Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
3 10/13/2015 10/2 4/2024 10/2 4/2024
BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP504 - Traffic Stop Guidelines 1 CP504 TRAFFIC STOP GUIDELINES
CP504. 1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Officers make traffic stops for a variety of reasons , includ ing issuing warnings or citations,
identify ing occupants, and/or detain ing criminal suspects. Officers should plan each traffic stop
when practicable . Although it is impossible to predict the actions of a vehicle's driver or passengers ,
a bicyclist, or pedestrian, officers should consider the potential risks and develop a tactic al plan for
traffic stops .
The following guidelines are based upon POST Basic Academy Learning Domain requirements
and current POST Basic Academy instruction. Traffic stops vary in reason, location, and outcome;
therefore, these guidelines provide a found ation for conducting a courteous, yet safe traffic stop for
the subject(s) and the officer(s) involved.
These guidelines are directed toward vehicle stops but may be applied to bicycle and pedestrian
stops as well, u sing officers’ discretion on how to mod ify the stop to the applicable incident.
CP504 .1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 61.1. 7
CP504 .2 TRAFFIC STOP/UNKNOWN RISK GUIDELINES
An officer should consider the fol lowing guidelines when making traffic stops .
a) Prior to all vehicle stops, or as soon as practicable, notify Dispatch of the intended stop
location, vehicle’s license number , color , and make of the vehicle . If there is no license plate
on the vehicle, give Dispatch the color and make of the vehicle. If something seems out of
the ordinary , consider also giving Dispatch the number of occupants and any other pertinent
information that may be relevant in identi fying the vehicle and /or the occupants at a later
date.
b) Choose a stop location with tactical advantages. Consider traffic flow, the presence of
pedestrians, external lighting, known problem areas , roadway conditions , potential escape
routes , and availabili ty of cover and concealment .
c) Use the appropriate emergency and cautionary traffic directing equipment. During evening
hours, u se the appropriate vehicle illuminating equipment .
d) Activate the Mobile Audio Visual System (MAVS) and Body Worn Camera as describe d in
BPPD Policies § 446 , Mobile Audio -Video Procedure , and § 447, Digital Media Devices
(Body Worn Cameras) .
e) When stopping the subject vehicle, consider offsetting the patrol vehicle approximately 3
feet based on roadway conditions, and about 15 feet behi nd the stopped vehicle. Turn the
front wheels of the patrol vehicle in the direction of the side intend ed to approach the vehicle .
Leave the police vehicle engine running. Approach the stopped vehicle based on the
position of the offset , keeping in mind the offset creates a safety zone .
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
3 10/13/2015 10/2 4/2024 10/2 4/2024
BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP504 - Traffic Stop Guidelines 2 f) Watch the stopped vehicle's occupants for any unusual movements. If the occupants ’
actions are unusual, pause and consider requesting a bac kup officer or another approach
method .
g) If the violator exits the vehicle or makes any unusual movements, immediately give verbal
commands to the violator. If the violator fails to follow commands, use the patrol vehicle to
maintain a position of advantage and request an additional officer for backup. If the violator
continues to disobey commands, take appropriate action to overcome the resistance .
h) Stay out of the view of the stopped vehicle’s side mirror when practicable . Check the trunk
by pushing down on the lid to ensure it is secure and visually check the rear seat area.
Officers should avoid pass ing between the front of the patrol vehicle and the rear of the
stopped vehicle .
i) Maintain a position of advantage when making contact with the driver or occupa nts of the
vehicle .
j) When returning to the patrol vehicle, use a "tactical return” by keeping eye contact with the
violator’s vehicle. Stay outside the view of the stopped vehicle’s side view mirror, be aware
of approaching traffic, and keep the driver and occupants in view .
k) While determining the appropriate course of action and checking on occupant information,
officers should be aware of their surroundings and the movements of the violator. Consider
writing a citation in a location that enables the violator's position to be monitored by making
a slight eye movement .
l) When returning to the violator's vehicle , use the same contact and tactical procedures you
used initially. Comply with BPPD Policy § 500.5.3, Traffic Function and Responsibility, when
issuing a traffic citation .
m) Notify Dispatch of the disposition of the stop . Ensure all appropriate records management
system entries are completed.
CP504 .2.1 TRAFFIC STOP CONTACT GUIDELINES
When establishing the “officer/violator” contact, officers sh all maintain a patient and professional
attitude. Officers sh all always project a professional image when dealing with traffic law violators,
remain polite and courteous, and treat them with respect. To maintain professionalism