Index

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: Practices for Traffic Law Enforcement Officers

During Typical Stops
Special Conditions
Confrontational Drivers
During Suspicious or Felonious Stops
Conclusion

Part II: Practices for Drivers

Why Officers Conduct
Traffic Stops Are Dangerous
What Can You Do?

31. Handle drivers with negative attitudes appropriately. When the driver or occupants are hostile, minimize the potential for escalation by ignoring their attitudes and concentrate on the driving behavior and getting the violator to respond to your requests. Also, continually reinforce that you are taking this action to correct the driving behavior and not because of other personal reasons.

Use your training in crisis intervention and other intervention techniques to de-escalate the problem. For example, if the violator begins yelling, talk softly so he may quiet down.

Remain polite and professional at these times, even if the incident escalates to an arrest. There will be fewer problems if violators and suspects are treated fairly.

32. If questioned about a specific procedure or action, you may say, it’s a state law or it’s an agency policy. This indicates that the officer’s action has a legal or procedural basis and that the action is not being taken for some personal reason.

33. If drivers make claims of unfair treatment, politely inform them how to make a complaint to the agency or your supervisor.