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I thought we could discuss various tactics for solo-officer enforcement stops. In particular officer-safety tactics with respect to light use, vehicle positioning, approach, etc... This is my usual M.O.:
I put out on the radio the plate and (anticipated) location prior to the stop. I activate my ambers to the rear for a moment to prepare vehicles to my rear, then the fronts. If the vehicle does not notice, I turn on the whole "christmas tree" and maybe blip my siren. If the vehicle stops in an unsafe location I will use the PA system to direct him/her to a safer spot. I offest my vehicle so that the centerline of my hood is at the left edge of the stopped vehicle. Most of the time I will cant my wheels to the left to help direct the patrol car into traffic rather than at me in the event of a rear-end collision. On non-busy roads I leave on my rear flashers, but not the christmas tree (I will use the christmas tree on high-risk daytime stops or collisions). If I'm on the freeway I turn off the lightbar and use my hazard flashers only.
On non-busy roadways I will usually approach on the driver's side, but on freeways or busy roads I approach on the passenger side. For passenger side approaches I go around the rear of the patrol car to stay out of the "kill zone." Assuming there is no one in the back seat (small kids don't count) I position myself at the b-pillar while contacting the driver. My stance is such that my handgun is away from the driver. If there are multiple occupants, I will usually ask the driver to exit the vehicle and stand at the right-front corner of the patrol car. When I return to the car with the driver's information, I go to the passenger side (again going around my car) and do all my information running and citation writing from there with the door open. I do not sit in the car as it reduces my vision and ability to move quickly.
I bring this up because I have seen some alarming instances of bad officer safety during traffic stops. I hope everyone is practicing good tactics, and wondering if some other people have different methods for non-felony car stops.
I put out on the radio the plate and (anticipated) location prior to the stop. I activate my ambers to the rear for a moment to prepare vehicles to my rear, then the fronts. If the vehicle does not notice, I turn on the whole "christmas tree" and maybe blip my siren. If the vehicle stops in an unsafe location I will use the PA system to direct him/her to a safer spot. I offest my vehicle so that the centerline of my hood is at the left edge of the stopped vehicle. Most of the time I will cant my wheels to the left to help direct the patrol car into traffic rather than at me in the event of a rear-end collision. On non-busy roads I leave on my rear flashers, but not the christmas tree (I will use the christmas tree on high-risk daytime stops or collisions). If I'm on the freeway I turn off the lightbar and use my hazard flashers only.
On non-busy roadways I will usually approach on the driver's side, but on freeways or busy roads I approach on the passenger side. For passenger side approaches I go around the rear of the patrol car to stay out of the "kill zone." Assuming there is no one in the back seat (small kids don't count) I position myself at the b-pillar while contacting the driver. My stance is such that my handgun is away from the driver. If there are multiple occupants, I will usually ask the driver to exit the vehicle and stand at the right-front corner of the patrol car. When I return to the car with the driver's information, I go to the passenger side (again going around my car) and do all my information running and citation writing from there with the door open. I do not sit in the car as it reduces my vision and ability to move quickly.
I bring this up because I have seen some alarming instances of bad officer safety during traffic stops. I hope everyone is practicing good tactics, and wondering if some other people have different methods for non-felony car stops.
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