Felony Stop

Initial felony stop training is best carried out at the airport, or in car park away from members of the public due to weapons being in use, and several vehicles. The instructor will be expected to demonstrate a successful felony stop to the cadet and explain each role the units have during the stop, alongside the purpose for commencing a felony stop.

A felony stop is the step up in force from a traffic stop. It is used when:

• An individual inside the vehicle has a warrant

• The vehicle is BOLO’d or flagged

• The vehicle has been seen committing a serious crime

It is important during a felony stop there is always a minimum of three units responding, (two additional to the unit initiating the stop) and it must always be carried out in a safe location away from civilians. Before the stop is initiated and the vehicle is pulled over, comms is needed to request that the stop takes place, ensure the required units are available to respond; and a basic description of the location and vehicle must be made (much like a traffic stop).

• (Callsign) Requesting a felony stop

• With a white in colour Jugular

• South on Bay City Ave near burger shot

• Vehicle has 3 times occupants

• Requesting additional 77s

• The vehicles owner has a warrant

The Primary vehicle on approach should remain code 1, with lights and sirens off. However, when backup has arrived, all units should switch to code 3, with lights and sirens on, in an attempt to pull over the suspect vehicle. Once the suspect vehicle has been pulled over lights should be switched to code 2, with the first unit (who will be primary) pulling up behind the car angled the same way as a traffic stop but positioning slightly further back, with the other two swinging round to the side to create a circular shape. The primary on scene is responsible for keeping the stop organized, delegating roles, and deciding when each stage of the stop is ready to be carried out. The primary unit should then order the driver to turn off the engine, throw the keys out the window, then the units should exit their vehicles with their guns pointed at the vehicle. This is on the lead of primary, however no verbal communication should be made, rather following the lead of primary when they step out of their car. The primary unit should then order the driver to exit the vehicle with their hands raised, look through their eyes, and directed to take the necessary steps backwards towards the unit. This process is then repeated until all suspects are out of the vehicle in cuffs. Primary is also able to delegate other units to take a suspect if there is more than one inside the vehicle, or they are in a better position to do so. Once the suspect has moved back towards the unit, the suspect should be placed in cuffs and then to be placed in a safe location, either inside the officer’s vehicle or at the back of the car, away from the line of any fire. The suspects should maintain there until the vehicle has been swept and the stop complete.

Unit 2 and 3 take responsibility for searching the vehicle, ensuring the glovebox and trunk are checked. They should do this by rotating around the vehicle with their firearms pointed at the car checking there is no one left inside the vehicle. And with no audible comms, the third unit should enter the car, pop the trunk, with the second unit aiming their weapon at the trunk, ensuring it is cleared and no one is inside. The lack of communication here is important as there is a possibility a suspect could be hiding inside the trunk and could hear the call being made, allowing them the chance to be ready with a weapon.

Once the vehicle is cleared and the sweep complete, it is primary’s responsibility for calling code 4 for the felony stop.

Whilst during a felony stop that is carried out in a day-to-day scenario is able to be passed onto an experienced officer to lead, however it is important that training is delivered for each role during the felony stop so the cadet has had experience in each role. After the demonstration has been delivered and the stop explained, the cadet should practice the process. It is important to place attention on:

• Use radio communications

• Position the vehicle

• Communicate with the suspects

• Position the suspects