Traffic Stops

Front 1

Define a traffic stop according to Florida Legal Guidelines.

Back 1

According to the Florida Legal Guidelines, a traffic stop is the lawful, temporary detention of an individual in a vehicle by a law enforcement officer for an investigative purpose.

Front 2

What are some important benefits of traffic enforcement?

Back 2

Officers can deter or detect unlawful acts or events requiring law enforcement action. Examples include (1) car theft and carjacking; (2) wanted persons and escaped prisoners; (3) drivers with suspended licenses; (4) abused, kidnapped, runaway children; (5) illegal weapons; (6) drug use or trafficking; (7) minors in possession of alcohol; (8) impaired drivers; (9) criminals fleeing crime scenes; (10) uninsured motorists.

Front 3

What does F.S. 316 contain?

Back 3

Uniform Traffic Control Law

Front 4

Does F.S. 316 contain criminal and non-criminal traffic violations?

Back 4

Yes.

Front 5

What are some of the most common moving violations?

Back 5

316.074 Obedience to and required traffic control devices; 316.075 Traffic control signal devices; 316.1925 careless driving; 316.126 Operation of vehicles and actions of pedestrians on apporach of authorized emergency vehicles; 316.121 vehicles approaching or entering intersections; 316.122 vehicles turning left; 316.183 unlawful speed; 316.123 vehicle entering stop or yield intersections; 316.1936 possession of open containers in vehicles; 316.613 child restraint requirements; 316.172 traffic to stop for school bus; and 316.217 when lighted lamps are required.

Front 6

What are some of the most common non-moving violations?

Back 6

316.221 Tail lamps; 316.610 Safety of vehicle; 320.07(3)a Expiration of registration; 316.605 Licensing of vehicles; 316.614 Safety belt usage; 320.131 Temporary tags; 316.224(3) Color of clearance lamps, identification lamps, side marker lamps, backup lamps, reflectors, and deceleration lights; 316.2065 Bicycle regulations; 316.1945 Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; 316.646(1) Security required, proof of security and display thereof, dismissal of cases.

Front 7

What are some of the most common traffic violations?

Back 7

316.193 Driving under the influence; 322.03 Drivers must be licensed; 322.16 License restrictions; 322.34(2)(5) Driving while license suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified; 322.32 Unlawful use of license; 316.061 Crash involving damage to vehicle or property; 316.027 Crash involving death or personal injury; 316.192 Reckless driving.

Front 8

What does an officer need to do if he or she confiscates a driver's license?

Back 8

If the driver's license is confiscated due to suspension, mutiliation, or revoked or altered data, the offiers should attach it to the citation and submit it to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or place into property as evidence.

Front 9

What is the current formatting of a driver license in the state of Florida?

Back 9

There are four current versions of the Florida Driver License (FDL). Card types and License classes are identified by color headers. Class E Learner's License - yellow. Class D and E licenses - green. Commercial Driver Licenses Classes A, B, C - blue. Identification card - red (pink). "Over 21" formatted horizontally (wider than tall)..."Under 21" formatted vertically (taller than wide). Need to more closely inspect older formats to obtain required information including expiration date.

Front 10

What are some important components of the Florida Driver License?

Back 10

Class A-required for drivers of trucks or truck combinations weighing wiht a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs or more, provided tow vehicle is more than 10,000 lbs. Class B- required for drivers of straight trucks weighing 26,001 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or more. Class C- required for drivers transporting hazardous materials in sufficient amounts to require placard or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including driver wiht Gross Vehicle Weight less than 26,001 lbs. Class E- required for drivers of any non-commercial motor vehicle wiht Gross Vehicle Weight Rating less than 26,001 lbs...including two or three wheel motor vehicles 50 cc or less (mopeds or scooters). Farmers or drivers of emergency vehicles exempt from obtaining commercial drivers license must obtain Class E. Class E Learner- driver is limited to driving motor vehicles weighing less than 8,000 pounds. Must be accompanied by licensed driver 21 years of age or older who occupies closest seat to driver, and driver must drive between 6am-7pm. 3 months after issuance 6am to 10pm. A driver with learner license may not operate a motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement.

Front 11

What are some important components of license plates in the state of Florida?

Back 11

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles isssues standard and specialized vehicle tags. Majority of specialized tags are vanity plates, but some have specific uses and restrictions. Some tags limited to government or commercial vehicles. When running a tag for a wheelchair symbol plate, an officer must include the suffix "WT".

Front 12

What is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles?

Back 12

Agency responsible for issuing driver licenses, motor vehicle titles, license plates, and vessel registrations as well as overseeing the Florida Highway Patrol.

Front 13

Define endorsement.

Back 13

Is a special authorization printed on a Florida Driver License permitting a driver to drive certain types of vehicles or to transport certain types of property or a certain number of passengers.

Front 14

How do you get a FDL?

Back 14

A Florida drivers license is issued to state of Florida residents who pass the DHSMV tests granting them the privilege to drive in Florida.

Front 15

What are informational alerts?

Back 15

These signal an officer about a person's health condition or public safety status.

Front 16

What does querying mean?

Back 16

When dealing with people, articles, vehicles, licenses/IDs, the following terms, querying, entering, running, vehicle check, wants and warrant check, are all used synonymously for gathering information for law enforcement purposes.

Front 17

Define restriction.

Back 17

Is language printed on a Florida Driver License that may limit a driver from operating certain types of motor vehicles or require that he or she meets certain conditions when driving any motor vehicle.

Front 18

Define traffic stop.

Back 18

Is the lawful, temporary detention of an individual in a vehicle by a law enforcement officer for an investigative purpose.

Front 19

What is discriminatory or bias-based profiling?

Back 19

Is the unequal treatment of any person including stopping, questioning, searching, detaining, or arresting a person soley or primarily because of the person's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Some observers more broadly construe racial profiling to include any law enforcement action that targets an individual based on variety of group characteristics other than race. Including profiling derived from occupational status, or ability to speak English.

Front 20

What protections are offered by Title 18 of the United States Code and the 14th Amendment?

Back 20

Under Title 18, Section 242, anyone who under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation or custom, willfully subjects any person to the deprivation of any rights protected by the laws or Constitution...shall be fined or imprisoned for no more than one year or both and if bodily injury results shall be fined or imprisoned for no more than 10 years and if death results shall be fined or imprisoned up to life or even the death penalty. 14th amendment guarantees every person within the US equal protection under the law. Mapp v. Ohio...US Supreme Court stated every person is entitled to be treated the same under similar circumstances...no stae can limit this constitutional right.

Front 21

What perceptions are commonly associated with discriminatory profiling?

Back 21

Whether or not the perception is accurate, minority residents frequently feel unfairly treated by law enforcement officers, particularly with regard to traffic stops.

Front 22

What steps can an officer take to minimize tension and maximize the cooperation of citizens during a traffic stop?

Back 22

(1) Greeting the driver and passengers politely, immediately explaining reason for stop, describe in terms of what vehicle was doing not driver; (2) Maintaining a pleasant expression, calm tone of voice, a non-confrontational interview stance, and command presence, and words that convey professionalism and respect; (3) Allow driver to talk, convey to driver that they are being heard; (4) Don't argue with violator, simply explain observations and violations if any; (5) Don't lecture violator but explain seriousness of violation; (6) Keep detention as short as possible; (7) End interaction with "thank you"; (8) Provide complete name and badge number if requested; (9) Eliminate racially charged stereotypes, racial jokes, and epiphets...these increase likelihood of insensitive behavior or perception of being biased.

Front 23

What steps can be taken by an officer to overcome language and cultural barriers during a traffic stop?

Back 23

(1) Avoid talking down or being demeaning; (2) Take his or her time to speak; (3) Speak clearly; (4) Show respect; (5) Listen carefully and explain fully what is expected and what officer is doing; (6) Be patient; (7) Refer the motorist if necessary to an appropriate source with the department if unable to answer all questions.

Front 24

Define minority.

Back 24

Is a less numerous segment of a population that differs from the majority in some characteristic and is often subjected to differential treatment.

Front 25

What reasons may a vehicle be stopped for during an unknown traffic stop?

Back 25

Officers may stop a vehicle if reasonable suspicion exists that a crime was, is being, or is
about to be committed, including an observed violation for which a citation may be
issued.Other justifications for a traffic stop would be to assist a motorist who is obviously
lost or whose vehicle has mechanical trouble, to investigate suspicious behavior, or to
investigate a vehicle or occupant matching a BOLO description.

Front 26

What traffic conditions increase the potential for traffic violations during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 26

Certain roadway and traffic conditions may increase the potential
for particular traffic violations. These include merge areas, intersections, and
acceleration lanes.

Front 27

What conditions could affect traffic flow during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 27

Weather conditions, school zones, construction zones, and neighborhood activities all
may affect traffic flow, slowing drivers and causing congestion.

Front 28

Where should an officer park to observe traffic flow for potential traffic violations during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 28

If working in stationary mode, the officer should choose a safe parking place from which
to watch for traffic violations. For example, when using radar or watching an intersection
for traffic light violators, the officer should position the patrol vehicle where it does not
obstruct traffic flow but can enter the roadway quickly and safely to make a necessary
stop.

Front 29

What would be considered safe places to position a patrol vehicle where it can re-enter traffic safely?

Back 29

Such safe places include areas with a wide shoulder off the roadway,
available parking areas, and areas with an unobstructed sight of violations and oncoming
traffic when entering the roadway.

Front 30

Why is it important to maintain constant observation of a vehicle suspected of a violation?

Back 30

To ensure the correct vehicle is being stopped, the officer should maintain constant
visual observation of the vehicle from the time of the violation until the stop is made.

Front 31

What information should an officer provide dispatch once a decision to stop a vehicle has been made?

Back 31

• the officer’s current location, such as the street, plus a cross street or a house
number; this is crucial on interstate and divided highways. If the situation
escalates and the officer is injured or cannot use the radio, dispatch can pinpoint
the officer’s location.
• the officer’s direction of travel: north, south, east, or west
• vehicle tag number and state issued
• a description of the violator’s vehicle
• the number of occupants and descriptions if possible

Front 32

What considerations go into determining whether a traffic stop is being conducted at a safe stopping area?

Back 32

The following are major considerations when selecting the safest proper location to
make the stop:
• lighting
• population
• width of road and shoulder
• traffic congestion
• level of visibility
• presence of hills and curves
Officers should not
make a stop on a curve, ramp, or crest of a hill, close to an exit ramp, or where road
conditions could cause other vehicles to hit the patrol vehicle.

Front 33

What Florida Statute governs the operation of emergency vehicle lights and siren during a traffic stop?

Back 33

§316.216 explains the
legal right to use lights and sirens to get the violator’s attention during a traffic stop.

Front 34

Why is it important to position the patrol vehicle in line directly behind the suspect vehicle during a traffic stop?

Back 34

A safe distance is far enough behind the violator to react
to the situation at hand.

Front 35

Define traffic flow.

Back 35

Traffic flow is the general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement.

Front 36

Define wig wags.

Back 36

Which are alternating flashes of the vehicle lights, strobe, flashers,
and other lights.

Front 37

What are some officer safety and survival techniques that an officer should keep in mind when positioning a patrol vehicle?

Back 37

• ensuring the officer is a safe distance from the roadway
• maintaining a safe reactionary distance between the violator’s vehicle and the
patrol vehicle
• offsetting and angling the patrol vehicle from the violator’s vehicle
• adhering to agency policy and procedure

Front 38

How should an officer offset his vehicle with the violator's during a traffic stop?

Back 38

As a general rule, the patrol vehicle should be positioned one and a half
to two car lengths behind the violator’s vehicle. If the violator stops on the right side of
the road, the officer should align the center of the patrol vehicle’s hood with the left
side taillight of the violator’s vehicle. The wheels should be turned outward (toward the
road) so the patrol vehicle may be deflected away from the violator’s vehicle if the patrol
vehicle is struck from behind.

Front 39

What factors should an officer look for to assess the degree of danger involved during a traffic stop?

Back 39

If the vehicle appears to be heavily weighed down in the rear, the officer should discuss
this with the driver. The vehicle could be carrying stolen merchandise, drugs, tools, a
person, or a corpse.

Front 40

What is the proper way to make contact with vehicle occupants during an unknown traffic stop?

Back 40

The officer should approach the violator’s vehicle cautiously, using all senses to
assess the situation. The officer should not fix his or her full attention on any one part
of the scene but should scan the vehicle and occupants for suspicious movements and
continue to observe both the vehicle and the occupants throughout the stop. If a
situation seems dangerous, an officer should request backup and wait for arrival before
taking any further action.

Front 41

How should an officer make a safe approach to a violator's vehicle during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 41

At night, the officer ought to take advantage of light and
shadows. Touching the rear of the violator’s vehicle ensures the truck lid/hatch is closed
and transfers the officer’s fingerprints to the vehicle as evidence of contact. The officer
should stay close to the vehicle, stopping at the back edge of the driver’s door. At night,
only a flashlight should be held in the non-gun hand.The officer needs to remain behind
the vehicle’s doorpost for cover, assuming an interview stance.

Front 42

What officer safety techniques are applicable to a situation where a violator is exiting his or her vehicle?

Back 42

If the decision is made to call the driver back to the patrol vehicle, the officer should exit
the patrol vehicle and assume a safe position, such as behind either the driver’s side or
passenger’s side doorpost, depending on traffic conditions.When moving to a position
behind the passenger-side doorpost, the officer should walk behind the vehicle while
constantly observing the driver and any passengers. The officer should also keep an eye
on passing traffic to avoid being struck by a vehicle. To avoid being silhouetted against
the emergency lights, the officer should not walk between the patrol vehicle and the
violator’s vehicle. The driver may be verbally directed back to the patrol vehicle by using
a commanding voice or a PA system. If the driver is looking at the driver directly or
through a mirror, the officer may simply motion the driver to come back to the patrol
vehicle. As the violator approaches, the officer should be observant, especially of the
driver’s hands, for any signs of aggression or the presence of a weapon.

Front 43

When should an officer identify him or herself as an officer during a traffic stop?

Back 43

assertiveness.The first thing the officer should do when
contacting the driver is identify him- or herself as a law enforcement officer, especially
if not in uniform. Many agencies have a specific policy for doing this.

Front 44

Should an officer explain the reason for the traffic stop?

Back 44

In accordance with agency policy, the officer should courteously explain the reason for
the stop and request the required documentation.

Front 45

Why should you ask the driver for a lawful and reasonable explanation for a law violation?

Back 45

The officer should allow the driver to offer an explanation, such
as medical difficulties or vehicle malfunctions.

Front 46

What documents should be requested from the driver during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 46

Drivers in Florida must provide a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of
insurance upon request per F.S. §322.15., §320.0605, and §316.646.

Front 47

What forms of identification provide the most accurate personal information during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 47

If
identification is needed from occupants, officers should request documents that provide
the most accurate personal information such as the following:
• driver’s license or state-issued identification card (with picture)
• residence card for non-citizens (green card)
• military ID
• school picture identification
• Social Security number (according to agency policy and procedure)

Front 48

How should you compare a vehicle's registration information to the vehicle's vin during a traffic stop?

Back 48

The
information on the registration should be compared to the VIN, make, type, and year
of the vehicle.

Front 49

Where should the driver and occupants wait during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 49

The driver and any occupants should be asked
to stay in the violator’s vehicle or in a designated place within the officer’s sight, which
makes it more difficult to attack from behind.

Front 50

What information can FCIC/NCIC provide an officer during a traffic stop?

Back 50

FCIC/NCIC information can provide an officer with assistance during traffic stops. It
can also give useful additional information about the person or vehicle stopped,
including wanted persons (entire U.S.), drivers’ licenses and vehicle registration (entire
U.S. and Canada), missing persons, and juvenile and adult and stolen property (entire
U.S.).

Front 51

Define no approach tactic.

Back 51

The officer must decide whether to approach the violator’s vehicle or call the driver back
to the patrol vehicle (called the no approach tactic) to acquire information.

Front 52

Define offset position.

Back 52

If the violator stops on the right side of
the road, the officer should align the center of the patrol vehicle’s hood with the left
side taillight of the violator’s vehicle. The wheels should be turned outward (toward the
road) so the patrol vehicle may be deflected away from the violator’s vehicle if the patrol
vehicle is struck from behind. This offset position creates a potential safety corridor
where an officer can walk when approaching the violator’s vehicle.

Front 53

Define popped or splatted ignition.

Back 53

With a popped or splatted ignition, the plastic housing around the column’s
base has been popped open, exposing ignition bars that can be pulled forward to start
the car. It also means an ignition key area has the key portion removed, allowing the
ignition bar to be exposed.

Front 54

How does an officer decide to issue a citation or a warning during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 54

Officers often use discretion and flexibility in judgment. In the case of traffic violations,
officers may issue a warning, citation, or make an arrest as appropriate. The law, agency policy, and the violation’s circumstances affect the decision. Individual officers must weigh
the offense’s seriousness, the road, weather, traffic conditions and the driver’s driving
record.

Front 55

What report must be completed for traffic offenses?

Back 55

For traffic offenses, the UniformTraffic
Citation is generally the only report that must be completed.

Front 56

What is the Uniform Traffic Citation?

Back 56

The Uniform Traffic Citation is used for traffic offenses covered under Florida Statute
Chapters 316, 318, 320, and 322 and is used to collect and store information about
traffic enforcement and traffic case adjudication.

Front 57

Why does the officer need to explain the nature of the offense during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 57

The violator must understand the citation and the violation. The issuing officer must
understand Florida traffic violations sufficiently to explain the nature of the offense to
someone unfamiliar with the law.

Front 58

Does an officer need to give options for handling the citation during an unknown traffic stop?

Back 58

The officer should explain the violator’s
five options for responding to the citation, which are listed and explained in detail on
the back of the violator’s (yellow) copy.

Front 59

Does a violator need to sign a citation during a traffic stop?

Back 59

The officer should instruct the violator to sign the Uniform
Traffic Citation and explain that signing is not an admission of guilt. According to F.S. §318.14(3), refusal to sign a Uniform Traffic Citation is a criminal
violation that may result in arrest. If the
violator still refuses to sign, the officer should place him or her under arrest and issue
another Uniform Traffic Citation for refusal to sign a citation.

Front 60

How should an officer close the interview with the violator during a traffic stop?

Back 60

Throughout the traffic stop, the officer should maintain a professional and courteous
manner with the driver and passengers. Completing contact with a violator is easiest if the officer clearly explains options for handling the citation. The officer should not
argue the merits of the citation with the violator or tell the driver to “Have a nice day,”
since this could be interpreted as offensive or derogative.

Front 61

How do you determine whether or not to make an arrest during a traffic stop?

Back 61

Whether to make a physical
arrest or take some other action will depend on the nature of the offense, the severity of
the circumstances, and agency policies and procedures.The officer’s actions may include
the following:
• issuing a criminal Uniform Traffic Citation with mandatory court
appearance date
• issuing a Notice to Appear (used for non-traffic offenses)
• arresting for a county or municipal ordinance violation
• arresting for misdemeanor offense (With some exceptions, misdemeanors must
be committed in the officer’s presence to justify physical arrest.)
• arresting for felony offense (Physical arrest is mandatory for all felonies.)

Front 62

What information should be communicated to dispatch as an officer begins the high risk traffic stop process?

Back 62

As an officer begins the high risk traffic stop process, he or she will give dispatch his or
her location, the vehicle’s location and travel direction, the vehicle’s description (make,
model, color, and special identifiers, such as vehicle damage or bumper stickers), the
number and description of occupants, the tag number and state, and suspected crimes
and weapons.

Front 63

How should an officer maintain surveillance until backup units arrive during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 63

The officer should follow the
suspect vehicle until backup arrives and a safe stopping location is identified. Until
backup arrives, the officer should maintain visual surveillance with the suspect vehicle. As in an unknown risk traffic stop, the officer should maintain a safe
distance from the suspect vehicle.This distance varies based on the speed of travel.While
doing this the officer should operate the patrol vehicle without activating the emergency
equipment.

Front 64

What information should an officer provide responding backup units with during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 64

As circumstances
change, backup and dispatch must be updated on the suspect vehicle’s movement and
route, suspect activity, and weapon or contraband information. This is an
important role of the primary officer in a traffic stop.

Front 65

What information should an officer request from responding units during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 65

Periodically, the
primary officer should request the location and estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the
backup units to keep from waiting in vain. An accurate ETA allows for
planning the best stopping location.

Front 66

What is considered a safe stopping site for a high risk traffic stop?

Back 66

A safe
stopping site is visible to officers and oncoming traffic, away from heavy pedestrian
traffic, away from heavy vehicle traffic, and large enough to accommodate backup units,
or is a straight road (versus a curved road), a rural area (versus a business area), and has
light traffic. A visible stopping site has an unobstructed view between the
suspect vehicle, the patrol units, and oncoming traffic.

Front 67

What safety/emergency equipment can be used during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 67

After selecting the stopping location and communicating with dispatch and backup,
the primary officer should activate emergency red/blue lights and the siren to initiate the
stop.

Front 68

What is the proper distance between the primary vehicle and the suspect's vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 68

In accordance with agency policies and procedures, once the violator’s vehicle stops,
the primary officer should place the patrol vehicle so the suspect’s door can be seen
in case it is necessary for the officer to facilitate a quick getaway. The officer should
park at a safe stopping distance behind the violator’s vehicle.When conducting a high
risk traffic stop, the distance behind the violator’s vehicle should be increased to
provide the officer with more protection. The situation and agency policy will dictate
this safe distance.

Front 69

What is the proper positioning for the primary patrol vehicle and suspect vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 69

The primary patrol vehicle should be offset to the left or right of the violator’s vehicle.
Agency policy and the situation (terrain, type of intersection, whether it is a highway or
street, officer safety) help the officer determine which offset to use. The patrol vehicle
should be centered on the suspect vehicle’s taillight (left or right) and slightly angled to
provide protection. For example, if offset to the left, the patrol vehicle should be centered
on the left taillight of the suspect’s vehicle and if to the right, the patrol vehicle should
be centered on the right taillight.

Front 70

What is the proper positioning of the backup patrol vehicle in relation to the primary patrol vehicle and the suspect vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 70

Backup
vehicles should be positioned to the
right or left of the primary vehicle
depending on agency policy, roadway,
and environmental conditions. Two
door widths should be left so both
vehicle doors can open completely.
During a night stop, the backup
vehicle’s takedown lights, high beams,
and spotlight should be focused on the
suspect vehicle’s passenger side.

Front 71

How should an officer take cover using the patrol vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 71

The patrol vehicle is the most
effective and readily available cover. The officers can remain seated in the
vehicle, exit the vehicle, or crouch behind the vehicles’ door according to agency policy
and procedures.

Front 72

Who should assume command of the situation during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 72

The primary officer assumes command of the high risk traffic stop. The
primary officer will use verbal control over all the vehicle’s occupants to direct their
movements and direct the arriving backup officers.

Front 73

Should an officer identify themselves and their agency to the suspect?

Back 73

Using the PA system, an officer should identify him- or herself as a law enforcement
officer, stating name and agency name to the vehicle occupants.

Front 74

How should an officer command the suspects to keep their hands during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 74

All occupants should be instructed to put their hands up so they are clearly visible. If
the vehicle’s windows are heavily tinted and the officers cannot see the passengers, the
occupants should be told to put their hands outside the window where the officer can
see them.

Front 75

How should an officer instruct a suspect to exit his or her vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 75

Specifically the driver should be then be commanded to “Roll down the window slowly
with your left hand and then raise your hands again where I can see them”. Next, the driver should be told, “Use your left hand and turn off your
engine. Remove and place your keys outside on the roof of your vehicle, open your door
from the outside with that same hand, and return your hand above your head”. The officer will then direct the driver only to exit on the
driver’s side, keeping hands visible and extended above the head while facing away from
the officer.

Front 76

How should an officer direct a suspect to walk back to him or her during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 76

Once outside of the vehicle, the driver should be told to step away from the vehicle,
stand on the balls of his or her feet, extend arms above head, lift the back of the shirt
by the collar, and slowly turn in a complete circle so the officer can see any weapons or
obvious bulges from possible weapons. The driver should then be told to stop, facing
away from the officer, and listen to commands. If a weapon is seen, the driver must be
advised that any movement towards the weapon will be met with appropriate force.The
weapon and person will be safely secured according to agency policy and procedures. Next, the officer should command the driver to slowly step backward toward the sound
of the officer’s voice.

Front 77

When does the arrest team start providing instructions to the suspect instead of the primary officer?

Back 77

The primary officer
should command the driver to continue backing up until he or she reaches the front of
the patrol vehicle(s) or whichever designated point agency policy dictates. Then a backup officer takes over directing the suspect.When the driver moves just past
the front of the patrol vehicle(s), he or she should be stopped. The arrest team, located
at the rear of the arrest vehicle, should begin commanding the driver’s movements to
search and secure the driver.

Front 78

What position should the backup officers instruct the driver to assume?

Back 78

The backup officer should tell the driver to kneel/prone (position of disadvantage) when
the driver reaches the front tires of the backup vehicle.

Front 79

Once the backup officers handcuff the driver during a high risk traffic stop what actions should they then take?

Back 79

The officer will conduct a cursory pat-down for weapons, secure any weapons, and walk
the driver back behind the cover of the backup vehicle to secure, completely search, and
interview him- or her about occupants and weapons. To gather
intelligence for officer safety, the interview should concentrate on the presence of any
weapons and number of occupants in the vehicle.

Front 80

Should the last occupant removed from a vehicle during a high risk traffic stop be instructed to close the car door?

Back 80

The
last occupant exiting the vehicle should leave the door open.

Front 81

How should a search be conducted of hidden occupants during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 81

After the suspects and any occupants are out of the vehicle, the vehicle must be checked
for hidden occupants. If there is no response to a bluff, the backup officers should
approach the vehicle. While the primary officer continues giving commands to the
vehicle, backup officers (if available) should move to the right and left side at the same
time using a tactical approach and with their weapons pointed at the vehicle at all times.
They should use caution not to bump into the vehicle and alert hidden occupants of
their presence.

Front 82

How does the vehicle being a van or SUV change the dynamic of a high risk traffic stop?

Back 82

If the vehicle is a van or SUV, the driver should be asked if the back doors are locked. If they are, the driver should be instructed to take
the keys from the roof with the left hand.The officer then commands the driver to sidestep
to the center of his or her vehicle and open the back doors. The primary officer
should command the driver to continue backing up until he or she reaches the front of
the patrol vehicle(s) or whichever designated point agency policy dictates.