Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
4.16 Traffic Crash Investigation: At -Scene Stabilization Activities
4.16.1 Traffic Control at Crash Scenes (Issued: 6/25/07)
A. A primary objective for officers at a crash scene is the restoration of traffic flow in a safe
and timely manner. Officers shall restore traffic flow at a crash scene as soon as possible
with due consideration to safety and investigative needs. Officers arriving at the scene of
a crash should assess traffic control issues, pedestrian, fixture, building and
environmental hazards, and potential evidentiary needs with this objective in mind.
B. Officers should consider the use of special equipment (e.g., traffic cones, flares,
barricades) or positioning of emergency vehicles to create a safe traffic pattern and to
protect people and property at a crash scene. Traffic flares should be used during hours or
in lighting conditions where headlights are required. Safe traffic patterns may include
detours around the crash scene.
C. Officers are responsible for the safety of persons (including passing motorists) and
property at crash scenes where modifi ed traffic patterns have been established. Officers
shall wear reflective traffic safety vests while directing traffic or investigating a crash in
the roadway.