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STANTON
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
"Because Fuck You... Criminal"
SUBJECT:
TRAFFIC STOPS
RE-ISSUE DATE
01-28-2954
RE-ISSUE DATE
01-31-2954
RECINDS:
ALL PREVIOUS
PAGE 1 of 1
1.0
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for conducting traffic stops. Conducting a traffic stop is one the most dangerous tasks as a Law Enforcement Professional. Observing safety measures, using good tactics, and being alert at all times is of upmost importance.
II. POLICY
The following procedures will be utilized by all personnel when stopping a vehicle.
III. TYPES OF TRAFFIC STOPS
A. Traffic Violation Stop- A stop made because an Officer has probable cause to believe that the pilot committed a traffic infraction.
B. Investigative Stop- A stop made because an Officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that one or more of the vehicle’s occupants has engaged in, or is about to engage in, criminal activity.
C. High Risk Stop- A stop in which an Officer has reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or a warrant; and reason to believe that one or more of the occupants of the vehicle may be a threat to the Officer.
IV. PROCEDURE
A. Officers will, on all traffic stops, advise the SPD comms the following information (in the order listed), when making a traffic stop.
1. Location of stop
2. Star system of registration
3. Citizen number (Name)
4. Summary of Incident
B. Positioning/Approach - Officers, when possible, will have the violator land in the safest possible location. The Officer will offset the patrol vehicle in a matter such that half of their vehicle is in front of the violator’s vehicle at a distance of 15’ to 22’ during VTOL or upon a landing. Officers will approach the vehicle from either side, maintaining officer safety. While remaining outside of the vehicle, Officers should check the interior for criminal activity and officer safety issues. Officers should direct the violator to exit the vehicle and lay face down. Officers will then obtain the necessary documents or evidence to issue a citation.
C. Return to Patrol Vehicle - Officers will return to their vehicle to conduct any record checks and/or the preparation of a citation. Officers will maintain visual contact of the violator vehicle and its occupants. Depending on tactical considerations, Officers may complete the citation inside their vehicle or while standing outside of the vehicle away from traffic movement. Upon completion of the stop, issue a citation and inform the citizen of a court summons via Spectrum.
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V. HIGH RISK STOPS
High Risk Stops constitute a use of force upon a lawfully stopped vehicle based on information officers have about the occupant(s) of the vehicle. Officers will deploy a tactical plan for High Risk Stops based on the information known and the resources available. Officers will utilize the following foundation for conducting High Risk Stops.
A. Conducting a High Risk Stop relies on communication and control.
B. Officers will develop a tactical plan consistent with training before starting a High Risk Stop.
C. Factors to consider include the coordination of units responding, site selection, and equipment availability.
D. The first Officer coordinating the stop will assume Incident Command. Incident Command will park or VTOL their vehicle within 15’ to 22’ to the front of the violator vehicle; or at a safely determined distance based on the geographical location of the stop.
E. Incident Command will then direct other incoming assisting units as to where to position their vehicles, and to safely effect the arrest.
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