how do i get better at traffic stops

Traffic Stops: How do I make it go smoothly?

Full Answer

What should I do if I’m in a traffic stop?

A traffic stop can be frightening for a citizen who’s not used to dealing with police. Nervous drivers sometimes stop right in the middle of the street, fearing that they’ll be cited for trying to avoid an encounter with the police. If you use your public address system to show the driver where to stop, speak calmly.

What are some safety tips for a police officer?

Here are some safety tips recommended by experienced officers: Be professional. A traffic stop can be frightening for a citizen who’s not used to dealing with police. Nervous drivers sometimes stop right in the middle of the street, fearing that they’ll be cited for trying to avoid an encounter with the police.

How can police officers stay safe during traffic stops?

Alertness, professionalism, and common-sense safety practices can help ensure officer safety during traffic stops. Well-formed safety habits allow officers to focus on the situation at hand so that they can look for what’s unexpected and unpredictable.

How can police officers make smarter traffic stops?

A large number of attacks occur during the second approach, so monitor the occupants closely, mix up your tactics (approach on a different side, or change cover and contact roles with your partner), and tell yourself every time that “this could be the one.” Scott’s goal is to help officers “make smarter, safer, more effective traffic stops.”

What has Hensley seen in the results of traffic stops?

How to tell if a driver is trying to conceal stress?

Why do police ask "Are you OK"?

What is the question during a criminal interdiction stop?

Why do people use their first name?

Who is Kirk Hensley?

Is Duane Wolfe a peace officer?

See 2 more

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When You See Lights Behind You…

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When The Officer Approaches The Car and Greets You…

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“Am I Being Detained, Or Am I Free to Go?”

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Scared to Use These Tactics? You’Re Not alone.

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tips for spotting good traffic stops. - Police Forums & Law Enforcement ...

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How to Approach Traffic Stops - Training - POLICE Magazine

Experience teaches that there is nothing routine about what we do once we hit the streets. Traffic stops are no exception. A traffic stop generally has two threat levels; you are either at risk or at high risk.

How To Talk To The Police When Stopped For A Traffic Violation

When I first started police work about 10 years ago, I would never of guessed in a million years I would see what I see daily. I'm not talking about the stuff that everyone associates with police work, like murder scenes, accidents, gangs, etc., those are a given.

Pulled Over? Here’s the Right Way to Handle a Traffic Stop - Riskology

The gist: When you’re pulled over, follow these steps to keep yourself safe and avoid trouble with the police. I was sitting outside my office (aka Starbucks) the other day when a young man was pulled over by the police in front of the coffee shop. I don’t know exactly what for—maybe speeding or running […]

How to be a good sailor?

For best results, you should always follow the three cardinal rules: 1 Be polite and respectful. 2 Verbally resist demands. 3 Do not answer questions.

How to deal with police during a traffic stop?

To have a successful, low-risk interaction with the police when you’re pulled over, you really only need to remember three rules: 1. Always be courteous and polite.

How many people were arrested in 2011?

While violent crime in the U.S. continues to drop every year (and has for over a decade), arrests and incarcerations continue to climb. In 2011, 1 in 25 Americans were arrested. And 1 in 33 were arrested for crimes that did not involve violence, theft, or property damage.

What does it mean when your heart starts racing?

Your heart starts to race a bit. You’re getting nervous and a bit sweaty. You want to do anything you can just to make the whole interaction end as soon as possible.

Why does probable cause work?

Why does this work? Because for an officer to legally detain you, he must have probable cause that you have committed or are about to commit a crime. Granted, “probable cause” is a pretty vague requirement and easy for a determined cop to get around, but asking the question, “Am I being detained?” can save you time and trouble.

What to do if you are not pulled over?

Pull over to the curb and stop immediately. Even if you’re not being pulled over, you should always do this so that the officer can easily go around you and get to where they actually need to be.

Why do you roll your window down 1/4 of the way?

Roll your window down 1/4 of the way. Roll it down just far enough to pass documents and communicate clearly with the officer. Do not roll your window all the way down. This is very important.

Why don't you allow yourself to mentally relax?

Don’t allow yourself to mentally relax because things have gone well so far. A large number of attacks occur during the second approach, so monitor the occupants closely, mix up your tactics (approach on a different side, or change cover and contact roles with your partner), and tell yourself every time that “this could be the one.”

How to avoid getting hit by traffic?

It’s important to select tactics that minimize your exposure to known dangers, such as getting trapped between vehicles or getting hit by traffic. Use the blind spot and take advantage of the tactical benefits of the passenger side approach.

Why don't you try to save time?

Don’t try to “save time” by simultaneously monitoring suspects and searching a car by yourself, because you’ll do a poor job of both and expose yourself to unnecessary risks. When using “felony stop” procedures, you need to make a conscious effort to slow things down and do it by the numbers. 6.

What is Scott's goal?

Scott’s goal is to help officers “make smarter, safer, more effective traffic stops.”. His knowledge and presentation skills are exceptional, and there wasn’t an officer in the class – from newbie to veteran – who didn’t walk away with something valuable.

How to control a conflict?

Establish control early, using a combination of sound tactics, officer presence and effective communication. Don’t allow situations to spiral out of control when emotions are running high – use your communication and interpersonal skills to de-escalate the conflict before words turn into actions that require a use of force.

What do you need to do before turning on the lights?

Before you even turn on the lights, there are a lot of tasks you need to complete, such as: Developing reasonable suspicion or probable cause; Watching for signs that the suspect is concealing, dumping, or destroying evidence; Calling in the stop and including a description of the suspect (s), vehicle and location;

Who is Mike Wood?

Mike Wood is the son of a 30-year California Highway Patrolman and the author of " Newhall Shooting: A Tactical Analysis ," the highly-acclaimed study of the 1970 California Highway Patrol gunfight in Newhall, California. Mike is an Honor Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a graduate of the US Army Airborne School, and a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with over 26 years of service. He’s a National Rifle Association (NRA) Law Enforcement Division-certified firearms instructor, senior editor at RevolverGuy.com, and has been a featured guest on the Excellence In Training Academy and American Warrior Society podcasts, as well as several radio and television programs. He’s grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn from the men and women of law enforcement.

Why should you avoid lunging across the seat?

Avoid lunging across or digging under the seat as it may cause the officer to believe you’re reaching for a weapon or hiding something. That usually ends poorly with a gun drawn (cop) and an overwhelming feeling of fear (you).

How to stop a cop from pulling over?

1) Pull over in a safe, well-lit area, preferably where you won’t disrupt the flow of traffic. Then turn on your interior light—if it’s a nighttime bust —to keep the cop’s suspicions at bay. If you spend too much time creeping along until you find this perfect pull-over locale, you could agitate the law enforcement officer or cause him to think you’re a sketchball. Be reasonable.

What are the traffic stop don'ts?

Traffic Stop Don’ts. 1) Don’t get out of your car. Statistics show the more reasons you give police officers to reach for their guns, the less likely you’ll drive off into the sunset with only a warning. 2) Don’t make quick or evasive movements, even if you’re simply reaching for your purse, glove box, whatever.

Can a smart cop search my car?

While you have the right to refuse consent, a smart cop might find another way to legally search your car. But at least that search didn’t come by way of consent. If you do get popped for party favors, don’t say, “The drugs aren’t mine.”.

How to stop a car when using public address?

If you use your public address system to show the driver where to stop, speak calmly. When you walk to the vehicle, avoid showing haste or aggression. Introduce yourself courteously and explain the reason for the stop. There are several reasons for going slowly.

What is the advantage of pulling up behind a car?

Pulling up behind a citizen’s car gives you a visual advantage: You can see what the driver is doing, but he or she has only a partial view of your vehicle.

What are some safety tips for police officers?

Here are some safety tips recommended by experienced officers: Be professional. A traffic stop can be frightening for a citizen who’s not used to dealing with police. Nervous drivers sometimes stop right in the middle of the street, fearing that they’ll be cited for trying to avoid an encounter with the police.

Why is it important to have alertness during traffic stops?

Because traffic stops are high-risk situations for law enforcement, ...

Why is it important to follow a set of steps?

It’s a good idea to follow a fixed set of steps so that you can focus on the situation at hand rather than trying to remember what to do next. But remember that it’s equally important to guard against complacency and routine. Any traffic stop can turn out badly if an officer misses a warning sign of possible danger.

How to know if something is amiss?

Be observant, and use all your senses. Sometimes a scent or a sound can be the first sign that something is amiss. Stay alert even when you’re in your vehicle writing a citation or talking on the radio.

How to avoid arguing with a driver?

Drivers are less likely to try to argue if you stick to neutral statements that don’t sound like accusations or attacks. Avoid “you,” and talk about the car rather than the driver. It’s better to say “The car was going 60 mph” than “You were going 60 mph” or “You were driving recklessly.”

Why do people contact the police?

The most common reason for contact with the police is being a driver in a traffic stop. BJS measures the nature and extent of traffic stops through the Police-Public Contact Survey (PPCS), which interviews U.S. residents about their contacts with police during the previous 12 months. Persons are asked if they were stopped by police as the driver ...

What age did the police ask for assistance in 2011?

Requests for Police Assistance, 2011 Examines the characteristics and experiences of persons age 16 or older who contacted police to request assistance in 2011.

What is asked if you were stopped by police?

Persons are asked if they were stopped by police as the driver of or as a passenger in a motor vehicle. Persons who report more than one contact during the year are asked to describe the most recent occurrence. Those who experienced a traffic stop as their most recent contact with police are asked about the characteristics of the stop, ...

What do cops rely on?

Understand that cops rely largely on context clues, what they call totality of the circumstances, to assess their risk. Is it 2am? Is it a rough part of town? Were you driving like a crazy person? Does your Escalade have sweet rims? Do you have a bumper sticker that says “the only good cop is a dead cop?” Is your window broken and your ignition is a screwdriver? You may not be able to control all of those context clues, but they should tell you when the cop might be more concerned than normal.

Why are traffic stops dangerous?

A lot of forces converge to make traffic stops dangerous: cops get killed on traffic stops, so they are anxious about them, some communities feel unfairly targeted and perceive a risk from the police, and everyone is at risk to distracted and drunk motorists passing by the stop.

What to do if you get lit up?

If you get lit up — slow down, turn on your emergency blinkers and look for a safe place to stop. 2. Pull over in a safe place. Don’t stop in the middle of traffic. Don’t stop on a blind curve in the road. If it is at night, try to pull into a lighted area. 3.

What does it mean when you get out of a car?

Getting out of the car is often a precursor to either fleeing or fighting and it will instantly ratchet up the tension. In at least 3 of the videos above, the driver opening the car door is an immediate precursor to a gunfight. 7. Let the officer give you his spiel.

How to improve your ability to see?

Start by sorting out your own personal risk, which should drive your investment in training and equipment. Consider both technical and non-technical ways you can improve your ability to see and screw with your adversary’s ability to see. read more.

Why are instincts so hard to put our finger on?

The subtle, contextual cues that guide our instincts are often tough to put our finger on, but they are also the reason we might approach one person or situation differently than another. The last thing we want to do is leave those decisions up to someone else’s interpretation.

Is a scared cop dangerous?

It costs you nothing to say “please, thank you, and I’m sorry” and those little courtesies might be the context clues the cop needs to sort out whether you are a good guy or not.

What Should I Do If I Am Stopped by a Police Officer?

Ask anyone who operates a motor vehicle whether they or someone they know has been stopped for a traffic violation and the chances are pretty good that they will say they have. The reality is that traffic stops are relatively common on public roadways, and most drivers will be subject to them at one point or another.

What Should I Do If the Police Car Is Unmarked?

Many police departments use both marked and umarked patrol cars for conducting traffic stops. In some cases, however, the driver of the unmarked vehicle attempting to pull you over could be someone pretending to be a cop for the purpose of carrying out an illegal activity. Impersonating a police officer is illegal, but it does happen. Thus, it is best practice to:

What to do if you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation?

If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation, keep in mind the following tips to increase your chances of avoiding a citation and to make the traffic stop a less stressful experience: Remain calm.

What to do if an unmarked vehicle is operated by an officer wearing plain clothes?

If the unmarked vehicle is operated by an officer wearing plain clothes, request that a uniformed officer respond to the scene.

How to notify police of a pull over?

Turn on four-way hazard lights to notify the officer the driver will pull over. Call 911 and ask the dispatcher to verify that it is an actual police officer. This may be done by verifying a vehicle description and location. With your hazard lights turned on, drive to the nearest well-lit and populated area.

What has Hensley seen in the results of traffic stops?

By utilizing this concept Hensley has seen several changes in the results of traffic stops he’s conducted, as well as those by officers he trains. First, there has been a decline in complaints from motorists. He feels if you show care and concern for someone they have less reason to complain. Second, there’s greater cooperation of suspects during criminal interdiction stops, resulting in more seizures of contraband and more arrests.

How to tell if a driver is trying to conceal stress?

By pointing out the signs of stress, the driver who is trying to conceal them will feel greater stress knowing that the officer sees them. By choosing to continue questioning the driver’s wellbeing versus taking an accusatory strategy, ("I know you're lying because you are shaking and sweating and that means you’re up to something") the driver is more likely to continue answering your questions and give permission to search the vehicle.

Why do police ask "Are you OK"?

By asking the question, "Are you OK?" it allows drivers to drop their guard, which may be up because they don’t want a ticket, have an outstanding warrant, or are hauling contraband. The question leads drivers to believe the officer’s focus of concern is on their personal wellbeing and not on a continued police investigation that may lead to a ticket or incarceration.

What is the question during a criminal interdiction stop?

As the conversation continues during a criminal interdiction stop, the question regarding the driver’s condition can continue when the officer sees signs of nervousness. For example, "Are sure you are OK? You’re shaking and sweating. Do you have a fever? Are you sure you aren’t sick?"

Why do people use their first name?

He does this for several reasons. By using his first name, he attempts to reduce the barrier created when we place a title in front of our name. Instead of seeing an officer in uniform, drivers see him as another human being. By humanizing yourself, you can cut down on the likelihood of assault – it is easier to assault a uniform than a person.

Who is Kirk Hensley?

Kirk Hensley of the North Carolina State Patrol uses and teaches this method and has seen improved citizen interactions and more cooperation during traffic stops, resulting in greater seizures of contraband and wanted subjects.

Is Duane Wolfe a peace officer?

In February 2014, Duane Wolfe retired from his career as a Minnesota Peace Officer after more than 25 years of service (beginning in 1988). During his career, he served as a patrolman, sergeant, S.R.T., use of force and firearms instructor. He is also a full-time instructor in the Law Enforcement Program at Alexandria Technical and Community College, Alexandria, Minnesota. Duane has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bemidji State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Southwest State University.