traffic stop notes

All occupants of the vehicle should exit through the driver’s side door, following the driver's example, if possible.

After all occupants exit the vehicle, assume there is still someone inside.
A tactical team should approach the vehicle to search.
- Team composition should include at least two persons and a patrol certified MWDT (Military Working Dog Team) with an additional patrolman being recommended.
The team should retrieve the vehicle keys from the driver.
- Begin the search at the trunk, opening it with the keys.
- Position team members to avoid being exposed to gunfire while performing actions.
Proceed along the passenger side of the vehicle, with both team members on the same side.
For non-passenger vehicles, ensure that any unknown areas are thoroughly checked prior to advancing.
The search team must identify and secure any evidence they find during the approach.
Maintain communication with BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) to keep them informed of all actions, especially regarding termination.

The purpose of a high-risk traffic stop is to safeguard life and property during encounters with potentially dangerous offenders.
The following guidelines should be adhered to:
- Never approach an occupied vehicle: Always wait for backup, no matter how long it takes.
- Teamwork and Control: Maintain control throughout the process.
- Choosing Stopping Sites:
- Select an open and illuminated area for the stop.
- Avoid stopping in high pedestrian traffic areas, curves, or intersections.

Primary patrol vehicle should park at a 45-degree oblique angle, perpendicular to the curb line.
- Center the right front bumper of the patrol car on and approximately two car lengths behind the violator’s vehicle.
This positioning both protects the patrolman from oncoming traffic and provides optimal lighting conditions to view the violator’s vehicle from the patrol car.
- The patrol vehicle's headlights should not impair the visibility of other drivers.
- Utilize a positional spotlight if available; turn off vehicle lights and direct the spotlight at the suspect's vehicle.
Maintain increased vigilance and maintain distance between vehicles, especially during low-light conditions.

The driver of the primary patrol vehicle should have the best observation point and provide verbal commands clearly, using a public address system if available.
Commands for the suspect vehicle occupants:
- Instruct the driver and all others to place their hands on the headliner and to remain in that position until further instructed.
- Explain that a series of commands will follow, and they're not to act until told “Do it now!”
Procedure for the driver:
- Extend hands outside the door, unlatch the door with those hands, and then push it open with the left foot.
- Slowly step outside and face away from the patrolman's voice, keeping the door open for tactical advantage.
The entire process must be conducted with the patrolman in a position of cover.
Driver should rotate counterclockwise, maintaining high hands and elbows locked, to allow for weapons observation.
- Stop the driver once they face away from the patrolman and instruct them to back up toward the patrolman’s voice, keeping hands raised.
Continue to maintain pistol cover (for patrolmen) or secure rifles (with rounds chambered but safetied) on the threat vehicle.
Once the suspect is ready, control of the apprehension and search will be transferred to the assisting patrol.

Remove all other vehicle occupants from the driver’s side whenever possible, repeating the control process for each occupant.
Ensure absolute control over all occupants during the process; all must be visible to the backup patrols.
Upon each occupant exiting, command a prone position, and follow with handcuffing procedures.
Maintain all suspects face-down until they can be searched and secured in law enforcement vehicles.

After securing all occupants, approach the suspect vehicle for further inspection.
If available, utilize a MWD (Military Working Dog) during this search.
In the absence of a MWD, use a ruse as necessary to compel any remaining occupants to surrender—due vigilance is required to account for hidden suspects.
Conduct a thorough inventory of contents in both the trunk and interior, proceeding with extreme caution.

The primary objectives of an unknown risk traffic stop include:
1. Proper and appropriate enforcement action.
2. Favorably altering the violator's future driving behavior.
Success in meeting these objectives necessitates an informed evaluation of the violator’s mental status, physical condition, and relevant details of the violation.
Officers must develop strong human relations skills and retain flexibility as they navigate each stop situation.

Off-installation stops heighten officer safety risks; back-up patrols are strongly advised.
Notify BDOC with the stop location, vehicle description, license number, number of occupants, and general demographics of those involved (e.g., “three Caucasian males”).
Attempt to stop violators in areas that are familiar, open, well-lit, and spacious rather than danger-prone locations.

Signal the violator to stop using emergency lights or sirens to alert other drivers and ensure safe compliance.
Direct the violator to pull over to the right side of the road.
- Ensure the safety of the violator during lane changes, and signal if they stop in an unsafe area.
Only depart the patrol vehicle once the violation is fully stopped.

Keep the patrol vehicle two (2) car lengths behind the violator's vehicle and three (3) feet to the left.
- This protects from oncoming traffic and maintains room for maneuverability, should the violator act aggressively.
Utilize vehicle lights and spotlights during nighttime for optimal officer safety shield.
Follow tactical steps while approaching the violator’s vehicle:
- Maintain sight of all vehicle personnel.
- Approach from the passenger side, avoiding walking between vehicles, which could inform the violator of officers' positions.
- Avoid carrying objects in the weapon side hand during the approach.
- Stop at the rear bumper to verify if the trunk lid is ajar and check van doors for security.
- Request all necessary information from the driver and occupants following identification verification.
After collecting pertinent details, tactically re-approach the patrol vehicle.
- The same tactics should be applied while approaching the suspect again.

An assistant patrol member or Alpha team member should approach the suspect vehicle from the opposite side to the main officer, prepared to provide backup.
- Remain at the patrol vehicle passenger door if necessary.
- Position yourself strategically at the right rear of the vehicle, ensuring awareness of all occupants inside the suspect vehicle.
Upon arrival of backup, the responding vehicle driver should turn off headlights to minimize backlight situations, enhancing officer safety during the stop.