Procedure: Unknown Risk Traffic Stops, Part 3 of 3 (From Crime to Court: Police Officer's Handbook, P 14-33, 1989, Joseph C Coleman)

• NCJ Number: 115714
• Author(s): B Masterson
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council
• Corporate Author: South Carolina Criminal Justice Acad
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: From the February edition of a continuing education television program for law enforcement officers.

Annotation

This chapter provides safety guidelines for police officers to use in approaching vehicles after a stop.

Abstract

After identifying the points of a driver's or passenger's threat to an approaching officer (windows, trunk, and doors), this chapter covers issues in the officer's discretion regarding whether or not to require the driver to exit or remain in the vehicle. Should the officer require the driver to exit the vehicle, the officer is instructed in how to make a safe approach to the driver's side and establish an advantageous position. Also discussed are how to retrieve documents from the driver, where to write the citation, and disengaging from the violator's vehicle. Advice offered includes never treat a vehicle stop as routine, watch the driver's hands, anticipate the suspect's actions, observe by scanning, make reasonable requests and recognize the dangers of driver noncompliance, and practice tactics against another officer.