Policy Text
POLICY
174.0TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
4/2019
A.PURPOSE
1.Traffic direction and control functions should be performed when necessary to
ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Police
Personnel shall be assigned to carry out identified traffic direction and control
functions only at those times and places where law enforcement authority and/or
human intervention is required to ensure safety and efficiency, and until such time
the problem is resolved or temporary traffic control apparatus can be installed.
2.Manual direction of traffic will be handled by both sworn and non-sworn
uniformed Personnel. Manual direction will be used in situations where traffic
control signals or devices are not present or inadequate. Emergency conditions
may dictate the manual control of traffic. Factors include, but are not limited to:
vehicle crashes, traffic signal failures, road construction, traffic volume and
speed, number of pedestrians present, and special functions.
B.AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Sworn and non-sworn Personnel as defined in Section 316.640(3) Florida Statute shall
have the authority and responsibility to direct and control vehicular and pedestrian traffic
when conditions dictate.
C.EQUIPMENT
1.The following equipment is required at all times when directing traffic:
a.Whistle
b.Reflective vest
2.The following equipment shall be available for use when directing traffic:
a.Flashlight
b.Flares
c.Traffic cones
d.Barricades
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D.PREPARATION
1.Proper evaluation of the situation must take place prior to traffic direction
intervention. This includes:
a.Determining if intervention is necessary;
b.Safety of officers and public; and
c.Maintenance of traffic flow.
2.Items that should be considered when planning to direct traffic:
a.Know how to improve the situation before entering traffic;
b.Decide where to stand in the roadway;
(1).When both streets are two-way traffic, stand in the center of the
intersection.
(2).When one street is two-way and the other is one-way, stand in
the center of the two-way street.
(3).When both streets are one-way, stand at the corner between the
approaching flow of traffic on each side.
c.Realize that once a plan is in operation, it is difficult to alter;
d.Determine whether additional Personnel are needed to assist; and
e.Determine the main artery with the heaviest traffic flow.
E.SAFETY
Precautions that should be taken when directing traffic:
1.Stay alert and ready to move out of the way of a vehicle;
2.Never step back without looking first to see that it is clear;
3.Never permit vehicles or pedestrians to start from a stopped position until
approaching traffic is stopped; and
4.As much as practical, do not present your back to traffic. Stand parallel to the
traffic flow.
F.CONDUCT
Basic conduct when directing traffic:
1.Stand erect with feet slightly apart;
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2.Do not use tobacco products;
3.Keep hands out of pockets; and
4.Wear a Department-issued cap or hat when possible.
G.VOICE COMMANDS
1.Voice commands should be kept to a minimum for the following reasons:
a.Not easy to give or understand; and
b.Might be misinterpreted by motorist/pedestrian.
2.If voice commands must be used:
a.Move reasonably close to the person you are directing your instructions
toward;
b.Be polite and brief; and
c.Do not lose your temper.
H.PEDESTRIANS
When assisting pedestrians across the street:
1.Be firm but polite;
2.Voice commands may be required;
3.Do not permit crossing until traffic is completely stopped; and
4.Use extra caution when dealing with the elderly or children.
I.WHISTLE USE
A whistle shall be used, in conjunction with hand signals, whenever a member is
involved in traffic direction.
1.One long blast for vehicles to stop;
2.Two short blasts for vehicles to go; and
3.Several short blasts to get the attention of a driver or pedestrian who does not
respond to a hand signal.
J.HAND SIGNALS
1.Manual direction of traffic will be handled in a manner that will enable drivers
and pedestrians to recognize and respond to verbal and/or gestured motions.
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a.To stop traffic: extend arm outward, perpendicular to the body and
parallel to the ground, with the palm toward the car to be stopped, in
conjunction with one long whistle blast.
b.To start traffic: the arm will be moved at the elbow, swinging upwards
toward the direction in which traffic is to flow, in conjunction with two
short whistle blasts. Repeat as necessary.
c.Right or left turn: extend one arm toward the direction the turn is to be
made; the other arm will be moved, at the elbow, swinging upwards
toward the direction the turn is to be made. Two short whistle blasts.
2.In order to enhance their visibility from dusk to dawn, employees shall utilize
flashlights when directing traffic.
3.A high visibility reflective vest shall be utilized at all times