I’m a retired veteran of 30 years and both of my sons are police officers. One of my sons and I were just having a discussion about the best way for an officer to safely conduct a vehicle traffic stop. Since I have been retired for some time now I had to rethink the strategy for a safe stop — things that I would try to do that worked for me — and I would like to get some feedback from those young and old school street cops who still work the street.
Which is better: driver’s side approach or passenger side approach?
Which is a better location of stop: highway or residential or business area?
Which is better: daytime or night time?
Here are some things I shared as things to consider. Know your reason for stop and what do you know prior to stop. Observe how many occupants in vehicle what are they doing as you pull them over. Are they turning and looking back at you — maybe trying to hide or retrieve something.
Using their mirrors they can always see your approach from side or rear view mirror.
Never stand in the kill zone. Don’t put your center mass in the front window either side.
Expect the unexpected and always be prepared for a sudden attempt to drive away as you approach.
Watch for the brakes lights to go out and the reverse lights go on.
Watch the hands can you see them.
If the door suddenly swings open will your reflexes move you back into traffic, so always have a plan for safety.
Maybe this is all about common sense, but these are the things that complacency or routine comfort missed gets officers hurt. So now I ask the members to share some thoughts on how you handle vehicle traffic stops. Look, listen, share, learn.
In the present atmosphere of LE across the country and the amount of officer losses we have had in the past year this info must be shared.