I. AUTHORITY

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

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish the parameters when safety lights are used when operating a Probation vehicle

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all peace officers employed by the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department.  

 

Probation Officers assigned to the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force and Narcotics Unit are exempt from this policy when operating their assigned task force vehicle.

IV. BACKGROUND

V. GENERAL POLICY

1.  Vehicle safety lights may only be used in the following circumstances:
   1.  To enhance safety when the standard hazard lights are not sufficient to heightened 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
2.  Officers shall not use safety lights to conduct traffic stops on a moving vehicle.

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This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.