Vehicle tactics Flashcards
What is a traffic stop?
Temporary detention of a driver to investigate possible crime
When can a officer justify ordering occupants out of vehicle?
When the vehicle is lawfully stopped.
What is vehicle preparation?
Organizing your vehicle in a way that improves efficiency, safety, and helps avoid critical mistakes.
What are the proper procedures for initiating a stop?
Reasonable suspicion or probable cause for stop; communication with dispatch; initiation of stop procedures
Left offset vehicle position
Traditional method; line center of patrol car with driver side tires; allows limited protection, it places officer in lane of traffic
Right offset vehicle position
Opposite of left offset position; used during heavy traffic; gives officer natural cover; slower to assume position;
In-line vehicle position
Stops directly behind violators vehicle; preferred method in rural or curved roads
Drivers side officer approach
Traditional approach; purpose is to exercise control; gives officer more control of contact is necessary ; shine light in rear view mirror; check for traffic; open door quickly and only enough to clear locking system; puts officer in direct line of fire
Passenger side approach
Non-traditional; passengers don’t anticipate this approach; gives officer more cover and retreat options; could become blocked by objects in passenger side
Proper interview methods during a traffic stop.
Identify yourself; inform driver of the reason for the stop; do not argue with violator; be alert; be certain; be professional
Possible dangers of a traffic stop
Most dangerous police situation; could be interrupting criminal activity; possibility of assault or being killed
Proper tactics when conducting an unknown risk vehicle stop
Balance of caution and detection of criminal activity; stay focused on the job; wait for backup if possible; be alert; take control of the situation; handcuff immediately once arrest is made
Tactics for a Suspicious vehicle stop
Know the area; recognize out of place vehicles; recognize abnormal behavior
Possible indicators of drug possession
Rolling down windows in cold weather; driver exits car quickly; rental cars or out of state plates;
Tactics for a high risk stop
Must have cover officer; time is on the officers side; do not rush into unsafe decisions.
Proper vehicle distance during a traffic stop
Where the hood of patrol vehicle meet the rear tires of violator vehicle(approx. 15-25ft)
What is the dodge exercise?
Officer walks towards front of patrol vehicle and wrapping around to passenger side of front headlight
Actions of occupants(driver remains seated
Continue to serve and control driver
What should the officer do if the driver exits and runs
Remain with patrol vehicle; call for backup & supervisor; give a physical BOLO to dispatch and responding officers
What should the officer do if the driver gets out and approaches?
Deploy from vehicle in 2 seconds or less and order violator to stop and back up to rear taillights; or stay in vehicle and reverse to create space
What are some warning signs during a traffic stop?
Cracked doors; windows down; suspicious activity of occupants;
Commands to occupants during a suspicious vehicle stop
The officer should order occupants out one by one starting with driver; only extract occupants once a cover officer is present
What are the procedures to secure a vehicle from the roadway?
Owner can request specific wrecker, or allow dispatch to contact next available wrecker service; officer assumes traffic control duties before and during wrecker operations
