NCJ Number
72541
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This film, intended for law enforcement officers making routine traffic stops, emphasizes that every vehicle stop is dangerous and that officers whould be aware, suspicious, and in control of each situation.
Abstract
A number of procedures are described that may be employed by law enforcement officers in making routine traffic stops. Because statistics show that almost one-third of the officers killed in the line of duty were involved in traffic stops, attitude, awareness, and training are key factors in determining officer safety. Officers must be observant from the time they make the decision to stop until the time the violator either drives away or is in a jail cell. The routine traffic stop procedure includes witnessing the violation, preparation for stop, parking the patrol vehicle, approaching the stopped vehicle, position at the violator's vehicle, writing the citation or performing a records check, and what to do if the violator gets out. Varied procedures to use when encountering drivers using drugs, vans and campers, and outlaw gangs, as well as when making routine traffic stops are detailed. The film also suggests that officers vary their routine and that they always be prepared for the unexpected.