Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 11/01/201 9 05/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP504 - Traffic Stop Guidelines 1 CP504 TRAFFIC STOP GUIDELINES
CP504 .1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Officers make vehicle stops for a variety of reasons to include issuing warnings or citations, to
identify occupants, and/or detain criminal suspects. Officers should pre -plan every vehicle stop.
Although it is impossible to predict the actions of the vehicle's driver or passengers, officers
should consider the potential risks and develop a tactical plan for every stop.
CP504 .1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This procedure pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 41.2.1, 61.1. 4, 61.1. 7, 61.1.8
This procedure pertains to the following General Orders: §314, §446, §500.3.2 , §500.4.2
This procedure pertains to the following Field Training Manual sections: §183, §184
CP504 .2 TRAFFIC STOP/UNKNOWN RISK GUIDELINES
An officer should consider the following guidelines when making traffic stops:
a) Prior to all vehicle stops, notify Communications of the intended stop location and the
vehicle’s license num ber. If there is no license plate on the vehicle, give
Communications the descr iption and color of the vehicle. If something seems out of the
ordinary consider also giving Communications the number of occupants and any other
pertinent information that may be relevant in identifying the vehicle and /or the occupants
at a later date;
b) Choose a stop location with tactical advantages. Consider traffic flow, the presence of
pedestr ians, external lighting, known problem areas and roadway conditions;
c) Utilize the appropriate emergency and cautionary traffic directing equipment. During
evening hours, utilize the appropriate vehicle illuminating equipment;
d) Activate the Mobile Audio Visua l System (MAVS) as described in department policy;
e) When stopping the subject vehicle, consider offsetting the patrol vehicle approximately
(3’) three feet based on roadway conditions, and about fifteen (15) feet behind the
stopped vehicle. Turn the front w heels of the patrol vehicle in the direction of the side
intend ed to approach the vehicle. Leave the police vehicle engine running, and the
driver's door ajar. Approach the stopped vehicle based on the position of the offset;
keeping in mind the offset creates a safety zone;
f) Watch the stopped vehicle' s occupants , looking for any unusual movements. If the
occupant's actions are unusual, pause and consider request ing a backup 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 back -up.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 11/01/201 9 05/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CP504 - Traffic Stop Guidelines 2 If the violator continues to disobey co mmands, take appropriate action to overcome the
resistance;
h) Stay out of the view of the stopped vehicle’s side mirror. Check the trunk by pushing
down on the lid to ensure it is secure and visually check the rear seat area. Officers
should use extra caution when 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 dri ver or occupants of
the vehicle;
j) When returning to the patrol vehicle, use a "tacti cal 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 t he 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 at the rear of the patrol vehicle. Always write in a
location that enables the violator's position to be mon itored 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 Tustin Police Department Policy §500. 4.2 when issuing a
traffic citation;
m) Notify Communications of the disposition of the stop and ensure all appropriate records
management system entries are completed.
CP504 .2.1 TRAFFIC STOP CONTACT GUIDELINES
When establishing the “officer/violator” relationship, officers should maintain a patient and
professional attitude. Officers should always project a professional image when dealing with
traffic law violators ; remain polite, courteous, and treat them with respect. To maintain
professionalism when communicating with traffic law violators, officers should consid er the
following guideline:
a) A greeting “Good morning, Good afternoon,” etc.
b) Identification “I am Officer _____________”
c) A reason for the stop “I stopped you because ___________”
d) “Is there a reason why you ______________?”
e) “May I please see your license