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Vehicle extraction technique

I don’t let any suspects out of the car during a traffic stop, even when prepping for a custodial arrest. With their feet on the ground, any lucky suspect has a good chance of winning a fight. With them inside the car, I have the advantage of greater mobility and perceived size.

My preferred technique after deciding to make a custodial arrest is to go back up to the car, with my backup officer close by. I get the keys to the offender’s car so they can’t drive away, then I tell them that they’re under arrest. I open the door and instruct them to turn away from me — while remaining in the seat — and place their hands behind their back. I cuff them while they’re still seated in the driver’s seat and then remove them.