SOO 15-10 Traffic Direction and Controls

Question 1

The purpose of this order is to provide all sworn personnel with the procedures for directing
vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Effective control of traffic requires basic rules to be followed for traffic
to proceed in a safe manner. Florida State Statute (F.S.S.) _______ provides authority for Police
Officers to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Answer 1

316.008

Question 2

Upon arrival at a traffic problem, officers shall assess the situation to determine the severity of the problem. A field _______ shall be notified if the traffic problem is one of an unusual nature (e.g., major intersection requiring re-routing or lengthy problems requiring additional manpower, etc.).

Answer 2

supervisor

Question 3

The officer’s primary goals upon completion of the assessment are to:

Answer 3

1. Remove the obstruction from the roadway (if applicable);
2. Ensure the orderly movement of traffic in accordance with a safe traffic control plan; and
3. Prevent unnecessary delays.

Question 4

_____ _____ if needed, shall be positioned to offer protection and visibility. Whenever a _____ _____ is used to offer protection and visibility, the emergency
lights shall be in operation.

Answer 4

Police Vehicles

Question 5

______ _____ _____ _____ shall be worn by officers at all times while conducting traffic control duties. During periods of adverse weather, officers may wear approved reflective rain gear with “_____” markings in lieu of the traffic safety vests.

Answer 5

Reflective Traffic Safety Vests

“POLICE”

Question 6

______ ______ shall be used in conjunction with hand signals to ensure that motorists understand the officer’s instructions.

Answer 6

Police Whistles

Question 7

A long blast on the whistle with the palm of the hand extended _______ and the fingertips pointing __ shall be used to stop a traffic flow.

Answer 7

outward

up

Question 8

When using hand signals along with whistle blasts, point directly at the motorists/pedestrians and attempt to gain ___ ____ to gain their attention. Several short blasts on the whistle shall be used to move traffic and to gain
motorists/pedestrians attention.

Answer 8

eye contact

Question 9

_______ shall be used for nighttime traffic directions. _______ with orange light cones may be used whenever possible, as this combination provides greater
visibility for traffic control, direction, and safety.

Answer 9

Flashlights

Question 10

Officers shall utilize the items in section II, A, B, C, and D, of this order for directing traffic during adverse weather conditions (e.g., fog, smoke, and rain etc.). When
conditions require the use of additional manpower and equipment officers shall:

Answer 10

1. Consult with a supervisor to request the additional manpower and/or equipment, and
2. When joined or relieved by additional manpower, officers shall brief the personnel on the task and any problems that have arisen.

Question 11

At no time will civilian or non-sworn personnel be utilized to direct traffic; however, _____ ______ may be used.

Answer 11

Police Reserves

Question 12

Traffic Barricades, Directional Arrows, Cones, or Reflectors shall be used to direct traffic during special events, at accident scenes, or any time traffic must be
______ for a lengthy period of time.

Answer 12

diverted

Question 13

______ _____ ______ ______ will be utilized when blocking a roadway or directing traffic in a specific manner (e.g., two lanes into one lane, etc.).

Answer 13

Temporary traffic control devices

Question 14

Prior to closing a roadway by erecting barricades or any other means officers will get the approval of a ____ ______. The supervisor will oversee the placement and removal of the temporary devices.

Answer 14

street supervisor

Question 15

Manual Operation of Traffic Control Signals. Officers who have keys to the various traffic light control boxes may access these boxes, providing the officer has
received training regarding procedures for safe, manual operation of traffic control signals. Circumstances and locations warranting manual operation of traffic control
signals or manual direction of traffic include:

Answer 15

1. Malfunctioning of the traffic signal;
2. Facilitating movement at traffic accidents or the scene of other emergencies;
3. Providing a thoroughfare for motorcades; or
4. Alleviating congestion resulting from the use of automatic controls (e.g., during rush hours, special events, etc.).

Question 16

A designated Traffic Sergeant from the Patrol Division (East and West) in conjunction with the _____ _______ Department will conduct an annual survey to determine locations that require the manual direction of traffic to expedite the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians (reference Municipal Code 804.206).

Answer 16

Traffic Engineering

Question 17

An annual survey will be conducted to identify locations where parking control is required, for the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, to include:

Answer 17

1. Peak hour tow-away zones;
2. No parking zones; and
3. Restricted parking zones; etc.

Question 18

Once an assessment of the traffic problem has been completed, officers shall devise a plan to ensure appropriate manpower, equipment, and safe routing of
______ and ________.

Answer 18

motorists and pedestrians

Question 19

Officers shall use a stance for controlling traffic which offers clear visibility to motorists/pedestrians and presents a ____ _____ (e.g., Stand sideways to the traffic which is being directed).

Answer 19

good image

Question 20

Once properly positioned, officers shall execute distinct, complete hand and whistle signals. Prior to instructing a motorist to move or turn, officers shall evaluate the
traffic flow to ensure that drivers can respond to the directions given without _____ or ______.

Answer 20

confusion or danger

Question 21

When directing traffic which has more than ___ lane of moving traffic, the traffic flow shall be stopped and/or started ___ lane at a time.

Answer 21

one

Question 22

While conducting traffic control duties, officers are often asked questions by motorists. The officer shall be helpful and assist the motorist whenever possible, providing it does not cause a lengthy _____.

Answer 22

delay

Question 23

Extreme caution will be taken to ensure that vehicular traffic does not cross ____ ______ at the scene without the permission of the ranking firefighter present.

Answer 23

fire hoses

Question 24

Barricades using City vehicles or appropriate resources may be erected for the following purposes:

Answer 24

1. Traffic routing due to the closing of a roadway;
2. For the protection of the public by controlling the traffic entering or leaving an area; or
3. Anytime a Watch Commander or higher authority deems it necessary.

Question 25

When an officer determines there is a need to erect a barricade the officer will:

Answer 25

1. Contact a supervisor;
2. Inform the supervisor of the situation or condition which require the roadway to be barricaded;
3. Wait for approval; and
4. Request any needed equipment and/or additional manpower.

Question 26

Some emergency situations require an officer to immediately block off a roadway. In such a case officers will:

Answer 26

1. Request a supervisor;
2. Notify the Watch Commander;
3. Notify the appropriate Zone Dispatcher; and
4. Request any needed equipment and/or additional manpower.