GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
TITLE: TRAFFIC DIRECTION & CONTROL
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
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TRAFFIC DIRECTION & CONTROL
507.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform procedures for traffic direction and control.
507.2 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) for all members to direct and control traffic in accordance with the following established guidelines.
507.3 BACKGROUND
Traffic Functions
(a) LPD sworn members performing traffic functions such as point control, parking control, or emergency assistance, shall regulate traffic in compliance with the guidelines as stated in this policy. LPD officers may also be required to respond to other traffic concerns, including checking abandoned vehicles, recovering stolen vehicles, and identifying roadway hazards, as well as public relations responsibilities, including providing traffic safety information and recommendations.
507.4 TRAFFIC DIRECTION PROCEDURES
507.4.1 MANUAL TRAFFIC CONTROL / TRAFFIC POINT CONTROL
(a) Manual traffic control is an intersection control strategy in which law enforcement officers allocate intersection right-of-way to turning movements.
(b) Manual traffic control/traffic point control (MTC/TPC) shall be conducted in those locations where the volume and speed of traffic, the number of pedestrians present, and the presence or absence of temporary traffic control devices have been determined to warrant the need for this type of traffic assistance.
(c) If a traffic control device needs to be manually overridden, sworn members shall have Central Dispatch contact the on-duty supervisor and advise them of the situation.
507.4.2 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTION
Members will wear high-visibility reflective vests whenever performing traffic control assignments and for nighttime operations, a flashlight shall be included in the available equipment.
507.4.3 PROCEDURES FOR DIRECTING TRAFFIC
When directing traffic, LPD sworn members will utilize standardized, appropriate hand and audible signals to stop, start, and turn traffic and shall position themselves so visibility is maintained with all traffic.
507.4.4 SPECIAL EVENT TRAFFIC DETAIL
The Events Coordinator or designee shall ensure the LPD has a traffic control plan that addresses the following but is not limited to:
(a) Ingress and egress of vehicles and pedestrians;
(b) Provisions for parking;
(c) Spectator control;
(d) Public transportation;
(e) Assignment of point control duties;
(f) Provisions for relief of officers assigned point control duties;
(g) Alternate traffic routing;
(h) Provisions for news media;
(i) Temporary traffic controls and parking prohibitions; and
(j) Emergency vehicle access.
The Events Coordinator or designee is responsible for identifying the areas in which temporary traffic control devices are necessary, arranging for the placement and removal of the temporary traffic control devices, and coordinating with the Shift Supervisor on the enforcement of temporary traffic control regulations. Temporary traffic control devices will normally be used during special events.
507.5 FIRE RESPONSE, AND INCLEMENT WEATHER
507.5.1 TRAFFIC CONTROL AT FIRE SCENES
(a) At the scene of a fire, the Lincoln Fire Department (LFD) is in full command. Officers shall see that no person hinders or obstructs a member of the Fire Department in the performance of their duties.
(b) Officers shall not allow vehicles to drive into areas at or adjacent to fire scenes or cross any fire hoses without the approval of the fire scene incident commander.
(c) Life-saving vehicles on actual calls for service are exempt from the above.
(d) Parked vehicles that are interfering with fire operations may be towed at the request of the fire scene incident commander.
507.5.2 TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING ADVERSE WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS
The Shift Supervisor will assign officers to direct and ensure safe movement of traffic when the situation poses a danger at the scene of incidents, including but not limited to:
downed power lines,
downed trees
broken water or gas mains,
at construction sites
severely damaged roadways or bridges
obstacles in the roadway
surface conditions during inclement weather
malfunctioning lighting
The street may be closed if the situation creates a hazardous condition. The LFD and the City of Lincoln Street Department will be notified concerning adverse road conditions that will affect the use of roadways by motorists.
507.6 USE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Temporary traffic control devices, which include movable barriers, temporary signs, and traffic cones, may be utilized but are not limited to:
during peak traffic hours,
special events or
while an Officer is investigating a traffic accident.
Temporary traffic control devices may be deployed in support of traffic direction and control activities only with approval of supervisory. The exception to this will be the use of the traffic cones for traffic accident investigations.
A patrol vehicle, utilizing blue lights and emergency flashers, may be used to block access to a street or portion of a street due to an emergency situation occurring in the area. (IE: fire, hostage situation, accident, weather related conditions, etc.)
As soon as practical following the termination of the need for the temporary control device, the device will be removed.
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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