Felony Traffic Stops
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
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
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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
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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.
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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.
a) True
b) False
_____3) The officers need to park their cars side-by-side during the felony traffic stop.
a) True
b) False
_____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.
a) True
b) False
_____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.
a) True
b) False
_____7) It is important that only the primary officer give the verbal commands to the suspects.
a) True
b) False
_____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
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Felony Traffic Stops Quiz Key
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
D
B
A
C
B
B
A
D
5
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:_________________________
Date:___________________________
Felony Traffic Stop Checklist
1 pt.
each
Task steps
1. Had the driver put his or her hands out of the window
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
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
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
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
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
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
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