Module 19-TRAFFIC PATROL
Module 19-TRAFFIC PATROL
Module 19-TRAFFIC PATROL
Traffic Patrol. This refers to the observation of road conditions, the behavior of
the drivers and other users of vehicles for the purpose of traffic supervision and law
enforcement and providing authorized traffic-connected services to the public.
D. Deterring Drivers from Violating. The effect of traffic law enforcement on the
behavior of the motorist drivers depends upon what they think the police will do or the
reputation of the police for action.
1) Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement actions.
2) Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.
3) Leave the area and proceed to another area after you have taken enforcement
action.
4) In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, apply selective enforcement.
5) Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators.
E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving. Be alert for potentially hazardous drivers. His
action may not be illegal, but may serve as road hazards that need to be cautioned.
F. Example of Actions and Conditions which may Need Close Watching:
1) Driving extremely at low speed.
2) Slow moving vehicles in left or "high speed" lanes.
3) Racing motor sliding stops, jumping starts, and the like.
4) Excessive maneuvering such as backing up four or five times to get into a
parking space.
5) Pulling to curb lane at traffic signal.
6) Having turn signals on when not attempting to turn.
7) Waving in roadway.
8) Failing to slow for an intersection with obstructed view.
9) Passing or attempting to pass several cars in a bunch.
10)Suddenly turning off at approach of police vehicle.
11)Teen-age groups at night particularly when in two or more vehicles.
12)Damage or dressed up vehicles.
13)Faulty or obscured license plates.
14)Unlighted parked cars with motor running.
G. Detecting and Apprehending Violators. It is the main job or duties of traffic patrol
officers.
H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and ears
of the department when on traffic patrol.
I. Road Intelligence. Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may
observe an unusual amount of delay at a certain intersection each morning and when
you learn the cause, be sure to report the situation at once to your superior officer.
J. Patrol Assignment. You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or you may
have instructions to use a combination. For example, you may patrol a certain street
noted for excessive accidents in a line at specific times. The following are some
guidelines when assigned in traffic patrol unit.
1) Be familiar with the street lay out in your area.
2) Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion is likely.
3) Apply selective enforcement if area is too large to cover.
4) You may be permitted to leave your assignment when pursing violators.
5) Sometimes you will be required to depart momentarily from an intersecting street
rather than always approaching it from the street which you are patrolling.
K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques. When multiple patrol units are used, special
tactics are possible. Examples of these are following:
1) When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up the rear of
the group. If one or more drivers in the group think that they can no longer be
observed since they have been passed by the first patrol unit, they feel free to
violate. The following patrol unit observes and apprehends the violators.
2) When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at the rear
while the other overtakes the leader, thus neatly battling the entire group. If two
vehicles are racing, or if two violators separate, the paired patrol units can
separate for individual pursuit.
3) Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect each other.
Except for special purposes or occasions, patrol unit works independently so that
more areas can be covered.