NCJ Number
7978
Date Published
1972
Length
16 pages
Annotation
SPEED LAWS AND THEIR ENFORCEMENT, EMPHASIZING THE DETECTION OF VIOLATIONS AND THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR CONVICTION OF OFFENDERS.
Abstract
ONE OF THE POLICEMAN'S MAJOR TASKS IS THE SUPERVISION OF TRAFFIC, SPEED ENFORCEMENT IS A PRIMARY ELEMENT OF THAT TASK. THE SECTION WHICH COVERS THE DISCOVERY OF SPEED VIOLATORS OFFERS SUGGESTIONS REGARDING WHERE AND HOW TO LOOK FOR SPEEDERS. GUIDELINES ARE OFFERED FOR GATHERING EVIDENCE TO SATISFY THE ELEMENTS OF PROOF REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT SPEED VIOLATIONS. BECAUSE SPEED MEASUREMENT IS NECESSARY FOR PROVING VIOLATION OF SPEED LIMITS, VARIOUS MEANS OF MEASUREMENT ARE DESCRIBED. DETAILS ARE GIVEN ON HOW TO ESTIMATE VEHICLE SPEED FROM A MOVING PATROL CAR, METHODS ARE DESCRIBED FOR MEASURING SPEED FROM A FIXED POSITION - THE 'CONSTANT DISTANCE' METHOD WHICH INVOLVES TIMING VEHICLE MOVEMENT OVER A MEASURED STRETCH OF ROADWAY, AND, THE 'ELECTRONIC FREQUENCY DIFFERENCE', OR RADAR METHOD IS PRESENTED. FINALLY, THE BOOK GIVES ELEMENTS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE POLICE OFFICER WHEN DECIDING WHAT ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO TAKE AGAINST A SPEED VIOLATOR. (SNI ABSTRACT)