NCJ Number
80789
Date Published
1981
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Police procedures for stopping and approaching traffic violators are presented, with emphasis on avoiding dangers to the officer, the violator, and other traffic.
Abstract
The U.S. Supreme Court has defined the legal requirements for stopping a driver in the 1979 Delaware v. Prouse decision. Officers can no longer legally stop vehicles at random to check for driver license or registration unless they have a reasonable suspicion of some traffic violation or criminal activity. However, officers may stop vehicles for humanitarian reasons and may establish roadblocks. Once a traffic violator is legally stopped, the officer may require the driver to get out of the vehicle and may require identification. Officers should choose a location where it is possible to stop the violator promptly, efficiently, and safely. It may be necessary to follow the vehicle for some distance to find a suitable location. Before the vehicle is stopped, other traffic should be signaled using the emergency light. The officer should next come abreast of the violator and tap the horn lightly several times to attract the driver's attention. The siren should be used only under emergency conditions, unless required by law. Special precautions must be taken if the violator stops suddenly, if the violator stops on the roadway, or if the violator refuses to stop. The officer should place the police vehicle from 8 to 15 feet behind the violator's vehicle and should approach the violator carefully. Approaching known or suspected felons requires special techniques. Diagrams, photographs, and a list of five references are provided.