Course Law Enforcement I Unit XII Traffic Stops Essential Question What is the purpose of felony traffic stops and how are they done effectively? TEKS 130.293(c) (14)(A)(B)(D) Prior Student Learning Basic Traffic Stops Estimated time 4 to 5 hours Felony Traffic Stops Rationale There are situations when an officer must pull over a known dangerous offender, or when he realizes that a traffic stop has become a serious danger to his safety. It is important for an officer to effectively perform a felony traffic stop for his safety and the safety of other officers. Objectives The student will be able to: 1. Apply techniques used to assess risk in vehicle stops. 2. Comply with local established policies and procedures. 3. Execute a simulated felony traffic stop. Engage Read a story about one former officer s experience with felony traffic stops. To find an article do an Internet search for the following: Traffic Stops Too Dangerous For One Former Officer. Have the students write a reflection on the article, focusing on the importance of safety during felony traffic stops. Use the Writing Rubric for assessment. Key Points I. Felony Traffic Stops are performed when A. There is a felony warrant B. The vehicle is stolen C. There is a threat to officer safety II. Positions of Vehicles and Officers A. Vehicles are parked side-by-side B. Officers take cover behind the vehicle door III. Procedures A. The primary officer will command the driver to 1. Put his or her hands out of the window 2. Throw the keys out of the window 3. Open the door from the outside with his or her left hand 4. Get out of the vehicle 5. Lift up his or her shirt and turn around 6. Face away from the officer and walk backwards toward the sound of the officer s voice 7. Take a few steps to the right when the suspect is close enough 8. Stop and get on his or her knees or stomach B. The backup officer will 1. Arrest the suspect 2. Take the suspect to his car 3. Search the suspect 1
C. The primary officer will 1. Give the commands to get out again 2. Stay out of crossfire zones 3. Open the trunk IV. Priorities A. Only the primary officer gives commands B. Communication among the officers is key C. The primary officer must say, Do it now, after each command V. Other Scenarios A. When there is more than one person in the vehicle, wait until the driver is in the squad car before getting the other occupants out of the vehicle B. When there is a gun in the suspect's waistband, let him or her know that you see it and you will shoot if he or she reaches for it Activities 1. Watch videos involving felony traffic stops and critique them using the Felony Traffic Stops Checklist. To find videos do an Internet search for the following: Police Explorer felony vehicle stop High risk traffic stop 2. Have each student demonstrate a felony traffic stop while the other students evaluate him or her in writing. They may use the Felony Traffic Stops Checklist or write down one strong skill and one skill that needs improvement. The peer evaluations may be assessed. Allot time for practice before the evaluation. Assessments Felony Traffic Stops Quiz and Key Felony Traffic Stops Checklist Individual Work Rubric Writing Rubric Materials Felony Traffic Stops computer-based presentation Training guns Handcuffs Vehicles if available Resources Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLOESE) Training Officer s experience on-the-job 2
Do an Internet search for the following: Traffic stops too dangerous for one former officer Police Explorer felony vehicle stop High risk traffic stop Accommodations for Learning Differences For reinforcement, have students watch additional videos of felony traffic stops and critique what the officer did or did not do correctly. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment. For enrichment, have students practice felony traffic stops on a car that has four or more suspects in it. Students can also do a felony traffic stop with a suspect who does not speak English. Use the Felony Traffic Stops Checklist for assessment. State Education Standards Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education 130.293. Law Enforcement I (One to Two Credits). (14) The student analyzes reasonable suspicion and probable cause for motor vehicle traffic stops. The student is expected to: (A) apply techniques used to assess risk in vehicle stops; (B) comply with local established policies and procedures; (D) execute a simulated felony traffic stop. College and Career Readiness Standards Cross-disciplinary Standards I. Key Cognitive Skills A. Intellectual curiosity 2. Accept constructive criticism and revise personal views when valid evidence warrants. Social Studies Standards IV. Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Information C. Critical Listening 1. Understand and interpret presentations (e.g., speeches, lectures, informal presentations) critically. V. Effective Communication A. Clear and coherent oral and written communication 1. Use appropriate oral communication techniques depending on the context or nature of the interaction. 2. Use conventions of standard written English. 3
Name: Date: Felony Traffic Stops Quiz 1) When is a felony traffic stop done? a) When there is a felony warrant b) When the vehicle is stolen c) When there is a threat to officer safety d) All of the above 2) An officer does not need to take cover behind the door during a felony traffic stop. 3) The officers need to park their cars side-by-side during the felony traffic stop. 4) What is the first thing the officer needs the driver of the vehicle to do? a) Throw the keys out b) Turn around c) Put his hands out the window d) Get out of the vehicle 5) If the officer sees a weapon in the suspect's waistband, he should not say anything to the suspect about it. 6) If there is more than one occupant of the vehicle, it is important for the primary officer to have the next occupant get out of the suspect vehicle before the backup officer has searched the driver and put him in the squad car. 7) It is important that only the primary officer give the verbal commands to the suspects. 8) After the officers believe all of the suspects have gotten out of the suspect vehicle, what should the primary officer do next? a) Approach the suspect vehicle b) Open the trunk c) Begin questioning the suspects in the squad cars d) Given another command for anyone in the suspect vehicle to get out 4
Felony Traffic Stops Quiz Key 1) D 2) B 3) A 4) C 5) B 6) B 7) A 8) D 5
Name: Date: Felony Traffic Stop Checklist Task steps 1. Had the driver put his or her hands out of the window 1 pt. each 2. Had the driver throw the keys out of the window 3. Had the driver open the door from the outside with his or her left hand 4. Had the driver face away 5. Had the driver pull his or her shirt up 6. Had the driver spin 7. Had the driver keep his or her hands up 8. Had the driver walk backwards towards the officer 9. Had the driver get close and then walk a few steps to the right 10. Had the driver get on his or her knees and put his or her hands behind his or her head/back 11. Waited for the backup officer to arrest and search the suspect before giving more commands 12. Gave another command to the occupants in the vehicle 13. Checked the trunk 14. Gave clear, concise, and loud commands 15. Communicated with backup officers effectively 16. Did not have other officers in his or her crossfire 17. Kept his or her gun close to his or her body when checking the car 18. Kept his or his finger off of the trigger 19. Said, Do it now, after each command 20. Gave commands in the appropriate order Total points possible 20 Instructor s Signature Date 6
Name Date Objectives Follows directions Student completed the work as directed, following the directions given, in order and to the level of quality indicated Individual Work Rubric 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. Time management Student used time wisely and remained on task 100% of the time Organization Student kept notes and materials in a neat, legible, and organized manner. Information was readily retrieved Evidence of learning Student documented information in his or her own words and can accurately answer questions related to the information retrieved *Research/Gathering information (if relevant) Student used a variety of methods and sources to gather information. Student took notes while gathering information Total Points (20 pts.) Comments: 7
Name: Date: Writing Rubric Objectives The writing has all required parts from introduction to conclusion in smooth transition. The writing is interesting, supportive, and complete. The writing demonstrates that the writer comprehends the writing process. Accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts. The content of paragraphs emphasizes appropriate points. The writer shows an understanding of sentence structure, paragraphing, and punctuation. All sources and references are clearly and accurately documented. Total Points (28 pts.) Comments: 8