Irvin Irving, Chief of Police

Volume II, Issue 1

August 2020

L-UNIT VEHICLE PULLOVER TACTICS

This training bulletin was developed to provide an overview of tactics and safety techniques during vehicle pullovers for officers assigned to work alone.

Generally, vehicle pullovers are divided into three types:

• Traffic Enforcement;

• Crime Investigation; or,

• High Risk.

The procedures described in this bulletin are general guidelines only.

PREPARATION

Planning is a vital part of working alone. Officers should think through various situations and anticipate how to resolve them.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE PULLOVERS

Initial Procedures:

• Ensure there is reasonable suspicion/probable cause for the pullover;

• Notify Communications of the licence plate number by either using the Police Frequency, or using “/radio”;

• Run the licence plate;

• When practical, run the licence plate before initiating the vehicle pullover;

• Know your location and direction of travel;

• Maintain observation of the vehicle occupant(s); and,

• Prior to the pullover, when multiple occupants are in the vehicle, evaluate the need for additional units.

Location of the Stop:

• Transmit a Code Six broadcast for the vehicle pullover;

• Attempt to stop the vehicle at a legal location, out of the flow of traffic;

• Be aware of nearby escape routes;

• Avoid stopping in front of, or near, locations where hostile crowds may gather; and,

• At night, try to choose a familiar area with good lighting conditions;

Pullover Procedures:

• When close enough, activate the emergency lights. Always use high beams; and,

• Offset the patrol vehicle to the left approximately half the width of a vehicle, and approximately one vehicle length behind the violator’s vehicle.

Approach:

• Evaluate the scene and remain alert;

• Attempt to observe the driver’s actions;

• If the driver’s action(s) cause you to sense danger, do not approach. Request an additional unit. Remain at your vehicle, behind cover. Order the occupant(s) to stay inside the vehicle with their hands visible. Upon arrival of the additional unit, order the violator to exit the vehicle and direct them to a safe area out of the flow of traffic;

• Remain alert to oncoming traffic and use caution during your approach. If the driver appears to be reaching for paperwork, be alert. If the driver’s hands are not visible, ask them politely to put their hands on the steering wheel;

• You may choose to approach on either the left or right side of the vehicle. Avoid walking between the patrol vehicle and the violator’s vehicle. Ensure the trunk is closed and scan the rear seats for additional occupants, possible weapons, or illegal items; and,

• If the driver exits the vehicle you have 2 options: tell them to get back into their vehicle; or, direct them to a safe location out of the flow of traffic. If there are additional occupants inside the vehicle, position the driver between you and their vehicle.

The Interview:

• Minimise exposure by standing just to the rear of the front doors;

• Remain aware of oncoming traffic;

• Return to the passenger side of the patrol vehicle without exposing your back to the violator;

• If a citation is to be completed, complete it from behind the open passenger door of the patrol vehicle. Do not sit inside your vehicle while completing the citation.

• If you have to sit inside to use the MDT, be aware of approaching pedestrians;

• After the citation has been completed, treat the reapproach as an entirely new vehicle pullover; and,

• After returning to your patrol vehicle, if necessary, assist the violator back into the flow of traffic.

INVESTIGATIVE VEHICLE PULLOVER

Unless you are investigating an unoccupied or abandoned vehicle, it is recommended to request an additional unit.

Initial Procedures:

• The initial procedures for making an Investigative Vehicle Pullover are the same as those for a Traffic Enforcement Vehicle Pullover;

• Maintain visual contact with the vehicle occupant(s);

• If an additional unit has been requested, wait for it to arrive prior to making the pullover; and,

• An investigative Pullover may become a High Risk Vehicle Pullover at any time.

Choosing a Stop Location:

• Avoid locations where there may be large numbers of curious pedestrians.

Pullover Procedures:

• Follow the procedures for a Traffic Enforcement Vehicle Pullover, however, the distance behind the violator’s vehicle should be increased to two patrol vehicle lengths;

• The second unit’s position may be to the left, right, parallel or slightly angled; and,

• If the second unit is a two-officer unit, that unit is to assume the role of primary.

Approach:

• Your approach will be based on the type of crime that is suspected, and the number of occupants present in the vehicle;

• If the additional unit is an L-unit, officers shall use “contact” and “cover” techniques; and,

• Communication between all officers during the investigation is vital to prevent confusion.

Removal of Suspects:

• Do not approach or remove the occupant(s) of the suspect vehicle alone. Wait until the arrival of an additional unit;

• Should the driver of the suspect vehicle stop prior to the arrival of an additional unit, maintain a position of cover and order the occupant(s) to remain inside the vehicle with their hands visible;

• When circumstances indicate the need to remove the occupant(s) from the suspect vehicle, remain behind cover;

• Order each occupant out, one at a time;

• When possible, have all the occupant(s) exit from the same side of the suspect vehicle;

• Use clear, concise commands; and,

• Prior to making contact with the occupant(s), check the suspect vehicle’s trunk to make sure it’s closed, then cautiously check the interior of the suspect vehicle to ensure there are no other occupants.

HIGH RISK VEHICLE PULLOVERS

• If the suspect vehicle is moving, follow it at a safe distance;

• Request for back-up and an Air Unit;

• If the arriving back-up unit is an A-unit, they shall become the primary unit. You as an L-unit will become their back-up;

• If the arriving back-up unit is an L-unit, coordinate your tactics and procedures prior to making the High Risk Vehicle Pullover; and,

• If the suspect vehicle stops prior to arrival of a back-up unit, take a position of cover and order the occupant(s) of the vehicle to remain inside with their hands visible. Do not approach.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Although you may be investigating an abandoned vehicle, approach cautiously and be alert for possible signs of an ambush;

• If the vehicle you stop is a van, do not offset your patrol vehicle half a car’s width to the left. Position your patrol vehicle directly behind the van, at a vehicle’s distance.

CONCLUSION

Conducting vehicle pullovers as an L-unit requires adjustments to tactics and officer safety skills. Self-discipline, the use of good tactics, and teamwork, are the keys to working successfully as an L-unit.