This is an independent study, self-paced course.
Every traffic stop presents unique risks, opportunities, and challenges. In this online course, you'll learn how to approach vehicle stops with a tactical, intentional mindset that enhances officer safety, situational awareness, and investigative effectiveness. You'll develop a systematic approach to recognizing indicators of criminal activity, identifying tactical opportunities, and managing vehicle occupants during law enforcement encounters.
Through practical instruction and real-world applications, you'll explore driver-side and passenger-side approaches, occupant positioning and removal considerations, and nonverbal communication techniques that improve officer coordination and safety. Whether you're new to patrol or an experienced officer, this training will help you strengthen your observation skills, improve traffic stop performance, and apply safer, more effective tactics in the field.
Topics Include
- Tactical vehicle stop principles
- Pre-stop assessment and environmental factors
- Vehicle approach techniques
- Occupant management and positioning
- Criminal activity indicators
- Officer communication and safety tactics
Audience
Patrol officers, law enforcement officers, detectives, Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), supervisors, and public safety professional involved in vehicle enforcement or criminal interdiction activities.
This course is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.
Course Length
8 hours
Online Details
Online environment: This is an independent study, self-paced course. Although there are no specific times that you must be online, you will be required to complete assignments by the deadlines posted within the course. You should plan to dedicate approximately eight hours to the course activities. You must be committed to the course and invest the time necessary for successful completion.
Instructors are available to answer your questions during each module via the help forum. The course must be completed within 30 days upon registration. Once the 30-day period has ended, you may no longer have access and be required to re-enroll. Additional fees may apply.
Computer requirements: You will complete the course entirely online. A dependable broadband internet connection with a Windows or Mac computer and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) are required.
This course is not eligible for certificate discounts.