416 Radar and Laser Operations (Revised 09-07-2017)FRIDLEY POLICE DATE OF ISSUE NUMBER:
GENERAL ORDER May 15, 2008 416
SUBJECT: REVISION DATE SECTION:
Radar and Laser Operations September 7, 2017 Green
I. PURPOSE
To establish procedures consistent with proper operation of the radar and laser
speed measurement equipment and proper maintenance of the records necessary
to establish evidentiary foundation acceptable to the court.
II. POLICY
An officer operating a radar or laser speed measurement device is responsible for
properly testing and using the equipment and maintaining a log for such activities.
III. PROCEDURE
A. Radar Operation
1. Prior to operating any radar unit the officer shall be familiar with
its operation, have read and understood the operating instructions,
and be trained by a certified radar operator.
2. Testing procedure
a. Prior to operation, every radar unit must be tested to
confirm the accuracy of the unit. If a citation is issued as a
result of using radar, the counting unit must again be tested
prior to the end of the officer’s shift or if the counting unit
will be powered down/turned off.
b. Generally, there are three tests that must be performed:
1) Light segment test;
2) Internal circuitry test; and
3) External tuning fork test.
c. The internal test button will be pushed to verify the LED
light segment check and the internal circuit test.
d. The external tuning fork test is a manual test that must be
completed for the applicable modes of operation of the
radar unit (stationary and moving). Tuning forks must be in
good shape, not damaged, and properly stored in a carrying
case.
e. If the counting unit malfunctions during any of the tests,
the unit is inoperable and the officer must place the unit out
of service and notify the radar coordinator.
f. Serial numbers from the counting unit as well as the tuning
forks should be recorded on the radar log.
3. Service of Radar Units
a. The original certificates of accuracy for each radar unit and
tuning forks will be kept by the City Prosecutor’s Office.
b. Scanned copies of the certificates of accuracy and tuning
forks are available in the Police folder of the computer
network.
4. Radar Log
a. Prior to issuing a citation by radar, a radar log will be
completed by the officer. The log will be a standard radar
log that will consist of the serial numbers for the counting
unit and each tuning fork, the verification of calibration
tests results, and each issued radar citations pertinent data.
Radar logs will be the responsibility of the individual
officer and will be retained for a period of five years.
B. Laser Operations
1. Prior to operating the Laser unit the officer shall be familiar with
its operation, have read and understood the operating instructions,
and be trained by a certified Laser operator.
2. Testing Procedure
a. Testing will be performed consistent with training and at
the beginning of each shift with the Laser. If a citation is
issued as a result of using the Laser, the unit will be again
tested at the end of the shift. The tests will consist of the
self-test, display test, scope alignment, fixed distance, and
delta distance tests.
3. Service of Laser Units
a. The original certificates of accuracy for each laser unit will
be kept by the City Prosecutors Office.
b. Scanned copies of the certificates of accuracy are available
in the Police folder of the computer network.
4. Laser Log
a. If a citation is issued due to using the Laser unit, a log will
be completed by the officer using the Laser. The log will
have information regarding the driver and vehicle stopped
as well as the distance in feet given by the Laser unit. The
log will be retained by the officer for a period of five years.