PEDESTRIAN/VEHICLE STOP AND APPROACH Flashcards
REASONS FOR A STOP PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 1
The cadet will list factors to consider when determining whether they can legally
initiate contact with a person, to include:
♦ The subject's actions ♦ Area of the stop ♦ Time of day ♦ Police purpose, such as attempt to locate broadcast, warrants, etc. ♦ Information from informant/complainant
APPROACHING SUBJECT ON FOOT PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 2
The cadet will identify procedures to follow before approaching the subject, to include:
♦ Notify dispatch of location prior to contact
♦ Request backup if warranted
♦ Observe subject for a few moments if feasible
♦ Look for bulges where weapons may be located
♦ Watch subject’s hands
♦ Remain alert
♦ Have a plan
OFFICER COURTESY PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 3
The cadet will list procedures that should be followed when an officer finds they have stopped the wrong individual.
♦ Apologize and give an explanation
♦ Be courteous
♦ Be honest
♦ Explain to the individual what you were looking for and why they appeared to match the description
♦ Identify yourself and provide your name
♦ Provide supervisor’s name and contact information if requested
FOOT PURSUIT PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 4
The cadet will identify tactics that should be employed during a foot pursuit, to include:
♦ Attempt to follow the suspect’s path step by step, allowing the suspect to
identify obstacles
♦ In most cases, the officer should keep their weapon in the holster during the
actual chase
♦ At a corner of a building, swing wide to maximize line of sight and cover, and
to avoid being tripped or attacked
Cont!
♦ If possible, keep dispatch advised of location
♦ Terminate the pursuit if visual is lost on the subject for more than three
seconds.
• This is time that would allow the subject to ambush an officer
♦Continue giving verbal commands and identifying yourself throughout the
pursuit
VEHICLE STOP PTRL. 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 5
The cadet will list circumstances, which establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause for vehicle stops, to include:
♦ Officer has knowledge that the vehicle/occupants were involved in suspected criminal activity
• Knowledge could be from civilian observation, ATL (attempt-to-locate), etc.
♦ Officer observes vehicle/occupants violating traffic codes
♦ A reporting party witnessed a crime/traffic violation and is willing to sign as the complainant
VEHICLE STOP ACTIONS PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 6
The cadet will identify the following types of vehicle stops:
♦ Traffic offense
♦ Investigative (reasonable suspicion)
♦ High risk stops
VEHICLE STOP DI SPATCH COMMUNICATIONS PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 7
The cadet will list the following information that should be transmitted to the dispatcher prior to stopping a vehicle:
♦ Indicate reason for the stop prior to activating emergency lights – Traffic stop, suspicious vehicle/person, in progress crime, etc.
♦ Location and direction of travel
♦ License plate number and issuing state
♦ Vehicle and passenger description if possible
♦ Under exigent circumstances the officer may not be able to provide this information prior to the stop, but should update dispatch soon as possible
VEHICLE STOP LOCATION PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 8
The cadet will identify the following considerations when selecting the proper location to make the stop:
♦ Width of road and shoulder ♦ Presence of hills and curves ♦ Amount of traffic congestion ♦ Level of visibility ♦ Problem areas (bars, nightclubs, etc.)
POSITIONING OF PATROL VEHICLE PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 0 9
The cadet will describe and demonstrate the proper positioning of the patrol vehicle when conducting a traffic stop.
♦ Approximately 10 to 15 feet behind the vehicle
♦ Approximately 3 feet to the left, if safe to do so
♦ Wheels turned to the left
♦ The offset of the vehicle will depend upon the width of the shoulder area
♦ The officer should use the vehicle as cover, but not create a traffic hazard
PRE-STOP PROCEDURES PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 0
The cadet will identify procedures that should be completed prior to the patrol vehicle coming to a stop, to include:
♦ Notify dispatch of actual location of stop
♦ Unlock the front passenger door (access to shotgun and radio)
♦ Leave emergency lights on during the entire stop
Cont!
♦ Constantly observe the vehicle and occupants
♦ Observe the surroundings (e.g. terrain, bystanders, cover)
♦ Activate in-car recording equipment and continue recording during entire stop
VEHICLE APPROACH PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 1
The cadet will define and demonstrate (scenarios) the procedure for approaching a
vehicle safely.
♦ Check traffic conditions
♦ Have an escape route
♦ Observe the driver and passengers by looking in the side or rear view mirror or by looking in windows
Cont!
♦ Approach will be determined by surroundings and traffic • Driver side approach Pay special attention to traffic • Passenger side approach Come from behind the patrol vehicle • Each approach provides its own advantages and disadvantages Driver side approach • Better interaction with driver • Easier to hear and smell Passenger side • Safer distance from traffic • Less expected from driver • Provides a different view into the car if the occupant(s) attempt to hide something
Cont!
♦ At night, go behind the patrol vehicle to avoid backlighting
♦ Check the suspect vehicle trunk to be sure it is closed
♦ Visually check all occupants for weapons
♦ If needed, carry flashlight in support hand while leaving strong hand free for
possible weapon deployment
♦ Minimize exposure by standing just to the rear of the violator’s vehicle, if rear
seat occupied
MOTORCYCLE STOP PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 2
The cadet will define how to safely stop and approach one or more motorcycles.
♦ Be aware that a motorcycle traffic stop can be problematic because of maneuverability, speed, and vulnerability of the motorcycle
♦ Advise dispatch of license plate number
♦ Do not follow too closely; a motorcycle can stop faster, slide, or go down, especially when transitioning to the shoulder of the road
Cont!
♦ If there is more than one motorcyclist, stop them together
♦ Advise the driver(s) to turn the motor off
♦ The rider may need to dismount to retrieve the registration
♦ If the rider does not dismount, have them keep the kickstand up. This will force them to maintain the balance of the bike and make them immobile
LARGE BUS STOP PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 3
The cadet will identify the proper procedure to safely stop and approach a bus:
♦ Apply the same basic traffic stop techniques
♦ Be sure the bus stops in a safe location
♦ Cross over behind the patrol vehicle and approach the front bus door from the curb side
♦ Request the bus driver to set his brakes
Cont!
♦ Having the driver exit the vehicle is usually a better option than remaining in the bus to question the driver
♦ If the driver is to be arrested, notify dispatch to request a new bus driver
♦ Stay with the bus until a replacement driver arrives
SEMI-TRUCK STOP PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 4
The cadet will identify the proper procedure to safely stop and approach a semi truck.
♦ Be aware there may be a visibility problem due to the size of the truck
♦ Apply the same basic traffic stop techniques
♦ Be mindful of the greater distance to stop the vehicle, so allow a larger area to stop in
♦ Request driver to set the brakes if not already done
Cont!
♦ Instruct the driver to exit the vehicle
♦ Avoid stepping up onto the steps. This places the officer at a disadvantage if the driver wants to cause harm or attack the officer
♦ If arrest must be made, secure offender’s vehicle
• If the cargo is hazardous or perishable, the company/owner of the truck should be contacted as soon as practical
LARGE VEHICLE STOP PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 5
The cadet will identify the proper procedure to safely stop and approach a van or camper.
♦ Be aware of any side doors, back doors, and windows
♦ Apply the same basic traffic stop techniques
♦ Approach the van or camper staying close to the vehicle
♦ If suspicious, do not approach the vehicle, but instead use the PA system to request the driver to exit the vehicle
VIOLATOR CONTACT PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 6
The cadet will identify steps to follow during the initial violator contact, to include:
♦ Greet the offender with courtesy
♦ Obtain the driver license and registration immediately to gain control
♦ Briefly state reason(s) for stop
♦ Do not accept a purse or wallet with a license inside, ask the offender to remove it
♦ Do not argue with the offender; thoroughly explain the reason for the stop
♦ Be observant, look for other indicators of criminal activity
♦ Use all your senses, smell for alcohol, drugs, etc.
IDENTITY CHECK PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 7
The cadet will identify items an officer should check to be sure a license is valid, to
include:
♦ The restrictions on the front and back
♦ Compare license description/picture to the offender
♦ The expiration date
♦ Any alteration to the license
♦ If you question the license validity, ask the driver questions such as address, date of birth, etc.
VEHICLE STOP ACTIONS PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 8
The cadet will name three enforcement options at an officer’s disposal.
♦ Issue a warning • It is important when giving a warning to explain to the offender the reason for the stop and precautions to observe in the future • Verbal or Written ♦ Issue a citation ♦ Arrest the offender
OFFICER POSITIONING PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 1 9
The cadet will identify techniques an officer should utilize when seated in a patrol vehicle to issue a citation, to include:
♦ Do not concentrate on the computer/ticket book
♦ Visually check on the offender every few seconds
♦ Be very aware of unnecessary or unusual movement from the suspect(s)
♦ Be prepared to exit quickly
♦ Watch your mirrors and surroundings for traffic, sympathizers, and/or secondary chase vehicles that might be there to guard the occupants or possible illegal cargo
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 0
The cadet will list additional safety precautions an officer should take, to include:
♦ Request all occupants to stay in the vehicle unless there is a specific reason to have them do otherwise
♦ Officer and the violator should not stand between the patrol vehicle and the violator’s vehicle
♦ Continually watch the violator and passengers until they have driven off and are out of sight
COMPLETING THE TRAFFIC CITATION PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 1
The cadet will define the procedure to follow when filling out a traffic citation, to include:
♦ Fill out the citation as completely as possible
♦ Proof read the citation for any errors
♦ Always have an extra citation book available should the computer become
inoperable due to server going down, etc.
♦ If handwriting a citation:
♦ If handwriting a citation:
- Print legibly in black ink
- Press down hard enough so that the writing goes through all carbon copies
- Check the infraction box and fill in the statute number
- Sign the citation
- Proof read the citation for any errors
ISSUING THE CITATION PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 2
The cadet will define the procedure to follow when issuing a citation, to include:
♦ Have the violator sign the citation
♦ Advise violator that signing the citation is not an admission of guilt, but rather a promise to contact the court as directed. Refusal to sign the citation may result in arrest or the officer may simply write “refused to sign” on the citation and serve it upon the offender
♦ If you cannot positively identify the offender, have them place a thumbprint in the designated area
♦ Give the offender detailed and complete information regarding the settlement of the citation
♦ Do not argue with the offender
♦ Provide offender a copy of the citation
OFFICER BEHAVIOR PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 3
The cadet will identify behavior that may jeopardize officer safety during any traffic stop, to include:
♦ Excitement
♦ Confusion
♦ Complacency
HIGH RISK STOP OBJECTIVES PTRL . 2 0 5 0. 1 2 4
The cadet will list the primary objectives of a high risk traffic stop, to include:
♦ Stop the suspect vehicle
♦ Apprehend the suspect(s)
♦ Complete the stop safely and effectively
HIGH RISK STOP SAFETY PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 5
The cadet will identify how to minimize safety hazards during a high risk traffic stop, to include:
♦ Have a plan before stopping the vehicle
♦ Talk over possible problems with back-up officers before the stop
♦ Properly position patrol vehicles using fanning or stacking method
♦ The driver of the primary vehicle or a designee will deliver the commands; all other officers support the primary officer
♦ Use appropriate cover
♦ Use proper lighting: overheads, take downs, high beams, and spot lights should all be used. Try to avoid backlighting.
♦ To neutralize the suspect vehicle, have suspect driver place keys on roof of suspect vehicle
PRE-HIGH RISK STOP DISPATCH INFORMATION PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 6
The cadet will identify information to be transmitted immediately to dispatch prior to a high risk traffic stop, to include:
♦ A high risk traffic stop is being initiated
♦ Request for any information dispatch has about the offense/offender
♦ Location and direction of travel
♦ License plate number
♦ Description of vehicle
♦ Number/description of occupants
♦ Request backup
HIGH RISK STOP PRE-APPROACH PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 7
The cadet will identify the following items to be done before making a high risk traffic stop:
♦ Select an appropriate location to conduct the stop
♦ Wait for backup
♦ Utilize available cover
♦ Keep constant observation
♦ Continue to communicate
♦ Do not attempt to conduct a high risk stop alone unless exigent circumstances make all other options impracticable
HIGH RISK STOP SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 8
The cadet will list safety precautions an officer should observe, to include:
♦ Constantly watch the vehicle and occupants
♦ Use the PA system
♦ Maintain cover
♦ Identify self as a law enforcement officer
♦ Inform occupants not to move until instructed
Cont!
♦ Instruct all suspects to place both hands in a visible position to the officer
♦ Have driver roll down all windows if possible (electric) with the left hand and then return hands to a visible position
♦ Advise driver to turn off motor, place keys in left hand, and then place keys on roof of vehicle
♦ Use appropriate lighting
HIGH RISK STOP ARREST PROCEDURES PTRL . 2 0 5 0 . 1 2 9
The cadet will identify procedures for removing suspects from the vehicle and taking them safely into custody, to include:
♦ Only one officer gives commands
♦ At least one officer continues to cover the vehicle while others take the suspect(s) into custody
♦ Decide which officer will handcuff and take the subject(s) into custody
♦ Suspect(s) should be taken into custody in a location that provides the officer reasonable security from the offender’s vehicle and other occupants
♦ If possible, have the driver/occupants open door from the outside handle
♦ Have them keep their hands visible
♦ Call driver back first (unless exigent circumstances require a different procedure)
♦ Call all other occupants back one at a time
♦ Do not call the next occupant back until the previous one is properly secured and detained
Cont!
♦ Secure the suspect(s) in one of the back-up patrol vehicles immediately following proper handcuffing and searching
♦ All occupants of the vehicle should follow the same procedure
♦ After the final occupant is secured, do an additional callout in case a subject is hiding or not visible
♦ Approach the vehicle only when you reasonably believe all occupants are out and secured
♦ Secure the suspect vehicle keys
♦ Approach the vehicle with at least two officers on the same side. Do not set up a crossfire
♦ Look for hidden suspects in the vehicle
