SOP-30 Pedestrian vs Train ResponsePolice Services Division
SOP-30
August 21, 2019
SUBJECT: Train vs. Pedestrian Emergency Response
PURPOSE: To ensure a timely response of emergency personnel while minimizing the
traumatic experiences involved with pedestrian collisions involving the train.
A. Notification: Upon notification of an incident involving a pedestrian or bicyclist and the
train, dispatch will enter the call into CAD and prepare for a timely response of
applicable units.
B. Dispatch: Unless extraordinary circumstances or information exists, dispatchers will
initially assign one (1) engine and one (1) patrol officer to respond to the scene and
assess for injuries, traffic hazards, and any other information deemed necessary to
complete an investigation. It is incumbent on the shift supervisor to limit the exposure of
their staff to the trauma associated with this type of incident while balancing the need for
resources to complete a thorough investigation.
a. If the dispatcher receives information that warrants more personnel to respond,
he/she is authorized to dispatch those units without supervisor approval.
C. Scene: Unless the protection of a crime scene or the safety of the incident is jeopardized,
emergency vehicles should not block the roadway for the duration of the investigation.
The roadway shall be opened as soon as safely possible.
a. The MAIT team is not required to respond unless the situation requires an
advanced level of collision reconstruction. The supervisor may request additional
personnel if needed.
D. Documentation: Officers will prepare a report of the incident to include the involved
parties. Unless circumstances dictate, all of the passengers on the train do not need to be
identified and interviewed. Officers should try to interview the conductor and any
witnesses to the incident.
a. Officers will document the scene in a sketch format to include measurements of
the area of impact and the final place of rest of the train relative to the roadway.
b. All information should be noted in an incident report unless a collision report is
necessary.
Adopted: August 21, 2019