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

[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.