Safe Traffic Stops: Procedure, Safety, and Protocol

1. Minor Infractions and Traffic Violations Breakdown the process of traffic violations

2. Investigative Stops • Briefly detain and question with reasonable suspicion. • Has to be something that needs to be handled with immediate action • Cannot stop a vehicle because it looks suspicious • Profiling is not allowed

3. Reasons for Stop • Equipment violation- headlights, mufflers, expired tags • Moving Violation- speeding, red light, etc.. • Auto Stops are the most dangerous • Shifting environment • Have to keep their safety in mind • Exiting the vehicle and frisking for weapons is not unusual for safety • If Danger is still possible they may check the car • Protective Search- checking for contraband in the area in which they could gain it quickly

4. Conducting a Motor Stop • Step 1 • Identify a safe location- no curves, hills, etc.. • Well lit for safety • Turn on Emergency Equipment- blue and siren • Dispatcher • Location, license plate, model, make, color, reason for stop, reason for stop, number of occupants • If back up is called they must wait for it before they get out of the car • Car postion- front right light in the center of the drunk • Turn wheels to the left

5. Conducting a Motor Stop • Step 2 • Before exiting the car • What are the people doing? Movements? Hiding? • Is the trunk lock popped out? Are the plates dirty or clean? • Does age match the driver from the vehicle registration? • Is the license plate screwed in or wired up?

6. Conducting a Motor Stop • Step 3 Approaching the Vehicle • Daytime- • Driver side , Passenger side, Two officer approach • Nighttime Stops • Lights are important • The Approach • Trunk- make sure it is closed and locked • Rear-passenger Compartment- check hands and on the floor in the back • Front Passenger Compartment- main point is to watch their hands

7. Conducting a Motor Stop • Step 4 • Standing at the doorpost, backseat passenger, stand at the very back post • Can have them step out of the vehicle and ask questions by the rear of the car or on the shoulder • Step 5 • Initiates Conversation- be cordial and polite

8. Conducting a Motor Stop • Step 6 • When returning to vehicle always glance back • Write the citation on the steering wheel so that you can continue to watch the car • When returning to the vehicle the Officer should use the same precautions • Step 7 • Return and watch vehicle return to the road, • Notify dispatch that the stop is clear, turn off lights