The first step in a traffic stop is to communicate it with dispatch and inform them of your intent to pull over a vehicle, including Location, License Plate, Direction, # Passengers, Make/Model of vehicle, and if you require any additional units.
Make sure to keep your emergency lights on at all times during the traffic stop. Your vehicle should be placed on a diagonal with the driver’s side door behind the rest of the car. This is to prevent being run over by an uncooperative suspect.
Before leaving your vehicle you should ask the suspect to turn off the vehicle and wind the window down on the driver’s side. This is important, making sure they have their engine off can save us seconds if they decide to take off.
On your way to the driver’s side door, conduct a plate check or ask dispatch to run a plate for you. Then go introduce yourself with Rank, Name, and department. Make sure to inform them of the reasoning for the traffic stop and ask for a License, Registration, and any proof of insurance. Allow the driver to explain the reasoning for violating traffic laws.
Issue a warning or citation (officer's discretion) and the reasoning why. Also, hand the citation to the occupant and request a signature (for example: “Sir, today your fine will be $750 for reckless driving, please sign on the dotted line, this is not an admission of guilt just proof of your knowledge of this citation”) After they have signed the citation inform them that they are free to go once you’re back in your vehicle with lights off. Be sure to farewell them and wish them safety. (You might make someone’s day just by wishing for their safety. That is the rapport we can use in the future.)
A basic routine traffic stop:
You saw a traffic infraction, and have called out to dispatch your traffic stop charges.
You park your vehicle correctly - safely.
You make contact with the driver and tell them why you’re stopping them.
You ask for identification / ask for their driver's license.
You write a ticket or warning.
You have the driver sign on the ticket or warning.
You advise them they’re free to leave when you turn your lights off.
A felony traffic stop:
You are making contact with a possible felony suspect.
You have called dispatch and advised them of the “code 5” stop.
You have a backup park in the approved / Safest area.
You stay back - ordering the driver and passenger(s) to show their hands.
You have the driver turn their vehicle off “/engine”.
You order the driver to toss the keys “/me toss keys”.
You order the driver out of the vehicle - (if compliant) - order the driver to go “into their eyes” meaning the first-person view.
Have the driver walk backward to the sound of your voice (“Back back back, stop”).
Once the driver is stopped - have one Officer train their firearm on the suspect while another officer handcuffs the suspect.
Place the suspect into the back of your vehicle.
Repeat for passengers -keys.