Traffic Stop Safety Tips for Policemen

Written by KOVA Corp

Policemen and other public safety officials put their lives on the line every day as they work to protect the public. Their bravery and heroism in the face of danger is what makes it possible for citizens to go about their daily lives with a reasonable assurance of safety.

We often hear daily and seasonal public safety tips from the police and fire departments, warning us about possible dangers and advising us as to how we should handle them in the safest manner possible. But how often do citizens think about the safety of the police?

In the normal course of duty, members of the police force are exposed to violent offenders and armed suspects, so pulling someone over for a speeding violation might not seem very dangerous in comparison. But there are several factors that make traffic stops potentially dangerous for the police. Not knowing who is behind the wheel of the stopped car is the first. It may simply be a careless driver, but it’s also very possible that it could be an armed – and frightened – criminal.

The second factor making traffic stops dangerous for the police is the fact that they occur in traffic. Walking on a highway or busy street, even if it’s on the shoulder, is a risky practice. A slight swerve from a passing driver can be fatal. And if the driver of the stopped car decides to make a run for it once the policeman is approaching on foot, he might just hit the policeman, whether on purpose or by accident.
In order to protect policemen from dangers such as these, we’ve assembled a few safety tips they can keep in mind at traffic stops.

 Approach the car on the passenger’s side.

It’s customary for police to approach a stopped car on the driver’s side – and everyone knows it. So if a driver is preparing to try something, he’ll be expecting the police to appear at his window. Approaching on the other side gives the policeman the element of surprise – while at the same time affording him protection from the traffic speeding by.

Avoid sitting in the driver’s seat.

Sitting in the driver’s seat for an extended period of time to run license checks or write a ticket gives the driver of the stopped car an advantage – he knows the policeman will be distracted and occupied for a while, and he knows exactly where he’ll be, in case he wants to try anything. Instead, policemen can try standing behind the stopped car to write the ticket, or even sitting in their passenger seat. If their computer configuration forces them to sit in the driver’s seat, keeping a watchful eye on the driver of the stopped car is essential.

Turn the patrol car’s wheels to the left when parking.

By stopping with the wheels turned to the left, policemen can shield themselves from being hit by their own car. If a passing motorist rear-ends the police car, having the wheels turned in this manner should help it avoid hitting the policeman and the stopped car, as it veers to the left instead of straight ahead.

Search in pairs

If you are required to search a car, make sure you do so always with another officer on scene. You’ll need someone to keep you safe as you search and, if necessary, keep the vehicle occupant in proper custody. Utilize the strictest precautionary measures when conducting a search: Shine a light in dark areas for potentially hazardous materials, relocate the vehicle to a safer area for inspection, and keep an eye on the vehicle occupants in case they try to go back into the car for a weapon.

Know your surrounding an environment

This tip is especially necessary when pulling a vehicle over. Will you be in a lighted parking lot? Is there a lot of activity around? What natural shields are available (trees, concrete barriers) in case the situation goes sideways? Knowing where you are and choosing an ideal location to pull a car over will ensure your safety and that of others, especially if dealing with a not-so-willing individual.

Hands up!

Asking someone to put their hands up to see if they have a weapon is crucial. But it serves a second purpose, too. Someone can easily attack you with his or her hands when you aren’t looking. Even if you don’t require them to keep them at eye level, make sure you keep them in your sight. Be prepared to defend yourself if they fight back by having a hand close to your taser or gun.

When dispatching police officers to a scene, make sure you have all information possible to give to them. This includes information regarding the location, number of individuals involved, reported weapons, and a summary of the situation. Do not send them in blind! If possible, speak with your local law enforcement to find out what your dispatch center can do to make the officers’ job easier—and safer—before going into the field. Just as the police look out for our safety, we’d like to help look out for theirs. Our hope is that these tips will help just a little to increase the safety of these heroes who devote their lives to protecting us.

 

(Image: Anne Kitzman/Shutterstock.com)

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