Criminal Tech

Santana_CRJU_4169_MM_Chapter7.ppt

CRJU 4169: Traffic Summons/ Tickets and Crash Reports

Introduction

Community-oriented policing dictates that positive community relations are a cornerstone of law enforcement.
Every action by law enforcement affects the relationship between the agency and the community.
The old adage is true: “There is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.”
Statistically, traffic stops are dangerous.
Always practice officer safety and assume a defense posture when conducting any traffic stop.

The Traffic Summons/Ticket

The primary objective of any law enforcement agency is the safe and orderly flow of traffic through their respective jurisdiction.

Safe and Orderly Flow of Traffic

Traffic Enforcement and the Community

Traffic stops account for more than half of all contacts between citizens and law enforcement professionals across the nation each year.
The goal for each stop should be to make the violator aware of the violation either through education or enforcement.
Specific deterrence
The issuance of the summons, along with the punishment attached to it, will prevent him or her from committing the same violation in the future.
General deterrence
Society may become aware of the punishment associated with a violation.

Completing the Traffic Summons/Ticket

Before you stop a motorist for a traffic violation, you should already know what you are going to do before the stop.
Either you should be prepare to write the traffic summons/ticket or be prepared to offer a verbal warning.
Each state is different in regards to the requirements for each section, but the concepts of completing traffic summons/ticket remain the same.
Each state driver’s license contains the same or some of the same basic information for the subject of the license.
Once you have the license in hand, make sure you look at the photo to ensure you have the correct person driving the vehicle.
Information on a license needed for a traffic stop:
State
License number
Date the license was issued
Date the license expires
Class (regular, commercial, etc.)
Endorsements (i.e., motorcycle)
Restrictions (i.e., must wear glasses)
Name
Date of birth
Address
Height
Weight
Eye color
Sex

Figures 7-1(a-d) Variation in Driver’s License Formats

Additional Information

Is the address and the other information correct?
What is your home phone number?
Are you currently employed? Where?
What is your work phone number?
Some type of proof of insurance for the motor vehicle is mandatory.
Ask for proof of insurance, along with the driver's license and vehicle registration.
Licenses and registrations can be unique to each state, but you must adapt.

Vehicle Registration

Always compare the registration handed to you with the vehicle that was stopped for the violation to ensure that they are the same.

Figure 7-2 State Registration: Example 1

Figure 7-3 State Registration: Example 2

Figure 7-4 State Registration: Example 3

Figure 7-5 State Registration: Example 4

Probable Cause Affidavit

Figure 7-6 Traffic Summons/Ticket

Figure 7-7 Information Needed to Complete Traffic Summons/Ticket (1 of 2)

Figure 7-7 Information Needed to Complete Traffic Summons/Ticket (2 of 2)

Figure 7-8 Back of Traffic Summons/Ticket

Traffic Crash Report (1 of 2)

Vehicle 1 should be completed for the driver most responsible for the crash, unless told otherwise.
Specific information needs collected on:
Location and time of incident
The drivers and vehicles involved
Damage sustained by the vehicle(s)
On the back of the crash report, document the circumstances that led to the crash, as explained to you by the drivers and occupants involved, as well as those who witnessed the crash.

Figure 7-9 Traffic Crash Report

Figure 7-10 Driver Statements

Traffic Crash Documentation

Figure 7-11 Vehicle/Driver Number 1 Information (1 of 3)

Figure 7-11 Vehicle/Driver Number 1 Information (2 of 3)

Figure 7-11 Vehicle/Driver Number 1 Information (3 of 3)

Figure 7-12 Vehicle/Driver Number 2 Information (1 of 2)

Figure 7-12 Vehicle/Driver Number 2 Information (2 of 2)

Figure 7-13 Registration

Tips for Traffic Summons and Crash Reports

Determine if medical assistance is needed.
Interview all drivers at the crash scene, if possible before determining fault.
Ensure that drivers are not under the influence.
Check that the crash scene reflects what was explained to you by the drivers during the interview.
Make sure the drivers’ information is current.
Document injuries.