Traffic stop

It is important all LEOs are confident in the process of a traffic stop. Traffic stops most commonly occur due to:

- A speeding vehicle

- A car running red lights

- A car seen feeling in the area of a reported crime

It is also important to remember that during a traffic stop you CAN:

- Order the driver out the vehicle for your safety (Pennsylvania vs Mimms)

- Order the passenger out the vehicle for your safety (Maryland vs Wilson)

- A suspect is not free to leave until they are told by an officer (Brendlin vs California)

- You CANNOT frisk them if you do NOT believe they are armed and dangerous (Terry vs Ohio)

- You CANNOT search the suspects without probable cause they have committed a crime.

- You CANNOT search the vehicle unless you have probable cause it has been used in a crime. (Carol vs United States)

Firstly, the LEO should pull over the vehicle, in a safe location. They should then position their car in a diagonal position, demonstrated to them previously (to ensure they are in the best possible position to give chase, if the suspect vehicle decides to flee). Their lights must remain on during the stop, but sirens should be turned off (code 2). They should then instruct the driver to roll down their window and turn off the engine. Once it is safe to do so approach the vehicle, positioning at either the B pillar or C pillar. The driver should be informed the reason for the traffic stop and questioned on their reasoning. They must also provide a copy of their driver’s license alongside their registration papers. The LEO should then return to the vehicle and make sure using the MDT this all matches up. If it does not a warning should be given for a first-time offence, or a fine if necessary.

They are able to check the registration on the DMV section of the MDT, or on the MDT section our phones, and the person and their vehicle’s ownership can be confirmed on their profile.

Once the stop is complete code 4 is needed to be called to inform all units.