Vehicle Operation
Agent Handbook

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Code 1/2 Response

Code 1 and Code 2 responses are used for non-emergency or moderate-priority calls that do not require lights or sirens unless conditions change. These calls often involve routine investigations, reports, or assistance/supervisor requests that does not involve an active emergency.

Before Responding

1. Communication with Dispatch/Radio

Clear and concise communication remains essential, even on lower-priority responses. Proper radio discipline ensures awareness and coordination between responding units.

1. Acknowledge the call and confirm you are en route.

2. Verify the exact location and nature of the call.

3. Ensure that the call does not require a code 3 response.

Vehicle Operation Safety

Oerating under Code 1 or Code 2 requires normal or slightly expedited driving while maintaining full compliance with all traffic laws and safety standards..

Key Practices:

• Code 1: Routine driving. No emergency equipment (lights/sirens) used. Obey all traffic laws.

• Code 2: Expedited response with emergency lights but no sirens. You may cautiously adjust speed and positioning but must still yield to all other traffic. Use horn/manual sirens in short bursts to get attention if you need to clear traffic.

• Maintain safe following distance and situational awareness at all times.

Arrival & Scene Safety

When arriving to a code 1/2 response, ensure the following:

• Hazards, parking brake, and stage 1 lights are activated.

• Rear amber traffic lights are activated if near traffic.

• Communicate your arrival to other units, and maintain professionalism.

Code 3 Response

A Code 3 Response refers to an emergency situation requiring lights and sirens. This is typically reserved for life-threatening situations, ongoing violent crimes, or officer assistance calls. Code 3 must be executed with high urgency and full awareness of officer and civilian safety.

Before Responding

1. Communication with Dispatch/Radio

Maintaining constant and clear communication with dispatch is crucial during a Code 3 response. Your radio traffic should provide situational awareness to other units and ensure coordination of incoming support.

1. Confirm the reason for Code 3 (Ex. shots fired, officer down, active robbery).

2. Verify the exact location of the call.

3. Request additional units if applicable.

Vehicle Operation Safety

Operating under Code 3 must balance urgency with control. Reckless driving endangers public safety and your mission.

Key Practices:

• Activate both lights and sirens immediately upon initiating Code 3.

• Quick-fire manual sirens and horn when needed - the more the better.

• Obey traffic laws where possible but utilize legal exemptions cautiously (ex. red lights, intersections).

• Slow at all intersections, regardless of right-of-way.

• Avoid driving on sidewalks, opposite lanes, or pedestrian-heavy areas unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, do so with caution.

High-Speed Safety Reminders:

• Maintain control and lane discipline.

• Do not exceed safe speeds beyond vehicle handling or road/weather conditions.

  • 120 MPH in county area

  • 160 MPH on the highway/Riverside Drive

  • 100 MPH in city/housings area

  • Slow speeds by 20 MPH when raining/fogging

• Be aware of cross-traffic and civilians who may not respond correctly to sirens.

Arrival & Scene Safety

When arriving Code 3 at the incident location:

• Turn off sirens 1–2 blocks before arrival to avoid alerting suspects

• Approach cautiously and assess threats before exiting vehicle

• Do not rush in blindly – assess surroundings, suspect behavior, weapons, and civilian presence

Lights/Siren Usage

To all agents, proper use of Emergency Lighting System (ELS) stages and siren modes is critical for ensuring safety and compliance. Please follow these guidelines when operating emergency vehicles

Stage 1 (Stable ELS)

Used for patrolling or when signaling visibility in low-urgency scenarios. Stage 1 should always be on during patrol in the night, heavy rain, and snowy weather. During sunny weather, it is optional and may be used to deter crime.

Examples:

• Crime deterrence while on patrols/inside FBI offices.

• Low visibility conditions (e.g. rain, snow, high winds)

• Traffic control/enforcement within FBI property/crime scene.

Stage 2 (Slow Flashing ELS)

Used when parked at unconventional locations or during non-active emergency operations. Stage 2 can be used with traffic re-directory lights.

Examples:

• Parking at a scene.

• Checkpoint, security, perimeter, etc.

• Non-emergency escort.

Stage 3 (Full Flashing ELS)

Activated for code 3 response, code 5 stops, active emergencies, etc.

Examples:

• Responding to high-priority calls with lights and sirens.

• Pulling vehicles over/pursuit/moving through traffic.

• Active, dangerous crime scenes (evacuate civilians).

Siren Modes

AUTO: Multi-tone cycling for long-duration responses, such as active pursuits.

MAN: Single reversed wail, for attention or pulling vehicles over.

WAIL: Long-distance alert for clearing traffic or signaling urgency over large areas.

PRTY: High-urgency tones to grab attention quickly in specific situations.

YELP: Short, rapid tone for quick attention in close-range or congested areas.

HORN: Loud, single tone to gain attention or signal other drivers.

White/Yellow Lights

Takedown: Required during PIT or grappler usage. (or pursuits during low-vis)

Left/Right: Used to illuminate certain scenes or traffic ways.

Rear Traffic (Pointing): Used to redirect traffic into another lane.

Rear Traffic (Flash): Used during emergency situations to alert rear vehicles to stop/slow.

Felony Stop/Code 5

Initiating the Stop

1. Communication with Dispatch/Radio

For agent safety, keeping in contact with dispatch/radio units is essential. By doing so others will know what you are doing, where your location is, the situation you are in, and with whom you are about to approach.

1. Run the vehicle license plate and give a vehicle description:

• Ex. “license plate check on Texas TPX23L for a brown sedan.”

• If possible, wait for dispatch to respond before stopping.

• Check out the vehicle: Ex. “FBI-02 to dispatch, felony stop with TPX23L, a brown sedan at 1205 Freedom Ave., vehicle occupied by 1 white male driver and 1 black male occupant.”

2. It is important always to give a vehicle description when running a license plate; it is also essential to give the location of the stop, number, and a brief description of the people of the vehicle.

3. At this point, you should also call for backup, whether it is other FBI units, AHP, or BPD officers.

Team Structure

When conducting a felony traffic stop you should never attempt to do it on your own. Always have a partner in your vehicle and call dispatch for backup. When you have back up you will have two more units to assist with the stop and arrest. With these four units, you create a team consisting of a:

• Primary Agent (You)

• Secondary Agent (Your Partner, if applicable)

• Backup Unit 1

• Backup Unit 2

Each officer has his or her responsibilities during the felony traffic stop.

1. The primary unit will be in charge of driving the first vehicle, giving commands to the occupants of the offending vehicle, and performing as a vehicle search officer.

2. The secondary unit acts as the arresting officer and radio operator.

3. The backup unit will consist of another arresting officer and a vehicle search officer.

Your Vehicle & Traffic Safety

Felony traffic stops should always be done safely out of traffic and away from pedestrians. Be aware that suspects may run, so include that in determining where the stop should be made.

Position your spotlights on the suspect vehicle to blind the suspects (if you have them). Use spotlights even during the daytime. Both LEO vehicles should be parked by each other with enough space to give the officers enough room to pass through to get to the suspects and the offending vehicle.

Once the vehicle is stopped officers should take the following positions:

1. Unit 1-1 (Driver; Primary Unit):

• Uses the public address system.

• Gives commands to the vehicle occupants.

• Assists with the vehicle search after the occupants are removed.

2. Unit 1-2 (Partner, Secondary Unit)

• Performs as an arresting unit and radio operator. 

• Checks with dispatch for the stop.

3. Unit 2-1 (Backup 1, Driver)

• Performs as an arresting unit.

4. Unit 2-2 (Backup 2, Secondary Unit)

• Performs as a vehicle search officers.

During the stop, use your vehicle as cover; it will protect from any possible fire from the suspect. This can be from the door, rear side, or front.