CJS 2500 Traffic Stops

CJS 2500: Traffic Stops

Description

Traffic Stops introduces the student to basic patrol vehicle operation and examines approaches to conducting low, medium, and high-risk vehicle stops. Through instruction and coaching students will develop an understanding of the different vehicle dynamics used during vehicle stops and how to properly write and issue traffic citations. Students will be required to demonstrate proper vehicle stops through reality-based training exercises.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Must be Formally accepted into the Peace Officer Program

Corequisite

None

Topics to be Covered

1. Enforcing Traffic Law and Making Vehicle Stops

2. Radio and Other Equipment Operations

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to successfully identify the knowledge base, respond to and properly handle all tasks associated with the following Professional Police Officer Education (PPOE) Learning objectives required by the Minnesota POST Board:

  • 3.11.1 Explain the purpose of proactive traffic enforcement and vehicle equipment checks/stops.
  • 3.11.3  Identify the equipment necessary to operate a vehicle in proper working condition including: lighting, brakes, seat belts and child restraints, mufflers, windshields, bumpers; and, identify the exemption from equipment restrictions.
  • 3.11.4  Discuss how traffic law applies to bicycles and pedestrians.
  • 3.11.5  Given a variety of scenarios practice enforcing traffic law including issuing traffic citations and documenting a vehicle stop.
  • 3.11.6  Identify a variety of driver’s licenses including international driver’s license and out of state licenses, various types of Minnesota driver’s licenses, and various license statuses including current, expired, canceled, CONAX, suspended, and revoked.
  • 3.11.7 Explain how diplomatic immunity may impact issuance of a traffic citation.
  • 3.11.8  Discuss balancing respectful, rapport building communication with enforcing traffic law and maintaining safety.
  • 3.11.9  Explain how traffic citations are processed for juvenile offenders.
  • 3.11.13 Identify and discuss officer survival/safety issues related to stopping and approaching vehicles.

  • 3.11.14 "Review scenarios of peace officer traffic stops and identify:

    - what circumstances impact officer conduct including best practices and high-risk mistakes, and

    - reasonable use of discretion in deciding what enforcement action to take or not take."
  • 3.11.15 Discuss how secondary offenses may be discovered during traffic enforcement and the importance of being observant for contraband and suspicious behavior during traffic stops.

  • 3.11.16 "Conduct a motor vehicle traffic stop in accordance with procedures and laws including:

    - observing traffic and identifying traffic violations,

    - notifying dispatch of location of the stop, vehicle information and the number of occupants,

    - Initiating the traffic stop by activating lights and/or siren,

    - selecting a safe location for a traffic stop and safe vehicle positioning,

    - taking appropriate precautions exiting a squad and approaching a vehicle,

    - observing vehicle occupant(s) behavior and vehicle contents for risk factors,

    - collecting driver license and proof of insurance,

    - recording vehicle information,

    - communicating with the driver about the cause of the stop,

    - determining if a citation or warning should be issued, and whether a search, arrest, or drug or alcohol test should be made depending on circumstances,

    - preparing and presenting citations or warnings and explaining how to pay the fine or arrange a court date, and the consequences of failing to act on the ticket, and

    - taking steps to safely terminate the stop and return to squad."

  • 3.11.17 "Conduct a mock high risk/felony stop including:

    - relaying information to dispatch and requesting back-up,

    - selecting safe and tactically appropriate location for the stop and squad position,

    - communicating with other officers on scene to coordinate the stop,                                                                                                                                                                                    -conduct the stop using strategies, tactics and communication methods appropriate to the circumstances and observed behaviors, e.g., confrontational behavior, weapons on scene, objects thrown from the car, occupants approach officer or flee the scene."

Credit Details

Lecture: 0

Lab: 2

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): None