Page 39 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

Felony Stops/High Risk Stops

When is this procedure used? This is used in situations where an officer needs to pull over a dangerous
offender or when they realize that a traffic stop has become a serious danger to their safety.
For example:
• when a vehicle is stolen
• there is a felony warrant
• there is a threat to officer safety.

Procedure:
1. Close the distance to confirm the vehicle, verify the license plate or description
2. Immediately notify your dispatcher of your intentions to perform a high risk stop
3. Notify dispatch of your location and direction of travel and broadcast the description of the
vehicle
4. Request assistance (if possible, the stop should be performed by a minimum of 3 units)
5. As soon as the other units are behind you, initiate the stop in a safe location preferably away
from large gatherings or shopping centers
6. The first unit should stop directly behind the suspect vehicle between 25 and 35 feet behind the
suspect vehicle
7. The primary officer should exit their vehicle, open the door, take cover behind the door and use
the PA to command the driver to:
o Put their hands out of the window
o Throw keys out of the window
o Open door from the outside with his left hand
o Get out of the vehicle
o Lift up his shirt and turn around
o Face away from the officer and walk backwards to toward the sound of the officer’s
voice
o Stop and get on his knees or stomach (if the pavement is very hot, just have them
spread their feet as wide as possible, otherwise they could suffer burns from the
pavement)
8. The secondary unit should position their vehicle to the left of the first unit, then the secondary
officer should exit, walk behind their vehicle to the front passenger side, open the passenger
side door, and take cover behind it. This will put him in close proximity of the primary officer to
improve communication. This officer will put handcuffs on suspect when the primary officer
gives the signal. Once in handcuffs and the suspect has been searched, place them in a patrol
unit.
9. The third unit should cant their vehicle behind the first two units and the third officer should
move the primary units front passenger side, open the front passenger side door, and take cover
behind it. This officer will provide cover for the other two officer. If a long gun is available, this
officer should have a long gun.
10. Repeat the commands for each passenger and the detain them one at a time until the vehicle is
unoccupied.
11. Once the vehicle is unoccupied or appears unoccupied, approach with the shield to clear it.
12. Depending on the situation, take whatever action is appropriate such as call for a wrecker,
notify the suspect or suspects they are under arrest, etc.

See the next page for a diagram. Remember, this is just one way to handle a high risk stop.

Pg. 38 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS