NCJ Number
92023
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: (1983) Pages: 61-74
Date Published
1983
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Guidelines to police vehicle stops and interviews with drivers emphasize that officers must never display personal feelings in such encounters and must conduct interceptions in ways that maximize their own safety.
Abstract
In preparing to intercept a vehicle, an officer should seek a location that will not place anyone in danger, but still stop the offender as soon after the violation as possible. The signal to a driver that he or she is required to stop must be clearly and concisely given, conforming to a standard police procedure. If a motorist fails to stop, the officer should not travel alongside the vehicle, but seek assistance via the police radio network. After a vehicle has been brought to a stop, the police car should be positioned at the rear, approximately one car length behind in an offset position. In approaching the vehicle, the officer should record the license number and have it checked by the police radio operator. Officers must be fully alert to any possible reactions from the driver and passengers, but courteous and respectful when addressing drivers and objective in enforcing the law. After being satisfied that the driver is an ordinary traffic violator, the officer can write the report and permit the offender to state his or her feelings without engaging in an argument. It is not necessary in most cases for the motorist to leave the vehicle. After completing the interview and associated matters, the officer should help the motorist return to the flow of traffic. If an arrest becomes necessary, an officer must search the offender and take measures to prevent escape or violence at any stage of escort to the police station. Photographs and six references are included.