Traffic Stops: Procedure and Communication

• The aim of traffic stops is to promote driver education and safer roadways
• Drivers may react with embarrassment, anger, fear, and excuses; minimize tension by using the following techniques
• Greet driver politely, introduce yourself/agency, and state the reason for the stop
• Give the driver a chance to speak
• Request driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance
• Explain the reason for the stop, focusing on the vehicle's actions, not the driver
• Allow the driver to vent
• Maintain a pleasant, calm, and non-confrontational demeanor
• Establish command presence
• Respond politely to arguments, explaining your observations
• Explain the seriousness of the traffic violation and its risks
• Keep detention as short as possible
• End the interaction with "thank you for your cooperation" and "drive safely"
• Provide your name, rank, badge number, and ID number upon request
• Maintain awareness of officer safety
• Refer drivers to the appropriate person in the department if you can't answer their questions
• Offer the option to comply or be detained further for non-compliance
• Employ procedural justice by showing respect, listening, making fair decisions, and explaining actions, and use a reasonable tone of voice when dealing with difficult drivers.
• Aims to foster driver education and promote safer roadways.
• Outcomes include issuing citations or warnings, making arrests, or providing assistance.
• Professionalism and due process are essential throughout the process.
• Minimizing negative outcomes requires professionalism and adherence to training.
• When dealing with difficult drivers, professionalism is key to de-escalation.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

• Language barriers can impede communication
• Request an interpreter through dispatch when needed; otherwise, use gestures to communicate

Traffic Stop Definition

• Lawful, temporary detention of a pedestrian or driver for the purpose of traffic enforcement
• Begins the moment a violation that merits a stop is observed
• Each stop carries potential risks, requiring officer safety skills and situational awareness

Initiating a Traffic Stop

• Reasons for a stop include BOLO alerts, reasonable suspicion, or probable cause.
• All traffic stops initially are unknown risk due to the unknown potential risk.
• One may stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction or to assist a motorist.
• Occupants are innocent until proven guilty.
• Decide if stopping the vehicle is necessary, prudent, and safe.
• Do not make the stop if it endangers you or other motorists.
• Unsafe conditions include heavy traffic, construction, or inadequate room to pull over.
• Bridges are specifically mentioned as unsafe locations for traffic stops.
• Stopping for a violation is generally impractical when responding to emergencies, in-progress crimes, or transporting prisoners.
• A reckless driver endangering others justifies a stop, even if it interrupts an earlier call.

Unknown Risk Traffic Stop

• Potential risk of the situation is unknown at the time of the stop
• Justifications include:
• Traffic infractions
• Assisting a motorist with mechanical issues
• Reasonable suspicion that the driver has committed, or is about to commit, a crime
• Investigating suspicious behavior
• Vehicle/occupant matching a BOLO (Be On the LookOut)
• Unsafe conditions, such as heavy traffic, construction, or roadway conditions with no room to pull over, and transporting a prisoner also justify a stop
• There are 10 steps in total for unknown risk traffic stops
• The first four steps involve initiating the stop
• The last six steps involve conducting the stop.

Steps for a traffic stop

• Follow the vehicle until it is safe to make the stop:
• Use defensive driving techniques
• Minimize the impact on traffic flow
• Note vehicle description: type, make, model, year, color, plate number, state, descriptors, and any conditions (stickers)
• Note driver/passenger unique identifiers: glasses, hat, hair, beard
• Notify dispatch of the traffic stop and relay:
• Your ID number
• Location
• Final stop location updates
• General direction of travel
• Description of the driver's vehicle: color, make, approximate year
• License plate number and state
• Number of occupants
• Need for backup/assistance
• Select a safe location for the stop:
• Choose a well-lit, low-traffic area
• Consider traffic flow: general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement
• Evaluate road/traffic conditions: merge areas, intersections, and acceleration lanes
• Check road/shoulder width to allow other vehicles to pass
• Pull off onto a level spot or slight downgrade
• Avoid stopping on blind curves, ramps, crests of hills, or in bad road conditions
• Activate emergency equipment to signal the driver to stop:
• Use lights and siren; if ignored, tap the siren for 1-2 seconds
• Once the driver acknowledges the stop:
• Follow the vehicle as it changes lanes at a safe distance
• Redirect the driver to a safer location using the PA system
• Pull the patrol car directly behind the driver's vehicle
• Use patrol vehicle's high beams, spotlight, and takedown lights to help conceal you
• Always leave emergency lights on
• Ensure enough width for the vehicle to pull over safely.
• Activate emergency lights once in a safe location.
• Use spotlights for additional lighting at night.
• Step 1: Follow the vehicle until it's safe to initiate.
• Step 2: Notify dispatch of the traffic stop, including location, plate number, and number of occupants.
• Step 3: Select a safe location to stop.
• Step 4: Use emergency lights to signal the driver to stop.

Conducting a Traffic Stop: Steps 5-10

• These steps involve conducting the stop:
• Step 5: Park the patrol vehicle.
• Step 6: Conduct a visual assessment of the vehicle and occupants.
• Step 7: Exit the patrol vehicle.
• Step 8: Determine the safest approach technique.
• Step 9: Interact with the driver and passengers.
• Step 10: Choose a course of action.

Parking the Patrol Vehicle

• Park 1 ½ to 2 car lengths behind the suspect vehicle
• Use the offset-angle position: align the center of your vehicle's hood with the taillight of the driver's vehicle and point your vehicle's nose outward into the flow of traffic, with wheels away from traffic
• May also provide cover
• If a backup vehicle is present: offset to the left or right behind the primary officer's vehicle; no front emergency lights, only rear emergency lights; approach from the passenger side to prevent crossfire
• Park 1.5 to 2 car lengths behind the vehicle.
• Use an offset angle position, aligning the center of the patrol vehicle's hood with the tail light of the driver's vehicle.
• Angling the vehicle outward creates a safety corridor.
• Backup officers park behind the primary vehicle, offset to the left or right

Visual Assessment

• Conduct a visual assessment of the vehicle and its occupants
• Assess for any danger before exiting the vehicle
• Look for signs of criminal activity
• Exit the patrol vehicle carefully
• Check for on-coming traffic
• Use a silent exit to assess the situation – quietly secure the door so it will not blow open
• Adjust the portable radio to low volume
• Request backup if anything appears dangerous
• Assess the vehicle for signs of danger or criminal activity before exiting.
• Exit quickly and quietly, securing the door and lowering the radio volume.

Approach Technique

• Determine the safest approach technique
• Exit using available cover
• Avoid walking between the patrol and subject vehicles
• Be aware of brake/reverse lights, as they could reveal your position
• If approaching on the passenger's side, walk behind the patrol vehicle
• Keep the flashlight off until making contact with the driver
• Look at the license plate for clues that it may not belong to the vehicle:
• How it's attached
• Age of the plate attachment/bolts relative to plate
• Expired registration or tampered-with decal
• Paint/dark film
• Presence of dead insects, indicating the plate may be from another vehicle
• Check the trunk for signs of damage, such as pry marks or holes where the lock should be
• Push down on the trunk as you approach the vehicle
• Touch the trunk lid while approaching the vehicle to transfer fingerprints, which could be useful if the driver flees or the LEO goes missing
• Driver's Side Approach:
• Scan the entire vehicle for suspicious movements; examine the interior through the rear window
• Stay close to the driver's vehicle; hold the flashlight in your support hand
• If a passenger is in the back seat, stop at the C-pillar and instruct the driver to roll down all the windows
• If no one is in the back, stop at the B-pillar
• Passenger's Side Approach:
• May provide extra time to listen and observe
• Look for signs of a popped or damaged ignition: a popped-open plastic housing around the steering column's base and exposed ignition wires pulled forward to start the car without a key, which may indicate a stolen vehicle
• No-Approach Approach (call the driver back to the patrol vehicle):
• The no-approach tactic involves calling the driver back to the patrol vehicle
• Use this tactic when:
• Windows are highly tinted
• Multiple occupants are in the car
• It's impossible to see what is going on inside the vehicle
• Assume a tactical position behind one of your patrol vehicle pillars, driver/passenger doors, rear
• Do not remain seated in the patrol car
• If the driver is looking at you, motion to the driver or use the PA system
• Use available cover, avoid walking between vehicles, and watch for brake/reverse lights.
• At night, avoid crossing in front of headlights.
• Check the license plate for clues, such as attachment method, age, tampering, or damage.
• Check for damage on the trunk, and touch the trunk to leave fingerprints on the vehicle.
• Stop at the C pillar if there's someone in the back, or the B pillar if there are no rear passengers.
• Observe for a popped or damaged ignition, indicating a stolen vehicle.
• Evidence includes a popped housing around the steering column and exposed ignition wires.
• If feeling unsafe, use the "no approach" tactic, calling the driver back to the patrol vehicle.
• Consider this tactic if windows are tinted, there are multiple occupants, or the interior is not visible.
• Assume a tactical position behind the patrol vehicle pillar; do not remain seated in the car.
• Approach at an angle from behind your car to avoid being hit if the driver reverses.

Interacting with Driver/Passengers

• Three main objectives when interacting with the driver/passengers:
• Identify yourself as a LEO professionally, respectfully, politely
• Explain the reason for stop – focus on what the vehicle did, not the driver
• Request necessary documents (DL, registration, insurance)
• Ask where documents are kept
• Never accept a wallet from driver
• Observe the occupants' behavior for signs of a threat:
• Moving excessively or nervously
• Watching you intently, beyond normal curiosity
• Moving toward the floorboard/backseat
• Excessive motion, beyond natural curiosity
• Rigid, wooden posture
• Gather driver/vehicle information:
• Verify that all information is current
• Compare the information on the registration to the VIN, make, model, and year of the vehicle
• If the driver does not have ID, ask for their SSN
• Confirm that insurance information is current and applicable to the driver
• If reasonable suspicion exists that there is a firearm, ask for its location and ask the driver to display both the license and the proper identification
• The driver is the only occupant required to provide documentation; but, you should suspect other occupants of a violation or crime
• If a query returns a hit, confirm the identifying information with the entering agency
• Initial interaction has three objectives:
  • Identify yourself as law enforcement with a courteous but commanding presence.
  • Explain the reason for the stop.
  • Request the driver's license, registration, and insurance information.
• If someone hands you their wallet when you ask for their license, tell them no, please hand me your driver's license.
• Moving excessively and nervously is a sign of threat.
• Watch for excessive motion, rigid posture, or watching you intently.
• Use observation skills, positioning, and distancing during the interview.
• Verify the information on the driver's license is current.
• Compare information to the VIN, make, model, and year of the vehicle.
• If the driver lacks identification, obtain their social security number.
• Confirm current insurance information for the vehicle.
• If the insurance or registration seems suspicious, verify with the insurance company or relevant authorities.
• Florida driver's licenses designate sex as "F" for female or "M" for male.
• Several states include a third sex/gender option, usually designated with an "X."
• Follow agency policy for how to enter the data into the system if you encounter this designation or if the appearance doesn't match the sex.
• Prior to July 1, 2023, Florida law required a concealed weapons license.
• Florida law now allows carrying a concealed weapon without a license if Statute sec. 790.06 conditions are met.
• Ask for the location of a suspected firearm.
• If the firearm is concealed and accessible, follow agency policy.
• Drivers are required to provide documentation.
• Request documentation from other occupants if suspecting a violation or crime.
• Acceptable documentation is a driver's license, school picture, military ID, permanent green card.
• Run database checks (David, FCC, NCC).

Action

• Choose course of action:
• No action, verbal warning, written warning, citation, or arrest
• Civil infractions for juveniles are handled the same way as for adults
• Weigh the seriousness of the offense, road, weather, and traffic conditions to decide on a course of action
• The action taken depends on the nature of the offense, the severity of the circumstances, and agency SOPs
• If the driver is arrested, the LEO may search the vehicle, impound it via wrecker, retain it, arrange for a 3rd party to remove it, or leave it at the scene with the owner's consent
• Options include taking no action, issuing a verbal warning, issuing a written warning, issuing a citation, or making an arrest.
• The law, agency policies, and circumstances influence enforcement options.
• Some agencies may not permit written/verbal warnings or handle juvenile civil infractions differently.
• Weigh seriousness of offense, road/weather, and traffic when deciding the course of action.
• Complete the traffic stop by returning documents with a warning/citation and relevant information pamphlets.
• Traffic stops are documented through dispatch, computer systems, written warnings, UTCs, and video/body camera systems.
• If the driver wants to make a complaint, explain the process and notify a supervisor.
• Allow an upset driver time to calm down before they leave.
• Ensure they can reenter traffic safely after the stop ends.

Arrests During Traffic Stops

• Probable cause may develop, justifying an arrest.
• Call for backup before making an arrest, then work together.
• Decide what to do with the vehicle and passengers.
• Treat passengers with dignity and respect.
• Witnessing an arrest might cause emotional reactions.
• Depending on the offense, the vehicle may be searched, impounded, or retained for evidence.

High-Risk Traffic Stops: Criteria

• A high-risk stop is warranted when:
• A LEO reasonably believes that a vehicle was stolen or used in the commission of a felony or that the occupants of the vehicle:
• Have committed, or are committing, a forcible felony, or crime of violence
• May be armed and dangerous
• May have an active violent felony warrant
• Pose a higher risk to yourself or the public
• Unknown risk traffic stops become high risk when the above criteria are present.
• These stops require quick thinking and reliance on training/agency policies.
• Listening, observing, coordinating, and communicating is critical during these stops.
• A high-risk stop is warranted when there is a reasonable belief the vehicle:
  • Was stolen, used in a felony, or occupants committed/are committing a forcible felony or violent crime.
  • Occupants may be armed and dangerous.
  • Occupants have an active, violent felony warrant.
  • Occupants pose a higher risk to officers or the public.

High-Risk Traffic stop steps:

• Identify the vehicle/suspect:
• Notify dispatch, request a secure channel, and provide the location, travel direction, description, and vehicle location
• Type, make, model, year, color, plate number, state
• Descriptors – damage, special markings (neon lights, stickers, writing, decals)
• Aftermarket modifications (truck boxes, spinning rims, tow hitches, winches)
• Officer safety issues (tinted windows, gun rack, grill guard, raised chassis)
• Number/description of occupants
• If the dispatch confirms information, you have reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop
• Do NOT turn on emergency equipment
• Do NOT conduct the stop alone – only if the driver's actions place the LEO, driver, or public at immediate risk
• Wait for backup, update dispatch of locations, movements, observations of weapons; ask for ETA
• Identify the location of the stop:
• Well-lit, light/no traffic, few/no pedestrians, plenty of room for all vehicles, an unobstructed view, avoid public harm
• Visible to approaching traffic and all LEOs
• Where pedestrian/vehicle traffic can be stopped/redirected
• Away from heavy pedestrian/vehicle traffic
• For at least 2+ backup units
• Wide and straight roadway
• Open/rural area rather than a business area
• Coordinate with other officers:
• The initiating officer usually serves as the primary officer (exceptions such as a K-9 relinquishing to patrol)
• Use the radio to coordinate with other officers
• Provide information to dispatch
• Initiate the stop:
• Turn on patrol emergency lights throughout the entire stop (takedown/high beams/spotlight)
• The primary officer may use siren and PA system if there is no response to lights
• Position patrol vehicles:
• The primary officer positions the patrol so that the driver's door of the suspect's vehicle is immediately visible
  • 15-20 ft. - agency policies and terrain dictate how far to offset the primary patrol vehicle
• Patrol engines running
• Turn off the siren
• Leave room for the takedown area: the tactical area of advantage for the LEO to handcuff/search occupants
• Always in front of a fan, wedge, or other vehicle formation
• Position the first backup to the right of the primary patrol vehicle facing the suspect vehicle
  • At least 2 door-widths apart so doors can open
  • 3rd/4th vehicle to one side or other of fan formation with forward-facing patrol lights OFF
• Focus the backup vehicle's takedown lights, high beams, and spotlight on the suspect vehicle
• Exit and use available cover - door frame/rear of vehicle
• Draw firearms and point with fingers outside of the trigger guard
• If the driver pulls away, make a second attempt to pull over
• If the driver does not stop – the primary officer decides if the situation is legal, feasible, necessary, and meets SOPs
• If suspects flee - initiate a BOLO, set up a perimeter, continue the high-risk stop – relay details
• Decide on officer assignments
• Briefly discuss the roles of responding LEOs
• The primary officer assumes command; the situation dictates who verbally controls the movements/actions of the occupants
• Only one officer should give instructions
• The primary officer verbally controls the occupants from the driver's side one at a time
• The contact officer approaches the suspect after being placed in a tactical disadvantage → responsible for handcuffing
• Provides defensive protection for the contact officer
• Issue commands:
• Use the PA system to identify as LEO
• Maintain cover when giving voice commands
• Instruct occupants to put up their hands
• If an occupant refuses to exit, treat them as a barricaded suspect (SOPs)
• Verbal commands:

1. "Roll down the window."
2. "Raise your hands again where I can see them." - If the vehicle's windows are heavily tinted and the occupants are not easy to see, instruct the occupants to put their hands outside the windows so they remain visible.
3. "Turn off your engine."

• Note that because of newer car technology, there may not be a key in the ignition.

4. "Remove and place your keys outside on the roof of your vehicle."
5. "Open your door from the outside with that same hand."
6. "Put your hand back above your head."
7. "Exit the vehicle on the driver's side."
8. "Keep your hands visible and put them above your head while facing away from me."

• Once the driver has exited the vehicle, the primary officer can continue issuing the following commands:

9. "Step away from the vehicle."
10. "Extend your arms above your head."
11. "Lift the back of your shirt by the collar."
12. "Slowly turn in a complete circle."

• Look for any weapons or obvious bulges from possible weapons as the driver turns in a circle with their shirt lifted. if you observe a weapon, advise the driver that if they move toward their weapon, you will use appropriate force. Refer to the techniques you learned in Defensive Tactics.

13. "Stop, turn, and face away from me."
14. "Place your hands back in the air."
15. "Slowly step backward toward the sound of my voice."

• If the vehicle has four doors, instruct the driver to:
  • "Stop at the back door (of a four-door vehicle)."
  • "Open the back door."

16. "Continue backing up until I tell you to stop."

• The contact officer takes over directing to the takedown area (some agencies handcuff near the front tires; other agencies handcuff behind the backup vehicle)
• Secure suspects:
• Once the driver is in the takedown area, the contact officer instructs them to kneel, lie prone, in a position of disadvantage
• Holster firearm, and handcuff – cursory pat-down
• Walk the handcuffed driver behind the cover of the backup vehicle
• Once secured in the vehicle, return to the position of cover
• Passengers are removed only when the driver is secured in the patrol vehicle; unless the driver is uncooperative
• Only one subject is taken out at a time
• Instruct the last passenger to leave the door open
• Plus one rule: assumes that if you find one of something, there is another
• Command any hidden passengers to make themselves known
• Clear and search the vehicle:
• If there is no response to the last command, more than one officer approaches the vehicle with weapons drawn
• The officer with the best vantage point should give commands to any discovered passenger
• If they refuse to come out, consider retreating
• Officers perform a systematic visual search
• After the interior is clear, retrieve the keys and open the trunk
• One officer unlocks it; the other holds it down to prevent suddenly opening
• After opening, assume a safe position pointing their firearm
• Conclude the stop:
• After the scene is secure, the primary officer notifies dispatch to discontinue emergency radio traffic
• SOPs dictate disposition and documentation
• Document all information, confirmation of warrants, contact with/arrest, and seized evidence

Ten Steps for High-Risk Traffic Stops

• The first four steps occur when the primary officer initiates the stop
  • Step 1: Identify vehicle/suspect.
  • Step 2: Identify the location of the stop.
  • Step 3: Coordinate with other officers.
  • Step 4: Initiate the stop.
• If dispatch confirms the provided driver and vehicle information, you have reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop

Coordinating with Other Officers

• The initiating officer typically serves as the primary officer.
• A K-9 unit may relinquish this role to a patrol officer.
• Attempt to stop all vehicular and pedestrian traffic nearby.

Conducting High-Risk Stops: Steps 5-10

• Step 5: Position the patrol vehicles.
• Step 6: Decide officer assignments.
• Step 7: Issue commands.
• Step 8: Secure the suspects.
• Step 9: Clear and search the vehicle.
• Step 10: Conclude the stop.
• The primary officer positions their vehicle, ensuring the driver's door of the suspect vehicle is immediately visible.
• Maintain a safe distance of 15-20 feet behind the suspect vehicle.
• More distance provides more protection.
• Keep patrol vehicle engines running, but sirens off.
• Leave room for a "takedown area," a tactical advantage for handcuffing and searching the driver/passengers.
• The takedown area is located in front of a fan wedge or other patrol vehicle formation.
• The "safe zone" is behind the patrol vehicle formation.
• Secured suspects are thoroughly searched in the safe zone before being placed in a patrol vehicle.
• Vehicle positioning is dictated by location and terrain.
• Position the first backup vehicle to the right of the primary vehicle, facing the suspect's vehicle.
• Position all backup vehicles at least two-door widths apart.
• Use high beams and takedown lights.
• Know the wedge formation.
• Patrol vehicles are typically the best and readily available cover.
• However, other environmental cover may offer better protection.
• Draw firearms and point them at the suspect vehicle with fingers outside the trigger guard.
• Maintain situational awareness and prevent tunnel vision.

Pursuit Considerations

• If the driver pulls away, make a second attempt to pull over the vehicle.
• The primary officer must decide if the situation is legal, feasible, necessary, and meets agency criteria for pursuit.
• If a supervisor advises against or cancels the pursuit, all officers must comply.
• If fleeing and you're not chasing: initiate a BOLO, set up a perimeter, and continue with the high-risk stop.
• If the suspect vehicle flees and crashes, initiate a BOLO, set up a perimeter, and follow high-risk stop procedures.

Officer Assignments

• Each officer is to be given instructions.
• The primary officer verbally controls all actions from the driver's side.
• Loud, concise commands must be used.
• The contact officer should approach the suspect after the suspect is in a position of tactical advantage.
• He or she is responsible for handcuffing and searching the suspect before securing them in a patrol vehicle.
• The cover officer provides defensive protection during the arrest.
• All officers must maintain situational awareness.

Issuing Commands

• Use the PA system for identifying yourself.
• If the driver is unresponsive, repeat the command.
• If the driver is still unresponsive: assess and follow agency policies for the situation.
• If refusing to exit the vehicle: treat the suspect as barricaded and follow agency policies/procedures (e.g., K-9, SWAT).
• Examples of verbal commands include:
  • Roll down all windows.
  • Raise your hands where you can see them.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Remove and place keys on the roof of the vehicle, etc.
• After the driver exits, continue with commands for stepping away, lifting the shirt, and turning in a circle.
• The contact officer will then issue commands to take the driver to the takedown area for handcuffing and searching.

Securing Suspects

• In the takedown area, the contact officer tells the driver to kneel, lie prone, or assume another position of disadvantage.
• Holster your firearm, approach the driver, and handcuff them after a pat down.
• Thoroughly search them.
• Do not remove passengers until the driver is secured in the patrol vehicle.
• If the driver is uncooperative, remove the passengers first, one at a time.

Clearing and Searching the Vehicle

• If there is no response: officers approach the suspect vehicle with weapons pointed at it.
• Clear the car's interior for passengers.
• Retrieve the keys/remote to open the trunk.
• Move cautiously to the trunk area.
• One officer unlocks the trunk, while another holds it down to prevent unexpected opening.
• All officers should assume a safe position, pointing weapons at the trunk and avoiding crossfire.
• Lift the trunk and clear it.

Concluding the Stop

• After the scene is secure, the primary officer notifies dispatch to continue emergency radio traffic.
• Follow proper arrest procedures.
• If the vehicle occupants are not suspects: explain the reason for the stop and release them.
• Document the incident, including information gathered, confirmation of the warrant, contact with and possible arrest of the suspect, and any seized evidence.