LARGE VEHICLE STOPS Standards and accepted procedures for vehicle stops involving cars and other passenger vehicles are part of the curriculum of most police training academies. But few address the techniques to be followed when officers stop large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, utility vans, and buses. With the increased use of these types of vehicles to transport drugs and other contraband, officers find themselves stopping large vehicles more frequently. To ensure maximum protection to officers and individuals involved, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Training Section developed a plan detailing the mechanics for large vehicle stops. LOCATION As with stops involving passenger cars, the officer must consider many different factors traffic, congestion, pedestrians, road conditions, lighting, and the visibility of the stopped vehicles to approaching traffic. However, large vehicles require other special considerations, which are governed by the size, type, and configuration of the vehicle, as well as the number of officers available to assist at the stop location. The officer must plan the stop to allow the driver sufficient time and distance to make a safe stop at a location that provides a paved and solid shoulder and enough area to pull the vehicle well out of the flow of traffic. POSITIONING THE PATROL VEHICLE During the daylight hours, the patrol vehicle should be offset at an angle with the rear of the vehicle and at least 20 feet behind it, with the patrol unit's wheels turned hard left. This provides a traffic safety cushion, as well as offers the officer more protection in case of any hostile acts from the occupants of the stopped vehicle. At night, the patrol vehicle should be offset to the left of the stopped vehicle so as to allow the headlights to illuminate the side and cab area. With buses, the officers will need to position the patrol unit in such a manner as to provide a view down the right side, since this is where the doors on most buses are located. APPROACHING THE VEHICLE Because the drivers of large vehicles are several feet above road surface, it is advisable to have the driver exit and walk to the rear of the vehicle to be met there by the officer. This allows the officer to remain in a safe location while removing the ``high ground'' advantage of the driver. The officer should ensure that the driver closes the cab door to eliminate a traffic hazard. This also requires anyone in the cab to open the door before exiting, thereby warning the officer of the presence of another individual. Officers also need to be watchful of cargo bays and should check to ensure that each cargo door is closed. If the vehicle has stopped in such a way that the front of the vehicle is at an offset angle, then the officer may have to exit the patrol car and move to the front of the stopped vehicle. While walking the length of the vehicle, the officer should use the vehicle's side mirror to observe the driver and any activity in the cab. At no time should the officer climb onto a cab. When stopping a bus, the officer must remember that most buses are built low to the ground, making the entire length of the vehicle a ``danger'' area since there is no cover or escape area. Also, with buses being built low, it is difficult for the officer to check under the vehicle to determine if someone is moving down the far side. VIOLATOR CONTACT It is best that the officer maintain a secure position, while having the driver approach the officer. The violator should be advised of the reason for the stop and asked to produce the necessary documentation. The driver should not be allowed to return to the vehicle without being accompanied by the officer or until the citation has been written. CHECKING CARGO AREAS If it is necessary to inspect the cargo area, the officer should request backup prior to proceeding. The driver of the vehicle should open the cargo doors and be the one who moves the cargo around. After the cargo door is opened 4 to 6 inches, the officer, standing 3 to 4 feet behind the driver, should sweep a flashlight inside to check for other individuals who may be in the cargo area. If it is clear, the officer can then instruct the driver to open the door further and to lock it in an open position. Inspection of the cargo area can then proceed according to department policy. CONCLUSION Daily, patrol officers are making traffic stops involving large vehicles. Each stop poses a potential danger. Therefore, all patrol officers should receive training in the proper procedures associated with stopping large vehicles. ABOUT THE ARTICLE: For more information concerning this subject or lesson plan information, contact William D. Dean, Training Officer, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, 1100 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27697.