1. Understanding Risks

Key Risks When Making a Traffic Stop:

• Felonious Assault: Potential for violent encounters.

  • Discuss:

    • Is it better to leave a “combative” occupant/driver in the car or get them out when you’re alone?

      • Pro Tip: Pay attention to the driver’s license. If it says the combative driver is 6’6 and 310lb and you’re 5’9 and 145lb. You might want to leave him in the car until backup arrives.

    • What are other ways to mitigate the risk of being assaulted on a traffic stop?

• Crash: Risk of vehicular accidents during stops

  • Discuss:

    • Ways to mitigate the risk of being struck on a traffic stop or having your vehicle struck?

2. Legal Foundations for Vehicle Stops

Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Suspicion:

• Probable Cause

• Reasonable Suspicion

**Supervisors: Provide some examples of times your guys may have to make a stop based on reasonable suspicion or ask your guys to come up with some examples.

3. Effective Strategies for Vehicle Stops

Pre-Stop Procedures:

• Plan: Assess the situation and plan your approach.

  • To think about:

    • What is the best approach if they stop in the middle of the road?

    • What will you do if you see someone digging under the seat and around the car before you approach? Should you approach alone?

    • What is the best approach for lifted trucks

      • Should you have the driver step back too your vehicle?

    • What is the best positioning and approach when the vehicle is occupied x5 and everyone inside looks shady?

• Communicate: Relay necessary information to dispatch.

  • Ask your guys:

    • What information should be relayed?

    • Is there a particular order it should be relayed?

    • If you use self-dispatch? Should you still call out your location so your guys know where you are? 

During the Stop:

• Approach: Use proper approach techniques to minimize risks.

  • Discuss:

    • Passenger Side vs. Driver Side Approach?

      • What situations are best for each approach?

      • What are the risks and downsides of each approach?
        

• Engage: Handle the stop efficiently and safely.

  • Discuss:

    • How long should you be on a traffic stop?

    • Should you ask for registration?

      • Why? or Why not?

    • What constitutes pro-longing the stop?

      • Give some examples

High-Risk Stops:

• Assessment: Evaluate the risk level and adjust tactics accordingly.

  • Discuss:

    • What risk factors make a traffic stop a high-risk stop? (Felony Warrants, Armed and Dangerous, Vehicle Pursuits, etc.)

    • What tactics should be used in high-risk stops?

      • Vehicle positioning, having the driver drop the keys out of the window or keep them in their hand, etc.

• Backup: Request additional units

  • Discuss:

    • What are some situations that may force you to do a high-risk stop alone?

      • What are the best tactics for doing a high-risk stop alone if necessary?

4. Location Adjustments

Understanding the context of the stop can greatly influence your strategy.

Considerations Include:

• Urban vs. Rural Settings: Different strategies for different environments.

• Traffic Conditions: Adjust your approach based on traffic and road conditions.

5. When Shit Goes Wrong….

• What should you do if…

  • The vehicle you are stopping is occupied multiple times and the driver flees on foot but everyone else stays?

  • Occupants start shooting at you while you are in your vehicle? Discuss the best tactics.

    • This may seem silly or like common sense but if not discussed most officers will freeze for a moment because they have not planned for this scenario. Freezing in a gun fight even for a second may mean death.

Resources

• Best Practices for Officer Safety During Vehicle Stops

• High-Risk Traffic Stops and Felony Stops Video

• More training Videos

Attendance Sheet

Please download, complete, and email the attendance sheet to us to ensure that your officers receive their certificates of completion.