Report of Findings [FHWA Docket No. FHWA-1999-5387]

VI. Training Programs

Number of Training Programs

(Federal Register question #7, AASHTO question #5)

Only 24 percent (15) of 63 respondents indicated that they currently have a program in place or under development to train uniformed police officers working in construction projects. A significant number (12 respondents, or 19 percent) listed "other" responses, and many of these indicated that officers are trained in traffic operations and traffic management as part of their basic training, although they have no specific training for traffic management in construction work zones. More than half (36, or 57 percent) responded, "No, they have no training program in place, or planned."

Sample comments from those answering "yes" include:

• "The Idaho State Police provide training at least annually to officers addressing traffic code changes. Each work unit (region) coordinates activities with the Idaho Transportation Department to make the assigned officers aware of highway construction projects and adjust staffing appropriately."
  
  
• "Illinois State Police officers are trained regarding construction zones as part of their three-week Illinois Vehicle Code Enforcement training."
  
  
• "A requirement for uniformed personnel to work at highway construction zones includes attending a four-day Traffic Control Coordinator course developed in conjunction with Rutgers University. State Police personnel also receive a 16-hour OSHA Site Safety Awareness Course. Currently, a two-day refresher course is in development to provide ongoing training."

Following are representative comments from those answering "No."

• "Not a formal project. When the officers are used there are project-specific instructions depending on the type of project to be constructed."



• "No, however, a construction manual was developed by ADOT [Arizona Department of Transportation] and the Department of Public Safety. This manual details the officer's duties when used on highway construction projects."

Training Program Curricula

(Federal Register question #8, AASHTO question #6)

Of the 31 respondents who answered this question, 20 answered "yes" and 11 answered "no."

AASHTO divided the question into two parts: "Does the uniformed police officer training program include: ___recognition and proper placement of traffic control devices? ___other safety and operational factors? "Yes" answers in either category were scored as an affirmative response in compiling total responses to this question.

Affirmative comments include:

• "All uniformed personnel are trained in the proper deployment of traffic control and safety devices at work zone sites as established by the MUTCD [Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices] and the New Jersey Department of Transportation."
  
  
• "Personnel also have attended the American Traffic Safety Services Association Worksite Supervisor's School."
  
  
• "Yes, officers wear orange reflective vests, cruisers equipped with traffic cones and fuses."

Those responding "No" further stated:

• "No, except for the placement of their vehicles."