Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 11/01/201 9
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP502 - Traffic Collision Response Procedures 1 CP502 TRAFFIC COLLISION RESPONSE PROCEDURES
CP502 .1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This procedure establishes guidelines for responding to traffic collisions within the City of Tustin.
Technical instructions on the completion of forms and content of reports should be derived from
the latest edition of the California Highway Patrol’s Collision Investigation Manual (CIM). A copy
of the CIM should be kept in the report writing area at all t imes. Further copies of the CIM can
be found in the Traffic Unit.
CP502 .1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA standards: 61.2.1 , 61.2.2 , 61.2.3, 61.3.1,
61.3.2 , 61.4.2
This procedure pertains to the following General Orders: §412, §502
CP502 .2 TRAFFIC COLLISION RESPONSE
There are several tasks to be completed when responding to a traffic collision. Below are some
guidelines on responding to traffic collisions. These guidelines are not necessarily listed in o rder
of importance and responding officers can make decisions regarding these guidelines based on
the ever changing circumstances presented by traffic collisions.
a) SCENE SAFETY - When dispatched to a traffic collision the first officer on scene should
make the scene safe by safely diverting traffic around the collision. If needed, the first
officer on scene should request additional officers, if not already dispatched, and direct
them to locations to appropriately divert traffic.
b) IDENTIFY INJURED PARTIES – When the scene is safe, officers should next check on
the involved parties for injuries. If injuries are found, the Orange County Fire Authority
(OCFA) should be notified.
c) IDENTIFY FIRE HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – Traffic collisions often result in
various vehicle fluids being spilled onto the ground. These fluids can often represent a
fire hazard and/or cause a hazardous materials situation. Officers should survey each
scene and act accordingly. Officers should insure that responding tow companies, public
works and/or the OCFA attempt to clean up the fluids and debris in the street as these
could potentially cause a future accident.
d) DISTURBANCES BETWEEN INVOLVED PARTIES - Traffic collisions often involve
heated disturbances between the involved parties. It is often best to separate the two
parties and handle the situation as you would handle any other disturbance. Remember
however, this is not usually a criminal contact and tempers are flared due to the
circumstances surrounding the collision.
e) TOWING OF VEHICLES – Vehicles involved in traffic collisions that are unable to be
moved out of the roadway , or the driver is transported to the hospital , should be stored
at the owner’s request as soon as possible. The sooner the involved vehicles can be
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 11/01/201 9
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP502 - Traffic Collision Response Procedures 2 moved out of the roadway, the sooner officers can get out of the roadway and traffic can
continue moving safely on the roadway. If a vehicle is towed by the investigating officer
as evidence, p roperty in the vehicle should be documented in accordance with the
Tustin Police Department Vehicle Report.
f) OFFICER IN CHARGE – The first officer on scene at a traffic collision is in charge of the
scene. When the handling officer (officer dispatched to handle report) arrives, that officer
should assume control of the incident unless relieved by a supervisor or motorcycle
traffic officer.
CP502 .3 HAZARDOUS HIGHWAY CONDITIONS
While in the field or responding to traffic collisions, officers may discover conditions that may be
unsafe or cause future traffic collisions. The City of Tustin employs a Community Governance
approach to Law Enforcement empowering each employee to solve these types of problems to
better serve the community. Employees should feel free to seek solutions to improve roadway
conditions, correct potential engi neering flaws and reduce city liability. Suggestions for solving
these problems include the following:
a) Notify Public Works – If a dangerous road condition needs to be fixed immediately, i.e.
sinkhole, notify the Public Works Department for repair.
b) Notify the Traffic Unit Supervisor – The Traffic Unit works closely with the Traffic
Engineering Department and conducts monthly meetings to exchange information and to
collaborate on current projects and complaints/suggestions.
c) Attend Neighborhood Improvement T ask Force (NITF) Meeting – These meetings are
conducted with representatives from all City departments, including Traffic Engineering
and Public Works, and is a good arena to address items of concern.
d) Employees can email the appropriate community impact of ficer and specifically describe
the suggestions for improvement. The community impact officer will follow up with the
Traffic Unit supervisor or the Traffic Engineering Department.