NCJ Number
197529
Date Published
December 2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This handbook presents “best practices” ideas for police officers conducting a routine traffic stop.
Abstract
This handbook begins by stating that one of the primary concerns of law enforcement departments is community relations. Most citizens come into direct contact with police officers through routine traffic stops. This handbook presents 37 ideas for the best way to conduct a traffic stop. The suggestions are easy to read and are divided into different sections for different types of stops. Some suggestions for the “typical stop” include maintaining a professional appearance, addressing the driver by name, and complimenting drivers on safe driving behaviors. Several suggestions are offered for those officers who confront “special conditions,” such as being aware of cultural differences and calming children who may be upset at being stopped by police. “Confrontational drivers” is the next section, which suggests that officers respond to drivers with negative attitudes appropriately. Finally, in the last section about “suspicious and felonious stops,” police officers are advised to treat drivers under suspicion in a professional manner. The second half of this handbook is a sample publication that law enforcement departments may use to communicate with the public about how and why traffic stops are conducted. It includes a discussion about how dangerous traffic stops can be for police officers and it presents 33 things that citizens should do when they are stopped by a police officer for a traffic infraction.