When an officer is instructed to resume normal traffic, what does that entail?

When an officer is instructed to resume normal traffic, it primarily refers to returning to regular communication protocols. This involves reverting to the standard operating procedures for radio communication, allowing an officer to effectively interact with dispatch and other units without the urgency or specific protocols typically used during critical situations, such as emergencies or high-stress incidents.

Returning to normal communication ensures that all units can communicate efficiently and juggle multiple priorities. This could mean moving away from coded messages or urgent alerts back to clear, straightforward dialogue relevant to daily patrol and regular operations. It enables officers to free up communication lines and status updates that may have been temporarily prioritized during an incident, allowing for better coordination and response to any ongoing or upcoming situations.