EMERGENCY VEHICULAR
WARNING DEVICES



	Model Policy


Effective Date
May 1, 1990

Number
Subject
Use of Emergency Vehicular Warning Devices


Reference

Special Instructions
Distribution
Reevaluation Date
April 30, 1991
No. Pages

I.	PURPOSE
	The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of emergency vehicular warning devices.

II.	POLICY
	It is the purpose of this policy to ensure that all members of this law enforcement agency adhere to statutory restrictions on the use of emergency warning devices and that such devices are employed only in prescribed conditions and circumstances and in ways that will minimize the risk of accidents or injuries to employees or the public.

III.  DEFINITIONS
	A.	Emergency Vehicle:  An authorized law enforcement vehicle equipped with emergency lights (red/blue/white), siren, and other emergency warning devices required by law and used for emergency response situations.
	B.	Emergency Warning Devices:  Devices placed in/on each agency emergency vehicle that emit audible or visual signals in order to warn others that law enforcement services are in the process of being delivered.

IV.	PROCEDURES
	A.	Assigning/Determining Response Modes to Calls for Assistance.
		1.	Field supervisors and/or communications personnel assigning officers to respond to calls for assistance shall authorize which response mode will be utilized.
		2.	Field supervisors and/or the commanding officer are responsible for monitoring response modes for calls for assistance and shall have the authority to upgrade or downgrade assigned response modes.
		3.	In instances where a field officer wishes to initiate the emergency vehicular response mode in response to a sudden occurrence unbeknown to communications personnel, field supervisors, or the commanding officer, or to upgrade a routine response assignment, the field unit shall inform communications personnel as soon as possible of
			a.	The nature of the situation, and
			b.	The location and destination of the field unit.
	B.	Use of Emergency Warning Devices While in Emergency Response Mode.
		l.	During an emergency response, emergency lights and/or siren and other emergency signal devices shall be activated as required by law.
		2.	When responding in the emergency mode, the headlights of the emergency vehicle shall be activated to augment the emergency vehicle's visibility.
		3.	During an emergency response, four-way flashers shall not be used when the emergency vehicle is in motion because they may interfere with brake lights and turn signals.
		4.	The spotlight is primarily utilized to facilitate building and stationary vehicle checks and shall at no time be directed at the windshield or vision of oncoming traffic.
		5.	When responding in an emergency response mode, emergency signal devices may be deactivated at a distance from the scene (to be determined by the vehicle operator) so as to not alert subjects to law enforcement proximity.
		6.	When emergency signal devices are deactivated, the operator of the emergency vehicle shall comply with posted speed limits, obey all traffic control devices and signals, and proceed in a manner consistent with normal traffic flow.
	C.	Use of Emergency Warning Devices While Conducting Vehicle Stops.
		1.	Audible and/or visible warning devices 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.
	D.	Discretionary Use of Emergency Warning Devices.
		1.	Officers may activate emergency signal devices when required to assist in handling any perceived emergency situation.  The officer shall advise communications personnel of the nature of the emergency and the emergency response mode that has been taken.
		2.	In other than emergency situations, when expediency is required to effectively eliminate a potential hazard to the public or fellow officers, law enforcement officers may activate emergency warning devices to allow orderly and safe transit through heavily congested roadways.  Examples of permissible uses of emergency warning devices during non-emergency response situations include, but are not limited to:
			a.	Using emergency lights as "beacons" to protect disabled motorists, or
			b.	Using emergency lights when it is necessary to use agency vehicles as protective barriers.
		3.	Operators of emergency vehicles shall deactivate emergency warning devices as soon as possible.


	BY ORDER OF



	                         
	CHIEF OF POLICE




The development of this model policy was supported under funding by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under Grant No. 87-SN-CX-KO77.  The points of view or opinions stated in this document are the results of work performed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.


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