NCJ Number
194838
Journal
The Trooper Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 48-51
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Given that police officers who have made traffic stops have become involved in deadly encounters with heavily armed extremists, this article provides guidelines for making vehicle stops that take into account the possibility that vehicle occupants may be armed.
Abstract
Attention is given to the type of stop in which a vehicle stops abruptly and the occupants jump from the vehicle while firing on officers who are still in their patrol cars. If attacked while seated in the patrol vehicle, officers should seek cover behind the engine area while attempting to place the patrol car in reverse to exit the "kill zone." This requires that officers be aware of what lies behind the patrol car at the time of the stop. In the attempt to exit the "kill zone," officers should keep the engine of the patrol car between themselves and the attack. Before exiting the vehicle for other cover, an officer should move the patrol car approximately 600-900 feet, the outside effective range of most high-impact weapons. Should the initial stages of a vehicle stop be less aggressive, all of the rules that govern traffic stops apply. Prior to making a stop, officers must devise a plan of action that includes selecting a location that provides personal cover and an evacuation route. They must approach the vehicle, remove occupants, conduct appropriate searches, interrogate subjects, and end encounters with well-accepted and well-rehearsed procedures that maximize officer safety. This article details steps for communicating safely and effectively, approaching and removing occupants, conducting searches, interrogating appropriately, and completing the stop. Training for stops that could involve well-armed extremists should include the development of a planned response, working through the plan in a practical setting to determine its effectiveness, and then periodically practicing the plan.