Policy Text
GO 217.1 Traffic Stops Page 1 of 8 Rev. 09/24/22
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GENERAL ORDER
217.1 TRAFFIC STOPS
REVISION DATE:09/24/2022
BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
SUNNY ISLES BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE:09/24/22
PREVIOUS REVISIONS:
RESCINDS: All previously issued directives REFERENCE : 14.05 M,14.06 M,14.07 M,
18.10 M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PURPOSE ....................................................... ............................................................... .... 1
B. SCOPE ......................................................... ............................................................... ....... 1
C. POLICY ........................................................ ............................................................... ...... 1
D. DEFINITIONS ................................................... ............................................................... 1
E. PROCEDURES .................................................... ............................................................. 2
F. STOPPING AND APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC VIOLATOR ................. ........... 4
G. FELONY/HIGH-RISK VEHICLE STOPS ................................ .................................... 7
H. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES STOPS ..................................... ....................................... 8
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish procedural guidel ines and standards for stopping and approaching
motorists in a manner that promotes the safety of the officer a nd the motorist.
B. SCOPE
This directive is applicable to all sworn employees of this Dep artment.
C. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Police Depart ment to enforce all traffic laws in a uniform manner
without regard to race, religion, sex, age, or economic status. All enforcement actions shall be conducted in a
professional manner.
D. DEFINITIONS
Commercial Vehicle Traffic Stops: An officer observes a violation of the law governing the moveme nt of a
commercial vehicle.
Felony/High Risk Stops : An officer has reason to believe an occupant of a vehicle or the vehicle may have
participated in the commission of a felony crime or the occupan t(s) may behave in a violent manner.
TRAFFIC STOPS
General Order 217.1
GO 217.1 Traffic Stops Page 2 of 8 Rev. 09/24/22
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Investigative Stops: Conducted to obtain information, which may involve criminal co nduct.
Traffic Stops : An officer observes a violation of the law governing the move ment of motor vehicle traffic.
E. PROCEDURES
1. It is recognized that varying conditions such as roadway constr uction, volume of traffic, and the urgency of
making vehicle stops may require officers to adjust these proce dures to particular conditions. Motor vehicle
stops are fluid events; conditio ns vary and may change without warning. Officers must remain vigilant
throughout the entire duration of any stop.
2. Pre-Stop:
a. Depending on the urgency or nature of the stop, the initiating officer may decide to follow a vehicle until
the roadway and other conditions, i.e. arrival of a backup offi cer, accommodates the stop.
b. The initiating officer should wait until the patrol vehicle is in a reasonably close proximity to the violator’s
vehicle, prior to engaging the em ergency equipment, signaling t he intent to stop the vehicle. This action
may deter the vehicle’s operator from attempting to elude or fl ee.
c. Whenever possible, officers will safely position their vehicle behind the vehicle to be stopped without being
a hazard to other motorists in the vicinity.
d. The initiating officer shall notify the dispatcher, via the pol ice radio or MCT, of the stop using the following
radio transmission sequence:
Advise unit number and proper radio signal.
Provide the location and direction of travel.
Provide the vehicle’s tag number, state of issuance, the make, color, and any other distinguishing
characteristics of the vehicle.
Advise on the race, gender, and number of occupants, if possibl