traffic stops

vocab

High risk traffic stop

A traffic stop that an officer conducts when they reasonably believe that the vehicle was stolen or used in the commission of a felony, or that the occupant(s) of the vehicle has committed, or is committing a forcible felony or a crime of violence, may be armed and dangerous, may have an active violent felony warrant, or pose a higher risk to the officer or the public.

No approach tactic

Used in traffic stops in which the officer calls the driver to the patrol vehicle instead of approaching the vehicle directly.

Takedown area

A tactical area of advantage for the officer to handcuff and search the driver or passengers.

Traffic stop

The lawful and temporary detention of a pedestrian or driver of a vehicle for the purpose of traffic enforcement.

Popped or damaged ignition

In a vehicle, popped open plastic housing around the steering column’s base and exposed ignition wires pulled forward to start the car without a key; may indicate a stolen vehicle.

Offset angle position

A traffic stop position where the officer aligns the center of the patrol vehicle’s hood with the taillight of the driver’s vehicle, pointing the nose outward into the flow of traffic to provide a potential cover position for the officer if necessary.

Traffic flow

The general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement.

Plus one rule

Assumes that if you find one of something there is another. When you believe that you have removed all passengers from the suspect’s vehicle, command any hidden passengers to make themselves known.

Unknown risk traffic stop

A type of traffic stop in which the potential risk of the situation is unknown at the time of the stop.