GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
TITLE: DISABLED VEHICLES
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
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DISABLED VEHICLES
505.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for department members who provide assistance to motorists in disabled vehicles within the primary jurisdiction of the Lincoln Police Department.
505.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Lincoln Police Department to assist motorists with disabled vehicles until those vehicles are safely removed from the roadway. Members should take appropriate action to mitigate potential problems when a vehicle constitutes a traffic hazard or the safety of the motorist is a concern.
505.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
When an on-duty member of this department sees a disabled vehicle on the roadway, the member should make a reasonable effort to provide assistance. If this is not reasonably possible, the communications officer should be advised of the location of the disabled vehicle and the need for assistance. The communications officer should then assign another department member to respond as soon as practicable.
505.4 ASSISTANCE
In most cases, a disabled motorist will require assistance. After arrangements for assistance are made, continued involvement by department members will be contingent on the time of day, the location, the availability of department resources and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
505.4.1 ASSISTANCE TOWING
Assistance Towing shall be the only exception to the City of Lincoln's Wrecker Rotation System by allowing the motor vehicle operator, or owner, to express a preference of the wrecker service that responds.
If the motor vehicle is disabled in the roadway or at any location in which the vehicle shall be required to be removed immediately, the vehicle operator, or owner, must request a wrecker service on the Lincoln Police Department Wrecker Rotation System.
If the motor vehicle is legally located on private property and does not present a hazard, the motor vehicle operator, or owner, may have any wrecker service, of their choosing, respond, regardless of their business license status in the City of Lincoln, as authorized by the Interstate Commerce Act.
505.4.2 MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Department members shall not make mechanical repairs to a disabled vehicle.
505.4.3 RELOCATION OF DISABLED VEHICLES
The relocation of disabled vehicles by members of this department by pushing a vehicle should only occur when the conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary to reduce a hazard presented by the disabled vehicle. The use of push bumpers to relocate a vehicle to a position is strictly forbidden.
505.4.4 RELOCATION OF MOTORISTS
The relocation of a motorist with a disabled vehicle should only occur with the person’s consent and should be suggested when conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary to mitigate a potential hazard. The department member may stay with the motorist or transport him/her to a safe area to await pickup.
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.
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