 4. An officer should choose an appropriate speed enforcement location with primary consideration to officer and public safety. 5. Officers shall only utilize a RADAR unit for traffic enforcement purposes when it has been properly calibrated in accordance with Florida Administrative Code. 6. Before beginning and after concluding each enforcement period or work shift, calibration tests using internal checks and external tuning fork verifications must be conducted in accordance with Florida Administrative Code. 7. The calibration tests cited in subsection A 6 above shall be documented on the Speed Measurement Device Daily Test Log Sheet (PD 273). B. Officers who are not RADAR operators are authorized to participate in speed enforcement activities with a RADAR operator and may make traffic stops and issue warnings or citations based upon the information provided by the operator. C. Officers using RADAR units should be able to establish and testify to the following in a court proceeding (as necessary or prudent): 1. Employment with the Department at the time of the traffic enforcement, 2. Training in the operation of the RADAR unit, 3. The State of Florida’s acceptability of the specific model of RADAR unit used in the enforcement, 4. The proper certification of compliance for the RADAR unit, 5. The RADAR unit was tested for accuracy utilizing both internal and external checks prior to, and at the conclusion of, the enforcement period or work shift, 6. The time and location of the enforcement activity or traffic stop, 7. Target vehicle identification, 8. Visual estimation of the target vehicle operating in excess of the applicable speed limit, GENERAL ORDER 13 PAGE 4 of 7 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT MEASURING DEVICES JUNE 4, 2025\n\n--- Page 5 ---\n\nTALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT 9. The Doppler tone emitted by the RADAR unit corresponding with the visual speed estimation of the target vehicle, 10. The identity of the target vehicle operator, and 11. The proper certification of compliance for the patrol vehicle's speedometer, in the case of a moving RADAR enforcement. III. LIDAR – SPEED MEASURING DEVICE A. The following protocols are applicable for the operation of a LIDAR unit: 1. The LIDAR unit must be properly connected to an approved power source (i.e., battery, vehicle 12-volt outlet). 2. The effective range, and subjectivity to interference, of a particular LIDAR unit must be understood by the officer in order to properly match visual target speed observations with speed readings. 3. The officer shall choose an appropriate speed enforcement location with primary consideration to officer and public safety. 4. Officers shall only utilize a LIDAR unit for traffic enforcement purposes when it has been properly calibrated in accordance with Florida Administrative Code. 5. Before beginning and after concluding each enforcement period or work shift, calibration tests using internal checks and external range and ta