Vehicle tactics

Question 1

What is a traffic stop?

Answer 1

Temporary detention of a driver to investigate possible crime

Question 2

When can a officer justify ordering occupants out of vehicle?

Answer 2

When the vehicle is lawfully stopped.

Question 3

What is vehicle preparation?

Answer 3

Organizing your vehicle in a way that improves efficiency, safety, and helps avoid critical mistakes.

Question 4

What are the proper procedures for initiating a stop?

Answer 4

Reasonable suspicion or probable cause for stop; communication with dispatch; initiation of stop procedures

Question 5

Left offset vehicle position

Answer 5

Traditional method; line center of patrol car with driver side tires; allows limited protection, it places officer in lane of traffic

Question 6

Right offset vehicle position

Answer 6

Opposite of left offset position; used during heavy traffic; gives officer natural cover; slower to assume position;

Question 7

In-line vehicle position

Answer 7

Stops directly behind violators vehicle; preferred method in rural or curved roads

Question 8

Drivers side officer approach

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Passenger side approach

Answer 9

Non-traditional; passengers don’t anticipate this approach; gives officer more cover and retreat options; could become blocked by objects in passenger side

Question 10

Proper interview methods during a traffic stop.

Answer 10

Identify yourself; inform driver of the reason for the stop; do not argue with violator; be alert; be certain; be professional

Question 11

Possible dangers of a traffic stop

Answer 11

Most dangerous police situation; could be interrupting criminal activity; possibility of assault or being killed

Question 12

Proper tactics when conducting an unknown risk vehicle stop

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Tactics for a Suspicious vehicle stop

Answer 13

Know the area; recognize out of place vehicles; recognize abnormal behavior

Question 14

Possible indicators of drug possession

Answer 14

Rolling down windows in cold weather; driver exits car quickly; rental cars or out of state plates;

Question 15

Tactics for a high risk stop

Answer 15

Must have cover officer; time is on the officers side; do not rush into unsafe decisions.

Question 16

Proper vehicle distance during a traffic stop

Answer 16

Where the hood of patrol vehicle meet the rear tires of violator vehicle(approx. 15-25ft)

Question 17

What is the dodge exercise?

Answer 17

Officer walks towards front of patrol vehicle and wrapping around to passenger side of front headlight

Question 18

Actions of occupants(driver remains seated

Answer 18

Continue to serve and control driver

Question 19

What should the officer do if the driver exits and runs

Answer 19

Remain with patrol vehicle; call for backup & supervisor; give a physical BOLO to dispatch and responding officers

Question 20

What should the officer do if the driver gets out and approaches?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are some warning signs during a traffic stop?

Answer 21

Cracked doors; windows down; suspicious activity of occupants;

Question 22

Commands to occupants during a suspicious vehicle stop

Answer 22

The officer should order occupants out one by one starting with driver; only extract occupants once a cover officer is present

Question 23

What are the procedures to secure a vehicle from the roadway?

Answer 23

Owner can request specific wrecker, or allow dispatch to contact next available wrecker service; officer assumes traffic control duties before and during wrecker operations