philadelphia police department directive 9 · philadelphia police department directive 9.7 subject:...

PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 9.7

SUBJECT: 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 11

7 Operating Vehicles in Reverse Gear 13

8 Parking 13

9 Traffic Stops 14

10 Limited Discretionary Use of Emergency 14

Warning Devices

11 Safety Notes 15

12 Traffic Violations (TCs or PVRs), Red Light 16

Cameras and/or Toll Booth Issued to Police

Vehicles

Appendix “A” Police Radio Priority Call Listing

Appendix “B” Take-Home Vehicle Policy

Issued Date: 02-01-13 Effective Date:03-01-13 Updated Date: 01-08-19

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1


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

*8 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 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code and 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.

______________________________________________________________________________

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.

b. Proceed past a red signal indication or stop sign, but only after slowing down as

may be necessary for safe operation.

Issued Date: 02-01-13 Effective Date: 03-01-13 Updated Date: 05-21-18

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 2

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, 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-2-

a 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 - 3

______________________________________________________________________________

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 backup Officer(s) are permitted to respond to

the assignment in Emergency Driving Mode.

______________________________________________________________________________

4. PROCEDURES A. General Safety Procedures

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 4

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.

*8 2. All police personnel must check the safety features of their vehicle before

commencing operation. The check shall include, but not be limited to, all lights,

brakes, siren, horn, steering, shift lever, and ballistic window shield (if equipped).

*8 a. Any indication of faulty equipment, at any time while using the vehicle, 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 - 5

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.

*3 7. All police personnel are prohibited from smoking in any city-owned vehicle

without exception. All police personnel are prohibited from talking, texting, or

otherwise using any privately-owned or city-issued cell phone, mobile email

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.

*8 12. Police personnel shall not open any vehicle door until it is reasonably safe to do so

and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic. Police

personnel shall also not leave a vehicle’s door open exposed to moving traffic

for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

13. 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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 6

14. 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. The distance they are from the incident,

b. The number of police units in closer proximity of responding,

c. Weather and road surface conditions,

d. Traffic congestion and pedestrians,

e. The proximity of children and schools, and

f. An honest assessment of the Officer’s driving skill level.

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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Officers SHALL NOT drive emergency vehicles the wrong way on any

expressway, expressway exit, entrance ramp, or a divided highway.

18. Officers transporting any prisoners or witnesses shall not conduct vehicle

investigations for vehicle code violations, nor respond to any priority assignment.

19. 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.

*5 20. Select traffic lights throughout the City are equipped with pre-emption technology

which allows emergency vehicles operating in emergency mode, to “request” a

priority green light in the direction they are traveling. This is accomplished though

the transmission of an encoded infrared signal. While this technology is useful in

expediting the flow of traffic, officer-operators must continue to operate with due

regard and NEVER ASSUME THAT THE RIGHT-OF-WAY WILL BE

GRANTED TO THE EMERGECNY VEHICLE.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 7

B. Specific Driving Procedures

1. Non-Emergency Driving Mode Procedures:

a. While engaged in regular/routine driving (Patrol Driving) responding to Non-

Emergency 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.

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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 8

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.

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 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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 9

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 request 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.

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 prevent emergency medical units from 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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 10

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 the district supervisor’s 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.

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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 11

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

1. 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:

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.

UNIT

NUMBER

LOCATION EMERGENCY

or NON-

EMERGENCY

PRIORITY

CODE

NATURE OF

ASSIGNMENT

1931

6364 Drexel

Road

Non-Emergency

Priority 2

Domestic Incident

2623

500 W. Girard

Ave.

Emergency

Priority 1

Assist Officer

3511

261 W. Olney

Ave.

Emergency

Priority 1

Robbery in Progress

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 12

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.

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.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 13

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.

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. 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.

2. Police vehicles used to transport police canine handlers and dogs when a police dog

is in the vehicle.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 14

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.

______________________________________________________________________________

9. 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.

B. Personnel making a traffic stop will inform the radio dispatcher that they are stopping

a vehicle, provide the location of the stop, reason for stop, number of occupants (with

description when possible), and pertinent information on the vehicle stopped. UNDER

NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL JARGON BE USED, SUCH AS, “OCCUPIED 2X,

etc.” Position the vehicle, when practical, to the rear and left of the vehicle being

stopped. For Officer safety, Officers should check the trunk lid to ensure that it is

locked and to leave their fingerprints on the trunk lid. Be aware that the trunk in newer

vehicles can be unlocked by the driver.

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, emergency lights maybe 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.

______________________________________________________________________________

10. LIMITED DISCRETIONARY USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES A. Officers may use visual and audible emergency warning signals during non-emergency

situations only as follows:

REDACTED – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 15

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.

______________________________________________________________________________ 11. 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.

*6 B. Ballistic doors and glass

1. Personnel will not tamper with the ballistic panels and glass located on the front

driver and passenger doors.

a. The ballistic glass is assigned to each vehicle using a bar code and will only be

removed for emergencies by pulling on the knobs, sliding the levers to the

unlocked position and then removing the panel from the grooves on the window

frame. The ballistic glass should be pushed out on the RPCs (Ford Taurus) and

pulled in on the SUVs and EPWs.

NOTE 1: Personnel should use caution when removing the ballistic glass due

to its weight (14 lbs for RPCs/SUVs and 18 lbs for EPWs).

NOTE 2: If equipped, personnel WILL make sure the nylon strap attached to

the wedge is pulled tight against the door so the dual lock (Velcro) is

secured properly.

b. Employees WILL NOT use any ammonia based products, such as Windex, to

clean the ballistic glass, as this will scratch the surface. Employees MUST also

inform the car wash vendor not to use these products when the vehicle is taken

there for service.

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 16

______________________________________________________________________________

*2 12. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (TCs, PVRs, RED LIGHT CAMERAS, SPEED TIMING CAMERAS, AND/OR TOLL BOOTH) ISSUED TO POLICE VEHICLES. A. The operator of a City-owned/, 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).

*3 B. Commanding Officers will ensure, upon notification from the pertinent Deputy

Commissioner, 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 pertinent Deputy

Commissioner, 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

*3 8617 04-5-17 Changes

*4 1273 10-20-17 Addition

*5 1289 10-20-17 Addition

*6 2663 05-21-18 Addition/Deletion

*7 Addition

*8 7423 01-18-19 Addition

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1


APPENDIX A

SUBJECT: POLICE RADIO PRIORITY CALL LISTING

_______________________________________________________________________________ EVENT TYPES DESCRIPTION PRIORITY DC#

ASSIT ASSIST OFFICER 1 Y ABDUCT ABDUCTION IN PROGRESS 1 Y AIREM AIRPORT EMERGENCY 1 Y APOL ASSIST OTHER POLICE 1 Y BIP BURGLARY IN PROGRESS 1 Y BOMB BOMB THREATS 1 Y *CP VEHICLE (CAR) PURSUIT 1 Y EXPLO REPORT OF EXPLOSION 1 Y *FT FOOT PURSUIT 1 Y HALM HOLDUP ALARM 1 Y LPT LOCAL PEOPLE TRAPPED 1 Y PBACK PRIORITY BACKUP 1 Y PGUN PERSON WITH A GUN 1 Y PRIV PERSON IN RIVER 1 Y PS PURSE SNATCH IN PROGRESS 1 Y PSCRM PERSON SCREAMING 1 Y PWEAP PERSON WITH A WEAPON 1 Y RALM ROBBERY ALARM 1 Y RIP RAPE IN PROGRESS 1 Y ROBP ROBBERY IN PROGRESS 1 Y SBI SOMEONE BREAKING IN 1 Y TIP THEFT IN PROGRESS 1 Y DBAR DISTURBANCE IN BARS OR CLUBS 2 Y DHOSP DISTURBANCE IN HOSPITAL 2 Y DOM DOMESTIC INCIDENT 2 Y DSCH DISTURBANCE SCHOOL 2 Y DSEPTA DISTURBANCE ON/AT SEPTA 2 Y GUNSHT REPORT OF GUNSHOTS 2 Y HC HOSPITAL CASE 2 Y HCACC AUTO ACCIDENT W/ INJURIES 2 Y HLDPRS HOLDING PRISONER(S) 2 Y IVPER INVESTIGATE PERSON (S) 2 Y JUVPRS JUVENILE PRISONER 2 N MALM MEDICAL ALARM 2 Y MCHILD MISSING CHILD TENDERAGE 2 Y RPTABD REPORT OF ABDUCTION 2 Y RPTASL REPORT OF A PRIOR ASSAULT 2 Y RPTROB REPORT OF A PRIOR ROBBERY 2 Y RPTRPE REPORT OF A PRIOR RAPE 2 Y VIP VANDALISM IN PROGRESS 2 Y

AACC AUTO ACCIDENT 3 Y AUTOCC INVESTIGATE AUTO OCCUPIED 3 Y BALM BURGLARY ALARM 3 Y DBUSN DISTURBANCE IN BUSINESS 3 Y DHSE DISTURBANCE HOUSE 3 Y DHWYF DISTURBANCE HIGHWAY FIGHT 3 Y DRUGS DRUGS-OUTSIDE ONLY (DEALING/SELLING) 3 Y LOCAL LOCAL FIRE 3 Y MSPER MISSING PERSON 3 Y RPTBUR REPORT OF BURGLARY 3 Y RTHEFT REPORT OF THEFT 3 Y SDUMP SHORT DUMPING (In Progress) 3 Y SICK SICK ASSISTANCE (Remarks) 3 N STLGUN STOLEN GUN REPORT 3 Y VDOG VICIOUS DOG 3 Y

AUTRK AUTO OPERATING RECKLESSLY 4 Y CPOL COMPLAINT AGAINST POLICE 4 Y CWB CHECK ON WELL BEING 4 Y DANHWY DANGEROUS HIGHWAY CONDITION 4 Y FALM FIRE ALARM 4 Y ILPKG ILLEGAL PARKING 4 N IVANI INVESTIGATE INJURED ANIMAL 4 Y LMUSIC LOUD MUSIC 4 Y *LSTOP LIVESTOP 4 Y MC MEET COMPLAINANT (Remarks) 4 Y MOFF MEET OFFICER 4 N PLPKG PRIVATE LOT ILLEGAL PARKING 4 N *RAUTO RECOVERED STOLEN AUTO 4 Y STLNCR REPORT OF STOLEN CAR 4 Y VALM VEHICLE ALARM 4 Y

EVENT TYPES DESCRIPTION PRIORITY DC#

ACINFO ACCIDENT INFORMATION REQUEST 5 N 3AAUTO 311 ABANDONED AUTOS 5 N 3DNHWY 311 DANGEROUS HIGHWAY 5 N 3INFO 311 INFORMATION REQUEST 5 N 3IVPRM 311 INVESTIGATE PREMISE 5 N *COURT COURT 5 N CRANKC CRANK CALL CELL-PHONE 5 N CRANKP CRANK CALL PAYPHONE 5 N CRANKR CRANK CALL PRIVATE RESIDENCE 5 N *CS CAR STOP 5 Y DC DISORDERLY CROWD 5 Y DEAD RADIO DEAD SPOT 5 N DELMES DELIVER MESSAGE 5 Y DISAUT DISABLE AUTO 5 N DK INTOXICATED PERSON 5 Y ESCT MONEY ESCORT 5 N FURTH FURTH INVESTIGATION (Remarks) 5 N *G GAS 5 N HCINFO HOSPITAL CASE - INFORMATION 5 N *HQ HEADQUARTERS 5 N HUC HANG UP FROM CELL PHONE 5 N HUP HANG UP FROM PAY PHONE OR BUSINESS 5 N HUR HANG UP FROM RESIDENCE 5 N INFO INFORMATION / ADVISE - NO ACTION NEC 5 N IVAUT INVESTIGATE AUTO 5 Y IVOBJ INVESTIGATE OBJECT (Remarks Req) 5 Y IVPRM INVESTIGATE PREMISES 5 Y *LUN LUNCH 5 N *MECH VEHICLE DOWN MECHANICAL 5 N PDACC PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY AUTO ACCIDENT 5 Y *PRIS TRANSPORTING PRISONER (S) 5 N *PRL PERSONAL 5 N *PW PAPER WORK 5 N *R REPORT 5 N *RADIO RADIO REPAIRS 5 N *RELO RELOCATE AUTO 5 N REPO REPOSSESSED AUTO (Admin Lines) 5 Y *SCHL SCHOOL CROSSING 5 N SCOFF SCOFFLAW 5 Y SECCK SECURITY CHECK 5 N SLIPS PICK UP GUN OR CROSSING GUARD SLIPS 5 N *TFP TRAFFIC POST (Dispatcher) 5 N TRAN TRANSPORTATION ASSIGNMENT 5 N *TRFCON TRAFFIC CONGESTION 5 N *WAR SERVING WARRANT 5 N *WASH CAR WASH (Dispatcher) 5 N

* OUT OF SERVICE CODES – USED BY DISPATCHER *AAUTO ABANDONED AUTO 6 Y ANIMAL ANIMAL COMPLAINTS 6 Y BDOG BARKING DOG 6 Y GRFITI GRAFFITI COMPLAINTS 6 Y HARASS REPORT OF HARASSMENT 6 Y HYD OPEN FIRE HYDRANT 6 N LDTNT LANDLORD TENANT DISPUTE 6 Y LPROP LOST PROPERTY 6 Y LTAGS LOST TAGS 6 Y MPROP MISSING PROPERTY 6 Y NARCIN NARCOTICS SALES INSIDE 6 Y NDISP NEIGHBOR DISPUTE 6 Y OTHER OTHER COMPLAINTS / QUESTIONS 6 Y STLNCR REPORT OF STOLEN CAR 6 Y RPTVAN REPORT VANDALISM 6 Y SDUMP SHORT DUMPING - NOT IN PROGRESS 6 Y THEFT THEFT REPORTS 6 Y NOTE: ALL PRIORITY SIX (6) CODES (EXCEPT, SDUMP, STLNCR

& AAUTO) WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE SENT TO TS UPON ENTRY


REDACTED – LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE

DIRECTIVE 9.7 - 1 APPENDIX “B”


APPENDIX “B”

SUBJECT: TAKE-HOME VEHICLE POLICY

1. 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 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.



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 violations 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/, 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”).

*3 J. All departmental personnel are prohibited from smoking while inside any city-owned/,

leased vehicle as per Managing Director’s Office Directive 64. This includes electronic

smoking devices.

K. 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 return

the vehicle.

L. 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 return

the vehicle.

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.

M. 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


1. Commanding Officers shall ensure that prior to any employee utilizing a Take-

Home vehicle, 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.

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 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, who shall be responsible

to maintain a current list of all Take-Home vehicles and authorized employees.

BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER

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