Town of Dunstable, MA

The United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, publishes statistical information concerning the number of felonious violent assaults on our Nation's Law Enforcement Officers. Information in this publication includes data provided from large cities to small one person law enforcement agencies.

The sobering information revealed in the 2006 study demonstrated: 30% of all violent law enforcement encounters involved circumstances that involved police motor vehicle stops/traffic pursuits. Data from 1992 and 1997 showed similar results of 22% and 18% respectively. (Source: Killed in the Line of Duty 1992 study, In Line of Fire, 1997 study)

The fact that 30% of all violent police encounters may be traffic stop related remains an important safety concern for all officers enforcing traffic regulations. This reinforces the message: "No traffic stop is routine." Not knowing the intentions of the occupants nor their past criminal history, officers must remain prepared to confront all types of circumstances. Officers may encounter a routine misdemeanor traffic offender or a violent criminal offender attempting to elude apprehension. If an officer initiates a motor vehicle stop on a desolate country road, the officer is completely unaware if the occupant merely committed a minor traffic offense or is a wanted felon in possession of hidden firearms.

An officer's mindset for safety begins well before the initial traffic stop. Officers choose the exact location of the stop and strategically park the cruiser in a specific location that protects officers and motorists. During night time stops, officers will use flashlights and ambient lighting in order to maximize safety concerns.

Although motor vehicle stops can be high risk for officers and stressful events for motorists, citizens can follow some simple actions to make this police encounter less concerning. Car occupants are always encouraged to keep their hands in the plain view and to avoid sudden movements without informing the officer. During the night, the driver may illuminate the passenger compartment with the interior dome light.

A polite and respectful demeanor can never hurt, especially if the driver may have inadvertently committed a minor traffic offense. Having your license and registration in and easily accessibly place is not only the law, but it demonstrates to the officer that you are able to follow the simple rules of the road. Your clear and specific answers to legitimate law enforcement questions can help provide an officer with the information needed to expedite the motor vehicle stop.

Hopefully, this brief article provided you with some information and understanding concerning police motor vehicle stops. Please remember to drive safely.

Thank you!

James G. Downes III
Chief of Police

Emergency 9-1-1, Business 978 649 7445