A recent incident involving an improper turn signal is a reminder that even a small traffic violation can be the first step in the trail to a potentially big bust. In this case the driver took off, which made it pretty clear that these officers were likely looking at something much more than a moving violation. Although they won’t all be that straightforward, here are a few characteristics you can make sure you illustrate that will increase your odds of interdiction success.
Be motivated.
When it comes to proactive policing, aggressive traffic enforcement works—just ask the top interdiction officers. Time and again we hear of officers whose major busts have come from the seemingly smallest beginnings; a speeding ticket, a broken tail light, an illegal U-turn or, as in this case, an improperly signaled turn. Stay motivated and resist the temptation to blow off that traffic stop at the end of a long shift. You never know what might ultimately come from it.
Be curious.
One of the key elements to surfacing larger crimes a subject is trying to hide is common questioning presented in a skilled, strategic fashion. When engaged in a traffic stop, take the time to ask some basic but pointed questions: Where are you going? What are you going to do when you get there? Where are you coming from? Who’s this in the car with you? When you get answers, pay attention…then repeat and rephrase. Even the most experienced contraband carriers have been tripped up by a persistent, perceptive officer who picked up on conflicting answers and gaps in a story line.
Be observant.
When you approach a vehicle, there are certain things you know you must be watching for from an officer safety and survival standpoint. But it doesn’t stop there. You should also be looking for clues that can tip you off to more than just an immediate and direct threat of attack; things like an abnormally nervous driver showing over-the-top anxiety for a “simple” speeding ticket, a vehicle that doesn’t fit the driver or his story, suspicious odors, luggage that reflects a short trip—not the long road trip to see a long lost cousin across the country the driver just told you he’s making. Look for the pieces of the puzzle that don’t fit.
Be confident.
Are you up on the most current laws relative to vehicle searches? Do you know what’s PC (that’s probable cause…not the other PC!) and what isn’t? Do you know when to call in a K-9? Are you prepared to take the steps necessary to execute a vehicle search without putting yourself at grave risk? Thinking things through ahead of time, from your line of subtle questioning to your plan for subject positioning during a search, will not only keep you safe and effective, but it will help build the confidence and clear understanding you need to be proactive--and ultimately successful in reeling in a big bust.