Improving your roadside visibility
Driver inattention is one of the leading causes of vehicular accidents in the U.S. As officers we are more at risk than most due to the "routine traffic stop." Traffic stops are one of the most basic and dangerous things...
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Safe police driving
I frequently see local law enforcement officers driving with one hand draped over the top of the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position. It concerns me that they clearly think they're in control of their vehicle, but...
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Familiarize yourself with other local squad cars
How many times have we backed up or assisted a sister agency? Almost every day, right? But how familiar are you with their patrol cars? The local PD ended a pursuit next to my house while I was home and off-duty. After a...
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Preventing cruiser theft
I always make sure the parking brake is activated anytime my patrol car is in park and running. If by chance a suspect wanted to take the car, he'd first have to figure out how to take the brake off, possibly affording...
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Gang gun-hiding tactic
The trend in Miami, Florida for gangs are to hide their weapons in the front or rear bumpers of their vehicles. They also hind weapons under the hood in the engine area. They know that officers will only check the inside...
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Training for touch during emergency driving
While training new recruits about emergency/pursuit driving, park your patrol unit, blindfold the recruit and have him/her practice turning on various emergency lights and equipment by touch, without looking down at the...
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Using radar during foggy weather
When it is so foggy out you can't see 20 feet from your vehicle, turn your radar on. That way you will get advance warning a vehicle is approaching. Related tip
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More on convenience store safety
Adding to the convenience store awareness & safety tip submitted by Officer Larrick Winslow, Ferndale (WA) PD: My town is small enough that we only have two stores open inside the city limits. I've taken the time to...
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Convenience store awareness
If you're an officer like me you probably visit the local convenience store throughout your shift to get a cup of coffee. Do you just park in front of the window and walk right in? If there is a robbery in progress you...
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Using your radar to keep you safe
If you have stopped a violator or are directing traffic around an accident scene, consider leaving your radar unit on. Many drivers still rely on their radar detector to tell them when the police are watching. This same...
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Seat belt safety
When on patrol, I always wear my seatbelt. However, there are times when it is tactically necessary to take it off. I take it off whenever I am checking behind a business or going through an alley in case I am surprised...
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Facilitating speedy backup
For those conducting traffic stops out on divided highways, try to make the stop just beyond the open crossovers. If your backup is coming from the opposite direction, he or she can use the crossover to quickly pull in...
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Tinted windows and visibility
If I stop a car with tinted windows at night, I discovered a way to make the occupants visible to me and, conversely, to make me less visible. I order them on my PA to turn on their vehicle's interior lighting or dome...
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