DATE: April 2, 2007
FROM: PATRICK E. MAXWELL, CAPTAIN TO: ALL PERSONNEL
NORWALK STATION NORWALK STATION
SUBJECT: NORWALK STATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE 05-04; ROAD SPIKE DEPLOYMENT, TRAINING, AND MAINTENANCE
PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to define policy and procedures for the use and deployment of Road Spike strip pursuit termination devices, maintenance of the devices, and ensure proper training of station personnel.
Personnel shall refer to Field Operations Directive 98-10 Road Spike Deployment for the procedural order regarding the deployment of spike strips.
SCOPE OF ORDER
This directive applies to all patrol personnel assigned to field duties at Norwalk Station.
DIRECTIVE
It is the policy of the Field Operations Regions to deploy and use Road Spike strip pursuit termination devices whenever and wherever possible to safely end vehicle pursuits (including Surveillance Mode operations), while placing the utmost importance on the safety of deputy personnel, the general public, and the suspects.
Only personnel who have been properly trained in the operation and deployment of the Road Spike strips shall be permitted to deploy these devices.
WATCH DEPUTY RESPONSIBILITIES
It shall be the responsibility of the Watch Deputy to ensure that adequate Road Spike strips are being deployed in the patrol units on each shift. Ideally, this would mean that at least one unit in the north station area and one in the south would carry a Road Spike strip in their cars, as well as at least one La Mirada unit.
In addition to this, the Watch Deputy shall ensure that the spike strips only be assigned to and carried by personnel who have received the proper training and are deemed competent in the use and deployment of the Road Spike strips.
TRACKING
All patrol units with Road Spike strips shall be designated on the In-Service sheet with the symbol “SS” (Refer to Field Operations Directive 90-8, Standardized In-Service Symbols for further information). This will aid dispatcher recognition of spike strip equipped vehicles and help ensure even distribution of the spike strips.
TRAINING SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Training Sergeant shall be responsible for ensuring that adequate station personnel are qualified and trained in the use and deployment, as well as proper maintenance of the Road Spike strips. He / she shall develop a list of qualified personnel, with copies of the list distributed to and maintained at the desks of the Watch Deputy, Watch Sergeant, and Watch Commander.
The Training Sergeant shall also ensure that newly assigned personnel receive the proper training in order to maintain an adequate number of qualified personnel as station personnel move out of Norwalk field operations.
TRAFFIC SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE
The responsibility for ensuring that the Road Spike strips are properly maintained shall fall on the Traffic Sergeant (currently the La Mirada Detective Sergeant).
It shall be the responsibility of each deputy who has deployed the spike strips to conduct a post-deployment inspection of the strip. This inspection shall include checking for damaged, loose, and/or missing spikes. Any damaged or missing spikes shall be replaced, and loose spikes re-tightened, prior to re-deployment of the strip in the field.
EQUIPMENT ISSUES
Field Operations Support Services[REDACTED TEXT] is the contact point for all Road Spike strip policy and procedural issues. Facilities Maintenance[REDACTED TEXT] is the contact point for all issues regarding repair to, and replacement of, the Road Spike strips.
A log shall be maintained documenting the monthly testing of each spike strip to ensure the following:
Recharging the motor batteries:
Remote control batteries shall be replaced at least once every twelve months.
WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Watch Commander shall ensure that all personnel follow the procedures for the use of the Road Spike strips as outlined in Field Operations Directive 98-10. He/she shall also make sure that once deployed, all required reporting procedures are followed, and that the strip(s) are properly and adequately inspected and repaired, as necessary.
Any questionable Road Spike strip that cannot be deemed usable shall be removed from service until it is determined that it is functioning properly. The Watch Commander shall advise the Traffic Sergeant when the Road Spike strips have been deployed on his/her shift in order to be tracked and reinspected.
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