The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Police Department
General Order 2-6.5 Use of Radar
RADAR/LIDAR may be an effective tool for speed controls and traffic safety. However, RADAR/LIDAR devices are complex and have inherent limitations as well as being subject to external and internal interference. Therefore, the effective use of RADAR/LIDAR and its acceptance is dependent upon the operator's understanding of the device's limitations, adequate training and initial certification, and periodic recertification to ensure the operator's efficiency.
  1. Operational Procedures

    The precise method for using a RADAR/LIDAR unit and the enforcement of those laws applying to speed will vary in accordance with the type of equipment used. Generally, the following procedures are applicable:
    • The RADAR/LIDAR unit must be properly installed;
    • The operator must chose an appropriate location that is conducive to the effective and safe operation of RADAR/LIDAR;
    • The effective range of the particular RADAR/LIDAR unit must be thoroughly understood by the operator so the visual observation can be corroborated by the speed monitoring instrument;
    • The methods outlined in G.S. §8-50.2 are to be followed without exception.
  2. Proper Care, Upkeep and Accountability

    The handheld RADAR/LIDAR unit must be stored in field operations storage cabinet at the police building and secured in its supplied case when not in use. Before operating the handheld RADAR/LIDAR unit, the certified officer will obtain the RADAR/LIDAR unit from the supply cabinet with the permission of the shift supervisor. The mobile Radar units will be kept in the designated patrol vehicles.

    An accountability log is to be kept in the supply cabinet with the handheld RADAR/LIDAR unit at all times. The log keeps track of the date and time the unit is checked out as well as the officer who checks it out and the vehicle to which the unit is assigned. The radar coordinator will check this log on a periodic basis to ensure that the log is being kept. The handheld and stationary RADAR/LIDAR units and their components should be checked individually for damage and proper operations at the beginning and end of each shift. Should a component of the RADAR/LIDAR unit be missing or inoperable, the shift supervisor, radar coordinator and the Field Operations Commander should be notified immediately.

    The RADAR/LIDAR unit will be calibrated in accordance with the standards promulgated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to ensure accuracy in checking speed.
  3. Personnel Responsibilities

    RADAR/LIDAR Operators

    All officers using the RADAR/LIDAR equipment will complete a basic operator program and receive a certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division prior to operating the speed measuring devices. Certified officers shall keep their certification up to date by taking the appropriate re-certification course when necessary.

    RADAR/LIDAR Coordinator

    The Field Operations Commander will serve as the RADAR/LIDAR Coordinator. The duties will be to:
    • Ensure that adequate maintenance, yearly calibration and operational record systems (suitable for introduction as evidence in court) are developed and maintained in a file that is accessible if needed in court when a radar's calibration comes into question;
    • Ensure that all RADAR/LIDAR units are certified as required by the state of North Carolina Standards Division and meet current NHTSA standards;
    • Ensure that TDU coordinates and provides for refresher training as necessary.
    Training and Development Unit (TDU)

    The additional duties of the TDU are to:
    • Ensure that officers who operate RADAR/LIDAR have successfully completed a basic operator program and have received certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division prior to utilization of such speed measuring devices; and
    • Provide for officer re-certification and refresher training as necessary.
  4. Targeted Areas

    The UNCG Police Department will use RADAR/LIDAR in accident locations where speed is frequently a factor and in areas where speed limit violations are prevalent. It is the responsibility of all personnel to aid in identifying these areas so that proper action may be taken. Furthermore, special notice will be taken of citizen complaints concerning speeding motorists and RADAR/LIDAR devices will be used accordingly.