STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

This procedure establishes guidelines for conducting traffic stops. Conducting a traffic stop is one of the most dangerous tasks for a Law Enforcement Officer. Observing safety measures, employing effective tactics, and maintaining constant alertness are of utmost importance.

TYPES OF TRAFFIC STOPS

Traffic Violation Stop:

A stop made from an Officer having probable cause to believe that the driver committed a traffic infraction.

Investigative Stop:

A stop made from an Officer having a reasonable suspicion to believe that one or more of the vehicle's occupants has, is, or is about to engage in criminal activity.

High Risk Stop:

A stop made from an Officer having reasonable suspicion, probable cause or a warrant with a reason to believe that one or more occupants of the vehicle may be a threat to the Officer.

TRAFFIC STOP PROCEDURE

Step 1: Initiate the Traffic Stop

Advise Communications Dispatch Center the following information prior to activating emergency lights:
- Location of stop
- Plate
- Number of occupants, if known
- Vehicle Description
- If any additional units are needed
  - Additional Units may be necessary if multiple occupants, high-performance vehicle, or other circumstances that question the officer's or violator's safety.

Example: [Call Sign] 10-11, [color] [vehicle make and model], occupied x times at [location], tag [plate number]. [Additional 10-32 needed / No Additional needed]

Activate emergency lights and sirens to signal the violator to pull over.
Ensure the violator is in a safe location on the correct side of the road, alongside the curb that is both safe for the officer and violator.

Step 2: Positioning

Position the officer's vehicle 15-20 feet behind the violator's vehicle, slightly offset to the left.
Positioning is crucial to minimize the risk of collision from passing vehicles and provides cover if the situation escalates.
Positioning of patrol vehicles should be similar to the diagram below:

Step 3: License Plate and Registered Owner Check

Utilize your Mobile Database Terminal to verify the vehicle's Registered Owner (RO) by searching the license plate number through the DMV database.
Conduct a full background check of the RO and the vehicle. Transition to a High Risk Stop if necessary.

Step 4: Initiate Approach

Issue verbal commands to the violator via megaphone, instructing to turn off engine and remain in vehicle if necessary. Verify vehicle is off by exhaust or any neon lightning, if applicable.
Standby for additional units if applicable.

Step 5: Additional Backup Units

Additional Units do not need to be "requested" to participate. Officers shall refrain from self-attaching to ongoing stops when there is a sufficient amount of officers.
Any additional units on scene should park behind the initiating officer's vehicle at a slight offset to the left.
Secondary Units may approach the vehicle on the opposite side of the vehicle of the Initiating Officer. Any other additional units shall remain in vehicle, ready to initiate pursuit if necessary. Unless otherwise requested or necessary.
Additional Units shall continuously survey the violator's vehicle and environment for any current or future threats.

Step 6: Approach

Ensure police vehicle remains on, with emergency lights activated and vehicle is locked.
Approach the vehicle by walking in a tactical manner that ensures a safe standing position during the duration of the stop.
- Driver Side Approach: Walk in a straight line from the driver's side of the cruiser to the driver's side of the violator's vehicle.
- Passenger Side Approach: Walk behind the rear of the last cruiser on scene to reach the passenger side of the violator's vehicle.
- Officers shall never walk in between or in front of any vehicle during the duration of the stop.
Position yourself in a tactical position in order to observe all occupants of the vehicle.
- Only Two Occupants or 2 Door Vehicle: Position yourself near the B-pillar
- Three or more Occupants or 4 Door Vehicle: Position yourself near the C-pillar.
- At no time, any officer shall be positioned at or in front of the A-pillar. Nor shall any officer be positioned in front of the vehicle.

Vehicle Pillar Configuration

Step 7: Identify, Request, Investigate

Identify yourself to the violator as a Law Enforcement Officer with Full Name, Rank and Agency
Request legal identification documentation for the violator and vehicle.
Briefly inquire the violator on the reasoning of the stop.
Approach your cruiser in a similar tactic manner as you approached the violator's vehicle.

Step 8: Verify and Conclude

When back in cruiser, verify the violator and vehicle identification documentation.
Consider the totality of the circumstances when deciding to issue a citation or warning.
Conclude the documentation in accordance to the Mobile Database Terminal and report writing Standard Operating Procedures.
Return to the violator, in a similar tactical manner as before.
Issue the Citation or Warning. If citation, hand a copy of a physical citation document to the violator.
Return back to cruiser, disengage emergency lights and allow the violator's vehicle to pull away safely.
A full detailed report shall be completed while not on the active traffic stop to ensure efficiency.

Original SOP: 12/01/2024
Revised:

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