Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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4.15 Traffic Law Enforcement
4.15.9 Officer/Violator Relations (Issued: 6/25/07)
A. Traffic law enforcement is one of the routine tasks performed by officers, but for the
violator it is frequently an emotional and stressful experience. Officers shall be aware of
this and strive to make each contact educational, leaving the violator with the impression
that the officer has performed a necessary task in a professional and friendly manner.
B. Traffic stops have two objectives. The first objective is to take appropriate enforcement
action, and the second is to favorably alter the violator’s future driving behavior. This
requires a thorough understanding of human relations and demands flexibility of the
officer. The following proc edures are recommended to minimize conflict which may
develop between the officer and the violator and assist in achieving the two objectives.
C. Officer/violator relations begin when a stop is initiated. Once the officer has approached
to a point where c ommunication can begin, the officer should:
1. Be alert at all times for the unexpected, but not be obviously apprehensive.
2. Be certain that the observations of the violation were accurate and without
reservation.
3. Present a professional image in dress, grooming, language, courtesy, bearing and
emotional stability.
4. Be prepared for the contact by having the necessary forms immediately available.
5. Decide on the appropriate enforcement action based upon the violator’s behavior,
not attitude. In m ost cases it is advisable to have the form of enforcement action
decided prior to the initial contact with the violator
6. Greet the violator with the appropriate title and in a courteous manner.
7. Inform the violator of the traffic law violated and the i ntended enforcement
action.
8. Ask for and accept the driver’s license, registration and insurance, as needed.
9. Obtain a statement from the driver.
10. Complete the forms required of the enforcement action taken or exercise a verbal
warning.
11. Explain to the violator exactly what he/she is supposed to do in response to the
action taken.
12. Ensure the violator knows when and where to appear if the enforcement requires a
court appearance. Explain any alternatives to the violator, but do not predict the
actions of the court. Refer questions about the appearance to the court.
13. Be alert for any emotional distress of the violator. If any distress is present, the
instruction may have to be repeated or the violator may have to calm down before
resuming drivi ng. Be prepared to assist the driver if appropriate.
14. Return the violator’s license and information with a copy of the citation.
15. Assist the violator in safely re -entering the roadway.
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
2