A Law Enforcement Course

Objectives
Define a traffic stop
Know the 5 steps of a traffic stop
Know the rules of survival
Reduce injuries and deaths within 3
years

Traffic Stop Defined

The lawful, temporary detention of an

individual in a vehicle by a law
enforcement officer for an investigative
purpose.

Quiz
Define traffic stop?
A) The lawful, temporary detention of an
individual in a vehicle by a law
enforcement officer for an investigative
purpose.
B) I didnt do anything!

Correct!

Incorrect

Try again

The Gap

The FBI 2012 statistics showed that 48

officers were killed during traffic stops
(2013 statistics have not yet been
released)

Warning
This presentation will include video
footage that may be deemed violent or
offensive to some people. If you wish to
not watch the traffic stop video please
skip slide # 4.
It is not the intent of the presenter to
offend anyone but show all necessary
training information. There will be no
quiz questions related to the video. Skip

Traffic Stop Video

Common Errors
Complacency
Dangerous assumptions
Bad habits
Poor positioning
Position of disadvantage
Ignoring your sixth sense

Common Errors Cont.

Needless arguing
Getting distracted

Complacency

Police have a tendency to go on auto

pilot when they do the same thing (traffic
stops over and over).

Dangerous Assumptions

Dont just assume you only stopped a

traffic violator.

Poor Position

Standing too far out in traffic or between

your car and the violators.

Bad Habits

In bad weather it is too easy to cut

corners. If you do it often enough it
becomes a habit.

Position of Disadvantage

Walking up square with a window is a

sure way to be at a disadvantage.

Ignoring your Sixth Sense

Follow your instincts- if it doesnt feel

rightit isnt!

Needless Arguing

Maintain control do not argue.

Getting distracted

Multi-tasking forces us to prioritize which

actions are important. The computer
isnt one of them.

Quiz
What are two of the errors that have led
to police officer deaths?
A) Needless arguing and complacency
B) Ignoring your sixth sense and driving
a squad car.

Correct!

Incorrect

Try again

Traffic Stop Processes

Preparation phase
Pre-stop phase
Stop phase
Contact phase
Closure phase

The Personal Preparation

Phase
Physical conditioning- high stress
situations
Mental Conditioning- control anxiety and
keep a clear focused mind
Tactical thinking- keep your attitude in
check, play the what if game, and make
decisions to de-escalate the situation in
a decisive manner

Pre-stop phase
You stop a vehicle for 3 possible reasons:
Investigation, citation, or arrest.
Investigation- you have reasonable suspicion
that an occupant in the vehicle has committed a
crime or is about to commit a crime.
Citation- to issue a citation for an offense
committed.
Arrest- you have probable cause to believe that
an occupant in the vehicle has committed an
offense that warrants an arrest.

Stop Phase
Emergency lights & siren
Call in location and license plate
Cover and positioning for weapons and
traffic

Contact Phase
Traffic/ weather conditions
Number of occupants
Tactical approach
Back-up and their location
Touch car (leaves fingerprints)
Gather driver information
Cite, warn, arrest, or release

Closure phase
Do not let driver approach you while you
are sitting in your car.
Maintain visual contact.
Wait for violator car to leave before you
do.
Maintain focused on the stop throughout
every phase of the stop

Quiz

What is the last step in the traffic stop

process?

The stop phase

The closure phase

Congratulations!!

Sorry, try again

Survival Tips

Link to survival article

Review
Always be aware
Watch hands
Always do stops the way you were
taught
You dont know what you dont knowdont assume
Help reduce injuries and fatalities

End