Basic Law Enforcement, Vehicle Tactics questions and answers

Traffic Stop Definition - A temporary detention of a driver of a vehicle by police to investigate a possible crime. What case in 1977 ruled that police have the right to ask the driver to step out of the vehicle during a lawful traffic stop? - Pennsylvania vs Mimms What 1997 case extended LE right to ask all parties to step out of the vehicle during a lawful traffic stop? - Maryland vs Wilson What should an officer check before operating his/her vehicle? - Tire Pressure, lights, public address system, siren and horns. They should also have the cockpit area clear of items. Flashlights,clipboards, pens and paper should all be strapped down so they don't get in the way during a fast exit. How should an officer setup the vehicle prior to any traffic stop? - The vehicle should be setup so the officer can make a quick stop, turn, or fast deployment through the drivers or passenger door. This should be practiced and performed within 2 seconds or less. Name the different vehicle positions for making a lawful traffic stop? - 1. Left offset - Most common used by LE.Slightly left of the drivers door of the violators car. 2. Right offset - Slight right location when the officer is planning on stepping up to the car on the passenger door. In Line - The most common when making a roadside stop. What should an officer do if there are multiple passengers in the vehicle during a lawful traffic stop? - Call for backup to deal with the additional passengers. What are the proper procedures for a vehicle stop? - 1. Detection of the violation - should only make a stop when they have articulable reasons to do so. 2. Communications -Before the officer turns on the blue lights he should have already communicated pertinent information that may save his life to dispatch. The location of the stop and the vehicle tag information are of the utmost importance. 3. Initiation of stop procedures - Officers shall perform vehicle stops only when they have articulable reasons to do so. Officers should make sure to position both vehicles off the traveled portion of the road as far as possible. Name the common officer communication errors when making a lawful traffic stop? - 1. Failure to tell dispatch your current location 2. Failure to give your location in the proper way. 3. Over modulating when calling for help.