I had the good fortune to attend TNT: Tactics In Traffic, a Calibre Press class taught by Hamilton Township (Ohio) Police Department Chief Scott Hughes. Scott is a world-class trainer with a wealth of real-world experience, and his presentation is not to be missed.
Using examples from his personal experience, as well as an extensive library of dashcam and bodycam videos of police incidents, Scott led the class through an exploration of some of the most common dangers associated with vehicle stops and provided solid tactics and techniques to minimize risks and ensure success.
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Traffic stop safety tips for cops
We covered a lot of material in the seminar, far too much to recount here, but here are six of the key takeaways that all cops should know.
1. Prepare for the stop
The stop begins the moment you see the violation, not when the vehicle comes to a standstill. Before you even turn on the lights, there are a lot of tasks you need to complete, such as:
- Developing reasonable suspicion or probable cause;
- Watching for signs that the suspect is concealing, dumping, or destroying evidence;
- Calling in the stop and including a description of the suspect(s), vehicle and location;
- Picking a tactically sound location for the stop;
- Ensuring your patrol car’s front seat is clear of obstructions that would prevent emergency egress out the passenger side or seeking cover by laying down across the seat;
- Monitoring the suspect for signs that they may be planning to flee or launch an attack;
- Preparing to exit your vehicle quickly so that your feet are the first to hit the ground when the vehicles stop.
2. Take control
Establish control early, using a combination of sound tactics, officer presence and effective communication. Don’t allow situations to spiral out of control when emotions are running high – use your communication and interpersonal skills to de-escalate the conflict before words turn into actions that require the use of force.
3. Use good approach tactics
It’s important to select tactics that minimize your exposure to known dangers, such as getting trapped between vehicles or getting hit by traffic. Use the blind spot and take advantage of the tactical benefits of the passenger side approach. Use lighting and mirrors properly to observe occupants and increase your reactionary gap.
4. Never reach into the car
The risks to your safety far outweigh any advantages you might hope to achieve by taking keys out of the ignition, and so forth. Officers who reach into the vehicle run the risk of being dragged or otherwise attacked.
5. Remember that time is on your side
Use the resources you have, including time. Delay making the stop until conditions are more favorable. Wait for backup when you need it, instead of pushing a poor tactical position by yourself.
Don’t try to “save time” by simultaneously monitoring suspects and searching a car by yourself, because you’ll do a poor job of both and expose yourself to unnecessary risks. When using “felony stop” procedures, you need to make a conscious effort to slow things down and do it by the numbers.
6. Beware the dangers of the second approach
Don’t allow yourself to mentally relax because things have gone well so far. A large number of attacks occur during the second approach, so monitor the occupants closely, mix up your tactics (approach on a different side, or change cover and contact roles with your partner), and tell yourself every time that “this could be the one.”
Conclusion
Scott’s goal is to help officers “make smarter, safer, more effective traffic stops.” His knowledge and presentation skills are exceptional, and there wasn’t an officer in the class, from newbie to veteran, who didn’t walk away with something valuable.
Be safe out there!
What are your tips for a safe and successful traffic stop? We will add the top tips to this article.
Police1 readers respond
- 1. Except in rare circumstances, all radio traffic should be complete before the lights come on, seatbelts should be off and hands should be free. Short updates can be given if things change, but there is no reason to be talking on the radio while stopping a car, driving, shifting gears, taking off the seatbelt, picking up a ticket writer, etc. The first approach is hands-free, ready to analyze and evaluate. 2. When in doubt, get them out. Multiple approaches = multiple ambush opportunities. Have backup first, if the situation calls for it, but getting the violator out of the car can level the playing field, or even give you the advantage. 3. Don’t forget about environmental factors. As an example, I see too many cops doing passenger side approaches in residential neighborhoods that are less LE friendly. Bad guys have backup too. Don’t put your back to the danger areas. 4. Finally, be genuinely curious. Ask questions, listen to your intuition. People are generally less likely to be aggressive when in casual but intentional conversation. Everyone has tells and their responses give away their intent.
- Always watch for brake lights. Most normal people put it in park to conduct business.
- Some officers reach in to pull people out of their vehicle and that’s dangerous, because the person can have a weapon on him.
- Before doing anything else, run the motor vehicle’s registration. Never exit your unit before knowing the vehicle and its registrant.
- I usually try to position myself to observe the offender prior to the stop so I can see how many passengers are in the car and their activity.
- I almost always will ask if there is a problem of something I should know. It provides the driver and opportunity to let me know if there is energy and or justification (at least in their mind). After explaining the ticket, I explained the DA almost always will work with someone who has a clean record and make a reduction, this often helps as the drivers are concerned with points and the cost of the fine. I concluded with please be safe. Very often I am thanked and the driver appears to be in a good space. Any arguments or debates are meet with a simple advisement how to plea not guilty and where a complaint can be filed, no prolonged conversation. Telling the driver they can file a complaint and how is usually very disarming and ends the debate. Be careful out there all.
This article, originally published 02/05/2016, has been updated with a video and additional resources.
