Embedded Files
The Standard Operating Procedure for conducting and participating in a Checkpoint.
Requirements to Conduct
To conduct a checkpoint, there are a few requirements that need to be met. First of all, either an RTU Command Member, RTU Training Supervisor or a member of the RTU Events Team needs to be present. A minimum of three Road Traffic Officers need to be present at the site of the operation at all times; all of these RTOs also need their own vehicle. Depending on the location of the checkpoint, additional RTO may be required.
Roles
Several different roles must be performed by different individuals when conducting this operation. These are:
Operation Commander: This individual oversees the entire operation; they are expected to coordinate officers at the checkpoint, decide on location, duration and checkpoint objectives. The Operation Commander is responsible for ensuring that the checkpoint is run in accordance with the SOPs and has the final say on anything that might arise during the operation. This individual can also serve as the Communication and Research Operator for smaller checkpoints.
Checkpoint Operator: This individual must be a Road Traffic Officer and is tasked with operating the checkpoint. This can be done in one of the following roles:
Filtering: This officer is tasked with ensuring vehicles filter into the correct lane to avoid emergency vehicle entries where they can hit road spikes. They also serve to notify drivers of the approaching checkpoint and log vehicles that might flee with their speed cameras.
Inspection: This officer is tasked with performing the various checks on vehicles and their occupants, ensuring the vehicles are in a suitable condition to drive, the occupants aren't carrying visible firearms, the vehicle isn't stolen, the occupants have no outstanding valid warrants, and more. (See the checkpoint checklist for more details)
Communication and Research: This officer is responsible for serving as the central hub for communication between the operation and the rest of the department throughout the operation. This officer checks the registration plates against the police computer to ensure there are no outstanding warrants or that the vehicle is not stolen. In smaller operations, the Operation Command can serve in this role in addition to their duties.
Support Officers: These individuals are not required to be RTOs; they are expected to assist with Traffic Control and logistics. They can also tag along with Enforcement Officers to learn the ropes. They are not to perform checks unless approved to do so by the Operation Commander under the supervision of an Road Traffic Trainer or higher.
Rules
Before a civilian enters the checkpoint, one officer must ask them if they consent to participate and explain that their ID will be checked and ran against the system. We recommend delegating this task to an individual officer who will position themselves just before the start of the checkpoint. If the civilian doesn't consent, they are to be guided to an alternate route to get past the checkpoint.
Any civilians who are being non-compliant and have complaints are to be directed to the operation commander as soon as possible to avoid a hold-up.
All participating officers must be in the same radio channel or incident for clear and immediate communication
Dispatch must be notified and give clearance before officers can be exempt from responding to other incidents
In the event of an officer's life alert, all officers must respond unless otherwise directed by the operation commander
Non-RTOs may attend as observers or in support roles, unless approved to fulfill other roles by the Operation Commander. The RTU Equipment and Vehicles Policy is to be followed during the operation.
The Operation Commander retains final authority and has complete control over all elements of the operation
Any present RTOs must be in Traffic Gear for the duration of the operation.
All officers present reserve the right to request an Observation Report based on their performance during the operation.
Road signs must be set up in advance of the checkpoint to allow people to avoid it, to ensure compliance with law 3.6.
Only items in the approved checkpoint checklist can be actioned during a checkpoint unless given authorisation by a Traffic Training Supervisor or Traffic Command member.
Operational Logistics
Positioning
Positioning
Due to the level of oversight required by the RTU Command to allow Checkpoints, there is a predefined list of locations which are approved for conducting a Checkpoint; these can only be overridden by an RTU Command Member.
While setting up a Checkpoint, roads might need to be closed temporarily to ensure it is safe for cones and signs to be erected. During this period, PBCs must inform people of the changes to the road layouts regularly.
The Operations Commander has the final say on where the Checkpoint will be positioned unless instructed in advance by RTU Comand Member.
Set-up
Set-up
Before leaving the PD, the operations command will host a briefing in the PD meeting room outlining officers' responsibilities, locations and goals for the Checkpoint.
Checkpoints can look different depending on the persons conducting them; however, they must include the following features:
To comply with law 3.6, people must have the ability to bypass the checkpoint. For example, at Business Junction, civilians can either carry on and go through the Suburbs or go through the checkpoint.
There must be a way for emergency vehicles to get through when responding to emergencies. This can be done on highways by having a dedicated emergency vehicle lane or at the subs junction by halving the two existing lanes and creating a central third lane.
There must be ample notification before the checkpoint that one is approaching, so people are aware. Once they are at the checkpoint, they cannot turn around; refer to Law 12.12.
Only vehicles with their emergency lights on can use the emergency lane for the sake of traffic control; without them, they have to wait as usual, but are not subject to checks.
Operating
Operating
There must be an officer fulfilling each role at all times; if the minimum staffing requirements cannot be met, the operation must cease.
The checkpoint checklist must be followed at all times with vehicles unless you have reasonable suspicion under law 3.6 and 3.7 to detain and conduct a search. In this situation, the suspect and their vehicle should be directed to stop in a pre-defined area outside of the checkpoint to prevent traffic jams.
If a checkpoint is being conducted at minimum capacity and prisoner transportation is required, another regular officer must be requested for this purpose.
In the event of an officer's life alert, the Operation Commander has the right to dissolve the checkpoint, meaning the checkpoint will end, and all cones must be picked up before leaving the area.
High-visibility jackets must be worn at all times.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Once the Operation Commander has decided to conclude the checkpoint, cones must be removed from the end of the checkpoint forward. For example, the cones at the actual checkpoint should be removed first before proceeding to the cones that notify drivers of the checkpoint.
Upon completing the breakdown of the checkpoint, all officers must return to the Police Department for a debrief.
Approved Locations
NOTE: Checkpoints at Highway Junctions are to be underneath the Highway, between the ramps.
Checkpoint Checklist
Below you will find a checklist of what you should be checking when a vehicle passes through the checkpoint.
Is the driver the owner of the vehicle? If not, who is, and do they have permission?
Is the driver warranted and free of any remarks?
Is the vehicle in a roadworthy condition, i.e. is it heavily damaged? Are the tires burst?
Is the driver visibly carrying any firearms? If so, you can detain them for a search.
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Credit: northnortheast
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