Queensland Police Service

3.6 Responsibilities of officers at a static interception site

Within any static interception site there will be identifiable functions and responsibilities to be performed. This section outlines, in general terms the functions within a static interception site. It will be necessary to refer to other more specific sections of this Manual (e.g. Chapter 6: 'Speed Detection') when dealing with those duties.

POLICY

Depending on the particular situation, more than one of the duties and responsibilities contained herein may be undertaken by any particular officer provided that the performance of more than one function does not detract from the officer's ability to perform another assigned function.

Officers in charge of regions may establish minimum and maximum staffing levels for particular operations at static interception sites.

3.6.1 Officer in command

POLICY

At any incident that calls for action by police and at which officers are present, the officer in command has responsibility for the establishment of any required static interception site. (See s. 2.4.12: 'Roadblocks' of the Operational Procedures Manual with respect to the operation of a roadblock site.)

The officer in command at a static interception site is responsible for:

(i) preparing a Site Safety Plan for the static interception site;

(ii) the interception and stopping of vehicles and or pedestrians in a safe manner. Officers in command are to ensure that only one intercepting officer is intercepting vehicles at any particular time;

(iii) subject to minimum and maximum staffing levels established by an officer in charge of a region, the determination of the number of officers required to adequately perform all duties associated with the specific task for which the static interception site was established;

(iv) supervising the operation of the interception site once created by directing and controlling officers at the static interception site;

(v) as circumstances dictate directing the cessation of the interception site; and

(vi) ensuring the workplace health and safety of persons entering, leaving or at the static interception site (see Workplace Health and Safety Act ss. 23(1) and 30).

PROCEDURE

In establishing a static interception site, in addition to other provisions of this Manual, considerations by the officer in command should include whether:

(i) authority exists;

(ii) the location intended affords safety consistent with the provisions of s. 3.5.1: 'Site selection' of this chapter; and

(iii) appropriate safety equipment is available for use.

The officer in command at a static interception site should ensure that:

(i) the establishment of the static interception site complies with the requirements of this Manual;

(ii) all officers at the interception site are briefed prior to the commencement and allocation of duties, and where appropriate, a debriefing is held prior to the completion of duty;

(iii) suitable officers are selected to perform identified duties;

(iv) conflicts between officers and members of the public are dealt with;

(v) unless special circumstances exist, officers wear the uniform of the day;

(vi) whenever considered appropriate, any Service vehicle being used at the static interception site which has a revolving or flashing light or a light bar should have such light or light bar lit or activated;

(vii) activities of officers at the site are monitored to ensure that safety is maintained;

(viii) the ratio of vehicles intercepted to officers at the site is maintained at manageable levels and delays to traffic are not unreasonable;

(ix) the site is left clean and tidy;

(x) weather, light and traffic conditions are monitored and if appropriate consideration is given to terminating the operation. Static interception sites should not be operated during the first and last 45 minutes of daylight unless an artificial light source is also used at the site;

(xi) inexperienced officers are assisted in the performance of their duties; and

(xii) any statistical form required is completed and furnished at the termination of the operation.

ORDER

Officers in command are to ensure that officers at static interception sites wear reflectorised safety vests in compliance with s. 26.1.4.3.1: 'Reflectorised Safety Vests' of the Human Resource Management Manual and s. 3.5.3: 'Safety equipment' of this chapter.

3.6.2 Intercepting officers

POLICY

An intercepting officer present at a static interception site is responsible for the interception and or diversion of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The number of officers performing the duties of intercepting officer at a site should be kept to a minimum although more than one intercepting officer may be designated.

First Year Constables and officers inexperienced in traffic duties should not be designated as intercepting officers except on roads where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h.

PROCEDURE

Intercepting officers should:

(i) unless otherwise directed by the officer in command, wear the uniform of the day;

(ii) wear a Service issue reflectorised safety vest, see s. 3.5.3: 'Safety equipment' of this chapter;

(iii) during the hours of darkness, use a traffic wand and/or a strobe light;

(iv) use a reflectorised 'STOP POLICE' sign during hours of darkness. The use of the sign during daylight hours is to be at the discretion of the officer in command of the site. Where adverse weather conditions exist, such as strong winds, or conditions exist which render the use of such sign dangerous, e.g. heavy vehicles causing strong wind gusts when passing, the officer in command of the site may decide that the use of the sign is impractical;

(v) when standing on a road, keep approaching vehicles under constant observation;

(vi) when directing traffic, use definite and distinct hand signals;

(vii) where necessary, assist motorists to re-enter the traffic flow after being intercepted;

(viii) stop all traffic where necessary to allow Service vehicles to safely enter a road;

(ix) not stand between intercepted vehicles and any other vehicle parked either in front of or behind the intercepted vehicle;

(x) maintain visual and or radio contact with the officer in command and other officers;

(xi) be mindful of the possibility that a motorist may not be able to see persons standing on roadways due to reflection, sunlight, poor visibility or other reasons. Intercepting officers should also be mindful that safety at the static interception site is more important than the apprehension of motorists; and

(xii) while intercepting vehicles:

(a) wherever practicable, enter on to the road and commence giving any required directions no closer to the vehicle to be intercepted than the safety planning distance appropriate to the speed of the vehicle (see Appendix 3.3 of this chapter);

(b) not remain directly in the path of a vehicle when it is apparent that the driver of the vehicle cannot or will not stop before reaching the officer; and

(c) not move about on the road in such a manner as to require drivers of vehicles to brake suddenly or take sudden evasive action to avoid the officer.

3.6.3 Interviewing officers

Interviewing officers are responsible for conducting interviews and conversations with motorists or pedestrians who are intercepted. Interviewing officers may also be responsible for performing other duties such as conducting roadside breath tests, issuing traffic infringement notices, inspecting motor vehicles, etc.

PROCEDURE

Interviewing officers should:

(i) conduct interviews/conversations with persons whilst on the footpath, the shoulder of the road furthest from moving traffic or another area well clear of any moving traffic (e.g. a 'safety zone');

(ii) make relevant notes of interviews/conversations and events as soon as practicable after an incident;

(iii) be conversant and follow the safety procedures and precautions outlined in this Manual;

(iv) maintain visual and or radio contact with the officer in command and other officers;

(v) be mindful of the possibility that a motorist may not be able to see persons standing on roadways due to reflection, sunlight or poor visibility, and remain on the roadway for the shortest possible time;

(vi) if standing on a roadway, maintain continuous observation of any approaching traffic travelling in the lane closest to the officer; and

(vii) not stand between intercepted vehicles and any other vehicle nor directly in front of or directly behind an intercepted vehicle.

3.6.4 Pursuit vehicle's driver

PROCEDURE

A pursuit vehicle's driver is responsible for giving pursuit, where appropriate and justified, to drivers of vehicles who have failed to stop after being directed to do so. (See s. 14.30: 'Safe driving policy - urgent duty driving' of the Operational Procedures Manual)

3.6.5 Safety officer

PROCEDURE

The safety officer should assist the officer in command with the selection of the site, monitor the safety of the site and take appropriate action to remedy any unsafe practices to minimise any risk to officers or members of the public at the site.

The safety officer is responsible for:

(i) allocation and management of equipment utilised;

(ii) the collection and recording of statistical data and the completion of summary sheets;

(iii) the security of the interception site including the random breath test special operations vehicle;

(iv) the provision of sufficient lighting at the site;

(v) the placement and maintenance of reflectorised warning signs and directional signs when necessary;

(vi) the placement and maintenance of the traffic cones with reflectorised tape when necessary; and

(vii) assisting the officer in command to ensure that all officers perform their duties in a safe manner.

3.7 Combined operations

POLICY

Combined operations are conducted with officers from other government departments such as Queensland Transport. The provisions of this chapter relating to static interception sites apply with respect to any combined operations. Where the site safety requirements of this chapter have not been complied with at the relevant static interception site, officers should negotiate with the officers from the other agency to reconfigure the site or relocate the operation to comply with site safety planning requirements. Where it is not possible to negotiate the reconfiguration or relocation of the static interception site, officers should not perform static interception duties at that site.

3.8 Roadblocks

Section 2.4.12: 'Roadblocks' of the Operational Procedures Manual outlines the authorities, justification and procedures for establishing roadblocks.

3.9 Mobile interception

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

POLICY

This section is to be read in conjunction with s. 14.23: 'Safe driving policy - urgent duty driving' of the Operational Procedures Manual.

3.9.1 Considerations prior to interception

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

PROCEDURE

Officers intending to intercept persons suspected of having committed an offence and who are in motor vehicles should ensure that:

(i) they do not unnecessarily expose themselves or any other persons, including the suspect, to danger; and

(ii) appropriate safety precautions are taken.

Upon observing a vehicle driven by or containing an offender/suspect, officers should:

(i) consider whether to stop the vehicle immediately or call for assistance. This consideration should include whether the vehicle is being driven in a manner dangerous to road users, the type of offence suspected of having been committed, the number of suspects in the vehicle and whether the officer attempting the interception is alone.

If the suspect's vehicle is being driven in a dangerous manner or the driver is suspected as being under the influence of liquor or a drug, then every effort should be made to stop the vehicle as soon as possible, bearing in mind the amount of traffic on the road at the time;

(ii) consider advising the local police communications centre of their intentions to stop an offender/suspect; and

(iii) before any attempt is made to intercept a suspect vehicle:

(a) select a suitable interception site;

(b) where practicable, select a well lit interception site; and

(c) select a level stretch of roadway so that both the police vehicle and the suspect vehicle are plainly visible from a distance. Avoid stopping over the crest of a hill.

3.9.2 Intercepting a suspect vehicle

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

PROCEDURE

When an officer has made a decision to intercept a vehicle and having selected a suitable interception site, that officer should:

(i) check the rear vision mirror and monitor any following traffic, keep a clear view of and not overtake the suspect vehicle;

(ii) be alert to the possibility that the suspect vehicle may stop suddenly and the suspect decamp from the vehicle or the suspect vehicle may make a u-turn and drive off in the opposite direction, or reverse onto the police vehicle to damage same or to activate the police vehicle's airbag SRS;

(iii) position the police vehicle to the rear of and at a safe distance from the suspect vehicle. Activate the emergency warning lights fitted to the police vehicle and if necessary, activate the siren;

(iv) when intercepting oncoming vehicles, at no time position the police vehicle on the incorrect side of the road or travel into the path of an oncoming vehicle;

(v) if the suspect vehicle does not stop, position the police vehicle abreast of the suspect vehicle until the front door of the police vehicle is in line with the rear door of the suspect vehicle. Care should be taken during this manoeuvre to avoid 'over-shooting' the suspect vehicle and to prevent the driver swerving the suspect vehicle into the police vehicle. Officers should be prepared to take evasive action if the driver of the suspect vehicle attempts to ram the police vehicle;

(vi) indicate to the driver of the suspect vehicle by hand signals, visual means (such as a 'POLICE - STOP' sign), loudspeaker or other suitable means, to stop the vehicle; and

(vii) when the suspect vehicle has come to a halt, stop the police vehicle at a reasonable distance behind the suspect vehicle, allowing visibility of the interior of the suspect vehicle. The police vehicle may be stopped in an off- set position if the interception site allows it.

3.9.3 Procedures after interception

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

PROCEDURE

Before leaving the police vehicle to speak to the occupants of the suspect vehicle and while at the interception site dealing with the occupants of the suspect vehicle, intercepting officers should:

(i) notify the local police communications centre of the interception and the exact location as well as any other information regarding the description of the suspect vehicle and its occupants.

(ii) if time permits, place in the police vehicle a note recording information of the suspect vehicle and its occupants;

(iii) ensure the light bar or the revolving or flashing lights are operating if the stopping of the vehicles creates a hazardous situation;

(iv) observe the occupants of the suspect vehicle for any unusual movement, e.g. change of seating positions, attempts to dispose of anything or attempts to leave the scene unexpectedly either in the vehicle or on foot;

(v) avoid standing between the police vehicle and the suspect vehicle;

(vi) approach the suspect vehicle with caution;

(vii) where practicable, walk to the driver's side of the suspect vehicle. If it is unsafe to do so, walk to the passenger side;

(viii) stand at a point just behind the front driver's/passenger's side door (officers should avoid walking or standing in a position forward of the front door lock. There is a risk of the driver suddenly opening the door and knocking the officer to the ground. Officers should stand at an angle to the vehicle and not face-on towards the vehicle. Officers should avoid bending down or stepping back from a vehicle without first ensuring the movement is safe from oncoming vehicles); and

(ix) in the case of two officer patrols, generally avoid approaching the intercepted vehicle from the same side.

3.10 Mobile interception of heavy vehicles

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

Heavy vehicles such as articulated motor vehicles, 'B' Doubles, road trains or other rigid motor vehicles towing one or more trailers, due to their weight and size require suitable interception sites.

PROCEDURE

In addition to the provisions contained in s. 3.5.1: 'Site selection' of this Manual, officers intending to intercept heavy vehicles should ensure that any selected interception site:

(i) has sufficient space for the stopping of the vehicle;

(ii) has a safe 'pull- off' section;

(iii) provides for good visibility of stopped vehicles to approaching traffic and wherever practicable be on flat roadway;

(iv) does not require the sudden application of brakes by drivers of heavy vehicles or the driving of the heavy vehicles up hill when departing; and

(v) has sufficient space for vehicles to move off and return into the traffic flow.

3.11 Deleted

3.12 Security firms' special purpose armoured vehicles

Cancelled as from 1 January 2008. See Commissioner's Circular 24/2007.

PROCEDURE

From time to time officers may have cause to intercept drivers of special purpose armoured vehicles owned by security firms. To alleviate the concern experienced by security firms that the person(s) intercepting their vehicles, particularly in remote areas, might be criminals posing as police officers, the intercepting officer should:

(i) permit the driver to remain in the special purpose armoured vehicle; and

(ii) allow the driver to communicate through a microphone system fitted to that vehicle.

Any written communication, including any identification or driver's licence may be passed by the driver to the officer through the vehicle's gun ports.

Special purpose armoured vehicles should not be left on roadways and where appropriate the vehicle is to be driven to a police station/establishment. The relevant security firm's supervisor will attend upon request to make any necessary arrangements depending on the circumstances.

In the event that an armoured vehicle is involved in a traffic crash, officers should permit the driver of such vehicle to communicate with their supervisor to enable that supervisor to attend the scene. If the driver is incapacitated as a consequence of an injury, officers should contact the security firm's supervisor.

Officers performing duties at a random breath test interception site should not intercept security firms' special purpose armoured vehicles.

Issue 15 - February 2009