NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

Notify the Dispatch Center of the anticipated stop location, license number, vehicle
description, and number of occupants, if known.
Signal the driver to stop by activating the emergency lights
Utilize the siren or horn to gain the violator’s attention, if necessary
Properly position the police vehicle so as to provide safety and cover for the officer,
protection for the violator’s vehicle, and to avoid impeding other vehicular traffic
The spotlight, takedown lights, and high beam headlights may be used to illuminate
the violator’s vehicle in order to provide a safe environment for the officer
While approaching the vehicle, check for altered license plates, a secured trunk, and
conduct observations of the vehicle’s interior
Approach the violator in a manner that allows the observation of any contraband or
activity within the vehicle
Violators who exit their vehicle should be ordered back into the driver’s seat and
advised to remain there for the duration of the traffic stop unless directed to do
otherwise by the officer
At all times officers should be prepared to take proper evasive/defensive action
should a violator fail to comply or the situation escalates
B. In addition to the above guidelines, the following procedures should be utilized when
stopping and approaching suspected or confirmed high risk vehicles:
The officer shall immediately call for back-up and/or the Dispatch Center shall
dispatch a second officer
If practical, the officer initiating the stop shall wait for the back-up officer(s) before
stopping/approaching the suspect vehicle
If possible, high risk vehicle stops shall be planned at a location which permits
maximum safety to the officers and the public
The initiating officer should utilize the public address system to relay commands and
instructions to the occupant(s)
Occupants should be individually ordered out of the vehicle, searched, and secured
2.1.7 Officer-Violator Relations
When the officer makes contact with a violator, he/she should strive to make the contact
educational so as to alter the violator’s future driving behavior and leave him/her with a
favorable impression of the Police Department and the officer. The following procedures should
be used to minimize potential conflicts between the officer and violator and to facilitate a
professional encounter:
Greet the violator in a courteous manner by using the individual’s proper title and last
name
Be certain that the observation of the violation was accurate and without reservation
Have the necessary forms and equipment available to expedite the traffic stop
Inform the violator of the nature of the violation and intended enforcement action
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