Podcast
Questions and Answers
When planning a traffic stop, what should you consider to minimize the risk of danger for both yourself and the driver?
When planning a traffic stop, what should you consider to minimize the risk of danger for both yourself and the driver?
What is the primary concern when choosing a location for a traffic stop?
What is the primary concern when choosing a location for a traffic stop?
Why is it important to check the width of the road and the shoulder?
Why is it important to check the width of the road and the shoulder?
What should you try to avoid when stopping a vehicle in a populated area?
What should you try to avoid when stopping a vehicle in a populated area?
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What factors can affect traffic flow?
What factors can affect traffic flow?
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When is it acceptable to stop a vehicle in a location that is not safe?
When is it acceptable to stop a vehicle in a location that is not safe?
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What should you prioritize when evaluating the situation and deciding whether to request backup?
What should you prioritize when evaluating the situation and deciding whether to request backup?
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Why is it important to become familiar with normal traffic flow in your patrol zone?
Why is it important to become familiar with normal traffic flow in your patrol zone?
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When stopping a driver on the right side of the road, where should you position your patrol vehicle?
When stopping a driver on the right side of the road, where should you position your patrol vehicle?
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What is the purpose of angling the patrol vehicle when stopping a driver on the right side of the road?
What is the purpose of angling the patrol vehicle when stopping a driver on the right side of the road?
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When stopping a driver on the left side of the road, where should you position your patrol vehicle?
When stopping a driver on the left side of the road, where should you position your patrol vehicle?
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What is the primary purpose of using the PA system during a traffic stop?
What is the primary purpose of using the PA system during a traffic stop?
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Where should the backup officer position their patrol vehicle during a traffic stop?
Where should the backup officer position their patrol vehicle during a traffic stop?
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What is the recommended distance to park the patrol vehicle behind the driver's vehicle?
What is the recommended distance to park the patrol vehicle behind the driver's vehicle?
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Why is it important to turn the wheels of the patrol vehicle away from traffic during a traffic stop?
Why is it important to turn the wheels of the patrol vehicle away from traffic during a traffic stop?
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What should officers do with their patrol vehicle engines during a traffic stop?
What should officers do with their patrol vehicle engines during a traffic stop?
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What is the main consideration for parking the patrol vehicle during a traffic stop?
What is the main consideration for parking the patrol vehicle during a traffic stop?
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Where should the primary patrol vehicle typically be positioned in relation to the suspect's vehicle?
Where should the primary patrol vehicle typically be positioned in relation to the suspect's vehicle?
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What is the purpose of the takedown area in a traffic stop?
What is the purpose of the takedown area in a traffic stop?
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Where is the safe zone typically located in a traffic stop?
Where is the safe zone typically located in a traffic stop?
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How far apart should backup patrol vehicles be positioned?
How far apart should backup patrol vehicles be positioned?
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What should be focused on the suspect's vehicle from the backup vehicles?
What should be focused on the suspect's vehicle from the backup vehicles?
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What should be done with the forward-facing emergency lights of a patrol vehicle positioned at the rear of the primary patrol vehicle?
What should be done with the forward-facing emergency lights of a patrol vehicle positioned at the rear of the primary patrol vehicle?
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What is a characteristic of a high-risk traffic stop?
What is a characteristic of a high-risk traffic stop?
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What is the primary reason for instructing the occupants to put their hands outside the windows?
What is the primary reason for instructing the occupants to put their hands outside the windows?
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What should the driver do with the door after exiting the vehicle?
What should the driver do with the door after exiting the vehicle?
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Why does the primary officer instruct the driver to lift the back of their shirt by the collar?
Why does the primary officer instruct the driver to lift the back of their shirt by the collar?
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What action should the driver take if they have four doors on their vehicle?
What action should the driver take if they have four doors on their vehicle?
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Why does the primary officer instruct the driver to turn off their engine?
Why does the primary officer instruct the driver to turn off their engine?
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What is the purpose of instructing the driver to step away from the vehicle?
What is the purpose of instructing the driver to step away from the vehicle?
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What should the driver do with their keys or key fob?
What should the driver do with their keys or key fob?
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What should the driver do once they have turned in a complete circle with their shirt lifted?
What should the driver do once they have turned in a complete circle with their shirt lifted?
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What is the purpose of the plus one rule during a traffic stop?
What is the purpose of the plus one rule during a traffic stop?
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How should you approach the suspect's vehicle when searching for hidden passengers?
How should you approach the suspect's vehicle when searching for hidden passengers?
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Who should give commands to discovered passengers during a traffic stop?
Who should give commands to discovered passengers during a traffic stop?
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What should you do if a discovered passenger refuses to come out of the vehicle?
What should you do if a discovered passenger refuses to come out of the vehicle?
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How should you unlock the trunk during a vehicle search?
How should you unlock the trunk during a vehicle search?
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What is the primary concern when searching the vehicle for hidden passengers?
What is the primary concern when searching the vehicle for hidden passengers?
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What should you do after the scene is secure and all is safe during a traffic stop?
What should you do after the scene is secure and all is safe during a traffic stop?
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What should you follow when searching the vehicle for hidden passengers?
What should you follow when searching the vehicle for hidden passengers?
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What is an indication of a potential threat when observing the driver's behavior?
What is an indication of a potential threat when observing the driver's behavior?
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What should you do if you encounter a driver with lethal opioid drugs in the vehicle?
What should you do if you encounter a driver with lethal opioid drugs in the vehicle?
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What should you verify when interacting with a driver?
What should you verify when interacting with a driver?
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What should you do if a driver does not have identification?
What should you do if a driver does not have identification?
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How should you handle a driver with an X on their license, or an individual whose appearance doesn't match the sex on their license?
How should you handle a driver with an X on their license, or an individual whose appearance doesn't match the sex on their license?
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What should you confirm when verifying driver and vehicle information?
What should you confirm when verifying driver and vehicle information?
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What should you be aware of when interacting with a driver or passengers?
What should you be aware of when interacting with a driver or passengers?
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What should you prioritize when interacting with a driver while maintaining officer safety?
What should you prioritize when interacting with a driver while maintaining officer safety?
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What is the primary goal of every traffic stop?
What is the primary goal of every traffic stop?
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How can you minimize negative and potentially unsafe results during a traffic stop?
How can you minimize negative and potentially unsafe results during a traffic stop?
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What should you do when interacting with a driver who does not speak English during a traffic stop?
What should you do when interacting with a driver who does not speak English during a traffic stop?
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What is the purpose of establishing a command presence during a traffic stop?
What is the purpose of establishing a command presence during a traffic stop?
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Why is it important to remain polite and focused during a traffic stop?
Why is it important to remain polite and focused during a traffic stop?
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What should you do when the driver reacts with embarrassment, anger, fear, or excuses during a traffic stop?
What should you do when the driver reacts with embarrassment, anger, fear, or excuses during a traffic stop?
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What is the purpose of explaining the violation in terms of what you saw the vehicle do during a traffic stop?
What is the purpose of explaining the violation in terms of what you saw the vehicle do during a traffic stop?
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Why is it important to exercise procedural justice during a traffic stop?
Why is it important to exercise procedural justice during a traffic stop?
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When parking their patrol vehicle, what should the backup officer avoid to prevent blinding or silhouetting the primary officer?
When parking their patrol vehicle, what should the backup officer avoid to prevent blinding or silhouetting the primary officer?
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What should the backup officer do when approaching the driver's vehicle?
What should the backup officer do when approaching the driver's vehicle?
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What should the officer look for when visually assessing the vehicle from the safety of their vehicle?
What should the officer look for when visually assessing the vehicle from the safety of their vehicle?
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What should the officer do when exiting their patrol vehicle?
What should the officer do when exiting their patrol vehicle?
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Why is it important to quietly secure the patrol vehicle door?
Why is it important to quietly secure the patrol vehicle door?
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What should the officer do with their portable radio volume?
What should the officer do with their portable radio volume?
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What should the officer continuously observe when exiting their patrol vehicle?
What should the officer continuously observe when exiting their patrol vehicle?
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What could be an indication of stolen merchandise, drugs, tools, a person, or a corpse in the vehicle?
What could be an indication of stolen merchandise, drugs, tools, a person, or a corpse in the vehicle?
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When making an arrest during a traffic stop, what should you do before taking action?
When making an arrest during a traffic stop, what should you do before taking action?
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What is the primary consideration when deciding what to do with the vehicle and passengers after an arrest?
What is the primary consideration when deciding what to do with the vehicle and passengers after an arrest?
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What should you do with the vehicle if it is stolen after an arrest?
What should you do with the vehicle if it is stolen after an arrest?
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Why should you maintain a professional standard of conduct during an arrest?
Why should you maintain a professional standard of conduct during an arrest?
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When should you search the vehicle after an arrest?
When should you search the vehicle after an arrest?
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What should you do with the driver's possessions after impounding the vehicle?
What should you do with the driver's possessions after impounding the vehicle?
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Why should you treat passengers with dignity and respect after an arrest?
Why should you treat passengers with dignity and respect after an arrest?
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What should you do with the vehicle after an arrest if the owner gives consent?
What should you do with the vehicle after an arrest if the owner gives consent?
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What should you do if a passenger tells you they have a weapon on their person or in the vehicle?
What should you do if a passenger tells you they have a weapon on their person or in the vehicle?
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What type of identification should you request from passengers during a traffic stop?
What type of identification should you request from passengers during a traffic stop?
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What should you do after obtaining the driver's and passengers' documentation during a traffic stop?
What should you do after obtaining the driver's and passengers' documentation during a traffic stop?
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What should you consider when responding to a situation where you suspect a firearm is in the vehicle?
What should you consider when responding to a situation where you suspect a firearm is in the vehicle?
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What is the primary purpose of running criminal justice database checks during a traffic stop?
What is the primary purpose of running criminal justice database checks during a traffic stop?
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What should you do if you suspect a passenger is involved in a violation or crime during a traffic stop?
What should you do if you suspect a passenger is involved in a violation or crime during a traffic stop?
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What should you prioritize when evaluating the situation and deciding how to respond to a traffic stop involving a concealed weapon?
What should you prioritize when evaluating the situation and deciding how to respond to a traffic stop involving a concealed weapon?
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What should you do if you determine that a firearm is concealed and readily accessible for immediate use during a traffic stop?
What should you do if you determine that a firearm is concealed and readily accessible for immediate use during a traffic stop?
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Study Notes
Conducting a Safe Traffic Stop
- Plan the stop in a well-lit area with low traffic volume, considering traffic flow, weather conditions, and road conditions.
- Be prepared to react quickly to developments and request backup based on agency policies and procedures.
Choosing a Safe Location
- Select a location where the driver can maneuver out of traffic flow, avoiding the danger of passing vehicles.
- Ensure both the officer and driver are far enough off the road, allowing other vehicles to pass safely.
- Check the width of the road and shoulder to ensure a safe distance.
- Attempt to pull off onto a level spot or slight downgrade, avoiding upgrades that may cause a large vehicle to roll into the patrol vehicle.
Parking the Patrol Vehicle
- Park the patrol vehicle a safe distance behind the driver's vehicle, about 1½–2-car lengths behind.
- Position the patrol vehicle in the offset-angle position, aligning the center of the hood with the tail light of the driver's vehicle and pointing the nose outward into traffic flow.
- Turn the wheels away from traffic, potentially providing cover if the driver shoots a weapon.
- Use the PA system to direct the driver to move their vehicle further to the right if needed.
Positioning the Backup Patrol Vehicle
- Park the backup vehicle at a safe distance behind the primary patrol vehicle.
- Keep the patrol vehicle engines running in case of changes in the situation.
- Turn off the siren once the driver has stopped.
- Position the backup vehicle to the right of the primary patrol vehicle, facing the suspect's vehicle.
- Ensure all backup vehicles are at least two door widths apart, focusing takedown lights, high beams, and spotlight on the suspect's vehicle.
Verbal Commands
- Use clear and concise verbal commands to control the occupants of the vehicle, such as:
- "Roll down all the windows."
- "Raise your hands again where I can see them."
- "Turn off your engine."
- "Remove and place your keys or key fob outside on the roof of your vehicle."
- "Open your door from the outside with that same hand."
- "Put your hand back above your head."
Removing Passengers from the Vehicle
- Instruct the driver to exit the vehicle on the driver's side, keeping the door open.
- Issue commands to ensure the driver's hands are visible and above their head.
- Instruct the driver to step away from the vehicle, extend their arms, and lift the back of their shirt by the collar.
- Have the driver turn in a complete circle, looking for any weapons or obvious bulges.
- Instruct the driver to face away from the officer, place their hands back in the air, and step backward towards the officer's voice.
Clearing and Searching the Vehicle
- Cautionly approach the suspect's vehicle with weapons pointed at it.
- Use a systematic visual search to clear the vehicle's interior for hidden passengers.
- Retrieve the keys or remote to open the trunk, moving cautiously to the trunk area.
- Lock the trunk and hold it down to prevent sudden opening.
Concluding the Stop
- Once the scene is secure, notify dispatch to discontinue emergency radio traffic.
- Follow proper arrest procedures if arresting the driver or passengers.
- Ensure the vehicle is treated as a potential crime scene, following agency policies for searching the vehicle.
Unit 1: Unknown Risk Traffic Stops
Lesson 1: Communication With Drivers
- The goal of every traffic stop is to promote driver education and safer roadways.
- Decreasing tension and increasing cooperation during traffic stops can be achieved by:
- Exercising procedural justice and remaining professional at all times
- Greeting the driver and passengers politely, introducing yourself and your agency, and explaining why you stopped them
- Allowing the driver to speak and venting their concerns
- Keeping a pleasant expression, a calm tone of voice, and a non-confrontational interview stance
- Establishing a command presence by using words that convey professionalism and respect
Positioning of Backup Patrol Vehicle
- The backup officer should:
- Offset their vehicle to the left or right of the primary officer's vehicle
- Not use the front emergency lighting to avoid blinding or silhouetting the primary officer
- Use only rear emergency lights
- Approach the driver's vehicle along the passenger's side of the primary officer's vehicle
Conducting a Visual Assessment
- Visually assess the vehicle for signs of danger before exiting your patrol vehicle
- Look for signs of criminal activity, such as:
- The vehicle's rear end appearing significantly lower than the front
- Occupants trying to exit the vehicle
- Follow agency policies and procedures if the occupants try to exit the vehicle
Exiting the Patrol Vehicle
- Check for oncoming traffic in the rearview and side-view mirrors before exiting the vehicle
- Exit the vehicle quickly and quietly
- Secure your vehicle door to prevent it from blowing open and striking a passing vehicle
- Adjust your portable radio volume to low
- Continuously observe the driver's vehicle and all its occupants
Interacting with the Driver
- Use observation skills, safe positioning, and safe distancing when interviewing the driver or passengers
- Be aware of potential threats, such as:
- Moving excessively and nervously
- Watching you intently, beyond normal curiosity
- Moving toward the floorboard or backseat
- Making excessive motion, beyond natural curiosity
- Sitting in a rigid, wooden posture
- Follow agency policies and procedures regarding administering an emergency opioid antagonist if you encounter lethal opioid drugs
Driver and Vehicle Information
- Verify that the information on the driver's license is current
- Compare information on the vehicle registration to the VIN, make, model, and year of the vehicle
- If the driver does not have identification, ask for their Social Security number
- Confirm that the insurance information is current and applicable to the driver's vehicle
- If the driver has a sex or gender option other than male or female, follow agency policies and procedures on how to enter the data into the system
Legal Carry of a Concealed Weapon
- The driver or passenger may inform you of a concealed weapon or firearm license
- If you have reasonable suspicion, ask for the location of the firearm in the vehicle
- If you determine that a firearm is concealed and readily accessible, ask the driver to display the license and proper identification
- Follow agency policies and procedures regarding traffic stops that involve a concealed weapon or firearm license
Passenger Information
- The driver is the only occupant required to provide documentation
- Request documents from passengers suspected of a violation or crime, such as:
- Driver's license or state-issued identification card
- School picture identification
- Military ID
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Complete criminal justice database checks or request dispatch to complete them
Arrests During Traffic Stops
- You may develop probable cause to justify an arrest of a driver or passenger for an offense that came to your attention during the investigation
- Before making an arrest, call for backup and work together with the backup officer to conduct the arrest
- Maintain a professional standard of conduct at all times
Disposition of the Vehicle and Passengers
- If you arrest a driver, decide what to do with the vehicle and any passengers
- Treat the passengers with dignity and respect
- Depending on the offense, you may search the vehicle, impound it, or retain it for evidence
- Follow agency policies and procedures to inventory the contents of the vehicle and remove and secure any driver or passenger possessions
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Description
Learn how to conduct a safe traffic stop by selecting a low-traffic area, reacting to developments, and evaluating the situation. Consider traffic flow and agency policies.
