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.

A. Types of Traffic Patrol.

1) Line Patrol. This involves observation either in moving or stationary observation
at a certain route or point of a major street in a city. Usually, this is done by foot
patrol officers.
2) Area Patrol. This involves observation either by moving patrol or observation in
a certain area which included a number of streets, roads or sections of a
highway. Area patrolling is usually the job of mobile police officers as well as
those motorcycle cops.

B. Types of Stationary Observation.

1) Conspicuous Observation. Stationary observation in which observer remains
in full view of traffic conditions. Here, the traffic patrol officer is situated in any
place where he could be seen by all traffic users.
2) Visible Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is in full
view but so located, for example, at side street, so as to require effort on the part
of traffic users to discover the observer.
3) Concealed Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is not
visible to persons using ordinary power of observation form from the roadway
being observed.

C. Deterrent to violations and dangerous driving.

1) Detecting and apprehending violators.
2) Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
3) Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction which needs
attention.
4) Providing certain services to the public.
5) Handling emergencies as they arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.

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.

L. Steps to Take in Cases of Special and Unusual Situations.

1) What to do in case of abandoned motor vehicle? Abandoned vehicles may be

classified into two categories:

a. unattended due to mechanical defects:

(1) verify and check on the ownership of the vehicle, and
(2) if possible, advise the owner to relocate the vehicle to a much safer
place.

a. abandoned by carnappers or hold-up men:

(1) get the plate number and other data of the vehicle;
(2) make a report TRAFCOM or traffic police unit;
(3) make possible steps to inform the owner about his vehicle;
(4) bring the vehicle to the TRAFCOM or traffic police impounding area and
conduct a Technical Inspection Report in the presence of the alleged
owner;
(5) advise the owner to present all pertinent papers of the vehicle;
(6) if there is violation of RA 6539, note its violation and together with the
Technical Inspection Report, submit it for investigation; and
(7) finally, submit a duly accomplished spot report.

2) What to do on stalled or bogged down motor vehicles.?

Check the defect or condition of the vehicle;
a) Ensure the safety of vehicles and persons involved;
b) If practicable, push the vehicle to the road shoulder, or avail wreckers;
c) Advise owner to avail the services of repairman, and
d) Provide early warning devices (EWD) or any lantern.

3) How to handle traffic jam.

a) Determine the cause of the traffic jam;
b) If caused by vehicular accident, conduct fast, immediate but complete
investigation and remove vehicles involved at the scene of accident;
c) If caused by mechanical trouble, assist motorist to push or move the
vehicle;
d) Establish yourself and conduct systematic traffic direction; and
e) Observe if the flow of traffic became smooth, if not, refer back to letter "a"
above.
4) In case of vehicle cannibalization.
a) Determine the vehicle parts that were stolen;
b) Take down the name of owner, description of the vehicle, and location of
the incident;
c) Look for clues that may establish identity of the perpetrators or their
modus operandi;
d) Interview witnesses and owner to get a general picture of the situation
prior to the incident;
e) Prepare a spot report and submit it to the nearest TRAFCOM Unit; and
f) If further investigation is necessary, the vehicle may be impounded for
safekeeping.