I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

Pursuant to state law a publicly owned vehicle operated by peace officers in the performance of their duties is defined as an authorized emergency vehicle (Vehicle Code Section 165).  The purpose of this policy is to establish parameters for the safe operation of department emergency vehicles by Deputy Probation Officers. 

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Deputy Probation Officers employed by the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department.  

IV. BACKGROUND

V. GENERAL POLICY

1.  Definition: Authorized emergency vehicles are defined as those vehicles used by Deputy Probation Officers to carry out their primary functions of their employment as set forth in Penal Code Section 830.5 (a)(1)-(5).
2.  Equipment: Authorized emergency vehicles shall be equipped with the following:
   1. One steady burning red warning lamp visible from at least 1,000 feet and one flashing red warning lamp to the front of the vehicle.
   2. Flashing red and amber warning lamps to the rear of the vehicle.
   3.  Siren 
3.  Limitation on Use of Lights and Sirens: Emergency vehicle lights and siren may only be used: 
   1.  To enhance safety when the standard hazard lights are not sufficient to heighten visibility of the vehicle to traffic when:
      1.  Pulled off the side of a road;
      2. Blocking roadways while assisting agencies for evacuations or re-routing traffic due to emergencies; or
      3.  Maintaining perimeter control when searching or attempting to apprehend subject
4.  Traffic Stops: Deputy Probation Officers are prohibited from initiating traffic stops on moving vehicles.
5. Vehicle Pursuits: Deputy Probation Officers are prohibited from initiating or engaging in vehicle pursuits in response to an actual or suspected violator of the law.  
6. Emergency Response: Deputy Probation Officers shall respond to emergencies in accordance with all traffic laws.  Officers are prohibited from violating the rules of the road in their response to an emergency.
7.  Handheld Wireless Devices: Deputy Probation Officers are authorized to use a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communication device when driving a probation vehicle when responding to a life-saving emergency or a situation requiring immediate response to prevent serious injury or death to another person.
8.  Review of policy: Each year Deputy Probation Officers will review and sign they have read and understand the policy.  

 

TASKFORCE DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER IIIs

DPO IIIs assigned to a taskforce position at the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office (SLOSO) are exempt from the General Policy sections B, C, D, E, and F under the following guidelines.

1.  Officers must be engaged in activities directly related to their assignment in a taskforce position.
2. Officers must adhere to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Vehicle Pursuits and Deputy Response to Calls policies
3.  Officers must complete an initial POST certified EVOC course prior to operating an authorized emergency vehicle in any emergency capacity (Driving “code 3”) pursuant to Penal Code Section 13519.8.
4.  Officers must complete an updated POST certified EVOC course every 2-years pursuant to Penal Code Section 13519.8.
5. Each year review the Sheriff’s Vehicle Pursuits and Deputy Response to Calls policies and complete any training required by the Sheriff’s Office pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 17004.7

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.