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Traffic patrol techniques | Ten One - New Zealand Police Intranet
Traffic patrol techniques
Policy statement and principles
What
Police is committed to road safety, reducing death and serious injuries on our roads, crime
and victimisation and social harm which is all part of ‘Our Business’. The way we conduct
ourselves to protect our staff (and the public) when conducting any form of traffic stops,
road checkpoints or road closures is critical to Police as an employer.
Why
To reduce death and injury on our roads and the negative social and economic impacts.
How
Police will ensure that:
employees conducting stationary enforcement, patrols and checkpoints are suitably
trained, aware of their powers, apply the Police risk assessment tool, TENR, to ensure
safety is a priority when planning and executing any vehicle stop, and will deter
and/or enforce as deemed appropriate
once identified, pro-active patrols will be appropriately deployed to ensure a
reduction in potential offending and/or road trauma
any intelligence gathered is assimilated and utilised as effectively as possible in
identifying any patterns and/or areas of concern.
Purpose
This chapter applies to all constables and Authorised Officers, hereafter referred to as
‘Police’. It gives instruction and guidance on:
powers to stop vehicles
how to plan patrols
carrying out vehicle stops
interviewing drivers
checkpoint planning
Apply TENR at all times during the planning and execution of a vehicle stop or undertaking
stationary enforcement.
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Power to stop vehicles and powers once stopped
Enforcement powers
Police may stop, enter, search vehicles, and seize evidential material in certain
circumstances as authorised in various legislation. You may also search vehicles for people
in certain legislated circumstances. Ensure you are fully aware of your powers.
Where statute authorises Police to stop a vehicle for a specific period of time, any
extension to that detention will be considered by a court in terms of reasonableness of
Police action in the circumstances.
Powers for stopping vehicles
Police in an approved Police uniform or wearing a distinctive cap, hat or helmet (with a
badge of authority affixed to it), or in a vehicle displaying flashing lights or sounding a
siren, have the power to stop the driver of a vehicle as follows:
Requirement to stop
Legislation
Offence
Section 114(1) Land Transport Act (LTA ()). An enforcement officer who
It is an offence
is in uniform may signal or request a driver to stop a vehicle as soon
against 52(1)(c)
as practicable.
LTA () to fail or
refuse to comply
with lawful
requirement to
stop.
Section 114(2A) LTA (subject to subsections (4) and (5)) requires a
It is an offence
driver stopped by an enforcement officer to "remain stopped for as
against 52A(1)(b)
long as is reasonably necessary for the enforcement officer to
LTA for a vehicle
complete the exercise of any powers conferred, or duties imposed on that is stopped
an enforcement officer by the LTA".
to not remain
stopped.
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Section 9 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (S&S) allows you to
stop a vehicle, when you have reasonable grounds to suspect a
person who is unlawfully at large or a person who has committed an
offence punishable by imprisonment, is in the vehicle.
Once stopped you can only demand the details of the occupant of
the vehicle who you suspect is the person unlawfully at large or the
person who has committed an offence punishable by imprisonment.
Section 30 & 32 of the S&S allow the establishment of an authorised
road block to arrest a person who is unlawfully at large or a person
who has committed an offence punishable by imprisonment where
there are grounds to believe such persons are in a vehicle. Section 32
also allows the stopping of vehicles at the road block or in the
vicinity of the road block.
Once stopped you can only demand the details of the occupant of
the vehicle who you suspect is the person unlawfully at large or the
person who has committed an offence punishable by imprisonment.
Note: There is no power to demand the details of all the occupants
of the vehicle under section 32.
Failing to stop
If the driver of a vehicle fails to stop, lights and sirens must be activated and the 'Fleeing
driver policy' complied with.
Note: Section 114(6) LTA () allows arrest without a warrant, if you suspect the driver has
failed to comply with a signal, request or requirement to stop;
or
given false details.
Once the vehicle is stopped
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Requirement to remain stopped
(Section 114(2A) & (5) LTA ())
You can require the driver to remain stopped for as long
as reasonably necessary to exercise any powers
Note: If the driver of the
conferred by the LTA. But you can only require the driver
vehicle stops, they are not
to remain stopped for up to 15 minutes to establish the
obliged to remain stopped
driver's identify.
(section 114(4) LTA) if the
Police vehicle displaying
Caution: You cannot require a driver to remain stopped
flashing lights or siren does
longer than 15 minutes for the purpose of establishing
not itself stop in the vicinity.
identity. Once the drivers identify is established, they
are free to go. After a maximum of 15 minutes the driver
must be allowed to leave. However, you may arrest the
driver if you have good cause to suspect false details
have been given.
When conducting breath testing (LTA () sections 68 or
69), then the person tested (the driver or person
suspected of driving) must remain at the place where
the person underwent the test until after the result of
the test is ascertained.
Once the vehicle is stopped you can require certain details from the driver and/or
passengers as follows:
Driver licensing
Legislation
Offence
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Section 5(1) requires a driver to
Section 113(2)(e) LTA allows you to forbid an
have an appropriate class of
unlicensed driver to drive a motor vehicle.
licence to drive a motor vehicle
on a road.
Section 5(4) LTA allows an
Failed to produce a driver licence for inspection
enforcement officer to require a
without delay after being required to do so by an
driver to produce a licence
enforcement officer (precedent code L114 Failed to
without delay for inspection.
produce driver's licence).
The driver of every vehicle stopped must be breath tested, where practicable. Refer to the
'Alcohol and drug impaired driving' chapter for breath testing procedures.
Identifying particulars
Section 114(3) LTA () allows an enforcement officer
Section 114(6)LTA empowers Police
to require the driver to:
to arrest without a warrant, if you
have good cause to suspect the
give their full name, full address, date of
birth, occupation and telephone number
driver has failed to comply with
state whether or not they are the vehicle's
any requirement under the section
owner, and
or has given false or misleading
if they are not the owner, give the owner's
name and address or any information to
information.
help identify the owner.
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When enforcing the LTA or related legislation,
under section 113(2)(a) LTA an enforcement officer
may direct a person on a road to provide (one or
more of) his or her details as follows provided
that the particulars are for enforcing the
provisions of the LTA or other legislation specified
in section 113(1) LTA:
full name,
full address,
date of birth,
occupation,
telephone number
any other particulars as to his or her identity,
and
information to identify the driver or person
in charge of a vehicle.
Note: A person on a road can also be required to
provide information leading to the identification
of a person in charge of a vehicle (unless the
person has been detained or arrested), provided
the information requested is for the purposes of
section 113(1) and 113(2)(a) LTA.
There is no power under the LTA to demand the
details of a passenger in or on a vehicle if they are
not suspected of committing an offence as
outlined above.
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Once you have stopped a vehicle under the S&S
Act, section 10 S&S allows you to require the
details of the person in that vehicle suspected to
be unlawfully at large or o have committed an
offence punishable by imprisonment.
Note: There is no power to demand the details of
all occupants of the vehicle under section 10 S&S,
unless they are all suspected of being unlawfully
at large.
Vehicle search
Refer to the 'Search' chapter of the Police Manual for details of warrantless searches and
search warrants.
Risks associated with vehicle stops
Vehicle stops are unpredictable and may be dangerous.
Vehicle stops are classified as:
known-risk vehicle stops, where Police have information about the vehicle and its
occupants
unknown-risk vehicle stops, where Police have no information about the vehicle and
its occupants.
Always consider the risks
When considering where to stop a vehicle, you should conduct a risk assessment based on
the circumstances in front of you, including the risk to the public from the persons
continued driving.
You must always consider the risks, continuously applying TENR, when considering
signalling a driver to stop; e.g. what risks exist at the location if the vehicle stops
immediately, what visibility do other motorists have, the weather conditions, are there
nearby heavy vehicle movements, what is the posted speed limit, what is the risk to the
public of allowing the driver to continue to a safer location before stopping them?
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Some risks may not become apparent until you exit your patrol vehicle and/or approach
the vehicle or interact with the driver. In some situations it may be necessary to instruct the
driver to move to a safer location so long as the driver or public is not placed at risk, e.g.
the weather is changing altering your TENR assessment.
These safety precautions help protect you, your colleagues, the driver and any passengers,
and the public.
Note: When considering stopping vehicles, consider the impact on other traffic
including likely consequences, eg, creating a road hazard or disrupting the natural
flow of traffic.
Road safety risks
Before and during the undertaking of any enforcement, prevention or investigative activity
on or near a roadway, an ongoing TENR assessment must be conducted to ensure you, your
colleagues and other road users are kept safe. Considerations include, but are not exclusive
to:
the speed limit and the speed and volume of passing vehicles, recognising that risks
markedly increase with increased speeds
the nature of the road environment, including levels of protection in the event of
someone operating their vehicle dangerously or making a mistake
visibility, both clarity and distance, of you and anyone or anything you are dealing
with by other road users, particularly as it relates to safe reaction times and stopping
distances for the speed of vehicles in the visible road distance.
To be very clear: It is critical to always be very mindful of road safety risks when
operating on or around roads. TENR risk assessments will include consideration of
these risks. In most cases, necessity will not be so critical that it justifies operating in
a location, environment or manner which puts you or others at undue risk.
Known vehicle and occupant risks
Known-risk vehicle stops occur when Police stop a vehicle knowing that its occupants may
present a risk to Police (and public) safety. This information might come from:
an unfavourable QVR response, such as:
danger flags
wanted reference
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unlawfully taken
the occupants are known to pose a risk to Police, or
the vehicle is suspected to have been used to commit an offence.
Refer to the ‘Part 7 - Methods for searching places and vehicles’ chapter for searching a
vehicle, e.g. for dangerous goods, weapons, drugs. Make your plan to enter and or search
with an emphasis on safety.
If you are about to undertake a known-risk stop, you must adopt tactics to mitigate the
risks. See the contact and cover principle below.
Unknown vehicle and occupant risks
Unknown risk vehicle stops occur when the Police do not have specific information to
indicate a risk to employees. Most vehicle stops fall into this category but never-the-less
you must treat these stops with caution.
Contact and cover principle
The contact and cover principle involves identifying and communicating the roles of each
officer in any interaction with a potential suspect.
Contact officer
Cover officer
makes the contact
remains detached from the
checks the licence
interaction
conducts roadside
observes the scene for risk
interviews/searches.
indications.
A second patrol can adopt the cover role for single crewed units or if the officers involved
are inexperienced.
Note: If a single crewed unit attends to the driver without a cover officer or cover patrol car,
regular contact with the Communications Centre (Comms centre) must be made. Refer to
the 'Procedure before you stop a vehicle' section later in this chapter.
Types of patrol
Mobile patrol
The objectives of a mobile patrol are to:
be seen, particularly in high risk locations at high risk times
deter and detect crime and/or offenders
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improve driving standards by setting an example
respond safely to incidents.
Stationary patrol
A stationary patrol reminds the public of the Police presence, encouraging safe driving and
deterring crime and other offending.
It is used at maximum visibility locations in heavy traffic flow and high risk locations, such
as dangerous intersections and high crash areas.
When conducting a stationary patrol or speed camera enforcement, ensure your location
offers you appropriate cover if another driver makes a mistake. Consider the speed and
environment, as part of your TENR risk assessment, i.e. if a vehicle was to hit your parked
patrol vehicle at 50km/h or 110 km/h what is the likely outcome?
For guidance on enforcement of speed, refer to the ‘Speed Enforcement’ chapter.
Useful resources
Prevention Guide: Road Policing:
prevention-guide.pdf
730.37 KB
Plan and prepare for patrol
Plan the patrol route
Police is committed to intelligence led policing. From a Road Policing perspective, this
means deploying to meet risk.
Districts must focus on identifying specific road policing risks, especially those related to
crash promoting behaviours, and the tactics that will be used to reduce them. These tactics
are contained in Safer Journeys generally located in the District Tasking (RIOD) and
Coordination SharePoint application (login required) as:
real time taskings
monthly taskings,
and
tactical taskings
depending on how your district manages its road policing staff and addresses its road
policing risks.
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As part of your patrol planning you should familiarise yourself with key risks in your area,
wherever located. You and your supervisor need to determine what patrol actions will have
the greatest impact on crash reduction. Other intelligence sources may be available to
assist you. Use your local knowledge along with other information and intelligence to
determine where you will be the most effective.
Use information to predict where and when you can make the best differences.
Target to risk from intelligence products, i.e. crash maps, and ask colleagues about
local trouble spots
Are any potential major road blockages, events at sports grounds or special functions
scheduled that may cause traffic problems.
When your patrol is interrupted, for example to attend an incident, you should revert to
your plan once the incident has been dealt with.
Uniform requirements for traffic patrol
Police undertaking traffic stops at night must wear the high visibility long-sleeved safety
jacket or the high visibility long-sleeved raincoat, as part of their uniform in compliance
with the Police Manual chapter 'Uniform, dress standards and appearance'- 'Requirements
when wearing uniform'.
The high visibility sleeveless safety jacket may only be worn during daylight hours, as it
does not comply with the night time high visibility standard of the Australia and New
Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4602.1:2011.
Uniformed Police must wear uniform headgear for all work outside vehicles or buildings.
Before you stop a vehicle
Principles
Conduct each vehicle stop safely, effectively, lawfully and professionally. Remember to:
use the contact and cover principle, and
constantly be aware of safety, not just road safety.
Stop a vehicle
There are four procedures to follow:
Before you stop a vehicle
Alert the driver and position your vehicle
Approach the vehicle
Interview the driver.
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Procedure before you stop a vehicle
Follow these steps before you stop a vehicle.
Step Action
1
Observe activity in the vehicle such as occupants preparing firearms, hiding
evidence or acting suspiciously.
Caution: If you suspect the occupants have firearms, you must stop the vehicle in
accordance with the High Risk Vehicle Stops (within your PITT training) procedure
while applying TENR.
2
Know why, and plan how, you are going to stop the vehicle applying TENR and
considering the Road safety risks.
3
Where appropriate use your Mobility device to log the 3T, prior to engaging with
the driver. Do not hesitate to use the radio if any safety concerns arise, prior to
or during the vehicle stop - communicate the location, event and concerns to the
Communications Centre (Comms) via the radio.
When notifying Comms of a 3T, advise Comms of any safety concerns, including:
the person(s) who would commonly use the vehicle being stopped
an occupant of the vehicle
location
registration of vehicle stopped
using the radio also gives other patrols awareness of your location if you
require assistance.
4
Assess the risk. Consider the:
known history of the owner and occupants
proximity of the nearest back-up patrol.
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5
If there are suspicious circumstances, advise Comms of:
the vehicle's direction of travel
a description of the occupants
how you plan to stop the vehicle
your back up requirements.
6
Request back-up early if needed based on any real or potential threats identified
from your risk assessment. Follow the vehicle and stop it only once back-up is
present.
7
Decide where you will stop the vehicle. Above all, the place should be safe and
well lit in a built-up area where you have plenty of room to move.
For public safety, there should be:
no obstructions
no risk of crash
room for the occupants to get out safely.
Note: Avoid stopping on corners or outside licensed premises.
Alert the driver and position your vehicle
To alert the driver
Once you have selected a suitable location to stop the vehicle, based on TENR, alert the
driver by following these steps.
Step Action
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1
Activate your vehicle's blue and red lights and use the siren to indicate your
intention to the target driver.
Note: It is recommended that you always activate your siren, even if it seems
unnecessary. It will assist you in supporting a case of failing to stop or failing to
remain stopped. In such cases you must satisfy the court that the driver had
clearly heard and seen the patrol vehicle.
2
Where possible, while following the driver keep to the right so they have a clear
view of you in their interior and exterior mirrors.
3
Use your indicators to signal your intention to pull over to the left. Then use a
hand signal or the PA system to direct the driver to stop in a safe location.
4
Check the traffic behind you.
5
Once you have attracted the driver's attention, and it is obvious the driver is
pulling over, immediately cover the brake and be ready to brake in a controlled
manner.
6
Allow a safety margin in case the driver panics and brakes abruptly.
7
If you are in an unmarked car, allow a greater safety margin than usual because
of a possible delay in the driver's response.
8
Keep a watch on activities inside the car at all times.
To position your vehicle
Once have you alerted the driver, position your vehicle by following these steps and
applying TENR throughout.
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Step Action
1
Once the driver understands they are required to stop, allow them to stop safely.
2
Slow down carefully and position your vehicle approximately a car length behind
the other vehicle and 1 metre to the right of their vehicle.
3
Position your vehicle to create a safety zone in which to walk towards the other
vehicle.
Approaching a vehicle
Vehicle approach procedure
Follow these steps when initially approaching a vehicle and apply TENR continuously.
Step Action
1
Where appropriate use your Mobility device to log the 3T, prior to engaging with
the driver. Do not hesitate to use the radio if any safety concerns arise, prior to
or during the vehicle stop - communicate the location, event and concerns to the
Communications Centre (Comms) via the radio.
When notifying Comms of a 3T, advise Comms of any safety concerns, including:
the person(s) who would commonly use the vehicle being stopped
an occupant of the vehicle
location
registration of vehicle stopped.
Using the radio also gives other patrols awareness of your location if you require
assistance.
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2
Before you get out of your vehicle, consider:
your reason for the stop
the number or type of occupants
location
surrounding traffic
whether you are one or two up
back-up availability.
3
At night, use your forward facing 'take down' lights only briefly to scan the inside
of the suspect vehicle.
Caution: Do not leave the 'take down' lights switched on, as they reduce the
contact officer's vision of the suspect vehicle.
4
Decide whether it is appropriate to turn your flashing blue and red lights down to
the secondary setting; and check that ATIS has been activated (where fitted)
before taking the keys out of the patrol vehicle ignition.
5
Use the contact and cover principle to approach the suspect vehicle. Discuss
these roles with your partner, so each knows what the other is doing.
6
Always remove the patrol vehicle's ignition keys before leaving the vehicle.
Consider the direction of the steering wheels to mitigate secondary risks
associated with your patrol car being hit by another vehicle, i.e. if your vehicle is
hit, which direction is it likely to move based on the steering wheels.
7
Use the safety zone created by the patrol vehicle's position to protect you from
passing traffic.
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8
If you are the contact officer, it is usual to approach the driver's side of the
vehicle scanning for hazards as you approach. Follow these steps:
pause at position "A" (see diagram below) long enough to make contact
with the driver and assess any danger
move past and stand at position "B" for any interview and interaction with
the driver. Note: this position allows you to keep both the driver and
approaching traffic in view
stand in position "C" in instances of heavy traffic flow. It may be safer to
approach the vehicle from the passenger side.
9
Pause to reassess the risks.
10
Scan the condition of the suspect vehicle. In particular, take note of the boot
lock, contents of seats and the demeanour of the occupants.
Approaching the driver
Driver approach procedure
Follow these steps when approaching the driver and apply TENR continuously .
Step Action
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1
Where there is risk of drive-off, instruct the driver to turn off their ignition.
2
If a driver refuses your request to remain in the car, invite the driver to the side
of the road near the rear of the car (see picture below). From this position, the
cover officer can observe the interview and you can withdraw to the Police
vehicle if necessary.
3
Never stand or conduct an interview in the area between the two cars. If your
patrol vehicle is struck from behind, it may be shunted forward and into the
suspect vehicle.
4
If the driver gets out of the vehicle:
ask them to return and stay seated in the vehicle, and
if this request fails, follow step 2 above.
Interviewing the driver
Identify yourself
If the vehicle has been stopped because you believe an offence, other than a driving
offence, has been committed, the contact officer must:
if not in uniform, identify themselves by name
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produce evidence to show they are a Police employee (if not in uniform)
if you intend to search the vehicle for a person or evidential material, you must
comply with section 131 S&S Act 2012. You must:
identify yourself by name or unique identifier
if not in Police uniform produce identification
announce your intention to enter and search the vehicle
state the reason for the search
state the act under which the search is taking place (S&S Act).
See 'Vehicle search' for further details.
Interview
The first 60 seconds are the most important, as this is considered the critical period in the
officer/driver roadside interaction.
The incident or occurrence from the driver's perspective may be considered 'negative' from
the point the vehicle is stopped until they are spoken to by the contact officer. The contact
officer sets the scene for the interaction in the first 60 seconds.
When interviewing
Don't . . .
Do . . .
apologise for the stop
be courteous, confident and positive without
show any outward signs of
being confrontational
annoyance, anger or irritation
keep your approach neutral and fair
react to any smart,
be alert for danger and constantly monitor
patronising or irritating
the vehicle occupants' actions, as well as
remarks from the driver or
passing traffic and pedestrians
occupants
always 'keep your cool'.
be drawn into an argument
(keep conversation to a
minimum)
cause a driver to lose face,
especially in front of their
family or friends
threaten the driver
delay the driver
unnecessarily.
Why this approach is successful
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This approach is successful because:
it reduces potential for conflict in traffic enforcement and helps maintain public co-
operation
when used consistently, the public knows what to expect and that reduces uncertainty
and the potential for conflict
it is sure and reliable and improves officers' confidence and professionalism
it aligns with the principles of Service Excellence.
How to interview
Follow these steps when interviewing people stopped in their vehicles.
Step Action
1
Greet the driver by saying
"Good morning, sir/madam/driver" (for example) until you find out their
name.
Consider introducing yourself by name and station.
2
Explain firmly yet politely the reason for the stop. For example, "I have stopped
you because I checked your speed at 70 km/h in a 50 km/h area". Note: Do not
ask the driver if they know why the car has been stopped. This invites a denial
and subsequent confrontation.
3
Ask for an explanation for the driver's actions and:
listen attentively without interrupting or commenting
note the explanation in your notebook to use as evidence later if necessary.
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4
Ask for their driver licence to verify the driver's identity. Check the contents of
the licence including that:
the picture is an accurate likeness
it is not expired
the driver has the appropriate class of licence to drive that vehicle
any restrictions or conditions on the licence are complied with.
Keep the licence temporarily if you intend to issue an infringement offence
notice (ION ()) or if you intend to prepare a charging document. Ask for the
driver's particulars (section 114(3)(b) LTA ()):
full name
full address
date of birth
occupation
telephone number
state whether they are the owner of the vehicle or not
give the vehicle owners name and address.
After this, you may address the driver by name.
Note: Mobility allows you to quickly scan a driver licence, Transport Service Label
or, Road User Charges label and vehicle licence label to enable quick check
against details held in NIA (including Driver Licence version). This data can then
be used to populate an ION or WTW if required.
5
Conduct a passive breath test on the driver. If appropriate, continue breath/drug
test procedures in accordance with the 'Alcohol and drug impaired driving'
chapter.
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6
Inspect the vehicle for defects.
Check that the front registration plate number matches the rear.
Check and note the Evidence of Vehicle Inspection (WOF or COF label) and
licence label expiry dates, and that all relevant details match.
Be alert for evidence of other offending, including criminal or drug related
matters.
Note: Refer to the Safe Driver - Safe Vehicle video for further guidance.
7
If appropriate or necessary, return to the patrol vehicle to confirm the
information and details given by a QV, QP or QDL.
8
Discretion - a certain level of discretion is permitted when considering what is
the most appropriate action. See the 'Speed enforcement', 'Traffic compliance
scheme' and 'Written traffic warnings' chapters of the Police Manual for further
information.
9
If an offence notice is required, tell the driver you are going to issue one.
Fully complete the notice.
Explain the details of the notice to the driver.
Hand back the driver licence and advise the driver they will receive the
notice in the post within 7 days.
10
Leave your patrol car's warning devices on until the stopped vehicle has safely
re-entered the traffic flow and you have moved off, or out of the safety zone
position to the side of the road.
Note: These steps relate to exercising your powers as conferred by section 114 LTA, which
gives Police the authority to stop and speak with a driver for traffic related offending. You
need to be familiar with those powers.
Checkpoint Traffic Management
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Planned checkpoints impede the natural flow of traffic and create risks for Police and the
public. Planned checkpoints conducted in accordance with temporary traffic management
principles help to eliminate and/or minimise these risks. These checkpoints should be
setup in accordance with Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) principles.
Note: This section provides guidance for staff to make decisions as to the most
appropriate response, except where a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) must be
prepared.
Refer to Appendix 1 for sample Checkpoint Plans for guidance when setting up a site.
Key TTM Principles
Effective checkpoints should:
warn the driver of the checkpoint (visibility)
taper the lane to shift vehicles (guidance through the checkpoint)
squeeze speed out of approaching vehicles (side friction), and
ensure Police are visible (personal/team safety).
Employer responsibility
Police will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that staff are provided with
information, training, instruction and supervision when operating a checkpoint.
Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)
Where Police operate a checkpoint on a state highway or motorway, where speeds exceed
80km/h, or otherwise identified risks are present, an NZTA approved site specific Traffic
Management Plan (TMP) must be used.
Checkpoint Plans
Staff should setup checkpoints in accordance with the Key TTM Principles to maximise
safety and minimise risk. Checkpoint plans may be site specific, or generic.
A site specific Checkpoint Plan may be required for unique operations, e.g. outlaw
motorcycle gang vehicle checkpoint.
For all other checkpoints a plan based on this chapter can be used as a guide. However,
sites should be approved by the District Road Policing Manager. These generic Checkpoint
Plans, where used, must be available for the Site Controller to set up the site.
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If an inspector, e.g. WorkSafe NZ or member of the local road controlling authority, attends
the site and requests your “TMP”, supply copies of your Checkpoint Plan or TMP (if
appropriate) including a generic template if used, and any additional planning and briefing
notes.
Pre-deployment checkpoint briefing
A pre-deployment briefing should be conducted for all checkpoints and should follow
GSMEAC and TENR. These briefings may on occasion include partner agency and ride-along
persons. Refer to Appendix 2 for a sample briefing checklist.
The checkpoint briefing needs to emphasise, although not limited to:
under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Police and the Site Controller have a
duty of care and are responsible for site safety
any person on site is required to follow all instructions of the Site Controller/Safety
Officer
that there are hazards and risks that can continually change
persons must continually stay focused
persons must stick to their tasks they have been assigned
if any doubts exist, always liaise with the Site Controller
all site visitors and Police are required to wear high visibility garments.
Setting up checkpoints
The layout of checkpoints must be of a standard that:
allows staff to set up the equipment safely and correctly
ensures the layout is fit for purpose
provides protection for staff and the public
allows for any site constraints.
For larger checkpoints there should be a taper of cones clearly visible. The length of taper
depends on the speed limit and the lateral shift. This acts as a warning to approaching
drivers and directs the vehicle(s) to where you are working on your site. When setting out
your taper length consider Figure 1 below, which shows how long it takes for a driver to
stop, bearing in mind larger vehicles will take longer to stop. By doing so you should also
eliminate the chance of a secondary crash when the line of traffic is out of your direct sight.
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Figure 1 Consider stopping distance and your line of sight
Cones should be placed at regular intervals so approaching drivers do not think they have
an option to deviate from the intended path. The spacing between the cones should reduce
as the vehicle approaches the work zone.
The line of sight of a person while driving is the visible path of travel from their vehicle to
the target area, in our case a checkpoint. Line of sight restriction is a term used to describe
an object that blocks a person's sight path to your checkpoint. This could be anything from
another vehicle in front of theirs, a curve, crest of a hill or wrongly positioned Police
vehicles.
Checkpoint location and secondary crashes
A high risk of secondary crashes can occur as a result of a poorly selected checkpoint site
including:
around a curve
beyond hill crest
larger vehicle blocking view of scene.
Cones
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Standard Police issue cones should be used, including electronic road flares where
available.
Note: Speed humps are not an approved device for use by Police.
Signs
Police pack signs should be used where applicable and possible, to provide warning to
approaching drivers as to the purpose of the checkpoint and to alter their speed.
Police vehicles
A Police vehicle may also provide additional cover to prevent staff from being hit by a
vehicle while executing duties on a road. If your TENR risk assessment and the site
infrastructure determine that a patrol vehicle will provide better protection than cones,
ensure the patrol vehicle:
is pointed in towards the work zone
steering lock is hard left
flashing lights are in alternating mode.
Refer to Appendix 1 for examples of possible use.
Checkpoint layout - Chicanes
A chicane involves merging multiple lanes of traffic onto a different alignment before a
shift laterally around the work zone or altering the path of a vehicle in a single lane on its
approach to a checkpoint.
The benefits of chicanes are:
better controlled merging of the various lanes
traffic is calmed by lane merging and shifting in advance of the work zone
improved safety through the checkpoint site
driver attention is more hazard focused, increasing driver risk awareness.
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Figure 2 Offset cone spacing at indicates to the driver there is something different ahead
Checkpoint operation
Police must:
maintain eye contact with the driver of the first approaching vehicle
give definite and clear signals
at night use a torch with cone attached to give positive directions
identify contingency escape routes in the event of a vehicle appearing not to stop
be courteous at all times in dealing with the public.
To operate a checkpoint staff must always be aware of their own personal safety and that of
other road users. There must always be a site controller and/or safety officer present,
however, site safety is everyone’s responsibility. Staff need to be aware of all traffic
movements and must continuously apply TENR to manage risk at a checkpoint.
Principles and Guide for Running a Checkpoint
All checkpoints are invaribly different and require different considerations when setting up
and operating.
The following provides guidance on possible roles and tasks for different size checkpoints.
The speed zone may impact on the number of staff required to safely operate a checkpoint.
Number of Police
1-6
7-14
15+
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Site O/C ensures
equipment is sufficient to achieve a safe worksite, eg,
Vehicle
Cones
Signs
Environment/speed zone
High visibility garments
Identify work zone
Site O/C designates
Site Controller, and
If staffing allows
Standalone:
Safety Officer.
standalone:
Site
Controller,
(may be the same
Site
and
Controller,
person)
and
Safety
Officer(s)
Safety
Officer(s)
Site Controller Duties and
Risk Assessment – TENR
Responsibilities
Equipment check
Copy of Checkpoint Plan
Contingency Plan
Conduct a briefing – GSMEAC
Safe site setup/monitor/shutdown
May delegate tasks as required
Liaise with Safety Officer regularly
Safety Officer
Required to be on site at all times assisting the Site
Controller
Report any issues that affect the safe operation of the
site to the Site Controller
Note: Ensure that there is a Site Controller at the checkpoint at all times.
Site Safety officers should be focused solely on safety and not be distracted by operational
demands of the checkpoint.
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Any site improvements or near misses should be reported to the Site Controller/Safety
Officer.
Appendix 1 – Generic Checkpoint Plan examples for guidance
Please be advised that the following examples are provided as guidance only and are
not exact templates for replication. They are designed to assist staff in determining
the most appropriate checkpoint layout based on your TENR risk assessment.
Checkpoint – two way residential lit road – low speed zone – one
vehicle – two person
Cones with electronic flares at night. Patrol vehicles with red & blues or hazard lights on. 6-
8 cones.
Checkpoint – two way residential lit road – low speed zone – two
vehicle – four person
Cones with electronic flares at night. Patrol vehicles with red & blues or hazard lights on.
10-12 cones
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Breath testing checkpoint – two way road – low speed zone -
without Mobile Road Safety Base
7-14 person checkpoint – two direction– two way road – with
Mobile Road Safety Base
7-14 checkpoint – two lane same direction
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14+ employee checkpoint Multi-lane same direction example 2
Appendix 2: Template for checkpoint briefing
The following generic checklist may assist in planning and briefing Police for a checkpoint.
When to use this form?
This sample checklist is designed to assist you in planning and assessing your site. It is not
designed to accommodate all situations or replace your continual risk assessment - TENR.
Date
Checkpoint Location
Time
Setup time
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TENR
Breakdown time
GSMEAC
Role Allocation
Operation O/C
Vehicles
Site Controller
Site plan
Site Safety Officer(s)
Cones
Delegated Authorities (no/yes)
Signs
Work Site
Operation overview
Speed Limit
Operation objectives
Intercept policy
Hi Visibility Clothing
Operational Policy discussion
General Notes
Safe Site Policy discussion
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