Traffic Enforcement

There are three primary purposes for every traffic stop: to stop a violation of the law for public safety, to serve as a general deterrent to other drivers, and to change the driver's future driving behavior. There are numerous benefits of traffic safety units, such as the ability to lower crime rates; increased safety on the roadways; monetary savings in lower insurance, health care, and tax costs; revenue generation; and gains from asset forfeitures. Additionally, traffic law enforcement is a time-proven method of increasing pedestrian safety; increasing seat belt, child safety seat, and helmet use; reducing incidences of impaired and aggressive driving; and increasing the apprehension of dangerous criminals.

Law enforcement officers are trained in every aspect of their jobs, for which agencies have developed standard policies and procedures. Conducting professional traffic stops is no different from any other aspect of the law enforcement profession. Practices should be discussed with law enforcement supervisors and used to form guidelines for improved professionalism and courtesy at traffic stops. This entry is not intended or designed to countermand officer discretion or an agency's policies or procedures. The problematic concerns and uses of radar, quotas, and racial profiling in the act of traffic enforcement are covered in other entries in this encyclopedia.

Officers should be trained to handle typical stops, special conditions, confrontational drivers, and suspicious and felonious stops. Law enforcement officers can improve typical traffic stop experiences by using a few techniques. Law enforcement officers are encouraged to invoke the Golden Rule and treat motorists the way they or their family members would like to be treated in a similar situation. Law enforcement officers should always state their name and law enforcement agency at the commencement of the stop, immediately explain the reason for the traffic stop, and state the action that will be taken. Officers should always be prepared to answer motorists’ questions about the stop. If an officer is not in uniform, or is traveling in an unmarked vehicle, it is imperative to present identification to the stopped motorist. Officers should always consider the traffic stop environment. Many motorists can be uncomfortable stopping in a deserted or poorly lit area. These motorists may be put at ease by allowing them to proceed to a more populated or better illuminated location.

Officers’ interaction with drivers during the stop will be a major determining factor in their attitude toward law enforcement in the future. The goal is to achieve voluntary compliance with traffic regulations, but also acceptance of the laws and enforcement. Professionalism is essential at the traffic stop. Because most citizens come into contact with law enforcement officers at traffic stops, this becomes a critical moment for law enforcement agencies in a public relations effort. Traffic stops can be a frightening experience for a motorist, and fear can bring out a person's worst side. It is imperative for law enforcement officers to always consider officer and motorist safety. Traffic stops have many positives; [Page 465]they are an opportunity to inform and educate the public.

Traffic stops requiring special conditions can require the consideration of calming children and other occupants who may be frightened by the presence of an officer. Officers can be well served by carrying cards written in Spanish and in other appropriate languages that indicate the officer's request for the driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance. Officers should never base the stop or poststop actions on race, gender, religion, people with disabilities, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Traffic enforcement must be conducted in full compliance with the constitutional and statutory safeguards established to preserve the rights of all citizens. Traffic enforcement that is discriminatory or inconsistent with the democratic ideals, values, and principles of American policing is not a legitimate or defensible public protection strategy. In fact, officers should place a special emphasis on enhancing communication and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the diverse communities they serve.

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