Traffic Assistance Policy

Policy & Procedures                 No. 5.04
                                  Subject:
                    Traffic Assistance
                                  Issuing Authority:                                       Effective Date:   Review Date:
                     Chief of Police                       09/20/14     09/28/2023
                                                                                 References:

 Review
 Revision   12/20/2016
 Reissued   11/15/2018
 Dates:     05/13/2020

STANDARDS
41.2.4  61.4.1  61.4.2

I.     Policy
          It will be the policy of this department that officers will render assistance to roadway
       users that will ultimately ensure their safety and the safety of others. Officers will
       provide reasonable assistance to the public, including checking disabled vehicles,
        assisting stranded motorists, providing information and directions, and identifying and
       correcting roadway hazards.

II.    Procedure

      A) General Assistance 61.4.1 A

           Officers shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner and cordially
          provide information and services to the best of their ability. Officers should provide
           general assistance to the motoring public at any time, to include:

              -   Giving directions and information if needed
              -  Summoning a tow truck for disabled vehicles
              -   Offering appropriate first aid and summoning an ambulance for medical
             emergencies

      B) Mechanical Assistance and Towing  61.4.1 B, 61.4.2

         Whenever a disabled motor vehicle is observed, officers shall stop and check on the
          wellbeing of the operator and offer any services unless a call or assignment prohibits
         them from doing so. Whenever possible, an officer shall stand by with emergency
            lights on to assist with traffic control and to ensure the vehicle is removed without
            incident.

           Officers are prohibited from using an agency vehicle to physically push or remove a
           vehicle on the roadway unless in an extreme situation. 61.4.1 D

             Canton Police Department’s Traffic Assistance Policy              Page 1

If the officer is required to direct traffic around a disabled vehicle, a reflective vest
   should be used. Officers should take precautions to insure the safety of the occupants
   and ensure they remain off the roadway.

  A disabled vehicle will be towed from the roadway if it poses a traffic hazard or
   danger to the public. The towing company under contract with the department shall
   be utilized.  If more than one towing company is being used, officers must be aware
    of this when calling for a tow (which company is towing on that day).  If the vehicle
    is not a hazard and the operator has arranged for another tow company to respond,
    this will be acceptable unless their response is too excessive. 61.4.2

    Officers are not required to push vehicles, change tires or make mechanical repairs,
    but will give transportation to the police station or another location within reason to
   allow the occupant(s) to call for assistance. The Canton PD does not provide fuel or
    tools to unlock doors. Officers will assist in making phone calls to the appropriate
   agency such as the on-call tow company to see if further assistance can be rendered.

   Occupants will be allowed to remain in a police vehicle or at the station for safety and
   comfort while awaiting help.  If a disabled motor vehicle must be towed from a
   roadway, officers will follow the guidelines of Towing and Abandoned Vehicles
    Policy.

C) Protection and Assistance to Stranded Persons  61.4.1 C

   Stranded motorists should not be abandoned when exposed to hazardous situations.
   Consideration should be given to traffic hazards, weather conditions, time of day, and
    the necessity of the officer to respond to other calls.

    Officers may provide transportation to a local residence or business, to the police
    station where arrangements can be made for transportation or lodging, or to the
   garage where the vehicle was towed. Male officers will call in starting and ending
   mileage when transporting a female passenger(s).

D) Emergency Assistance 61.4.1 E

    Officers shall provide appropriate emergency assistance to motorists.

    In the case of a medical emergency, officers shall notify the dispatching officer that
   an ambulance is needed and provide first aid until the ambulance arrives. We do not
   provide medical transportation.

   For a vehicle fire, the Canton Fire Department will be notified. The officer will assist
    in removing occupants from the vehicle, keep bystanders away, use a fire
    extinguisher if appropriate, and divert traffic away from the vehicle.

       Canton Police Department’s Traffic Assistance Policy              Page 2

E) Hazardous Roadway Conditions  61.4.2

   Upon discovery of a hazardous roadway condition, officers shall notify a dispatcher
    of the situation and the type of assistance that will be needed. The officer will protect
    bystanders, direct traffic, and take any action necessary to correct the situation.

     If necessary, the officer should stand by to protect the area until the hazard is
   removed or corrected, or until relieved. In cases which would consume an extended
   amount of time, the Shift Supervisor may arrange for a detail officer.

F) Notifications 41.2.4 (1,2), 61.4.2

    First Responding Units identifying any hazard on any roadway in Canton shall notify
    dispatch right away. Dispatch will ensure the appropriate agency shall be notified.
   The following are some examples:
     -  Downed electric wires notify CFD
     -   Tree across the roadway notify the DPW or on-call tree removal agent if after-
       hours.
     -  Roadway flooding, notify the DPW/Water Department or the on-call Water
      Department agent if after-hours.
     -   Debris in the road notify the DPW/Highway Department
     -   Malfunctioning traffic signal notify Bell Atlantic
     -   Missing stop sign, notify the DPW/Highway Department
     -   Large Pothole, notify DPW/Highway Department
     -  Damage to a light pole, notify DPW if it is Town property or NSTAR Electric if it
         is a service pole.

   Whenever conditions necessitate that a roadway be closed or a detour established,
    officers will utilize cones, detour signs, or barriers to inform the public. Dispatching
    officers shall notify the following of the road closure:
     -  A Supervisor
     -  Canton Fire Department
     -  The Principal from each school that may be impacted by the closure

   The Canton Fire Department will be notified for:
     -   Spills involving gasoline, motor oil, or antifreeze
     -  Hazardous material spill

G) Hazardous Materials 61.4.1 E, 61.4.2

Officers will be extremely cautious when a situation is discovered which may involve
hazardous materials.  If any kind of hazardous material is spilled or dumped on a
roadway, officers will immediately make provisions for shutting off traffic flow into and
out of the area.  If safe to do so, officers will attempt to identify the materials involved by
obtaining information from the container placards and giving this information to the
dispatching officer.

       Canton Police Department’s Traffic Assistance Policy              Page 3

The immediate area around the scene must be secured and bystanders must be kept far
enough away so that removal operations will not be impeded and the potential danger
from the materials will be minimized. Officers will maintain an outer perimeter and
direct traffic away from the scene.  If the material is toxic, flammable or explosive,
arrangements may have to be made for evacuations of buildings. This determination will
be made by the Commanding Officer from the Canton Fire Department.

       Canton Police Department’s Traffic Assistance Policy              Page 4