NCJ Number
155753
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (May-July 1995) Pages: 17-18,31-32
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Police officers run the risk of being assaulted when making traffic stops and should follow appropriate procedures to ensure their safety.
Abstract
Most police officers in San Diego County, California, make driver-side vehicle approaches. Making most of its stops on the right shoulder of freeways, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) justifiably uses a passenger-side approach most of the time. Whatever approach is employed, police officers should maintain proper contact and cover positions and effectiveness. Advantages and disadvantages of driver versus passenger side approaches are described in the context of a potential armed threat. The author suggests that each police department determine which approach it feels will ensure officer safety. 2 figures and 5 photographs