As we all know traffic stops can be some of the most dangerous encounters that law enforcement officers have. The majority of traffic stops go smoothly however, stop the wrong car and you've got a serious problem. Just like winning the lottery, except you lose this time. The more vehicles that you stop, the higher the chances you encounter a serious risk. But again, its chance. The majority of all drivers are compliant but an officer may only pull ten stops a year but his unlucky number just could have come up. Don't become complacent, complacency kills. The murder at the shell station proved they will kill for no reason. They must leave the area by vehicle so, chances are they drove right by a marked unit. Maybe stopped at a traffic light you look over and see two guys but you don't have a reason to stop them.. yet they just committed a murder and are fleeing the scene.Here are some things to bear in mind on stops:
- When making stop at night, use all vehicle lights, high beams, spotlight, takedowns. Aim spotlight between driver's rear mirror and driver's side mirror. Many drivers will move their mirrors to avoid the blinding light. Once moved, they are not able to observe your movements in the mirror.
- Look for a backup camera, usually attached to the rear tag. If seen, turn highbeams. These cameras are usually poor quality and can not make the proper light adjustment. If during the day, creep closer to the vehicle then normal so the camera is looking at your front grill.
- Passenger side approach is good, when approaching make a wider "U" so that you stay in the blind spot of the "C" post. Passenger side approch also keeps you out of traffic.
- Aways call out with the stop. Location followed by vehicle tag and description of veh (they may have switched tags)
- Exit driver side and back away from "A" post, walk behind police vehicle (backing up), and approach on passenger side. Do not look at police lights. Look through rear window when rounding rear of police vehicle to watch stopped vehicle.
- Wait several seconds prior to approaching, look for sudden movements or suspicious behavior, make approach quick. When in doubt call for a back up unit. Follow your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right.
- Touch the rear of the suspect vehicle with an ungloved hand.
- When returning to your vehicle, back away from the traffic stop, don't walk with your back to the suspect.
- Don't allow the suspect to exit the vehicle.
- Stand behind the "B" post. Vehicle posts have been known to stop or deflect bullets.
- If in a shooting situation remember to shoot center mass OR target of opportunity. If suspects head is available, shoot at head, arm shoot at arm. Lethal shots are femoral arteries, head, neck area, center of chest. Bad internal bleeding may occur in lower abdomen but can survive.
- A driven and committed suspect may require multiple rounds to stop.
- If your department allows, carry a back up weapon. It has been known to save a cops life.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment