Those who were cops: How dangerous does a typical traffic stop feel?

[PlanetaryOrbit]

I know we probably have some DU members who were or are law enforcement officers:

What is going through a cop's mind when he/she pulls someone over? When approaching the car, does a cop genuinely fear that the driver will suddenly produce a weapon and kill?

After a few years, do most cops treat traffic stops as routine and stop worrying?

[Logical]

1. They can run the license plate before approaching the car. So usually have a fair idea....

who the owners are and if they have a record. Or if car is reported stolen.

But a recently stolen car would not show up.

[morningfog]

2. I'm sure it can be quite nerve racking, which is why

cops need to be trained to not add to that stress their implicit or subconscious racism. Or to be mindful of it and mitigate it. They need to do the personal work to be able to work through any possible anxiety about confrontation so as to not be biased and/or trigger happy. If they can't do that, they need a career change.

[Hoyt]

4. Good points. I'd add that single policeperson in a car adds to the anxiety.

I get going solo improves coverage and visibility, but it's a lot to ask when there are a lot of crazies on the street. Plus it improves odds there's at least one "good" police person in the car.

[Travis_0004]

3. Ive asked a friend about this

He said he was never really worried on a stop

But he has never worked 3rd shift (our police department closes from midnight to 6am), and its rural, with almost no crime.

Odds of protestors shutting down the road are close to 0. Odds of cows shutting down the road, 100%.

[Flyboy_451]

5. This year will mark my 20th anniversary in law enforcement.

As with any other activity, experience brings increased comfort. As a rookie, you're pretty much nervous about everything. As time passes and experience teaches important lessons, you learn little things that both ease anxiety and allow you to read a given situation better.

After 20 years, I can honestly say that a "routine traffic stop" really isn't very worrisome. However, I am always aware of the possibility that things can go sideways quicker than you can react. There is only one occasion in which I have been shot at during a traffic stop, but multiple times when people have either tried to run me over, or simply been nervous themselves and forgot to put their car in park or some other silliness. Runners and fighters are probably the next two most common actions, in that order.

The most common conflict type is verbal. Turns out, people in general, don't like to get pulled over, and unpleasant people REALLY don't like it. I can usually tell how the conversation is going to go before I arrive at their window. Most often, the worst case is that someone gets a ticket and is maybe in a bad mood for a bit. Sometimes, I get to hear the most outrageous and implausible stories you have ever heard about why someone was doing whatever it is they were doing. I should probably write a book some day. Truly funny stuff!

In my twenty years, I have worked every shift, and every part of the city. The quiet suburbs, the inner city, high crime neighborhoods, traffic enforcement, and SWAT. My time is currently split between being a "Wheels" instructor (motorcycle) for out traffic unit and as a field training officer for newly commissioned rookies. I have seen both the good and the bad of the job, and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I love my community and my role in it.

JW

[PlanetaryOrbit]

6. Thanks, great response

Now, is it true that cops - owing to stereotypes about safety and danger - are sometimes secretly "relieved" to find that they've pulled over a white driver rather than a black driver, or a female driver rather than a male driver?

[jmg257]

7. We were taught to treat it as one of the most dangerous "routine" events.

Right up there with Domestics, & worse - domestics involving LE - (known guns).

Most cops likely have that potential for danger in mind.

Approach it carefully, and cautiously, with one hand on your sidearm, and hopefully a partner on the other side. Try to have contact with the car so you can feel it move, use your knee to wedge the door so it can't be thrown open, never pass in front of the car, or directly behind it, watch for hands and sudden movements, etc etc.

I was only a cop for 7 years, and experience certainly helps - but I never stopped worrying about them.