Issuing a Citation
When issuing a citation, officers must follow a structured procedure to ensure proper documentation and enforcement of traffic laws.
Explain the Violation: Clearly inform the civilian of the specific traffic violation that occurred. Provide details on the nature of the infraction to ensure the driver understands why they are being cited.
Open an Incident Report: Create an incident report that includes the details of the traffic stop, the violation, and the driver’s information. This report serves as a formal record of the citation issued.
Process the Fine: Enter the citation details into the system and process the associated fine. Ensure that all relevant information is accurately recorded and submitted for processing.
Release the Civilian: After processing the fine, the officer should advise the civilian they may leave once the officer turns their lights off. The officer may then return to their vehicle, turn off their lights, and proceed with their patrol duties. The officer should inform dispatch they are returning to duty.
Discretionary Warnings: If an officer decides to issue a warning instead of a citation, they must document this decision. Leave a note in the civilian’s profile indicating that a warning was given. This record helps inform other officers of previous warnings and ensures that repeat offenders are appropriately cited in future interactions.