Traffic Handbook Update v3.2 [August 2026]

Large Scale Speed Enforcement

The Standard Operating Procedure for conducting and participating in a Large Scale Speed Enforcement Operation

Requirements to Conduct

To conduct a Large Scale Speed Enforcement Operation there are a few requirements that need to be met. First of all, either a 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.

Roles

There are several different roles that need to be performed by different individuals when conducting this operation. These are:

Operation Commander: This individual oversees the entire operation; they are expected to coordinate the positioning of each unit and manage communications. They will also be one of the individuals operating the speed camera, and need to be sure that they log each offence they record. This means they are also responsible for making the decision whether the Enforcement Officers need to pull someone over. This individual can also delegate tasks to the rest of the team present at the operation.
Enforcement Officers: These are the heavy lifters of the operation. When the Operation Commander logs an offence, it is the duty of the Enforcement Officers to coordinate with each other and ensure the offender is pulled over and dealt with accordingly. They must ensure all of their interactions are lawful, and are expected to uphold all of the RTU's principles during them. Enforcement Officers are required to be fully qualified Road Traffic Officers, unless approved by the Operation Commander.
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 Traffic stops unless approved to do so by the Operation Commander.

Rules

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 otherwise by the Operation Commander. The RTU Equipment and Vehicles Policy is to be followed at all times 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.

Operational Logisitics

Positioning

Selecting a suitable location is crucial to the success of this operation. Ensure that there is a clear line of sight in both directions and that it is somewhere officers can be positioned to effectively engage offending vehicles, e.g., Main Street, Love Lane, Ficklestein Way, Station Hill, Boomer Street.
Vehicles are to be positioned similar to as depicted in the image. The Operation Commander is located in the middle, where they have a good field of view to target oncoming vehicles. Enforcement Officers on either side are positioned in opposite directions, allowing them to merge and engage an offending vehicle quickly.
Depending on the amount of officers participating in the operation, additional Enforcement Officers can be positioned alongside each other or further away to ensure further coverage in case a vehicle attempts to flee.

Communication

The Operation Commander is the centre of communication and acts as a form of dispatcher. They operate the speed camera, and once a vehicle is identified as breaking traffic laws, they would then identify the direction of travel, relay that information to the Enforcement Officer positioned to intercept vehicles going in that direction and maintain situational awareness of what is happening.
In the event of a pursuit, the Operation Commander can assign other Enforcement Officers to assist, including themself if all Enforcement Officers have been dispatched.
The Operation Commander serves as the direct link to the rest of the PD through the radio, facilitating precise and uncluttered communications.

Stopping Locations

It is essential to establish a designated, safe, and secure area to stop vehicles, ensuring the safety of everyone present. This can be achieved by cordoning off an area before commencing the operation or by locating a car park at a realistic distance from where Enforcement Officers are stationed.
During a traffic stop, standard operating procedures must be followed in the same manner as any other traffic stop.

Note: A safe stopping location is required for each direction of travel, ideally where the Enforcement Officers are stationed, so once a traffic stop is concluded, you can remain at the exact location for a faster reset.

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