PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Issued Date: 02-01-13
SUBJECT:
Effective Date:03-01-13
DIRECTIVE 9.7
Updated Date: 06-01-15
SAFE OPERATION OF POLICE VEHICLES
INDEX
SECTION
TITLE
PAGE NUMBER
1
Policy
1
2
Pennsylvania Law
1
3
Definitions
3
4
Procedures
3
5
Supervisory/Commander Responsibilities
9
6
Police Radio Responsibilities
10
7
Operating Vehicles in Reverse Gear
13
8
Motorcycles/Mimi-Bikes/Mopeds
14
9
Parking
13
10
Traffic Stops
14
11
Limited Discretionary Use of Emergency
15
Warning Devices
12
Safety Notes
15
13
Traffic Violations (TCs or PVRs), Red Light
15
Cameras and/or Toll Booth Issued to Police
Vehicles
Appendix “A”
Police Radio Priority Call Listing - REDACTED
POLICE SENSITIVE
Appendix “B”
Take-Home Vehicle Policy
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Issued Date: 02-01-13
Effective Date: 03-01-13
DIRECTIVE 9.7
Updated Date: 06-01-15
SUBJECT: SAFE OPERATION OF POLICE VEHICLES
______________________________________________________________________________
1.
POLICY
A. This Directive establishes guidelines for the safe operation of police vehicles and the
procedures for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
B. All personnel operating city owned or city leased vehicles shall exercise due regard for
the safety of all persons. Criminal apprehensions and the preservation of property are
secondary to the preservation of life. All department personnel who operate police
vehicles will comply with the safe driving procedures outlined herein with particular
attention to the procedures when responding to calls for service. Emergency warning
devices shall be used consistent with both Pennsylvania law and the safety of the public
and police personnel.
C. The discretionary use of emergency lights and/or sirens is strictly prohibited unless
expressly authorized according to Sections 10 and 11 of this directive.
NOTE: This does not apply to the steady burning red/blue lights on patrol vehicles
to enhance visibility, emergency flashers, or directional signals located on
the light bars.
______________________________________________________________________________
2.
PENNSYLVANIA LAW
A. Pennsylvania Law - Drivers of Emergency Vehicles (75 Pa.C.S. §3105 – Relevant to
Police):
1. General rule - The driver of an emergency vehicle, when responding to an
emergency call, or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law,
may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions
stated in this section (See Directive 9.4, “Vehicle Pursuits” for Police Pursuit
Procedures).
2. Exercise of special privileges - The driver of an emergency vehicle may:
a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of the Vehicle Code.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1
b. Proceed past a red signal indication or stop sign, but only after slowing down as
may be necessary for safe operation.
NOTE: DISTINCTION FROM STATE POLICY -While State Law permits the
driver of an emergency vehicle to proceed past a red signal indication or
stop sign, only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation,
PHILADELPHIA POLICE PERSONNEL, WHEN RESPONDING IN
EMERGENCY DRIVING MODE SHALL COME TO A COMPLETE
STOP TO ENSURE AN INTERSECTION IS CLEAR AND ANY AND
ALL ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAS STOPPED OR YIELDED, PRIOR
TO ENTERING AN INTERSECTION AND DISREGARDING ANY
STOP SIGN OR RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL (SEE SECTION 4-B-2-e).
c. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life
or property.
d. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement, overtaking vehicles, or
turning in specified directions.
3. Audible and visual signals required – The privileges granted within Section 2-A-2a through d, an emergency vehicle shall apply only when the vehicle is making
use of an audible signal and visual signals (lights and siren), meeting the
requirements and standards set forth in regulations adopted by the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation.
4. Exercise of Care - This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency
vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.
5. Limitations relating to school buses - Notwithstanding the provisions of
subsection 2-A-2-d, the driver of an emergency vehicle shall come to a complete
stop when a school bus flashes its red signal lights and activates its side stop signal
arms. After stopping, the driver of the emergency vehicle may pass the school bus
only after exercising due diligence and caution for the safety of the students in a
manner that will not risk the safety of the students.
NOTE: This exception relating to school buses shall only be applicable to officers
when responding in EMERGENCY DRIVING MODE as defined in
Section 4-B-2-g. However, when responding in Emergency Driving
Mode and after stopping for a school bus flashing its red signal lights and
activating its side stop signal. EXTREME CAUTION MUST STILL BE
USED WHEN PASSING THE SCHOOL BUS.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 2
______________________________________________________________________________
3.
DEFINITIONS
A. Emergency Call for Service – Any Priority 1 Call for Service dispatched by Police
Radio or initiated by an officer for serious crimes in progress, or emergencies creating
an imminent threat to human life and or public safety. (See Appendix “A” for priority
of assignments).
B. Non-Emergency Call for Service – Any call for service other than an Emergency Call
for Service dispatched by Police Radio or initiated by an officer. (See Appendix “A” Priority 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 calls for service).
C. Emergency Driving Mode – Driving in response to an Emergency Call for Service
dispatched by Police Radio or initiated by an officer when visual and audible
emergency warning signals (i.e. lights and siren) are activated and authorized officers
are permitted to proceed past red traffic signals or stop signs, exceed the maximum
speed limits when safe, and disregard regulations governing direction of movement,
overtaking vehicles, or turning in specified directions.
D. Non-Emergency Driving Mode – routine/normal driving and driving in response to
Non-Emergency Calls for Service (Priority Codes 2 through 6) dispatched by Police
Radio or initiated by an officer, whereby department employees obey all traffic control
devices, signals, posted speed limits, and regulations governing direction of movement,
overtaking vehicles, or turning in specified directions.
1. Patrol Driving Mode – a subset of Non-Emergency Driving that does not involve
the use of visual and audible emergency warning signals, where vehicle speed is
often below the posted speed limits and marked by frequent stops, which is
designed to increase the visibility of police and reduce the opportunity for crime
and disorder.
E. Emergency Vehicle – An authorized law enforcement vehicle equipped with
functioning visual and audible emergency warning signals (i.e. emergency lights and
siren) required by law and used for emergency response situations.
F. Authorized Officers – With respect to an Emergency Call for Service, the assigned
officer/initiating officer and dispatched back up officer(s) are permitted to respond to
the assignment in Emergency Driving Mode.
______________________________________________________________________________
4.
PROCEDURES
A. General Safety Procedures
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 3
1. A police vehicle must be operated under complete control at all times, operated
with the purpose of preventing accidents, injuries, and property damage during
routine and emergency operations.
*2
NOTE: Personnel shall not operate any city owned or city leased vehicle being
used for official authorized city business, when they are required to take
medication that may impair their ability to safely operate a moving
vehicle. Personnel have an affirmative duty to report to their health care
provider that they are required to drive for city employment and the type
of vehicles they are responsible to operate to enable their provider to give
appropriate direction about the use of prescription medication and city
driving tasks. Personnel must report any restrictions and limitations to
their supervisor when taking such medication.
2. All police personnel must check the safety features of their vehicle before
commencing operation. The check shall include, but not limited to, all lights,
brakes, siren, horn and steering.
a. Any indication of faulty equipment will be reported immediately according to
provisions outlined in Directive 9.8, "Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of
Police Vehicles."
3. Seat belts and shoulder straps shall be worn by all police personnel or passengers
during vehicle operation. The exceptions are:
a. At the approach to any scene of an incident or call for service where the officer
believes a rapid departure from the vehicle may be required, the officer may
release the seatbelt. The seatbelt shall, however, be worn anytime the officer is
engaged in Emergency Driving Mode, as defined in Section 3-C.
*2
4. Only Radio Patrol Cars and Emergency Patrol Wagons (EPWs) with a functioning
seat belt system will be used to transport detainees. Detainees will be transported
wearing a seat belt.
*2
NOTE: Emergency Patrol Wagons (EPWs) without a functioning seat belt system
shall not be used to transport any detainees. Grab Straps alone are NOT
considered a functioning seat belt system. EPWs without a functioning
seat belt system may continue to be used as a patrol vehicle, but
supervisors shall ensure no detainees are transported in these vehicles.
5. No driver shall modify, remove, deactivate, or otherwise tamper with the vehicle
safety belts, the emission control device, or any part of the vehicle which affects its
operation.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 4
6. All police personnel must recognize the variable factors of weather, road surface
conditions, road contour, traffic congestion, pedestrian traffic, the proximity of
children, and driver’s skill level. All of these factors directly affect the safe
operation of any motor vehicle and shall govern the operation of the vehicle
accordingly.
7. All department personnel are prohibited from talking, texting, or otherwise using
any privately-owned or city-issued cell phone, mobile e-mail device, or any other
wireless data communication device while operating a city owned or leased vehicle.
Use of these devices while stopped in a parked vehicle that is not in a running lane
of traffic is permitted (Refer to Directive 6.10, “Social Media and Networking”).
8. During periods of inclement weather when police vehicles cannot be washed
regularly, the driver must assure that headlight and taillight lenses are kept clean,
insofar as circumstances permit.
9. All police personnel shall carefully observe the surrounding conditions before
turning or backing/reversing any vehicle. Any large vehicle with a recorder,
including but not limited to, Emergency Patrol Wagons (EPW) and prisoner
wagons will not be operated in reverse gear until the recorder is positioned at the
rear of the vehicle, in view of the operator.
10. Four-way flashers will not be used while the vehicle is in motion because they
interfere with brake lights and turn signals.
11. Whenever windshield wipers are in use, the vehicle’s headlights will be turned on.
12. Operators of police vehicles will keep in mind that traffic regulations requiring
other vehicles to yield to the right of way to any emergency vehicle do not relieve
the emergency vehicle operator from the duty to drive with due regard for the
safety of all persons using the highways, nor shall they protect the driver from the
consequences of an arbitrary exercise of such right of way. The right of way
cannot be assumed or taken.
a. Pedestrians are considered to have the absolute right of way.
13. Although under certain circumstances an officer may be authorized to engage in
Emergency Driving Mode, prior to engaging in this mode, officers shall consider:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
The distance they are from the incident,
The number of police units in closer proximity of responding,
Weather and road surface conditions,
Traffic congestion and pedestrians,
The proximity of children and schools, and
An honest assessment of the officer’s driving skill level.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 5
NOTE: Recognizing that the protection of human life is paramount, the
responding officer must remember that the objective is to get to
the location of occurrence as soon as possible, safely, and without
danger to the officer or others.
14. Marked police vehicles should be strategically parked on roadways to protect
accident scenes, injured persons, or officers directing traffic, when such use is
practical and the emergency lights (light bars or red/blue lights) and four-way
flashers are activated. When practical, officers should be out of the vehicle when
using it to block traffic. Flares and/or barricades should be used instead of
vehicles when available.
15. Vehicle pursuits are possibly the most dangerous of all police activities. Refer to
Directive 9.4, “Vehicular Pursuits” for the policy regarding police vehicle pursuits.
16. Officers shall not drive emergency vehicles the wrong way on any expressway,
expressway exit, entrance ramp, or a divided highway.
17. Officers transporting any prisoners or witnesses shall not conduct vehicle
investigations for vehicle code violations, nor respond to any priority assignment.
18. Officers operating unmarked vehicles or marked vehicles with low profile
emergency light bars or dome lights should be aware that it may be difficult for
pedestrians or other vehicular traffic to see the emergency lights when in operation.
Therefore, Officers operating these vehicles in EMERGENCY DRIVING MODE
with emergency lights activated should not assume that the emergency lights can be
viewed from a 360 degree radius and must use EXTREME CAUTION when
responding.
B. Specific Driving Procedures
1. Non-Emergency Driving Mode Procedures:
a. While engaged in regular/routine driving (Patrol Driving) responding to NonEmergency Calls for Service, or otherwise conducting non-emergency business,
all department employees shall obey all traffic control devices, signals, posted
speed limits, and regulations governing direction of movement, overtaking
vehicles, or turning in specified directions.
b. Police personnel engaged in the Non-Emergency Driving Mode are prohibited
from using visual and/or audible emergency warning signals (i.e. lights and/or
siren).
NOTE: Officers who did not initiate or were not dispatched to an Emergency
Call for Service are NOT AUTHORIZED to respond in Emergency
Driving Mode, but may respond in Non-Emergency Driving Mode.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 6
2. Emergency Driving Mode Procedures:
a. When an Emergency Call for Service is dispatched by Police Radio or initiated
by an officer, only the assigned officer/initiating officer and officers that
respond to Police Radio as back-up officer(s) (i.e. Authorized Officers)
may engage in Emergency Driving Mode.
NOTE: As referenced in Section 5-A, it is the responsibility of District
supervisors and/or Command Inspections Bureau commanders to
control the number of vehicles responding to an Emergency call
for Service.
b. While responding in this mode, with visual and audible emergency warning
signals activated, Authorized Officers are permitted to proceed past red traffic
signals or stop signs, exceed the maximum speed limits when safe, and
disregard regulations governing direction of movement, overtaking vehicles, or
turning in specified directions.
NOTE: This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from
the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor will
such provisions protect the driver of a police vehicle from the
consequences of the careless disregard for the safety of others.
c. Once on location of an Emergency Call for Service, it shall be the responsibility
of the first officer on scene to provide a status to Police Radio as soon as
possible to avoid endangering other responding officers and individuals, and to
summon Fire Rescue if necessary.
d. It cannot be assumed that visual and audible emergency warning signals will
stop traffic at any intersection or that civilian vehicles will pull to the right.
e. Officers responding to any assignment in this mode shall come to a complete
stop to ensure an intersection is clear prior to disregarding any red traffic signal
or stop sign.
NOTE: DISTINCTION FROM STATE LAW - While State Law permits the
driver of an emergency vehicle to proceed past a red signal indication
or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe
operation, PHILADELPHIA POLICE PERSONNEL, WHEN
RESPONDING IN EMERGENCY DRIVING MODE SHALL COME
TO A COMPLETE STOP TO ENSURE AN INTERSECTION IS
CLEAR PRIOR TO DISREGARDING ANY STOP SIGN OR RED
TRAFFIC SIGNAL.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 7
f. Authorized Officers responding to an Emergency Call for Service shall have in
operation all visual and audible emergency warning signals to warn vehicular
and pedestrian traffic along the emergency route. Headlights WILL be used
during daylight hours as an added visibility factor during emergency vehicle
operation.
NOTE: All other officers (unauthorized) responding to an Emergency Call for
Service shall respond in the Non-Emergency Driving Mode as defined
in Section 4-B-1.
g. While responding to an Emergency Call for Service, State law mandates that
the driver of an emergency vehicle shall come to a complete stop when a
school bus flashes its red signal lights and activates its side stop signal
arm. After stopping, the driver of the emergency vehicle may pass the school
bus only after exercising due diligence and caution for the safety of the students
in a manner that will not risk the safety of the students.
h. Officers engaged in Emergency Driving must anticipate and be prepared to
avoid other emergency vehicles responding to the same location. To avoid
possible collisions, officers responding in this mode shall, regardless of weather
conditions, lower one front window far enough to hear other sirens of additional
emergency vehicles responding.
i. The nature of certain crimes in progress, barricaded person/hostage situations,
major disturbances or riots, may call for the use of visual and audible
emergency warning signals (i.e. lights and siren) to be discontinued upon close
approach to the location of occurrence. Although such action is permitted,
ONCE VISUAL AND AUDIBLE EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNALS ARE
DISCONTINUED, OFFICERS MUST RETURN TO NON- EMERGENCY
DRIVING MODE AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4-B-1.
j. If the Emergency Call for Service appears under control, but the officer still
requests additional units to continue into the incident but to “slow it down”
or “use caution,” all other responding units shall continue to the
assignment but shall downgrade to the Non-Emergency Driving Mode as
defined in Section 4-B-1.
k. If unfounded, all responding units shall resume patrol and immediately return to
the Non-Emergency Driving Mode or Patrol Driving Mode as defined in
Section 4-B-1.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 8
3. Assist Officer Response Procedures:
a. When officers need assistance, a mass response by units is often
counterproductive and may actually inhibit emergency medical personnel from
responding to the location or from units leaving the scene with injured officers.
To better protect all police personnel, an organized response to Assist Officer
Calls is absolutely necessary. While every officer wants to respond to an
Assist Officer call, a mass, unorganized response can actually hinder help from
arriving and unnecessarily endanger other officers. Therefore, the following
procedures shall apply:
1. Upon the Assist Officer Call, only those officers in the division of
occurrence may respond. If a location is on a divisional border, the
bordering division may respond.
2. If additional equipment or manpower is needed, officers from all
contiguous or bordering divisions may respond. The highest ranking
supervisor on location shall decide if additional equipment or manpower is
necessary.
______________________________________________________________________________
5.
SUPERVISORY/COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. District supervisors and/or Command Inspections Bureau (CIB) commanders are
responsible for monitoring emergency vehicle responses, upgrading or downgrading
the responses, controlling the number of vehicles responding to an Emergency Call for
Service, and resuming all available vehicles as soon as possible.
B. District supervisors shall respond to the scene of all Assist Officer calls.
C. District supervisors and/or CIB commanders shall immediately respond and intervene
when necessary to coordinate the response of sufficient units, minimize the risk to
officers and the public, and ensure that patrol is not unnecessarily depleted during an
Assist Officer call or any other Emergency Call for Service.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of district Supervisors and/or Command
Inspections Bureau commanders to control the number of vehicles
responding to an emergency call for service.
D. District supervisors and/or CIB commanders shall provide feedback to responding
officers, issue a counseling memo, or initiate formal discipline, as appropriate, for any
violations of this directive.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 9
E. Officer Shot or Severely Injured Calls
1. When officers are shot or seriously injured in the line of duty, a mass response by
units inhibits emergency medical personnel from responding to the location and/or
inhibits emergency units from leaving the scene with injured officers. Also,
having officers searching for suspects in an unorganized fashion with no
knowledge of the immediate area does little to aid in the apprehension of any
offenders. Finally, this type of response leaves areas of the city completely
unprotected, which may be the underlying motive of such an assault on an officer.
2. To better serve seriously injured officers, increase the likelihood of immediately
apprehending the offenders, while maintaining an acceptable level of police
protection throughout the entire city, the following protocols shall be followed:
a. Upon an Assist Officer Call where an officer has been shot or severely
assaulted, the first supervisor on the scene shall notify radio if additional
equipment is needed. If so, all responding units shall continue to the incident in
the Emergency Driving Mode, as defined in Section 4-B-2.
NOTE: The first supervisor on scene, as soon as possible, SHALL notify
Police Radio of an access and exit route for responding medic units and
police vehicles and SHALL identify a location where responding
police vehicles should be parked to ensure the access and exits routes
remain clear.
b. When safe, the Assist Officer Call will be resumed by the highest ranking
supervisor who will identify a staging area. Any additional police equipment or
personnel needed shall be directed by Police Radio to proceed to the staging
area in the Non-Emergency Driving Mode as defined in Section 4-B-1, unless
otherwise upgraded by the highest ranking supervisor on the scene.
c. From this point, the highest ranking supervisor on location will implement the
Incident Command System (ICS) to manage the crime scene, develop a
perimeter, and coordinate a search pattern for any offenders.
d. Any additional police equipment or personnel needed will respond to the
staging area in the Non-Emergency Driving Mode as defined in Section
4-B-1, unless otherwise upgraded by the highest ranking supervisor on the
scene.
______________________________________________________________________________
6.
POLICE RADIO RESPONSIBILITIES
A. General Requirements
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 10
When dispatching any assignment, dispatchers shall broadcast the unit number,
location, whether the call is an Emergency Call for Service (i.e. Assist and Priority 1)
or Non-Emergency Call for Service (Priority 2 to 6), priority number, along with the
nature of the incident, such as:
UNIT
NUMBER
LOCATION
EMERGENCY
or NONEMERGENCY
PRIORITY
CODE
NATURE OF
ASSIGNMENT
1931
6xxx Drexel
Road
Non-Emergency
Priority #
Domestic Incident
2623
5xx W. Girard
Ave.
Emergency
Priority #
Assist Officer
3511
2xx W. Olney
Ave.
Emergency
Priority #
Robbery in Progress
NOTE: Dispatching the emergency level of each assignment is necessary for officers in
the field to determine the appropriate driving mode to respond to the assignment.
Dispatchers may also upgrade any assignment as deemed necessary. For example,
if the dispatcher feels that a specific assignment, based on the 911 call(s) and/or
information received, that would typically be classified as a Priority 2 or lower,
should instead be responded to as a Priority 1, the dispatcher can instruct the unit
to respond as Priority 1.
B. Broadcasting Protocol for Assist Officer Call:
1. The handling of Assist Officer calls is one of the most difficult jobs for a
dispatcher. The dispatcher must get help to the officer in need without stripping
districts and divisions of officers who want to help a fellow officer.
2. There is also extreme danger to other officers and the general public when
officers respond to an Assist Officer call in Emergency Driving Mode.
3. For these reasons, the following additional protocols shall be followed in Assist
Officer calls:
a. With an Assist Officer call, the divisional Police Radio Dispatcher shall
broadcast the Assist on the radio band of occurrence and “J” band. The J Band
Dispatcher shall broadcast the Assist over the closest adjoining districts, as
well as “J”, “T”, and “M” bands. The dispatcher shall use “Assist Officer”
as the nature of assignment.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 11
b. The dispatcher will assign a supervisor from the district of occurrence. If
none are available, the dispatcher will assign a supervisor from the nearest
district to respond.
4. The first responding officer will notify Police Radio of arrival and determine if
additional resources are needed to respond.
a. If additional resources are needed, the divisional Police Radio Dispatcher shall
broadcast the assist on the radio band of occurrence and J Band. The J Band
Dispatcher shall broadcast the Assist over the original group of bands listed
above plus the next closest adjoining districts, as well as “J”, “T” and “M”
bands. The dispatcher shall use “Assist Officer” as the nature of assignment.
b. Radio Dispatchers will keep the Assist Officer Call open until no additional
resources are needed. The terms “First Assist,” “Second Assist,” or “Third
Assist” will not be used.
c. The determination to broadcast the assist over additional bands will be made
when the first responding officer and/or the assigned supervisor confirms the
need for more resources at the scene. The Police Radio supervisor or J Band
dispatcher may determine to broadcast the Assist over additional bands, based
on the information coming from the scene.
d. The first responding officer will maintain contact with Police Radio until a
supervisor arrives at the scene.
5. The assigned supervisor will keep Police Radio informed about the incident and
the need for any additional resources.
a. The assist will not be broadcasted to bands, other than those listed above,
unless the on-scene supervisor makes the request. By this time, the on-scene
supervisor should be requesting specific resources, such as, Canine, MIRT
officers, and/or Emergency Patrol Wagons.
6. Any officer or supervisor on-scene can resume the Assist via Police Radio.
C. Founded Officer Shot or Severely Injured Calls:
1. In the event an officer is shot or seriously injured, the following additional
protocols shall be followed:
a. If additional units or equipment are requested by the first supervisor on the
scene or responding officers, the units and equipment will be dispatched to
respond in Emergency Driving Mode.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 12
b. Once the highest ranking supervisor on scene has resumed the Assist Officer
call and provided the location of a staging area, all units responding from the
division of occurrence, bordering districts, and any citywide units shall be
dispatched to respond to the staging area in Non-Emergency Driving Mode,
unless otherwise upgraded by the highest ranking supervisor on location.
c. Any additional units or equipment requested will be directed to the staging area
in Non-Emergency Driving Mode unless otherwise upgraded by the highest
ranking supervisor on location.
______________________________________________________________________________
7.
OPERATING VEHICLES IN REVERSE GEAR
A. Any large vehicle with a recorder, including but not limited to, Emergency Patrol
Wagons (EPW) and prisoner wagons will not be operated in reverse gear until the
recorder is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, in view of the operator. The recorder
will be in such a position as to guide the rearward movement of the vehicle.
______________________________________________________________________________
8.
MOTORCYCLES/MINI-BIKES/MOPEDS
A. Police personnel taking motorcycles, mini-bikes, mopeds or all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) into custody will transport such vehicles in an emergency patrol wagon (EPW).
If no EPW is available or if the cycle is too large to be placed in an EPW, Tow Squad
will be notified. Tow Squad has the capability to tow motorcycles, mini-bikes,
mopeds, and ATVs.
NOTE: Under no circumstances will police personnel operate found or confiscated
motorcycles, mini-bikes, mopeds, or ATV’s.
______________________________________________________________________________
9.
PARKING
A. Whenever an officer parks a marked police vehicle, the vehicle will be secured by
placing the transmission selector lever in the park position, engaging the emergency
brake, turning the engine off, ensuring all windows are closed, locking the doors, and
taking the key before leaving the police vehicle unattended.
B. A police vehicle shall not be left unattended with its engine in operation except for the
following:
1. The police vehicle is being used for traffic direction with the officer in close
proximity.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 13
2. Police vehicles used to transport police canine handlers and dogs when a police dog
is in the vehicle.
C. Police vehicles will be parked in a legal manner unless an emergency exists, however,
police vehicles WILL NOT block access to a fire hydrant at a fire scene, or in any way
obstruct the passage of fire apparatus.
______________________________________________________________________________
10. TRAFFIC STOPS
A. Audible and/or visible warning devices (lights and siren) shall be used to make
adequate notice of intent to stop a motor vehicle and to provide a safe environment for
the vehicle operator, officer, and public.
REDACTED - LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE
C. Personnel will make every effort to direct the violator to a suitable stopping point
where normal traffic flow will not be impeded. Private driveways, gas stations (when
operating for business), or other areas providing access to business establishments will
not be used for traffic stops when alternate locations are available. When private
property is used for a traffic stop, all possible care will be taken to avoid inconvenience
to property owners or patrons.
D. When stopping traffic violators in residential areas, the light bars and red/blue light(s)
may be turned off if there is no traffic hazard or if back-up officer(s) are on location;
thereby eliminating the need to signal the police vehicle's location. This reduces
curiosity by bystanders in tense neighborhoods.
E. Unmarked police vehicles may be used for traffic enforcement when operated by
uniformed police personnel if the police vehicle is equipped with audible signal (visual
signal not required) for recognition by offending motorists.
F. Police officers in plainclothes and detectives will not routinely make traffic stops unless
the actions of the violator are a clear danger to pedestrian or vehicular traffic and no
uniformed unit is readily available.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 14
______________________________________________________________________________
11. LIMITED DISCRETIONARY USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES
A. Officers may use visual and audible emergency warning signals during non-emergency
situations only as follows:
1. Using emergency lights as “beacons” to protect a disabled motorist,
2. Using emergency lights when it is necessary to use department vehicles as
protective barriers,
3. Using emergency lights and siren during approved ceremonial and parade
functions, and
4. Using emergency lights and siren during any approved dignitary or funeral escorts.
B. Officers shall deactivate visual and/or audible emergency warning signal devices as
soon as possible.
NOTE: This does not apply to the steady burning red/blue lights on patrol vehicles to
enhance visibility, emergency flashers, or directional signals located on the
light bars.
______________________________________________________________________________
12. SAFETY NOTES
A. Airbag Deployment
NOTE: Any collision that deploys the airbag will disable the vehicle and potentially
injure and/or disorient the occupants of the police vehicle, thereby increasing
the vulnerability of an attack or assault.
______________________________________________________________________________
*2
13. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (TCs, PVRs, RED LIGHT CAMERAS, SPEED TIMING
CAMERAS, AND/OR TOLL BOOTH) ISSUED TO POLICE VEHICLES.
A. The operator of a City vehicle or city leased vehicle being used for official City
business, will be responsible for any TC, PVR, Red Light Camera, Speed Timing
Camera and/or Toll Booth violations and fines they incur for non-payment, while the
vehicle was under the employees control, unless exigent circumstances exist at the
time of the violation. (Refer to Directive 3.2, Vehicle Law of Pennsylvania (Vehicle
Code) Violations” Section 7).
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 15
B. Commanding Officers will ensure, upon notification from the Deputy Commissioner,
Field Operations, of any unpaid violations incurred by their officers, that the officer
either adjudicates the violation at the proper issuing authority or is held financially
responsible for the violation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against
any personnel who fail to satisfy or adjudicate incurred violations. The employee’s
Commanding Officer will send an Action and Report back to the Deputy
Commissioner, Field Operations, detailing each violation and the actions taken.
______________________________________________________________________________
RELATED PROCEDURES
Directive 3.2,
Vehicle Law of Pennsylvania (Vehicle
Code) Violations
Directive 6.11, Social Media and Networking
Directive 7.1,
Police Radio
Directive 7.8,
Adult Detainees in Police Custody
Directive 9.4
Vehicular Pursuits
Directive 9.8,
Maintenance, Servicing and Repair Of
Police Vehicles
______________________________________________________________________________
BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
______________________________________________________________________________
FOOTNOTE
GENERAL
DATE
REMARKS
*1
7838
11-12-14
Additions( Apdx ‘B’)
*2
7094
06-01-15
Additions/Changes
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 16
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
DIRECTIVE
9.7
APPENDIX “B”
Issued Date: 08-12-10
SUBJECT:
1.
Effective Date: 08-12-10
Updated Date: 06-01-15
TAKE-HOME VEHICLE POLICY
POLICY
A. Take-Home vehicles shall include all City owned/leased vehicles as well as vehicles
owned/leased by an outside agency, including but not limited to State and Federal
agencies.
*1/2
B. All Commanders holding the rank of Captain or above, who maintain their primary
residence outside the City of Philadelphia, and as listed in the provisions of the
collective bargaining agreement, may now utilize their assigned city vehicle for
transportation to and from their work assignment.
C. Issuance of a Take-Home vehicle is premised upon the employee’s position within the
Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). Take-Home vehicles may not be used for
personal use and family members or friends may not ride in Take-Home vehicles at
any time. Take-Home vehicles are not to be used while off duty except for
work related activities.
D. Employees may not drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of
a Take-Home vehicle after drinking any amount of alcohol, or the abuse and/or illicit
use of prescription, non-prescription drugs or controlled substances(s).
E. Under normal, non-emergency operating conditions, employees will strictly adhere to
all traffic laws, and will drive defensively in a safe and courteous manner. Employees
are required to follow all provisions outlined in Directive 9.7, “Safe Operation of Police
Vehicles.”
*2
F. Obedience to red light photo and speed timing enforcement camera systems is
imperative.
1. The fine and/or late fee must be paid in a timely manner. Refusal to pay an
outstanding violation will be subject to disciplinary action and/ or loss of operating
privileges.
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1
APPENDIX “B”
2. Personnel operating City vehicles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike System are
expected to observe all traffic laws and regulations. Further, the vehicle operator is
responsible for the payment of all cash toll fees. City vehicles are not equipped
with EZ Pass toll transponders.
*2
G. Any illegally parked City vehicle or personal vehicle used for City business are subject
to fines and towing.
1. Payment of tickets for parking violations issued against City vehicles or personal
vehicles used for City business is the responsibility of the employee.
2. The fine and/or late fee must be paid in a timely manner. Refusal to pay
outstanding violation will be subject to disciplinary action and/or loss of operating
privileges.
*2
H. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
*2
I. All department personnel are prohibited from talking, texting, or otherwise using any
privately-owned or city-issued cell phone, mobile e-mail device, or any other wireless
data communication device while operating a city owned or city leased vehicle. Use of
these devices while stopped in a parked vehicle that is not in a running lane of traffic is
permitted (Refer to Directive 6.10, “Social Media and Networking”).
J. Commanders who are on terminal leave and are not expected to return to duty will
contact the Fleet Liaison Officer at Macalester Street and Whitaker Avenue to
turn the vehicle in.
K. Commanders who are on a leave of absence or long term sick (30 days or more) will
contact the Fleet Liaison Officer at Macalester Street and Whitaker Avenue to turn
the vehicle in.
NOTE: The Police Department will provide transportation for personnel to the City
Medical Evaluation Unit at 19th Street and Fairmount Avenue or to any other
appointment that is job related.
L. The misuse and/or abuse of a Take-Home vehicle may be cause for termination of
the use of said vehicle and/or disciplinary action against the employee.
______________________________________________________________________________
*1
2.
DOCUMENTATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS
A. Responsibilities
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 2
APPENDIX “B”
1. Commanding Officers shall ensure that prior to any employee utilizing a TakeHome vehicle, as described in this Appendix that the employee is made aware of
this Appendix, the employee completes the Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgement
Form (75-648), and the form is submitted through the chain of command to the
pertinent Deputy Commissioner for approval.
NOTE: Take-Home vehicles assigned to Captains and above are contractually
authorized and do not need approval from the pertinent Deputy
Commissioner. However, the Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgement
Form (75-648) must still be completed and forwarded through the chain of
command to the Deputy Commissioner, Organizational Services, Strategy
and Innovations.
2. Annually, on January 1 of each year, all employees provided a Take-Home Vehicle
shall submit a Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgement Form (75-648) through
their chain of command.
3. With the exception of Captains and above, prior to authorizing any Take-Home
Vehicle for any subordinate employee, all Commanders shall ensure that the
employee is made aware of this Appendix and have the employee complete the
Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgment Form (75-648).
a. The Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgement Form must be approved by the
pertinent Deputy Commissioner prior to issuing any Take-Home vehicle to an
employee.
NOTE: This requirement shall include unit vehicles, not specifically assigned
to subordinate employees, but nonetheless, taken home by the
employees while off duty for any period of time.
B. Tracking/Auditing
1. All Take-Home Vehicle Acknowledgement Forms (75-648) shall be forwarded to
the Deputy Commissioner, Organizational Services, Strategy and Innovations who
shall be responsible to maintain a current list of all Take-Home vehicles and
authorized employees.
BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 3
APPENDIX “B”