Question to CDWJava or other officer about police procedure

[cunundrum69]

California State: Police procedure issue.

I am involved in a lawsuit concerning proper police procedure. I am trying to gain some insight into proper police procedure (in general) concerning safety precautions involving traffic stops.

The question is as follows: Is it ever considered safe or proper procedure for an officer to walk infront of a stopped vehicle that it has pulled over to the side of the road when the driver is still located within the vehicle and still has the ability to start the engine and drive away? Are there any procedural protocols which frown upon such behavior which suggest that the officer should remain to the side of the vehicle or behind? If so, where could I find some information on the subject concerning this proper police procedure issue?

Thanks for any advice on the subject.

 

[CdwJava]

California State: Police procedure issue.

I am involved in a lawsuit concerning proper police procedure. I am trying to gain some insight into proper police procedure (in general) concerning safety precautions involving traffic stops.

This is a tad overbroad.

Specific policies and procedures that officers are expected to adhere to are contained within the agency's policy manual and any divisional orders that might apply. I have yet to see any policy that spells out the practices that MUST be followed in a traffic stop, so you are likely out of luck.

You can contact POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) in Sacramento and ask for information on the relevant learning domains and the the standards for those modules, but there is no cookie-cutter boilerplate that we all MUST follow.

An officer's approach to a traffic stop can be fluid and vary depending on agency policy, training, and the situation.

The question is as follows: Is it ever considered safe or proper procedure for an officer to walk infront of a stopped vehicle that it has pulled over to the side of the road when the driver is still located within the vehicle and still has the ability to start the engine and drive away?

Is it EVER safe or proper? Sure, it can be.

Is it recommended? No.

Was it a violation of procedure? Doubtful, but you would have to check the relevant agency's policy manual.

 

[HighwayMan]

I am involved in a lawsuit concerning proper police procedure.

Maybe if you provided some more detail your question could be taken in that context.

 

[wrongsometimes]

You used the word "ever" .. leading to a bevy of possible scenarios where it would be OK.