NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
2.4.1 Assistance to Highway Users
Directive 2.4 - Ancillary Services
A. Officers will provide general assistance to the motoring public at all hours of the day.
Reasonable assistance may be provided such as giving directions and information,
summoning towing authorities, and offering appropriate aid. However, the use of a
cruiser to jump-start another vehicle is prohibited due to the possible damaging effects on
the radio system. Officers may utilize the Police Department’s portable battery jump start
system to provide assistance.
B. New Albany has entered into contract with private tow companies for the towing of
vehicles upon request of the Police Department. Should an officer encounter a motorist in
need of mechanical assistance, the officer may offer reasonable assistance or provide
transportation to a phone, garage, or other reasonable destination, as calls for service
allow. If an officer provides transportation, he/she will provide the Dispatch Center with
passenger information, start and ending mileage (for the transportation of members of the
opposite sex and juveniles), and destination. Should a tow be necessary, officers shall
inform the motorist of the cost of the tow. However, should a motorist need a tow and the
vehicle poses no danger to the motoring public and/or the stranded motorist, the officer
may summon a private towing company as requested by the stranded motorist.
C. When an officer encounters a stranded motorist, he/she shall provide reasonable
assistance to the motorist. If the stranded vehicle creates a hazardous situation, the
officer will summon a tow truck for the vehicle’s removal. If the vehicle can be safely
pushed, the officer may have the vehicle owner sign a release form (PD-04-101)
(Addendum D) to push the vehicle from the roadway. The officer may also make
reasonable efforts to assist the stranded motorist by providing or arranging
transportation. An officer should not abandon a stranded motorist where the motorist is
exposed to a dangerous or hazardous situation. Officers should utilize flares, traffic
cones, or their cruiser’s emergency lights to warn other motorists and minimize potential
hazards.
When an officer utilizes a cruiser fitted with a push bumper, he/she must adhere to the
following procedures:
Inspect the vehicle to be pushed for damage with focus upon the type of bumper it
has, what force it may withstand during a pushing maneuver, and indications of
current damage
Before pushing a vehicle, an officer must evaluate the bumper of the car being
pushed in comparison to the height and spacing of the push bumper to ensure the
push can be done without damage to either vehicle
Point out existing damage to the owner/driver and make note of the damage
When possible, a spotter should be used to ensure vehicle position is in alignment
The disabled vehicle will not be pushed farther than necessary to clear the roadway
for traffic
Pushing up or down significant grades is prohibited
Vehicles in excess of two tons will not be pushed
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