PATROL TECHNIQUES EXAM QUESTIONS
& CORRECT ANSWERS 2025
What are the five phases of a traffic stop? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Preparation Phase
2. Patrolling Phase
3. Stopping phase
4. contact phase
5. Closing phase
How do we describe what we do? (E.O.I.D) - CORRECT ANSWER-Enforce laws
Obtain compliance
Investigate collisions
Direct traffic
How do we gain compliance? (VWIA) - CORRECT ANSWER-Verbal warning
written warnings
issue infractions
arrest
True or False: there are two categories of traffic stops? - CORRECT ANSWER-True
What are the two categories of traffic stops? - CORRECT ANSWER-Violator stops and
high risk stops
Who do we come into contact with? - CORRECT ANSWER-Innocent motorists
fugitives
criminals
impaired
mentally ill
What are the three cornerstones to the preparation phase? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Physical conditioning, mental conditioning, and a tactical mindset
, What are the two parts in the patrolling phase? - CORRECT ANSWER-Moving and
stationary
What should we be doing in moving patrol to avoid danger? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Look ahead 1000-2000 feet
look in mirrors every 2-5 seconds
Night vision with high beams look at left front tire
avoid the inside lane
reposition on multi lane roadway (patrol at speed limit)
What should we do to stay safe in stationary patrol? - CORRECT ANSWER-Choose a
safe location
be in a position that can be seen in two or more directions
Pick a location that allows for a fast and safe entry to main roadway
vehicle positioning acts as strong deterrent
Stopping phase considerations include: - CORRECT ANSWER-Your safety
safety of your backup units
safety of the violator
safety of the public
True or false: you should avoid stopping cars near or in drinking establishment parking
lots? - CORRECT ANSWER-True
What should you do prior to making a traffic stop? - CORRECT ANSWER-Call out
badge #, location and vehicle license plate or description
Useful tactics for the stopping phase - CORRECT ANSWER-Be alert
observe what is in front of you
don't cross all lanes of traffic with the violator
turn on the camera prior to stopping and describe the violations
How far should our patrol car be behind the violator vehicle? - CORRECT ANSWER-15-
20 feet (between one and one and a half car lengths)
What are the three vehicle positions ? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Angled
2. offset
3. Inline
What is the preferred single officer position? - CORRECT ANSWER-Angled
What is the angle of the angled position we want? - CORRECT ANSWER-45 degrees if
possible
True or false vehicle positioning changes if a stop is in the median? - CORRECT
ANSWER-False
& CORRECT ANSWERS 2025
What are the five phases of a traffic stop? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Preparation Phase
2. Patrolling Phase
3. Stopping phase
4. contact phase
5. Closing phase
How do we describe what we do? (E.O.I.D) - CORRECT ANSWER-Enforce laws
Obtain compliance
Investigate collisions
Direct traffic
How do we gain compliance? (VWIA) - CORRECT ANSWER-Verbal warning
written warnings
issue infractions
arrest
True or False: there are two categories of traffic stops? - CORRECT ANSWER-True
What are the two categories of traffic stops? - CORRECT ANSWER-Violator stops and
high risk stops
Who do we come into contact with? - CORRECT ANSWER-Innocent motorists
fugitives
criminals
impaired
mentally ill
What are the three cornerstones to the preparation phase? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Physical conditioning, mental conditioning, and a tactical mindset
, What are the two parts in the patrolling phase? - CORRECT ANSWER-Moving and
stationary
What should we be doing in moving patrol to avoid danger? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Look ahead 1000-2000 feet
look in mirrors every 2-5 seconds
Night vision with high beams look at left front tire
avoid the inside lane
reposition on multi lane roadway (patrol at speed limit)
What should we do to stay safe in stationary patrol? - CORRECT ANSWER-Choose a
safe location
be in a position that can be seen in two or more directions
Pick a location that allows for a fast and safe entry to main roadway
vehicle positioning acts as strong deterrent
Stopping phase considerations include: - CORRECT ANSWER-Your safety
safety of your backup units
safety of the violator
safety of the public
True or false: you should avoid stopping cars near or in drinking establishment parking
lots? - CORRECT ANSWER-True
What should you do prior to making a traffic stop? - CORRECT ANSWER-Call out
badge #, location and vehicle license plate or description
Useful tactics for the stopping phase - CORRECT ANSWER-Be alert
observe what is in front of you
don't cross all lanes of traffic with the violator
turn on the camera prior to stopping and describe the violations
How far should our patrol car be behind the violator vehicle? - CORRECT ANSWER-15-
20 feet (between one and one and a half car lengths)
What are the three vehicle positions ? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Angled
2. offset
3. Inline
What is the preferred single officer position? - CORRECT ANSWER-Angled
What is the angle of the angled position we want? - CORRECT ANSWER-45 degrees if
possible
True or false vehicle positioning changes if a stop is in the median? - CORRECT
ANSWER-False
