LESSON 5.

3: TRAFFIC PATROL

TRAFFIC PATROL
- refers to the observation of road conditions, the behavior of the drivers and other users of vehicles for
the purpose of traffic supervision and law enforcement and providing authorized traffic-connected
services to the public.
- However, traffic patrol is not all moving from one place to another place, but it also involves stationary
observation particularly on strategic places where accidents and traffic violations are very common
occurrence.
TYPES OF TRAFFIC PATROL
 There are two types of traffic patrol, it can be conducted sa mga area or line bases which we refer the
territory covered.
 When conducting traffic patrol, of course, kasama rito yung enforcement purposes, stationary
observation (nakatayo lang or nakatigil) to detect drivers' behavior as well as moving about to detect
violators.

1. Line Patrol - this involves either moving or stationary observation at a certain route or point of a major
street in a city. Usually, this is done by foot patrol officers.

 When conducting this type of patrol, pwede siyang moving, like nakasakay sa vehicle when
patrolling or stationary lang which means nasa-iisang pwesto or lugar lang siya nag-oobserve.

2. Area Patrol – this involves the conduct of observation either by moving patrol or observation of a
certain area which includes a number of streets, roads or sections of highways

 When we say area patrol naman, dito ang inoobserbahan is marami na, mga iilang streets,
roads, and sections or parte ng highways. Usually, ang mga nagpapatrol dito is yung mga mobile
police officers and even yung mga naka motorcycle na police officers since medyo Malaki na
ang area na sakop.

TYPES OF STATIONARY OBERVATION

STATIONARY OBSERVATION – observation of traffic conditions at a selected place, usually one with a high
accident rate or traffic flow problem, used especially to detect violations and deter possible violators.
1) Conspicuous Observation
- stationary observation in which observer remains in full view of traffic conditions.
- Here, the traffic patrol officer is situated in any place where he could be seen by all traffic users

2) Visible Observation
- stationary observation in which the observer is in full view but so located, for example, at side
street, so as to require effort on the part of traffic users to discover the observer.
3) Concealed Observation
- Stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to persons using ordinary power of
observation from the roadway being observed.

C. Purposes of Traffic Patrol. Traffic patrolling is usually conducted for the following purposes:
a) Deterrent to violations and dangerous driving.
b) Detecting and apprehending violators.
c) Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
d) Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction which needs attention
e) Providing certain services to the public.
f) Handling emergencies as they arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.
D. Deterring Drivers from Violating.
The effect of traffic law enforcement on the behavior of the motorist drivers depends upon what they think
the police will do or the reputation of the police for action. Once you have a reputation as a good traffic
enforcer for taking action when it is necessary, a deterrent effect may be achieved in several ways:
1. Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement actions against a violator.
- Nakikita na ginagawa mo yung trabaho mo, as a traffic law enforcer

2. Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.

- Again, dapat nakikita ka nila and nakikita mo silang lahat.
3. Leave the area and proceed to another area after you have taken enforcement action.
- Hindi ka dapat nananatili sa iisang area lang, kasi of course maraming nagyayari sa iba’t-ibang
lugar.
4. In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, be sure to spend more time in some area wherein
motorists or drivers fail to be aware of their common bad driving practices.
- Stay sa area na common yung violators

5. Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators in order to deter traffic violators.

E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving.

Be alert for potentially hazardous drivers. His action may not be illegal, but may serve as road hazards that
need to be cautioned.
This kind of driver may not have enough driving experience; he may be under the influence of liquor or
narcotics that may later on contribute to an accident if no action is taken against him at once.

F. Example of Actions and Conditions which may Need Close Watching for Further Investigations. While
patrolling, traffic officers must give special attention to some conditions that may result to greater danger or
continuous violations. These are:
a. Driving extremely at low speed.
b. Slow moving vehicles in left or "high speed" lanes.
c. Racing motor sliding stops, jumping starts, and the like excessive maneuvering such as backing up four
or five times to get into a parking space.
d. Pulling to curb lane at traffic signal.
e. Having turn signals on when not attempting to turn.
f. Waving in roadway.
g. Failing to slow for an intersection with obstructed view.
h. Passing or attempting to pass several cars in a bunch.
i. Suddenly turning off at approach of police vehicle.
j. Teen-age groups at night particularly when in two or more vehicles.
k. Damage or dressed up vehicles.
l. Faulty or obscured license plates.
m. Unlighted parked cars with motor running.
Warn drivers or pedestrians who are about to commit a violation. Confirm your observation of a driver by
making a sign or signal that his intended action is to be avoided.
For example, a driver may be about to stop and to double park or start to leave a vehicle which is standing in a
driveway.
A gesture is usually enough to warn the driver to desist.
Detecting and Apprehending Violators. These are the main jobs or duties of traffic patrol officers.
H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and ears of the department when
on traffic patrol.
You must supply information about what is happening on the street. This information may be used for many
purposes.
1. Road Intelligence. Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted. You may observe an unusual
amount of delay at a certain intersection each morning and when you learn that it is due to loading or
unloading of passengers on a "NO LOADING ZONE", be sure to report the situation at once to your superior
officer. Pay special attention to congestions that tie up traffic for a block or more. You should also report
unnecessary delay at stop signs or signals which are installed when traffic is heavier.
Include in your report all road and bridge conditions.

J. Patrol Assignment. You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or you may have instructions to use
a combination.
For example, you may patrol a certain street noted for excessive accidents in a line at specific times. The
following are some guidelines when assigned in traffic patrol unit.
1. Be sure to be familiar with the street lay out in your area. Learn the short cuts, the dead ends, and
the back streets. Learn which streets are likely to serve as escape routes from the city or provincial
roads.
2. Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion is likely to occur so that you can "drive around"
these places when on emergency call.
3. When assigned to area patrol, you may or may not be able to cover your entire assignment area on
each tour of duty, depending upon its size. You may not be able to give the same amount of attention
to each section due to the necessity of concentrating on a certain trouble spot. However, you should
consider yourself responsible for traffic conditions in the entire area
4. When assigned to line patrol, you are responsible for the traffic conditions on a particular street or
highway. You may be permitted to depart from your assigned street when, for example, you pursue
violator or on an authorized break time such as lunch.
5. You may also want to employ patrol techniques which will require you to depart momentarily from
an intersecting street rather than always approaching it from the street which you are patrolling. At
times this will enable you to get better view of traffic conditions on your assigned street.

K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques. Occasionally, you may have an assignment in which you work with another
patrol unit. When multiple patrol units are used, special tactics are possible.
Examples of these are the following:
1. When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up the rear of the group. If one or
more drivers in the group think that they can no longer be observed since they have been passed by
the first patrol unit, they feel free to violate. The following patrol unit observes and apprehends the
violators. A conspicuous and concealed unit may be used together in much the same manner.

2. When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at the rear while the other
overtakes the leader. If two vehicles are racing, or if two violators separate, the paired patrol units can
separate for individual pursuit.

3. Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect each other, particularly when
approaching suspicious persons or vehicles. Except for special purposes or occasions, patrol unit works
independently so that more areas can be covered that way.
L. Steps to Take in Cases of Special and Unusual Situations. Oftentimes, traffic patrol officers are confronted
with unusual situations while on field operations. The following are some of the guidelines to be observed
when faced with unusual incidents:
1. What to do in case of abandoned motor vehicle?
A motor vehicle is said to be abandoned when it is left unattended in an area not provided for parking or
unattended for one or two days in an area provided for parking.
For these reasons, unattended vehicles become a problem to traffic flow. In some instances, they are
accidentally found to be a more serious problem than what is actually thought of, particularly when they are
abandoned by carnappers or hold-uppers.

 Abandoned vehicles may be classified into two categories:

a) unattended due to mechanical defects,
and b) abandoned by carnappers or hold-up men.

a. In the case of the first category:

 verify and check on the ownership of the vehicle, and if possible,
 advise the owner to relocate the vehicle to a much safer place.

b. In case of the second category:

 get the plate number and other data of the vehicle,
 make a report on the presence of the abandoned vehicle to the nearest TRAFCOM or traffic
police unit,
 make possible steps to inform the owner,
 bring the vehicle to the TRAFCOM or traffic police impounding area and conduct a Technical
Inspection Report in the presence of the alleged owner,
 advise the owner to present all pertinent papers of the vehicle for the identification of the
ownership,
 if the vehicle is found to have violated any provision of RA 6539,
 note its violation and together with the Technical Inspection Report, submit it for investigation,
and
 finally, submit a duly accomplished spot report.
2. What to do on stalled or bogged down motor vehicles?
In most instances, traffic accidents or jams are caused by stalled or bogged down vehicles that are left
carelessly unattended in the highways.
In these casestherefore, it is important that you should know the basic courses of actions in order to avoid
unnecessary risks of human lives and property and further allow the continuous free flow of traffic. When you
notice stalled or bogged down vehicles having mechanical defects and blocking the roads;take these
precautionary measures:
a) Check the defect or condition of the vehicle,
b) Ensure the safety of vehicles and persons involved by conducting traffic direction in the vicinity,
c) If practicable, push the vehicle to the road shoulder.
d) You may request assistance of other motorists to do this, otherwise avail of wreckers or heavy trucks
to move it,
e) Advise the owner of the vehicle to avail the services of a repairman, and
f) Provide early warning devices or any lantern to deter accident occurrences and provide appropriate
precautions for the safety and conveniences of the repairman and the other motorists.
3. How to handle traffic jam? Traffic Jam is caused by such factor as vehicular accident, stalled vehicle due to
engine trouble, absence of traffic officer at an intersection, or road construction. Steps to be taken by a traffic
officer are:
 Determine the cause of the traffic jam,
 If traffic jam is caused by vehicular accident, conduct fast, immediate but complete investigation and
remove vehicles involved at the scene of accident,
 If traffic jam is caused by mechanical trouble, assist motorist to push the vehicle to a place where it will
not obstruct the flow of traffic,
  Establish yourself and conduct systematic flow of traffic,
 Observe if the flow of traffic became smooth, if not, refer back to letter "a" above, and
 Implement proper traffic regulation to avoid further traffic jam.

4. In case of vehicle cannibalization. Vehicle cannibalization is characterized by stealing the parts of the motor
vehicle instead of carnapping the whole car. In case of this incident, take the following steps:
 Determine the vehicle parts that were stolen,
 Take down the name of the owner of the vehicle, the description of the vehicle, and the location or
where the incident took place,
 Look for immediate possible clues that might lead to the identification of the perpetrators or their
modus operandi,
 Interview the witnesses and owner to get a general picture of the situation prior to the incident,
 Prepare a spot report and submit it to the nearest TRAFCOM Unit, and
 If further investigation is necessary, the vehicle may be impounded for safekeeping.
 HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION
HIT AND RUN CASES DEFINED:
SEC. 5, RA 4136: No driver of a motor vehicle concerned in a vehicle accident shall leave the scene of the
accident without aiding the victim, except under any of the following circumstances:
1. If the driver is in imminent danger of being seriously harmed by any persons by reasons of accident;
2. If the driver reports the accident to the nearest officers of law;
3. Or if the driver has to summon a physician or nurse to aid the victim.

SINASABI ni SEC. 5, RA 4136: Walang driver ng sasakyang de-motor na nababahala sa isang aksidente sa
sasakyan ang dapat umalis sa pinangyarihan ng aksidente nang hindi tinutulungan ang biktima, maliban sa
alinman sa mga sumusunod na pangyayari:
1. Kung ang driver ay nasa nalalapit na panganib na seryosong masaktan ng sinumang tao dahil sa
aksidente;
2. Kung iuulat ng driver ang aksidente sa pinakamalapit na opisyal ng batas;
3. O kung ang tsuper ay kailangang magpatawag ng manggagamot o nars para tulungan ang biktima.

REASONS OF APPREHENDING AND PROSECUTING HIT-AND-RUN:

1. Maaaring nabawasan ang pinsala o napigilan ang kamatayan kung ang driver ay agad na humingi ng
tulong sa halip na umalis sa pinangyarihan ng aksidente.
2. Ang mga kalye ay hindi magiging ligtas kung ang motorista ay makakatakas sa mga eksena ng aksidente
nang hindi tumatanggap ng responsibilidad.
3. Ang kaalaman ng publiko na karaniwang hinuhuli at hinahatulan ng pulisya ang mga hit-and-run na
driver ay humahadlang sa iba pang mga driver na maaaring hilig na umiwas sa responsibilidad sa
pamamagitan ng paggawa ng malubhang pagkakasala na ito;
4. Dahil ang pag-alis sa pinangyarihan ng isang aksidente ay hindi katanggap-tanggap sa lipunan,
sinisiguro ng pulisya ang mas mataas na suporta ng publiko para sa buong programa sa pagkontrol ng
trapiko sa pamamagitan ng agarang pangamba at matagumpay na pag-uusig sa mga nagkasalang ito.

TWO IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN INVESTIGATION OF THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT;

1. Ang driver na tumakas sa pinangyarihan ng isang aksidente ay hindi kinakailangan ang driver na
responsable para sa iyong aksidente.
2. Ang hit-and-run na driver ay madalas na mag-uulat ng pinsala

D.Elements of Hit-and-Run. To attain the objective of investigator: identifying and apprehending the hit-and-
run driver, as the investigator
1. You must prove suspect was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. Even if you have witnesses
to prove this, get evidence to disprove his alibi.
2. Suspect was involved in an accident resulting in death, personal injury or damage to property.
3. Suspect failed to stop, give aid or information as to his identity to other person(s) involved, to police or
to anyone at the accident scene; or failed to take reasonable steps to notify the owner of damaged
property other than a vehicle. Do not overlook the possibility of a simulated second accident to explain
damaged caused by the first accident.
4. Suspect had knowledge of the accident.
 Physical evidence may prove the vehicle figured in the accident.
 Extent of damage to vehicle. Extensive damage to vehicle would preclude allegation of lack of
knowledge. If suspect refrained from using his vehicle for several days since the accident, this
would also indicate the guilt.
 Guard against claims that the vehicle was stolen to evade responsibility.
E. The Hit-and-Run Operator. The personality of the hit-and-run driver may be one of the following:

1. Three categories based upon possible psychological explanations for their motivation of flight:
a. Apprehensive-panic-drive, fearful driver: intoxicated drivers; without license; no insurance; his
companion in the car is not his/her mate; stolen car; stolen goods in car; leaving scene of another
crime; and fleeing crime scene or wanted for crime
b. Projectionist-projects guilt. This type of drivers sits as judge and jury, tries the case himself, finds the
other driver at fault refuses to be a party to the accident and drives off as the offended person.
c. The sneak operator. This type involves minor property-damage-only accidents like one that smashes a
fender and smashes grillwork in his daily occupational activities and chalks up his action as the
calculated risk shared by all vehicle owners who place their vehicles on the roadway.
2. Classes of Hit-and-Run Drivers. They could be: Drunk drivers; criminals fleeing from the scene of the crime;
improperly licensed drivers or drivers with no license or with revoked or expired license; drivers who fear
publicity and prosecution; ignorance of the accident; driver who flees in panic; drug addicts; insurance or
financial reasons; and or juveniles.

F. Preliminary Steps in Hit-and-Run Investigation. The following usually serve as the guideline for hit-and-run
cases investigators:
1. Refer to checklist on Accident Investigation.
2. Obtain the best possible descriptions of the car and driver.
a. A good description may be obtained from partial descriptions given by witnesses.
b. Get the license plate and any unusual features of the vehicle.
c. Concentrate on the car's description first.
d. Dispatch initial description and subsequent information to the Headquarters and to police
agencies that may assist in spotting and stopping the suspect vehicle.
e. Broadcast descriptions of the suspected car and driver to all police units and offices.
f. Try to determine the damage to the fleeing car

3. Appeal for information through local newspapers, radio, T.V., etc.

4. Carefully search the hit-and-run scene for physical evidence.
a. These may include broken glasses and fragments, hubcaps, paint scrapping from hit-and-run
car, other evidence such as dirt from subject car, radiator, ornament, etC..
b. Carefully preserve and label all evidence found at the scene.
c. Request laboratory study of evidence.
d. Watch out for the possible return of the hit-and-run driver to the scene of the accident. This
has been known to happen.

5. The Victim
a. Check his clothing; other parts of his body, tire marks, grease, paint chips, fragments, and such
things that might have been left on him by the suspect car.
b. If the victim is killed, get samples of uncontaminated blood from him at the morgue and
samples of hair, skin, etc.
c. Collect and preserve for laboratory examination, the clothes, shoes, and other items he was
wearing at the time of the accident

G. Follow-up Investigation. The investigator should: During follow-up investigation,

1. Interview persons living along the route taken by the hit-and-run driver; also, operators of filling
stations and garages.
2. Canvass parking lots and other filling stations and garages.
3. Return to the accident scene at the same time on subsequent days and on the same day of the
following weeks to obtain additional witnesses such as delivery men operating on scheduled routes.
4. Follow-up phone calls to garages and dealers of auto parts.
5. Continue appealing for information through the press, radio and TV.
H. Search for Suspect Car.
If it is located and recovered:
1. Look for physical evidence, such as latent fingerprints, pieces of clothing, marks, damaged parts, hair,
blood, etc. which will identify the car as that involved in the hit-and-run accident.
2. Search the undercarriage of the suspect car. Determine also if there is indication of disturbance in the
grease or dirt adhering to it.
3. Make a careful investigation for replaced parts.

I. Interview of Suspect
When the suspect is apprehended:
1. Obtain a signed statement if you can.
2. Get a full account of suspect's whereabouts and write it down just in case he refutes in later.
3. Approach and apprehend the driver of the suspect car as soon as his identity and whereabouts are
ascertained.
4. Place the driver in a defensive position by properly directed questions upon approach.