Safety on Traffic Stops Traffic Contacts A traffic

Safety on Traffic Stops

Traffic Contacts A traffic contact is a daily event for most line officers. How these traffic contacts are conducted may mean a favorable review of the officer’s professional manner during the traffic contact by the violator in an embarrassing event or the tragic death of an officer who was not prepared when a traffic contact was made.

Traffic Contacts § Low Risk Traffic Stops § High Risk Traffic Stops § Method of conducting traffic stops § Procedures for filling out citations

Safety Tips on Traffic Stops Carefully choreograph your traffic stops as much as possible to minimize danger.

Location: Remember: You pick when and where they're going to stop. Use the P. A. to get the driver to do what you want him to do. And if you suspect something is amiss, repeat your commands. Video tape evidence can go far to display your attempts to get compliance and their refusals.

The Approach Make sure whatever ambient lighting there is works for you, and not against you. Don't cross in front of your headlights or spot lamps at night. Regardless of which side of the vehicle you approach, you want to minimize threat of your getting struck by a passing vehicle. Take full advantage of the road shoulder by getting at least the vehicle you're stopping as far to the right as possible.

Vulnerability Watch out for leaving your patrol car vulnerable. Traffic stops are inherently dangerous. Let's try to do everything possible to keep them from becoming more so.

Low Risk Traffic Stops

Low Risk Traffic Stop Method of Contact Steps For A Violator Contact § Greet and Identify § Statement of Violation Committed § Identify the Driver § Statement of Your Action to be Taken § Take the Action § Explain what the violator must do § Leave

High Risk Traffic Stops

High Risk Traffic Stop Method § Primary Unit contacts back up units and waits for them to arrive before a stop is made. ( when possible) § Primary and back-up unit position patrol units side by side at a safe distance behind the violator. § Primary unit gives vehicle occupants instructions.

Tips for Conducting Professional Traffic Stops

Three primary reasons for every traffic stop: Stop a violation of the law for public safety – accomplished by stopping the vehicle Serve as a general deterrent to other drivers. Officers’ visible presence with a vehicle at the roadside has this symbolic effect on other drivers Modify the driver’s future behavior – Officer’s interaction with the driver during a stop will be a major determining factor in the driver’s attitude toward law enforcement in the future.

Other Implications of a Traffic Stop: Stop may detect possible evidence of a more serious offense Enhance public relations and image of the law

During Typical Stops: Maintain a self-assured, professional appearance Signal which side of the road is safer for the driver to stop

At Beginning of Stop: Immediately greet the driver and state your name and L. E. agency Address the driver by name Inform drivers why they were stopped Describe the violation in terms of what the vehicle was seen doing, not the driver

Ask the driver where they keep their driver’s license and insurance Request the driver’s license and insurance with the word “please”.

Ask the driver for a reason for the violation Gives driver opportunity to vent emotions Avoid asking a series of random, challenging questions just to inflict officer control or to intimidate Appear casual in observing and questioning

SOFT approach: Smile Open gestures Focus on the driver and occupants – make them the center of your full attention Tone – the quality of your voice and pace are important parts of communication.

Provide the driver with instructions before returning to your vehicle Tell them what is going on and why they need to wait Take action in a timely fashion stay professional Complete all actions in a timely fashion

Do not issue citation or take action based solely on the driver’s attitude. Explain why the traffic violation is a hazard to them and others on the road. Complement the driver on their safe driving behaviors you did observe

End the Stop on a Positive Note The last words by the officer at the stop are very important – leaves a lasting impression of the officer and the agency. Help the driver merge back into the traffic flow. This is both Courteous and Safe.

Special Conditions Reassure children and other occupants in the vehicle who may be frightened by the presence of an officer

Have cards available written in other languages used in your communities that indicate the officer’s request for driver’s license and proof of insurance…also in English for the hearing impaired.

Avoid stating fine amount, number or points on license, or court cost, could increase tension.

If asked, explain the use of spot lights and safety equipment while work at night (Officer Safety) If asked, explain the presence of backup officers or additional vehicles on a traffic stop.

Confrontational Drivers While drivers are hostile, minimize potential for escalation by ignoring their attitudes and concentrating driving behavior and getting the violator to respond to your requests. Use crisis intervention training and other training techniques to de-escalate the problem.

Violator yells, talk softly. Remain polite and professional even if incident escalates to an arrest. If driver makes claim of unfair treatment, politely inform them of how to make a complaint to the agency or to your supervisor.

During Suspicious or Felony Stops When asking for consent to search, use a tone of voice that suggests this is a request, not a command. Treat drivers under suspicion professionally If legal search yields nothing, thank the driver for his or her cooperation. If the incident escalates to a felony stop, continue to treat the driver and passengers professionally.

Conclusion Practice the Golden Rule: Treat the driver and other occupants like you or a member of your family would want to be treated.