Course

10504131 Traffic Theory
Course Information
Description
Become familiar with Wisconsin's traffic laws and ordinances, including those related to operator licensing and vehicle registration and equipment. Learn to enforce these laws, complete Wisconsin Uniform Traffic Citations and (as needed) to direct and control traffic effectively. Material covered includes steps taken as first-in officer to stabilize and manage a complex scene, investigate traffic accidents, take appropriate enforcement actions and prepare accident reports. Learn emergency vehicle operation including basic patrol operation, emergency vehicle response and pursuit driving. Understand the legal bases for making vehicle contacts, how to conduct a threat assessment and how to conduct different types of vehicle contact, including how to administer and interpret the Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated/Standardized Field Sobriety Test (OMVWI/SFST).
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Enforce Wisconsin traffic law
    Assessment Strategies
    by responding to a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    you enforce the laws in a non-judgmental manner
    you enforce all laws that apply
    you do not enforce laws that do not apply
    you apply common sense

  2. Direct and control traffic
    Assessment Strategies
    by controlling traffic flow in a full size or scale model mock up
    Criteria
    you demonstrate the proper position to direct traffic
    you demonstrate the proper hand signals
    you demonstrate the proper whistle signals

  3. Issue traffic law citations
    Assessment Strategies
    by issuing a citation for a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    the citation has all necessary information included
    the citation has additional information included only when relevant (in your judgement) to the situation
    the citation is clear and legible (if hand written)
    the citation issuance complies with all department policies

  4. Respond to an incident as a first responder
    Assessment Strategies
    by taking first responder action at a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    you secure the scene so that it is safe from further damage
    you make a quick assessment of any necessary additional resources and assistance and take the steps to summon them
    you triage injured persons once the scene is safe
    you perform first aid once triage is complete
    you collect and document scene data once persons are cared for
    you remain calm
    you do not needlessly risk yourself

  5. Manage a scene response
    Assessment Strategies
    by acting as scene commander for a simulated traffic accident and coordinating the response
    Criteria
    you prioritize necessary actions
    you direct resources according to those priorities
    you maintain constant and clear communication with responding units
    you make every effort to calm citizens present
    you communicate known facts only when communicating with the public or the media and do not sensationalize or theorize

  6. Follow-up a scene response
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a follow up plan after a simulation up of a major accident
    Criteria
    the follow up plan includes obtaining the necessary information from witnesses
    the follow up plan includes restoring traffic flow
    the follow up plan includes complete notes for completing the MV4000

  7. Complete a Wisconsin MVA report form
    Assessment Strategies
    by documenting a simulated traffic accident scene using the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accident Reports
    Criteria
    the WMVA report has all necessary information included
    the WMVA report has additional information included only when relevant (in your judgement) to the situation
    the WMVA report is clear and legible (if hand written)
    the WMVA report issuance complies with all department policies

  8. Manage an accident scene
    Assessment Strategies
    by managing a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    your scene management follows clear priorities
    your scene management shows calm thinking
    your scene management takes into account safety and preventing, or reducing the threat of, further damage and or injury
    your scene management is conducted in a confident and professional manner

  9. Investigate an accident
    Assessment Strategies
    by investigating a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    your investigation includes pertinent information on scene conditions
    your investigation includes pertinent information on the condition of those persons involved
    your investigation accounts for all vehicles involved in the accident
    your investigation accounts for all persons involved in the accident
    your investigation follows all department policies
    your investigation includes as much "real time" information as you are able to gather
    your investigation includes as much information from nearby or surrounding resources as you are able to gather

  10. Take traffic enforcement action
    Assessment Strategies
    by taking enforcement action based upon information from a simulated traffic accident
    Criteria
    you enforce the laws in a non-judgmental manner
    you enforce all laws that apply
    you do not enforce laws that do not apply
    you apply common sense

  11. Interpret driving behaviors that suggest OMVWI
    Assessment Strategies
    by interpreting simulated driving behaviors or actual driving behaviors from a case study or video tape
    Criteria
    you identify the elements of OMVWI
    you articulate the driving characteristics of intoxicated drivers
    you describe the observable and articulable facts defining reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop