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Traffic Investigation and Enforcement

NCJ Number
92896
Author(s)
D O Schultz; D D Hunt
Date Published
1983
Length
246 pages
Annotation
Intended to assist the beginning patrol and traffic officer as well as for a college text, this book has chapters on traffic laws and enforcement, vehicle stops, pursuit driving, driving under the influence, traffic point control, accident investigation, traffic homicide, hit-and-run investigation, testifying in court, and the traffic division.
Abstract
The discussion of traffic laws and enforcement focuses on vehicle codes, moving traffic violations, equipment violations, citations versus warnings, the quota system, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the point system, and ticket-fixing. The chapter on vehicle stops considers the types of stops, auto theft, vehicle identification numbers, narcotics and other contraband, and arrest techniques and search positions. In exploring aspects of pursuit driving, attention is given to officer qualifications, when to pursue, the high-speed chase, driving position, pursuit techniques, and a vehicle maintenance and inspection checklist. The discussion of driving under the influence includes sections on the properties of alcohol, alcohol in the body, the effects of alcohol on behavior, the effects of drugs and other chemicals, the effects of other physical impairments, field tactics, testing, and court testimony. Investigatory steps and techniques are presented with respect to traffic accidents in general and specifically hit-and-run and traffic homicide. The chapter on testifying in court provides information on the various procedures associated with trials, notably civic court actions, and the roles of the various courtroom actors. The discussion of the personnel, organzation, and activities of the traffic division focuses on nonsworn personnel, the use of helicopters, selective traffic enforcement, and civilian accident investigators. The appendixes contain Maine's point system, Florida's implied consent law, how to calculate speed from skid marks, California's implied consent law, an exemplary pursuit and emergency response driving policy, flare patterns, and charts of vehicle identification numbers. In addition to a glossary and a subject index, 43 bibliographic listings are provided.