SEAT BELT
SAFETY
CHECKPOINT
MANUAL
Safety Checkpoints are conducted under the authority of Section 6308 (b) of the PA Vehicle Code governing Regulatory Checkpoints.
I.
INTRODUCTION.
The use of highways may be regulated and controlled as a valid exercise of police
power. Whether the operation of vehicles is considered a right or a privilege, it is still
subject to reasonable regulation by the government. Those regulations ensure that
motor vehicles, which are considered dangerous instrumentalities, are being operated in
a safe manner and condition. The purpose of safety checkpoints is to ensure
compliance with statutory and safety mandates regarding the safe operation of motor
vehicles that heretofore were ineffective by traditional means.
ll.
SAFETY CHECKPOINTS - GENERAL.
A. Description: A law enforcement procedure wherein law enforcement officers utilize
a systematic method for stopping vehicles at selected locations to ensure compliance
with seat belt usage according to statute and PENNDOT regulations by a brief
observation of the driver and passengers.
B. Objective: To increase the risk of detection of seat belt violations thereby providing
deterrence of those violations and ensuring compliance with driver license and vehicle
statutes and regulations.
C. Goal: To decrease death and injury caused by unbelted drivers and passengers
and to decrease the number of such drivers and passengers on the highways of the
Commonwealth.
D. Procedures: A sufficient number of law enforcement officers shall be recruited and
assigned to a safety checkpoint to ensure a smooth steady processing of vehicles and
to provide adequate protection of the traveling public’s rights and safety along with safe
operational procedures for the participating law enforcement officers.
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1. Site location and selection: Sites utilized as safety checkpoints shall be
selected by the Chief of Police or his/her designee. Selection of sites shall be
based on the following criteria:
a. Locations which are selected from empirical data gathered and
compiled by the law enforcement agency and administrative personnel.
This data shall be based on the number of driver and vehicle equipment
violations and warnings.
b. Sites which offer maximum visibility for both directions of travel.
c. Sites which have a low to medium traffic flow during the time periods
when the safety checkpoints will be conducted. When electing to stop
traffic in one direction only, the site selection should be made with
provisions for slowing traffic in the opposite direction.
d. Sites selected should permit the safe stopping of traffic in the travel
lane. This will allow the systematic method of selecting vehicles and the
distribution of appropriate information.
e. The site selected should have adequate space available to park police
vehicles and vehicles found to be unsafe or operated by drivers
unqualified to continue driving.
f. The site should have sufficient adjoining space available off the traveled
portioned of the roadway to have selected vehicles pull off the roadway
where additional inquiries can be made. These considerations may
include rest areas, parking areas, etc.
g. The site selected should not have characteristics or conditions that
would create a hazard to motorists or to the law enforcement officers
conducting the safety checkpoint.
h. An alternate site should also be selected should safety considerations
or unexpected situations arise at the time of the proposed operation of the
safety checkpoint. Safety considerations include circumstances such as
extremely heavy traffic due to an unforeseen event or major incident at or
near the safety checkpoint. (This alternate selection process provides
assurance that field officers are not making site selections without
adequate empirical data to substantiate the need for conducting a safety
checkpoint at these secondary sites.)
2. The day and time of the safety checkpoint shall be selected by the Chief of
Police, or his/her designee, based upon the same criteria as the site selection.
3. Personnel: The following personnel selection process shall be conducted to
help ensure the maximum possible results while minimizing the dangers to safety
of motorists and the law enforcement officers involved:
a. Checkpoint Supervisor/Officer In Charge - Each safety checkpoint
shall be established under the direction and control of a checkpoint
supervisor. The supervisor shall have been designated by the Chief of
Police or his/her designee. The supervisor may actively participate in the
checkpoint, but required responsibilities may preclude active participation.
The supervisor shall be responsible for the advance preparations
including, but not limited to, the following:
i. Notification of news media for advance publicity and notification
to the general and motoring public of the intended safety
checkpoint. Specific information as to time and location is not
required. A generalized statement that a safety checkpoint will be
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conducted by ..(law enforcement agency) on .. (date or day).
Additional information could include the hours of operation and the
roadway where it will be conducted.
ii. Preparation of a comprehensive operational plan which includes
all procedures to be followed in conducting the checkpoint. This
should incorporate elements of the overall law enforcement agency
policy regarding the operation of a safety checkpoint and specific
elements for the specific planned checkpoint.
iii. Preparation and distribution of the operational plan and
alternate site to all participating law enforcement personnel.
iv. Collection and distribution of adequate equipment to
participating law enforcement officers. (Equipment needs will be
discussed later in the manual.)
v. Organize and conduct a pre-deployment briefing of personnel.
The briefing should continue until the checkpoint supervisor is
satisfied that all personnel fully understand their duties.
vi. Coordinate movement of personnel from the briefing location to
the checkpoint site.
vii. Oversee and coordinate the placement of traffic control and
warning devices and the placement of personnel and vehicles.
This should be done in a safe and timely manner in order to provide
maximum safety to motorists and checkpoint personnel.
viii. Prepare a diagram depicting the final placement of signs,
traffic control devices, and law enforcement personnel. This
diagram becomes part of the record for that particular checkpoint.
ix. Clearly announce to checkpoint personnel the start of the
checkpoint operation to ensure that the method of stopping vehicles
will be followed.
x. Oversee the overall operation of the checkpoint operation.
Periodically check personnel to ensure that the checkpoint is being
conducted in a safe, courteous, professional manner and is
following established guidelines.
xi. Be available to answer questions concerning operational policy
and procedures from motorists and checkpoint personnel.
xii. Clearly announce the conclusion of the checkpoint at the
predetermined time or when other conditions or circumstances
mandate concluding the operation.
xiii. Oversee the cleanup of the site location. Assure traffic control
devices and other equipment have been removed from the roadway
and properly stored. Direct personnel in cleanup of the roadway
and secondary investigation area.
xiv. Collect all reports and related paperwork from the checkpoint.
xv. Conduct a post-deployment briefing. The briefing should
continue until the checkpoint supervisor is satisfied with the
operation of the checkpoint and performance of the checkpoint
personnel.
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xvi. Complete a comprehensive report of the activities of the
checkpoint which include the following information:
- Date and time the checkpoint was conducted (start/end
times)
- Location
- Personnel assigned
- Number of vehicles stopped
- Number of further investigative interviews conducted
- Number of traffic citations issued (specify driver, equipment
and other vehicle violations)
- Number of warnings issued
- Number of other arrests and non-traffic citations issued
b. Traffic Control Officer - Each safety checkpoint shall have an officer
assigned to direct appropriate vehicles, selected according to the predetermined systematic method, to the secondary area.
i. Set up equipment related to the checkpoint operation as directed
by the checkpoint supervisor.
ii. Maintain observation of traffic as it approaches. Be alert and
aware of surroundings. Remember, safety first!
iii. Stop vehicle with a clear and distinct hand signal.
iv. Direct those drivers selected according to pre-determined
systematic method to the secondary area.
v. At the conclusion of the checkpoint, the traffic control officer is
responsible for removing assigned equipment and returning it to the
proper storage area.
vi. Make comments or suggestions to the checkpoint supervisor at
the post deployment briefing to ensure the continued safe and
efficient operation of future safety checkpoints.
vii. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the
checkpoint supervisor.
c. Interview officers - Each safety checkpoint should have a minimum of
two law enforcement officers assigned in the secondary area to greet
drivers. The number of interview officers assigned is the responsibility of
the checkpoint supervisor. The interview officers are responsible for the
following activities:
i. Set up equipment related to the checkpoint operation as directed
by the checkpoint supervisor.
ii. Upon the signal to start, position themselves in the secondary
area. Remember, safety first!!
iii. Stop vehicles in compliance with pre-established systematic
method. There should be a clear and distinct signal to drivers to
stop.
iv. Greet motorists courteously and according to policy.
v. Examine the driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of
financial responsibility looking for:
- Status of documents (current/expired)
- Defaced, illegible or counterfeit documents
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Since the interview officer will be on the left side of the
vehicle, the certificate of inspection should also be
examined. This initial stop, greeting, and examination
should take between 45 to 60 seconds.
vi. If the interview officer is satisfied that the driver and vehicle are
in compliance, safety restraint use should be monitored and an
appropriate incentive given to the driver as the driver is permitted to
continue.
vii. Should the driver not have the requested documents or if a
suspected violation is observed, the driver and vehicle should be
directed to the processing officer for further investigation. (Further
investigation can be done by the interview officer or a designated
processing officer assigned for this purpose.)
viii. At the conclusion of the checkpoint, the interview officer is
responsible for removing assigned equipment and returning it to the
proper storage area.
ix. Any reports or paperwork should be submitted to the checkpoint
supervisor.
x. Make comments or suggestions to the checkpoint supervisor at
the post-deployment briefing to ensure the continued safe and
efficient operation of future safety checkpoints.
xi. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the
checkpoint supervisor.
d. Cover Officer - The cover officer is positioned on the right side of the
vehicle opposite the interview officer and the safety information officer.
Each interview and safety information officer will have a corresponding
cover officer assigned to him/her. The primary responsibility of the
cover officer is the safety of the other officers.
i. Set up equipment related to the checkpoint operation as directed
by the checkpoint supervisor.
ii. Look for weapons, contraband, and violations while the interview
or safety information officer is speaking with the driver and/or
checking documents.
iii. Assist the interview officer ensuring the driver and vehicle are in
compliance with statutes and regulations. Bring suspected
violations to the attention of the interview officer for further
investigation.
iv. Provide cover for the interview officer in the secondary area.
v. At the conclusion of the checkpoint, the cover officer is
responsible for removing assigned equipment and returning it to the
proper storage area.
vi. Make comments or suggestions to the checkpoint supervisor at
the post-deployment briefing to ensure the continued safe and
efficient operation of future safety checkpoints.
vii. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the
checkpoint supervisor.
AT NO TIME SHOULD AN INTERVIEW OFFICER OR SAFETY
INFORMATION OFFICER BE WITHOUT A COVER OFFICER!
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e. Processing officer - The processing officer is positioned in the
secondary area.
i. Set up equipment related to the checkpoint operation as directed
by the checkpoint supervisor.
ii. Continue investigation of drivers and vehicles directed by the
interview officer.
iii. Verify driver and vehicle status through DMV checks.
iv. Issue appropriate citation or warning notice, ensuring the driver
understands his/her duties for compliance.
v. Arrange for disposition of the driver and/or vehicle should further
operation be illegal, unsafe, or hazardous.
vi. At the conclusion of the checkpoint the processing officer is
responsible for removing assigned equipment and returning it to the
proper storage area.
vii. Submit reports generated by the checkpoint to the checkpoint
supervisor.
viii. Make comments or suggestions to the checkpoint supervisor
at the post-deployment briefing to ensure the continued safe and
efficient operation of future safety checkpoints.
ix. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the
checkpoint supervisor.
f. Patrol Officer - Maintains a position at either end of the checkpoint as
determined by the checkpoint supervisor. Observes moving/equipment
violations and drivers disregarding direction of the traffic control officers.
i. Set up equipment related to the checkpoint operation as directed
by the checkpoint supervisor. If a patrol officer is assigned to the
checkpoint, his/her equipment responsibilities would include the 48”
warning signs.
ii. Stopping of drivers who commit moving violations in order to
avoid the checkpoint. NOTE: Drivers can choose not to enter
the checkpoint so long as their method is done legally and
safely.
iii. At the conclusion of the checkpoint, the patrol officer is
responsible for removing assigned equipment and returning it to the
storage area.
iv. Submit any reports generated by the checkpoint to the
checkpoint supervisor.
v. Make comments or suggestions to the checkpoint supervisor at
the post deployment briefing to ensure the continued safe and
efficient operation of future safety checkpoints.
vi. Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the
checkpoint supervisor.
NOTE: The decision to designate a patrol officer to the
checkpoint resides with the checkpoint supervisor.
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4. Operational Procedures - The following procedures have been established to
help ensure a safe, legal, and successful safety checkpoint in compliance with
guidelines established by Federal courts, Pennsylvania courts and the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
a. The Chief of Police, or his/her designee, prior to the pre-deployment
briefing shall provide to the checkpoint supervisor the following
information:
i. The location of the safety checkpoint site and alternate site.
ii. The systematic method to be used for stopping vehicles. (i.e.
every third vehicle, every fifth vehicle, etc.)
iii. The start time and the end time for the checkpoint.
b. The checkpoint supervisor shall conduct a pre-deployment briefing with
the participating law enforcement personnel. The briefing shall include the
following:
i. The location of the safety checkpoint site and alternate site.
ii. The time the checkpoint will begin and end.
iii. A review of the operational plan including the systematic
method for stopping vehicles.
iv. Specific duty assignments for each participating law
enforcement officer including equipment responsibility.
v. Proper procedures for greeting drivers and personnel safety
issues. (i.e. weapons, contraband, vehicles disregarding signal to
stop and other hazardous conditions)
vi. Distribution of equipment, traffic control devices, radios,
reflective vests, etc.
vii. Ensure the orderly and safe travel of personnel to the
checkpoint site.
c. At the checkpoint site, the checkpoint supervisor shall ensure the
following:
i. Personnel are in full uniform, wearing a reflective vest, and easily
identifiable by motorists.
ii. Equipment is being deployed in a safe and timely manner.
iii. Personnel and vehicles are in their designated positions and
the checkpoint is visible to approaching motorists.
d. Once personnel and equipment are in place, the checkpoint supervisor
shall:
i. Clearly announce the start of the checkpoint operation and
identify for the traffic control officer the first vehicle in the systematic
stopping method.
ii. Ensure that the interview officers are greeting drivers according
to policy and that the initial detention of drivers is reasonable in
order to accomplish the objective of the safety checkpoint.
iii. Should there become a backlog of traffic to a predetermined
point, traffic should be allowed to proceed until the backlog
subsides. All such suspensions of the checkpoint operation shall
be recorded by the checkpoint supervisor.
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iv. If traffic volume requires a change from the predetermined
systematic method to another predetermined method, it will be
done only under the direction of the checkpoint supervisor and also
duly recorded.
e. The traffic control officer will direct those drivers selected by the predetermined method into the appropriate lane of traffic.
f. Those not selected for document checks will be directed to the safety
information officer who will introduce himself/herself with the nature and
purpose of the stop. Hello, I’m Officer ******* of the ******* Police
Department. This is a seat belt safety checkpoint, and has been set
up to check seat belt compliance. The driver will be given an incentive,
safety restraints use will be checked, the driver will be thanked for his/her
cooperation and directed to continue.
g. Those drivers selected will be directed to the interview officer(s) in the
secondary area. The interview officer will introduce himself/herself with
the nature and purpose of the stop. Hello, I’m Officer ******* of the
******* Police Department. This is a seat belt safety checkpoint, and
has been set up to check seat belt compliance.
h. After examining the documents, and if the interview officer is assured
that no violations exist either from direct observation or from the cover
officer, the driver will be given an incentive, safety restraints use will be
checked, the driver will be thanked for his/her cooperation and directed to
continue.
i. If there is a violation observed by the traffic control officer, interview
officer or the driver does not have one of the requested documents, the
driver will be directed to the processing officer. There, a further
investigation will be done by the processing officer. The appropriate
course of action will be taken in order to ensure compliance.
j. Should any criminal acts are observed by any officer, appropriate action
as is required and permitted under the circumstances should be taken.
k. There should be no physical searches of the driver or the vehicle in the
initial stopping area without probable cause.
l. Manpower and equipment assets which best meet safety requirements
for each checkpoint site location shall be considered when planning the
deployment for that particular checkpoint. Among things to be considered
in the planning of the checkpoint is anticipated traffic volume.
m. Checkpoints should have the following assigned for stopping traffic in
only one direction: one checkpoint supervisor; one traffic control officer;
one interview officer and cover officer; one safety information officer and
cover officer; and one patrol officer if assigned by the checkpoint
supervisor.
n. Only marked police vehicles should be used.
o. Sufficient warning signs shall be used. These include 48" folding signs
that are positioned prior to the actual stopping area. The first sign facing
motorists shall have the legend, “Seat Belt Checkpoint Ahead”. This sign
should be positioned between 400 feet to 600 feet prior to the designated
stopping area. The next sign facing approaching motorists should be
positioned 200 feet from the first sign. This second sign shall have the
legend “Be Prepared to Stop”.
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p. Minicades and traffic cones shall be positioned to direct and control
traffic once it enters the initial stopping area. The legends on the
minicades should include, "Slow”, and "Stop-Police Checkpoint”.
q. Advance notice to the media is recommended and encouraged. An
informative and active media campaign can have a positive impact on the
success of a safety checkpoint scheme locally and throughout the
Commonwealth.
r. Sufficient equipment is necessary to safely conduct a safety
checkpoint. The following is the minimum requirement:
i.
reflectorized safety vests.
ii.
portable radios.
iii.
orange traffic cones
iv.
one 48" sign with stand - “Seat Belt Checkpoint Ahead”
v.
one 48" sign with stand - “ Be Prepared to Stop”
vi.
minicades - “Slow”
vii.
minicades - “Stop-Police Checkpoint”
vii.
supply of incentives
ix.
traffic and non-traffic citations
x.
faulty equipment slips
xi.
DL-640 receipt of seized items form
xii.
cellular telephone
xii.
broom or shovel for cleanup
llI.
GUIDELINES FOR NIGHTTIME OPERATIONS
A. Site Deployment for Nighttime Operations: Manpower and equipment assets which
best meet safety requirements for each site location shall be considered when planning
the deployment for the safety checkpoint. The following shall be incorporated into the
checkpoint run during the hours of darkness:
1. For checkpoints that are stopping traffic in a single direction: (1) At least three
officers shall be positioned in the middle of the roadway. (2) One of these
officers shall be responsible for directing traffic to the immediate checkpoint area.
(3) The other two officers shall be assigned to check the motorists and their
vehicles. There should be two officers assigned as cover officers. At least two
officers should be assigned in the processing area.
2. For checkpoints that are stopping traffic in both directions. (1) At least six
officers shall be positioned in the middle of the roadway. (2) One in each
direction shall be responsible for directing traffic to the immediate checkpoint
area. (3) Two in each direction shall be assigned to check motorists and their
vehicles. (4) Two officers in each direction to provide cover. (5) Two officers in
each of the processing areas.
3. Auxiliary lighting shall be placed a sufficient distance away from reflectorized
equipment so as not to decrease the effectiveness of that equipment.
Reflectorized equipment includes items such as vests, signs, etc.
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4. Two signs will be posted prior to the safety checkpoint to alert motorists of the
impending checkpoint. Signs should be at least two hundred feet apart, with the
first sign being a minimum of four hundred feet prior to the actual checkpoint with
the "Seat Belt Checkpoint Ahead" message. The second sign shall have the
message "Be Prepared to Stop". If traffic is being stopped in both directions,
signs shall be posted in both directions prior to the checkpoint. To minimize
confusion for motorists, the erection of signs shall be the last step prior to
initiating the checkpoint operation. Signs shall be positioned and of the size, type
and specifications as outlined in the PA Department of Transportation's "Sign
Specification Manual".
5. Additional signs and traffic cones alerting motorists, including "Caution",
"slow", and "Stop - Police Checkpoint" signs may be utilized.
6. Flares and/or other warning lights shall be used at the approach to the
checkpoint. Flares should not be used within the checkpoint area itself. At the
completion of the checkpoint operation, flare residue and wires shall be swept
and removed from the roadway.
7. Equipment to be used by the assigned officers shall be issued at the predeployment briefing. The supervisor shall direct and coordinate the deployment
and security of the checkpoint. A prearranged signal shall be initiated when the
need for emergency clearing of the roadway by participating officers arises, i.e.,
whistle, horn, radio signal, etc.
8. Except for vans or trailers needed for transporting equipment to the site, only
marked patrol vehicles should be utilized. All vehicles located within the
immediate checkpoint area shall utilize emergency lights to alert motorists of the
impending checkpoint. Vehicles may be positioned as chase cars if necessary.
9. Equipment: Sufficient equipment is necessary to safely conduct a safety
checkpoint. The following is a minimum requirement for operation of a safety
checkpoint during the hours of darkness:
10. For checkpoints stopping in one direction:
a. Eight flashlights
b. Eight reflectorized vests
c. Eight portable radios
d. Ten reflectorized rubber cones
e. One reflective sign (Seat Belt Checkpoint Ahead)
f. One reflective sign (Be Prepared to Stop)
g. Reflective minicades - "slow"
h. Reflective minicades - "Stop – Police Checkpoint"
i. Flares (Two adjacent to each sign, one between each cone leading to
checkpoint. Reminder - Flares will burn approximately 30 minutes.
Adequate supply is needed to have continuous flares for a period of
approximately one-half hour before and after checkpoint is established.
Take plenty to insure adequate warning.
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j. Auxiliary lighting - six lights
k. Portable generator
l. Broom or shovel (cleanup)
m. Two marked police vehicles with emergency overhead lights
n. Supply of brochures and pamphlets on highway safety issues/
incentives
o. Traffic and non-traffic citations
p. Faulty equipment cards
q. DL-640 receipt of seized items form
r. Flashlight batteries
s. Cellular telephone
11. For checkpoints stopping two directions:
a. Fifteen flashlights
b. Fifteen reflectorized vests
c. Fifteen portable radios
d. Twenty reflectorized rubber cones
e. Two reflective signs (Seat Belt Checkpoint Ahead)
f. Two reflective signs (Be Prepared to Stop)
g. Reflective minicades - "slow"
h. Reflective minicades - "Stop -Police Checkpoint"
i. Flares (Two adjacent to each sign, one between each cone leading to
checkpoint. Reminder - Flares will burn approximately 30 minutes.
Adequate supply is needed to have continuous flares for a period of
approximately one-half hour before and after checkpoint is established.
Take plenty to insure adequate warning.
j. Auxiliary lighting - twelve lights
k. Two portable generators
l. Broom or shovel (cleanup)
m. Three marked police vehicles with emergency overhead lights
n. Supply of brochures and pamphlets on highway safety issues/
incentives
o. Traffic and non-traffic citations
p. Faulty equipment cards
q. DL-640 receipt of seized items form
r. Flashlight batteries
s. Cellular telephone
12. The Officer in Charge of the Safety Checkpoint that is run during the hours of
darkness shall consider the assigned site location and the potential for both
criminal and traffic violations beyond those of drivers license and vehicle
violations and the impact that it could have on the continued operation of the
Safety Checkpoint. The Officer in Charge of the Safety Checkpoint should
consider the inclusion of additional equipment and job assignments to checkpoint
personnel or having on duty patrol officers respond to the checkpoint to handle
any investigations beyond those targeted by the Safety Checkpoint.
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