Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
4.15 Traffic Law Enforcement
4.15.6 Use of Emergency Equipment (Issued: 6/25/07)
Officers shall use emergency equipment in a manner consistent with the CVC and Police
Department Policy.
A. Emergency (Red/Blue) Lights
1. This equipment is used in conjunction with the siren to signal other users of the
roadway that emergency conditions exist and the right -of-way should be
relinquished to the patrol vehicle. It cannot be safely assumed by the officer that
the lights and sire n will be sufficient to assure the right -of-way, even though State
law requires that emergency vehicles be yielded the right -of-way (CVC § 21056).
Even when both the emergency lights and siren are in simultaneous operation,
officers are still obligated to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons
using the street or highway.
2. Emergency lights should be utilized in the following circumstances:
a. In accordance with provisions in this General Order
b. When conducting traffic stops
c. When there is reason to warn traffic of an emergency.
B. Siren
1. The siren is to be used simultaneously with the emergency lights consistent with
CVC § 21055.
2. The siren may be used to signal violators to stop when other means of attracting
the violator’s attention have failed.
C. Spotlight/Take -down Light
These lights should be used as a protection for the officer, particularly when dealing with
the unknown or suspected felons. The spotlight may be used to illuminate the interior of
the violator’s car so all occup ants are kept within view. The officer should exercise care
not to be silhouetted by the light.
D. Public Address System
The public address system is valuable when stopping a traffic violator. The desired
actions of the violator can be directed from a safe distance minimizing the hazard to the
officer. Care should be given to use brief, clear and courteous directions.
E. Hazardous warning lights and emergency flashers shall be used in compliance with CVC
§ 25251.