Chapter 11 - Traffic stops - Unit 1 - Lesson 2/3

Question 1

STEPS FOR INITIATING AN UNKNOWN RISK TRAFFIC STOP

Answer 1

Step 1: Follow the vehicle until it is safe to make the traffic stop.
Step 2: Notify dispatch of the traffic stop.
Step 3: Select a safe location to stop.
Step 4: Activate lights and sirens

Question 2

Step 1: Follow the vehicle until it is safe to make the traffic stop.

Answer 2

A well-executed traffic stop should have a minimal effect on traffic flow. Note the vehicle’s make, model, year, color, plate number and state of issue, and any vehicle descriptors. Observe the driver and any passengers for unique identifiers such as glasses, hat, hair, or beard.

Question 3

Step 2: Notify dispatch of the traffic stop.

Answer 3

• your radio identification number
• your location, such as the street, cross street, house number
• your general direction of travel: north, south, east, or west
• a description of the driver’s vehicle, including color, make,
• the license plate number and state of issue
• the number of occupants and descriptions if possible
• the need for backup or other assistance as required

Question 4

Step 3: Select a safe location to stop.

Answer 4

Select a safe location to initiate the stop. Plan to conduct the stop in an area that gives the driver a place to stop safely, preferably in a well-lit location with a low traffic volume.

Question 5

Traffic flow

Answer 5

the general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement

Question 5

Step 4: Activate lights and sirens

Answer 5

• Follow the vehicle as the driver changes lanes.
• Follow the vehicle at a safe distance.
• Direct the driver to a safer location if you are uncomfortable with the initial location.

Question 6

STEPS FOR CONDUCTING AN UNKNOWN RISK TRAFFIC STOP

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Step 5: Park the patrol vehicle.

Answer 7

Park behind the driver’s vehicle, about 1½–2- car lengths behind it. Position your patrol vehicle in the offset-angle position

Question 8

Step 6: Conduct a visual assessment of the vehicle and occupants.

Answer 8

Assess the vehicle for signs of danger before you exit your patrol vehicle. Visually assess the vehicle from the safety of your vehicle

Question 9

Step 7: Exit the patrol vehicle.

Answer 9

A silent exit from the patrol vehicle. Adjust your portable radio volume to low. Continuously observe the driver’s vehicle and all its occupants.

Question 10

Step 8: Determine the safest approach technique.

Answer 10

• Use available cover.
• Avoid walking between your patrol vehicle and the subject’s vehicle. * Stay out of the flow of traffic.
• Push down on the trunk as you approach the vehicle.
• Transfer your fingerprints to the vehicle

Question 11

Step 9: Interact with the driver and passengers.

Answer 11

1. Begin by identifying yourself as a law enforcement officer, display a courteous but commanding presence.
2. Explain the reason for the stop.
3. Ask the driver to provide their driver’s license, registration, and insurance information.

Question 12

Observe the driver’s and passenger’s behavior for signs of a threat, such as:

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Step 10: Choose a course of action.

Answer 13

You may decide to take no action, issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, issue a citation, or make an arrest

Question 14

No-approach tactic

Answer 14

Which calls the driver to the patrol vehicle. Consider using if the driver’s windows are tinted dark, if there are multiple occupants, or if you cannot see what is going on inside the driver’s vehicle.