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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This 24-hour course is designed to provide students with information, and hands-on experience,
needed to effectively utilize RADAR for speed enforcement. This will include legal and
department policy updates and review. This course meets and fulfills the requirements of POST
Regulation 1081 as to the training requirements for RADAR Operators.
OBJECTIVES
a. Speed and Enforcement
b. History and Theory
c. Laws and Court Decisions
d. Stationary Radar Operation
e. Moving Radar Operation
f. Radar Effects
g. Visual Speed Determination
h. Radar Evidence
i. Practical Exercises and Field Testing
j. Courtroom Testimony
k. Written Exam
EXPANDED COURSE OUTLINE
I. Welcome and Introduction (a.)
A. Instructor Introduction & Background
B. Course Objectives
C. Benefits of Effective Speed Enforcement
1. Excessive speed
a. Speed increases chance of a crash
b. Increase chance of death/injury
D. Association between Speed Offenses & Vehicle Accidents
1. Safety benefits of speed reduction
a. Review charts
II. RADAR Pre-test
III. History & Theory (b.)
A. Scientific principles of radar
1. History
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
2. Types
3. Sensitivity
B. Doppler Principle
1. Car horn example
C. RADAR Frequencies
1. X Band
a. 10.525 Ghz
b. 10,525,000,000 cps
2. K Band
a. 24,150 Ghz
b. 24,150,000,000 cps
3. Ka Band
a. 34.7 Ghz
b. 34,700,000,000 cps
D. RADAR Beam Length
1. Infinite unless:
a. Reflected
b. Absorbed
c. Refracted
E. Review
1. Doppler Principle
2. Wave / cycle
3. Hertz
4. Frequency
5. RADAR
a. Radio
b. Detection
c. And
d. Ranging
6. Doppler frequency / shift
7. Approaching vehicles
8. Receding Vehicles
IV. Laws and Court Decisions (c.)
A. Speed Laws
1. 22350 CVC – basic speed law
2. Prima facie
3. 22349 CVC – absolute speed law
4. Speed traps – 40801 CVC / 40802 CVC
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
5. Speed surveys
B. Case Law
1. State v. Dantonio (New Jersey)
2. State v. Tomanelli (Connecticut)
3. Honeycutt v. Commonwealth (Kentucky)
4. State v. Wilcox (Ohio)
5. State v. Shelt (Ohio)
6. State v. Halopoff (California)
7. State v. Hanson (Wisconsin)
8. State v. Miller (California)
9. State v. Aguilera (Florida)
10. Judge Nesbit’s Ruling (Florida)
11. State v. Krueger (California)
12. State v. DiFiore (California)
V. Stationary RADAR (d.)
A. Components
1. Antenna
2. Counting unit
3. Power source
B. Mounting
1. Use brackets
2. Clear of obstructions
3. Power cord free of counting unit
4. Secure with straps, Velcro, springs, etc.
5. Mount in a position to not affect counting unit
C. Testing the Unit
1. Light segment test
2. Internal circuitry test
3. External test (tuning fork)
D. RADAR Settings
1. Audio setting
2. Auto-Locks
a. No longer acceptable
3. Alarms
VI. Stationary RADAR Operation (d.)
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
A. RADAR Beam
1. Shape and characteristics
B. Side Lobes Defined and Explained
C. Zone of Influence
1. Area outside the primary beam width (15%)
D. Beam Width Formula
E. Beam Range
F. Range Control Techniques
G. Cosine Effect
H. Cosine Calculation
1. Calculation worksheet
I. Target Identification
J. Tracking History Checklist (g.)
1. Visual observation
a. Identify Target
b. Estimate Speed
c. Confirm target is in range
d. Check environment
2. Audio confirmation
a. Pitch
b. Clarity
3. RADAR verification
a. Continuous / stable reading, 3-5 seconds
b. Manual lock (optional)
K. Site Selection and Operation
L. Review Day 1 Material
M. Day 1 Quiz
N. Review of Day 1 Quiz
VII. Moving RADAR Operation (e.)
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
A. Basic Principles
1. CS-PS = TS
B. Low and High Doppler
1. Low Doppler (PS)
2. High Doppler (CS)
C. Internal and external testing
1. Light segment test
2. Internal circuitry test
3. External (tuning fork) test
D. Installation
1. Use brackets
2. Clear of obstructions (airbag, shotgun, etc.)
3. Power cord free of counting unit
4. Secure with straps, Velcro, springs, etc.
5. Mount in position to not affect counting unit
6. Antenna must be aligned straight ahead and parallel
VIII. Moving RADAR (e.)
A. Cosine Effect
1. Low Doppler cosine
2. High Doppler cosine
3. Double cosine effect
B. Shadowing
1. Identification
a. Patrol speed will not verify with speedometer
b. Audio pitch will not be unusually high
c. No tracking history will be available
2. Elimination
a. Move away from large vehicle
b. Adjust patrol speed
C. Tracking History Checklist
1. Visual observation
a. Identify target
b. Estimate speed
c. Confirm target is in range
d. Check environment
2. Audio confirmation
i. Pitch
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
ii. Clarity
3. RADAR verification
a. Verify patrol speed
b. Continuous / stable reading, 3-5 seconds
c. Manual lock (optional)
D. RADAR Detectors
1. Legal in California
a. RADAR detectors are radio receivers
b. Newer models 2-3 times the range of RADAR unit
c. Defeated by using the “Hold” function
d. Illegal in some states
E. RADAR Jammers
1. FCC violation (ILLEGAL IN ALL STATES)
a. Some are transmitter / receiver devices
b. RADAR in “Hold” mode will display speed-reading from a
transmitted signal of jamming device
IX. RADAR Effects (f.)
A. Ghost Readings
1. Readings not understood by untrained persons
B. External Mechanical Interference
1. Large signs / rooftop air conditioners
a. Elimination of Effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Use tracking history checklist
C. RFI – Random Radio Frequency
1. Microwave relay tower
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Select appropriate location
iii. Use tracking history checklist
D. Interference from Inside the Patrol Vehicle
1. Police radios
2. AM radios
3. Fan motors
4. Ignition system
5. Computers
6. Cell phones
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Use tracking history checklist
E. RFI Through Power and Antenna Leads
1. Patrol vehicle’s electrical system
2. Poor connections
3. Leads not shielded
4. Leads tangled
a. Elimination of effect
i. Separate antenna and power leads
ii. Install a “Direct” battery to RADAR hook-up
iii. Use tracking history checklist
F. RFI Citizens Band Radios
1. CB radio during transmission
a. Elimination of effect
i. Do not use CB while using RADAR
ii. Disregard RADAR reading within 100’ of any
Transmitting CB radio
iii. Use tracking history checklist
G. RFI Police and Business Band Radios
1. Can cause interference when transmitting
a. Elimination of effect
i. Do not use PD radio while using RADAR
ii. Disregard RADAR reading if police or business band
radios are known to be used in close proximity
iii. Use tracking history checklist
H. RFI Lights
1. RADAR units may be affected by other devices with multiples of their
operating frequency
2. Mercury vapor, neon and fluorescent lights are capable of creating
erroneous reading
a. Elimination of effect
i. Select appropriate location
ii. Use tracking history checklist
I. RFI Power Lines
1. High tension lines
2. Power generating and power substations
a. Elimination of effect
i. Select appropriate location
ii. Use Doppler audio
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
iii. Use tracking history checklist
J. Harmonic Signal Interference
1. A multiple base frequency
2. Caused by electrical devices
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Use tracking history checklist
K. Own Speed Captures
1. Only in moving mode
2. Patrol speed appears simultaneously
3. Fixed in 1980
a. Elimination of effect
i. Disregard identical readings
ii. Use tracking history checklist
L. Pulsating Signal Amplitude
1. Only in moving mode
2. Irregular surface with consistent pattern (chain link fence)
3. Signal returned may be interpreted as a multiple irregular Doppler shift
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Observe environment
iii. Use tracking history checklist
M. Feedback
1. Only possible with two-piece RADAR unit
2. Antenna pointed at counting unit
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use approved mounting procedures
ii. Do not point antenna at counting unit
iii. Keep antenna and counting unit separated
iv. Use tracking history checklist
N. Audio
1. Extremely loud commercial radios
a. Elimination of effect
i. Shut off commercial radio when using RADAR
ii. Use tracking history checklist
O. Antenna Vibration
1. RADAR detects motion
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use approved mounting procedures
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
ii. Avoid unsuitable locations
iii. Use tracking history checklist
P. Motorcycle Considerations
1. RADAR detects motion
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use approved mounting procedures
ii. Shut off motorcycle engine
iii. Store securely in well-padded case
iv. Use tracking history checklist
Q. Dented Antenna Horn
1. May cause distortion of the beam propagation
a. Elimination of effect
i. Replace or repair antenna horn
R. Windshield Obstruction
1. Dirty or obstructed windshield may reduce range
2. RADAR signal may be distorted by damaged or obstructed windshield
a. Elimination of effect
i. Keep windshield clean and free of obstructions
ii. Aim antenna properly
iii. Use tracking history checklist
S. Weather
1. Adverse weather tends to reduce range
2. Also makes it difficult to obtain patrol speed
a. Elimination of effect
i. Avoid using RADAR in adverse weather
T. Heat Build Up
1. Excessive heat may cause components to change values
2. Extreme heat or cold may cause circuitry damage
a. Elimination of effect
i. Maintain a moderate temperature
ii. If RADAR unit becomes too hot or cold, allow to “adjust”
for at least 15 minutes
U. Power Surge
1. Moving or stationary mode
2. When first turned on, surge may cause spurious reading
3. May be caused by hold function
a. Elimination of effect
i. Obtain stable reading for 3-5 seconds
ii. Use tracking history checklist
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
V. Automatic Locks and Alarms
1. Alarm function can be activated by an effect
2. Automatic lock can lock a reading caused by an effect
a. Elimination of effect
i. Do not use automatic locks
ii. Use tracking history checklist
W. Automatic Gain Control
1. Sensitivity increases when no target signal is present
2. As sensitivity increases, so does the possibility of effects
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use tracking history checklist
X. Panning
1. Stationary mode
a. Antenna is moved in a sweeping or panning motion
2. Moving mode
a. Antenna sweeps during a U-turn
b. Elimination of effect
i. Use approved mounting procedures
ii. Stationary mode-antenna remain motionless
iii. Disregard reading obtained while turning
iv. Use tracking history checklist
Y. Batching
1. Only occurs in moving mode
2. RADAR device does not update low Doppler and high Doppler
simultaneously
3. Occurs when patrol vehicle changes speed while using moving RADAR
a. Elimination of effect
i. Maintain constant speed when using moving RADAR (only
problem for pre-1982 units)
ii. Use tracking history checklist
Z. Shadowing
1. Easily recognizable because of exceptionally high target speed and
exceptionally low patrol speed
a. Elimination of effect
i. Check RADAR’s indicated patrol speed with Patrol
vehicle’s speedometer
ii. Use tracking history checklist
AA. Multi-Path Signal
1. Rarely encountered
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
2. RADAR signal reflects off target, strikes another vehicle, and bounces off
the target a second time before returning to the RADAR unit
3. Rapid shift in audio tone
4. Multiple Doppler shifts have occurred
a. Elimination of effect
i. Use Doppler audio
ii. Use tracking history checklist
X. Practical Exercises (i.)
A. Visual Speed and Range Determination
1. Must be able to establish two elements
a. What is the range of the unit used?
b. Was the target within that range?
B. Range Formula
1. (Stationary) Distance = S * 1.47*T
2. (Moving) Distance = (S’ = S”) * 1.47*T
C. Speed Determination Techniques
1. Exhaust
2. Suspension floating or dipping
3. Passing other vehicles
4. Brake lights
5. Sound of engine
6. Stirring up road debris / increased air turbulence
D. Speed Determination Techniques
1. Practice, practice, practice
2. Cover display
E. Practical Exercises
1. Visual speed estimations
a. 10 vehicles: stationary
i. Instructor is facilitator for 10 groups of two
b. Traffic units drive rabbit car at predetermined speed
ii. 10 vehicles: moving
c. Instructor is facilitator in vehicle with three students
i. 20 students will necessitate 7 rotations
ii. Traffic units drive rabbit car at predetermined speed
2. Range estimations
a. 10 vehicles: stationary
b. 10 vehicles: moving
3. Demonstrate and explain
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Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety | 4180
Radar Operator | 23300 | 24 hours | POST Certification II | Plan IV
Revised 5/17/2022
a. Fan motor interference
b. Police and CB radio interference
c. Cosine error
XI. RADAR Evidence Kit and Courtroom Testimony (h.)
1. Radar Evidence kit
a. Certification of Operator
b. Vehicle Calibration (moving)
c. Vehicle Maintenance Records
d. RADAR Operator’s Manual
e. RADAR Certification
f. Tuning Fork Calibration
g. RADAR Log (Maintenance and Service)
h. Officer’s Daily Log
i. Radio Interference Suppression Documentation
2. Courtroom Testimony
a. Required elements of court testimony
i. Operator had adequate training and experience in radar
operation
ii. Radar in proper working condition at time of violation
iii. Area radar used had minimum possibility of interference
iv. Input speed of patrol unit verified, and speedometer expertly
tested within a reasonable period
v. Radar tested by means other than units own internal calibration
XII. Review Course Material
1. Final Exam (k.)
2. Class Critique Form
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