Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 12/01/201 8 12/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____ ____________
520 - Disabled Vehicles 1 POLICY 520 DISABLED VEHICLES
520.1 PUR POSE AND SCOPE
Vehicle Code § 20018 provides that all law enforcement agencies having responsibility for traffic
enforcement may develop and adopt a written policy to provide assistance to motorists in
disabled vehi cles within their primary jurisdiction.
520.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 61.4.1
520.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
When an on -duty officer observes a disabled vehicle on the roadway, the officer should make a
reasonable effort to provide assistance. If that officer is assigned to a call of higher priority, the
Communications Officer should be advised of the location of the disabled vehicle and the need
for assistance. The Communications Officer should t hen assign another available officer to
respond for assistance as soon as practical .
520.3 EXTENT OF ASSISTANCE
In most cases, a disabled motorist will require assistance. After arrangements for assistance are
made, continued involvement by department personnel will be contingent on the time of day, the
location, the availability of departmental resources, and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
520.3.1 MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Department personnel shall not make mechanical repairs to a disabled v ehicle. The use of push
bumpers to relocate vehicles to a position of safety is not considered a mechanical repair.
520.3.2 ROADSIDE OR TOW SERVICES
Most motorists with a disabled vehicle require roadside assistance. Department personnel should
assist in making contact and summoning a tow company if necessary. The motoris t may be
asked if he or she has a preference of a specific to w company. Department personnel may
request the specific tow company be summoned by the Communications Center , or if no
prefer ence is expressed, communications staff shall contact the next rotational tow company
available.
520.3.3 EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In emergency situations, officers should use discretion in determining the appropriate action to
assist a motorist. Care should be given to provide any possible assistance while evaluating the
danger to officers, victims , and other motorists. Any time a motorist is caught in a hazardous
situation, officers should, if possible, direct or transport them to the nearest safe position.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
4 01/24/2011 12/01/201 8 12/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
____ ____________
520 - Disabled Vehicles 2 520.4 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS POLICY
This written policy is available upon request .