NCJ Number
210851
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 61-64
Date Published
July 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses some principles of safe traffic stops as presented in the roll-call video, "Your Vest Won't Stop This Bullet," which was prepared by the Law Enforcement Stops and Safety Subcommittee of the Highway Safety Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Abstract
In order to avoid being struck by a passing vehicle during a stop, officers must be clearly visible to oncoming drivers. This means complying with the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear. Officers must also be firm in controlling the stop location to ensure a safe distance from traffic lanes. In the event that a patrol car is hit by a vehicle during a traffic stop, the trunk of the patrol car should be packed in such a way as to reduce the risk that sharp objects will penetrate the trunk walls and enter the gas tank. Studies have also shown that the manner in which aftermarket equipment is installed in a patrol car is integrally related to officer safety in the event of a high-speed, high-impact crash. Vehicle and officer positioning during a traffic stop are also critical to officer safety during a stop. Among the positioning recommendations are to park the patrol car at least 15 feet behind the subject's vehicle parallel to the traffic lane and as far from it as possible, with the parking brake on and the front wheels turned as far to the right as possible. Another recommendation is to never stand directly between parked vehicles during traffic stops. Unfortunately, the use of in-car cameras to record field sobriety tests inhibits compliance with this safety rule. Camera angles should be sufficiently flexible to remedy this circumstance. 21 notes