TRAFFIC STOPS (HIGH RISK)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe the procedures and techniques used to make traffic stops with high risk.

High risk traffic stops (felony) are extremely dangerous and carry a greater possibility of risk for MA/security force personnel. Unlike the unknownrisk traffic stop, there is a definite known danger in stopping this violator/vehicle. The vehicle may have been identified as stolen, and the individuals in the vehicle may be suspected for serious offenses (such as rape, robbery, murder) or for whatever reason do not want to be stopped by any type of police officer. Due to the hazards and danger involved, the techniques for high risk stops are totally different.

Before the initial stop is made on a suspected vehicle, select a safe location, choosing a place large enough for two patrol vehicles side-by-side. The stop location should be well lighted if possible. Avoid intersections, curves, hills, and well traveled areas (both by traffic and pedestrians).

Stop the suspect vehicle; notify the dispatcher of location, make model, year, (if known), license number, number of individuals, and their sex, in the vehicle. Request additional backup; for every individual in the suspect vehicle, one MA/Security force member should be dispatched, and always add one additional. (In the event you do not see all individuals)

Stop your vehicle 30 to 40 feet to the rear of the suspect vehicle. Park directly behind the vehicle, not offset. Your engine should remain running in the event you must get out of range or back away from the suspect vehicle. At nighttime, you should keep your vehicle headlights, spotlights, and takedown lights focused on the suspect vehicle.

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Using your public address system and in a clear, concise, firm, and authoritarian voice, instruct the occupants to remain in the vehicle and to turn off the vehicle engine. All commands should be brief and to the point. Do not accept delay. A sample command could be "DRIVER, PLACE YOUR HANDS ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DO IT NOW!" The first MA/security force member at the scene will be the senior person and will do all the talking and issue all instructions. No one else should give commands; this will eliminate confusion.

While awaiting backup, remain in your vehicle (NEVER APPROACH A SUSPECT VEHICLE IN A HIGH RISK TRAFFIC STOP). Open your driver's side door, lean out slightly, and train your weapon on the suspect vehicle. Use your vehicle for maximum cover. Take notice of traffic before opening the door and, if it is dark wait until backup arrives to train on the suspect vehicle. Continually stay in communication with dispatcher.

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Initial backup vehicle will park parallel to the first vehicle with room between the vehicles to open the second unit's passenger side door. The backup MA will move to the passenger side of the vehicle and train on the suspect vehicle. The occupants will be ordered to place their hands on the front windshield and keep them there. If the responding units are twoperson patrols, then all MAs will remain in the vehicles and train on the suspect vehicle. No one should exit the patrol vehicles until required to secured the suspects.

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A third backup vehicle will block the forward escape of the suspect vehicle and act as the forward observer. Depending on the stop location, the forward observer may or may not be exposed. On normal base roadways, the third backup vehicle should be placed to prevent escape of the suspect vehicle, stop traffic in the opposite direction, and be positioned as to not be in the field of fire of the other MA/security force personnel.

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The forward observer also remains in the vehicle and trains on the suspect vehicle.

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