Traffic Stops Dots

Front 1

What are some important benefits of traffic enforcement?

Back 1

Through traffic enforcement, officers can detect or deter 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, and runaway children; (5) illegal weapons; (6) drug use or trafficking; (7) minors in possession of alcohol; (8) impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (9) criminals fleeing crime scenes; (10) uninsured motorists.

Front 2

What are some of the most common moving violations?

Back 2

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 3

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

Back 3

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 4

What are some of the most common traffic violations?

Back 4

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 5

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

Back 5

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 6

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

Back 6

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 7

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

Back 7

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 8

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

Back 8

(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 9

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

Back 9

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

Front 10

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

Back 10

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. 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 11

Is there a need to catch up to the vehicle to be stopped during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 11

Yes, the officer's familiarity with the area roads is critical to selecting a safe stopping location. Except in emergencies an officer should choose a stopping location that is out of the flow of traffic, officer and driver can avoid danger of passing vehicles. Passing traffic not only threat...their peers may create a volatile and dangerous situation. Remember to maintain safe following distance until violator pulls over.

Front 12

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

Back 12

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 13

What should be considered for determining the location of a safe stopping area to make a traffic stop during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 13

The following are major considerations for selecting safe stopping location: (1) lighting; (2) population; (3) width of road and shoulder (other vehicles can still pass); (4) traffic congestion; (5) level of visibility; (6) and presence of hills and curves. Safe areas are out of the traffic lane. Officers should try to choose a level spot or a slight downgrade. Don't 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 your patrol vehicle.

Front 14

What Florida Statutes govern the operation of emergency vehicle lights and siren during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 14

Emergency notification equipment includes emergency lights, siren, headlights, PA system, and horn. F.S. 316.216 explains the legal right to use lights and sirens to get the violator's attention during a traffic stop.

Front 15

What steps should an officer take once a violator acknowledges that an officer has directed him or her to pull over?

Back 15

(1) As the violator changes lanes, follow behind smoothly. (2) When the officer knows the violator will stop, the officer should unfasten his or her seatbelt while pulling behind the violator's vehicle. (3) The officer will pull the patrol vehicle directly behind the vehicle at a safe distance. A safe distance is far enough behind to be able to react to situation at hand. Must use safety precautions such as avoiding traffic lanes, watching for pedestrians, and protecting the violator. (4) If uncomfortable with stopping place direct driver to safer location with PA system. Be firm but respectful on PA.

Front 16

How do you activate the public address system during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 16

If the officer's PA system does not activate automatically, it must be manully turned on. Once the system is on, the officer can press the button on the side of the microphone and speak into it (similar to Citizen Band-CB radio). System's speakers are usually in front of the patrol car behind the grille or bumper. Officer's commands should not be as loud as the siren.

Front 17

How should you position your vehicle when conducting an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 17

Because of roadway conditions, traffic, and other environmental factors, each traffic stop is unique. As a general rule, the patrol vehicle should be positioned one and a half to two car legnths behind violator's vehicle. If violator stops on right side of road officer should align the center of patrol vehicle's hood wiht the left side taillight of the violator's vehicle. Wheels should be turned outward (toward road). This positioning (offset) creates a potential safety corridor where an officer can walk when approaching violator vehicle. May also provide cover from potential skipping rounds shot from violator vehicle.

Front 18

What steps should an officer take to determine the degree of danger involved during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 18

If any subject attempts to exit the violator's vehicle without being directed to do so by the officer, the officer should immediately order the subject back into the vehicle. Potential clues to watch for...nervously watching officer; suspicious movements towards the floorboard or backseat; excessive motion that seems beyond natural curiousity; or rigid wooden posture (frightened or poised for action)...these may all suggest danger. Officers need to check trunk lock, trunk lid alignment, and weight distribution for anything that may suggest vehicle is stolen. Look at way license plate is attached...bolts or wire may indicate was removed from another vehicle, age of attachment relative to plate (shiny new bolts with old plate), expired expiration sticker or sticker that looks removed from different plate, overspray paint on the license plate, the presence of dead insects on the tag (suggesting was front plate on another vehicle).

Front 19

What could an officer deduce if a vehicle appears heavily weighed down in the rear?

Back 19

The vehicle could be carrying stolen merchandise, drugs, tools, a person, or a corpse.

Front 20

What steps should an officer take in order to make a safe approach to the violator's vehicle during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 20

Officer should approach cautiously and remain vigilant for dangerous traffic situations. At night officer should take advantage of light and shadows. Touch rear of vehicle to ensure truck is closed and transfer your fingerprints. Officer should stay close to vehicle and stop at the back edge of the driver's door. At night, only a flashlight should be held in non-gun hand. Officer needs to remain behind the vehicle's doorpost for cover, assuming an interview stance.

Front 21

What are some officer safety techniques for getting the violator to exit the vehicle during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 21

Officer should exit the patrol vehicle and assume a safe position...behind driver's side or passenger's side doorpost-depends on traffic conditions. If passenger side officer should walk behind the vehicle while maintaining constant observance of driver/passengers. Also keep an eye on passing traffic. Don't walk between vehicles to avoid being silhouetted. Use commanding voice or PA system to get driver to walk back to you. Officer needs to be observant, especially of driver's hands, for any signs of aggression or the presence of a weapon.

Front 22

How should an officer interview a driver at a traffic stop?

Back 22

Have a courteous but commanding presence. An officer is less likely to encounter resistance if his or her presence is dignified and commanding. Make sure your expression, tone of voice, body position, gestures, and words portray professionalism and respect along with sufficient assertiveness. First thing an officer should do when contacting the driver is identify him or herself as law enforcement-especially if not in uniform. Many agencies have specific policies for doing this.

Front 23

How should an officer explain the reason for the traffic stop during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 23

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

Front 24

Should an officer allow a driver an opportunity to voice a lawful and reasonable explanation for a law violation during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 24

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

Front 25

What documents should an officer request during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 25

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 26

How should you compare a vehicle's registration information to the vehicle's VIN for a match?

Back 26

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

Front 27

Why is it important to match information received from dispatch wiht information recorded during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 27

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 US), driver;s licenses and vehicle registration (entire US and Canada), missing persons, and juvenile and adult and stolen property (entire US).

Front 28

What factors influence whether an officer issues a citation or a warning during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 28

The law, agency policy, and the violation's circumstances affect the decision. This discretion applies only to traffic violations and misdemeanor offenses, with some exceptions for misdemeanor offenses. Some agencies don't permit written warnings...others don't allow verbal warnings. Officers must weigh the seriousness of the offense, the road, weather, traffic conditions, and the driver's driving record.

Front 29

What are the appropriate reprot forms used during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 29

The Uniform Traffic Citation is used for traffic offenses covered under F.S. Chapter 316, 318, 320, and 322 and is used to collect and store information about traffic enforcement adn traffic case adjudication. For traffic offenses, the Uniform Traffic Citation is generally the only report that must be completed. However, individual agencies may require additional reports for particular offenses.

Front 30

What are the four carbon paper parts of the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation?

Back 30

White copies submitted to the local clerk of the court; blue copy to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; Yellow copy to the violator; and the Pink Copy gets kept by the officer's agency.

Front 31

Why should an officer explain the nature of the offense during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 31

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

Front 32

Why should an officer explain the officer's responsibility to adhere to traffic laws and local ordinances during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 32

Officer should encourage awareness of the violator's responsibility to obey traffic laws and local ordinances. By explaining safety issues and the importance of preventing violations, the officer helps the driver understand the law.

Front 33

Is there a violation for refusing to sign the citation during an unknown risk traffic stop?

Back 33

Officer should instruct violator to sign the Uniform Traffic Citation...signing is not an admission of guilt. F.S. 318.14(3) refusal to sign is a criminal violation that may result in arrest. Officer should use good communication skills to get violator to sign. If violator still refuses to sign officers should place the violator under arrest and issue another UFC citation for refusal to sign a citation.

Front 34

When should an officer make an arrest during an unknow risk traffic stop?

Back 34

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. Officer can do the following: Issue a criminal Uniform Traffic Citation with mandatory court date; Issue a notice to appear (used for non-traffic offenses); Arrest for county or municipal ordinance violations; Arrest for misdemeanor offenses; Arrest for felony offense (physical arrest mandatory for all felonies).

Front 35

How should an officer match identification points of an observed vehicle with the suspected vehicle description during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 35

To identify the suspect vehicle, the officer must be able to recall its description from a BOLO. Should match observed vehicle's make, model, year, color, and tag number as well as any damage or special markings (neon lights, writing on windows, bumper stickers) to help confirm identification. Identifying info also includes driver description, number of occupants in the vehicle, and the vehicle's direction and speed. Officer should look point by point at each part of BOLO when attempting to matchup to observed vehicle. If they match officer should notify dispatch that vehicle has been located and request backup.

Front 36

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

Back 36

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.

Front 37

What type of information should be given to responding backup units during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 37

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 38

What are some characteristics of a safe stopping site during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 38

Safety is crucial for the primary officer, backup officers, and nearby citizens. 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 accomodate backup units, or is a straight road, rural area, and has light traffic. A visible stopping site has an unobstructed view between the suspect vehicle, patrol units, and oncoming traffic.

Front 39

What if an officer must make a high risk traffic stop in area with heavy traffic?

Back 39

If the primary officer must make the stop in an area with heavy traffic or two way traffic he or she may position an additional patrol vehicle well in front of the traffic stop to block oncoming traffic. For safety, this vehicle should approach from the opposite direction. The primary officer should also choose a site with enough roadway width to accomodate two or more patrol vehicles. If possible, an attempt should be made to stop all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Front 40

Who is responsible for coordinating a high risk traffic stop?

Back 40

The primary officer will coordinate a stopping site based upon the backup units ETA. The officer should pick a location that gives all units a chance to reach the officer before the stop is initiated. The primary officer will direct responding units to positions of backup or control and know what is expected of each position so he or she can communicate that to the responding units and provide directions for the group to work safely and effectively as a team.

Front 41

What are some safety emergency equipment that can be used during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 41

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 42

How long should emergency lights remain activated during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 42

The officer should keep the emergency lights activated throughout the entire stop. They may help protect the officer from potential attack by the suspect. Using blinding light for safety is effective day or night.

Front 43

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

Back 43

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. If a high risk 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 44

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

Back 44

Backup units 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 be open completely. During night stop backup units array of lights should be focused on suspect vehicle's passenger side.

Front 45

What is the "wedge" backup positioning?

Back 45

Some heavily populated areas of the state use a variation of "the wedge". In this position, the front of the secondary vehicle is angled closer to the primary vehicle than the rest, creating a "V" shape with the two patrol vehicles. This formation is used when the stop involves two or more backup officers. A third vehicle (or fourth) should be positioned to the left, right, or rear of the primary vehicle at a slight angle. During a night stop, the control vehicle's array of lights should be focused on the suspect vehicle. If other vehicles are present, those officers should assist with securing the occupants, traffic control, interviews, and crowd control.

Front 46

How can an officer take cover from within the vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 46

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. Officers position is also dictated by situation at hand. Events are fluid, so flexibility is required.

Front 47

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

Back 47

The primary officer assumes command of the high risk traffic stop.

Front 48

Who will be in charge of controlling the suspect and occupants of the vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 48

The primary officer will use verbal control over all the vehicle's occupants to direct their movements and direct the arriving backup officer. This verbal control provides order and keeps the suspects from gaining an advantage.

Front 49

Does an officer need to identify themselves when conducting a high risk traffic stop?

Back 49

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 50

Where should suspects keep their hands during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 50

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 51

How should a suspect be instructed to exit the vehicle during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 51

Driver should be commanded to roll down the window slowly with your left hand and raise your hands again where I can see them. Next driver should use left hand to turn off engine. Remove keys and place on top of roof and open door from the outside with that same hand, and return your hadn above your head. Direct driver to exit on the driver's side, keeping hands visible and extended above head while facing away from officer.

Front 52

What position should the backup officer tell teh driver to assume when moving in as part of the arrest team?

Back 52

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 53

How should an officer search a vehicle for hidden occupants during a high risk traffic stop?

Back 53

While the primary officer continues giving commands to the vehicle, backup officers 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. Don't bump into the vehicle...could alert hidden occupants. Maintaining tactical position then check vehicle's interior. A systematic visual search of vehicle must be made. After interior is clear then can get keys off of roof and check the trunk. While unlocking trunk an officer should hold it down to prevent from opening. Officers should move back and assume safe position to cover vehicle and prevent being in a crossfire situation. Backup officer should lift trunk lid..both officers should then clear the trunk.