Policy Text
III. Traffic Enforcement
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E. High Risk Traffic Stops [61.1.7c]
1. High risk traffic stops, commonly referred to as a “felony stops,” are traffic stops where:
a. The vehicle has been reported or is suspected to be stolen;
b. The vehicle is alleged to have been involved in the commission of a felony;
c. The driver or occupant are suspected of being armed or involved in a crime of violence;
and/or
d. Specific and articulable circumstances exist suggesting an increased risk of harm to
officers and/or the public.
2. Identifying Vehicle(s) or Suspect(s) Described in BOLOs
a. High risk traffic stops are predicated on officers matching vehicle(s) and/or occupant(s)
to descriptions provided in advisories (i.e. BOLO, flyer, criminal intelligence, etc.).
Officers shall identify suspect vehicles by comparing their observations to the
information provided in the advisory, including the following:
1) Make, model, year, tag number, color, damage and/or other distinguishing
characteristics of the vehicle;
2) Description of the driver and/or occupant(s); and/or
3) The direction of travel, location, and speed of the vehicle are reasonably consistent
with the time and place described in the advisory.
3. Communication
a. Officers shall advise the dispatcher of the direction of travel, location, vehicle description
(tag, state, make, and model), number and description of occupants, the suspected
crime(s) and/or the presence of weapons, prior to initiating a high risk traffic stop or as
soon as possible upon locating a vehicle matching a BOLO.
b. Officers shall request backup unit(s) and direct their approach as necessary.
c. Officers shall communicate updated information and observations as circumstances
dictate.
4. Coordinating the Stop
a. In addition to the guidelines presented in this SOP under “Unknown Risk Traffic Stops,”
there are additional safety factors for officers to consider prior to initiating a high risk
traffic stop. Officers should consider this section as a guide to be used in conjunction
with current training practices.
b. High Risk Traffic Stops are dynamic situations often dictated by the behavior and actions
of the suspect(s). Officers must remain flexible and adapt to the situation at hand.
c. Until adequate backup is in position to assist, officers should maintain visual surveillance
of the suspect vehicle from a safe distance.
d. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, the suspect vehicle should not be stopped until
adequate backup is available and in position.
e. The stop should be conducted in a location which presents minimal danger to officers
and the public and/or where a tactical advantage to the officer may exist. Officers shall
consider using the PA system and/or other available equipment to direct the suspect
vehicle to the preferred location, if possible.
f. Officers shall utilize emergency equipment to signal the driver to stop and to warn other
traffic. If possible, all other vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be stopped.
g. Officers shall use emergency lights, spotlights and other equipment as necessary to
observe the suspect vehicle’s occupants and to conceal officer positions, if possible.
h. Once the suspect vehicle has come to a stop, officers shall, when possible, position their
vehicles:
1) At a safe distance behind the suspect vehicle;
2) In a manner consistent with current training;
3) In a manner affording maximum cover and protection; and
4) In a manner to avoid crossfire situations.
i. The final location of the stop and description of occupants shall be conveyed to dispatch
and additional arriving officers. Once the information has been acknowledged and
disseminated, radio traffic shall be held as necessary.
j. Use of firearms during high risk traffic stops shall be consistent with Department policy
and current training standards.
5. Directing the Suspect(s) and Backup Officers
a. One (1) officer shall assume control of the scene, direct the roles/activities of other
officers and issue verbal commands to the suspect(s) using the PA system, if possible.
b. Only one (1) suspect shall be directed out of the vehicle at a time. Specific instructions
shall vary based on each unique situation and current training. Officers should consider
the following:
1) Maintaining visual contact of the suspect’s hands;
2) Separating the suspect from the vehicle;
3) Visually scan the suspect over 360 degrees to inspect for possible weapons;
4) Having the suspect face away from officers while backing up towards them;
5) Handcuffing from the prone or kneeling positions;
6) Searching for and securing any weapons;
7) Moving, Interviewing and holding the suspect while awaiting transport; and
8) Approaching and searching the vehicle for hidden occupants.
6. Vehicles involved in High Risk Traffic Stops shall be secured or released at the conclusion of
the investigation based on Department policy. All appropriate documentation shall be
completed.