Patrol Operations Flashcards

During a traffic stop at night, what is the safest approach position for an officer walking toward the stopped vehicle?

Answer: Stay behind the B-pillar on the driver's side while approaching

Positioning behind the B-pillar (between front and rear doors) provides cover and keeps the officer out of the driver's natural line of sight.

A suspect flees on foot through a residential neighborhood at night. What is the FIRST action an officer should take before initiating a foot pursuit?

Answer: Broadcast the suspect's description and last known direction of travel

Broadcasting the suspect's description and direction ensures other units can assist and establishes a perimeter even if the officer loses sight of the suspect.

Under Michigan law, when may an officer conduct a pat-down search (Terry frisk) of a person?

Answer: When the officer reasonably believes the person may be armed and dangerous

Terry v. Ohio allows a pat-down for weapons when an officer has reasonable, articulable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous.

You arrive at a domestic violence call and the victim refuses to cooperate or provide a statement. What should you do?

Answer: Document observations, gather other evidence, and consider a mandatory arrest if required

Michigan's domestic violence laws allow officer-initiated arrests based on probable cause, and officers should document injuries, witness statements, and scene evidence independent of victim cooperation.

While on patrol, you observe a driver swerving between lanes and smell alcohol when you make contact. The driver refuses the preliminary breath test (PBT). What is the consequence in Michigan?

Answer: Refusal is a civil infraction and is admissible in court

In Michigan, refusing a PBT is a civil infraction, and the refusal is admissible as evidence in court proceedings.

An officer receives a call of a 'man with a gun' in a park. Upon arrival, no suspect is located. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Broadcast the description, canvass the area, and take a report from the complainant

Canvassing the area and taking a thorough report preserves investigative leads and ensures a proper record exists if the suspect is later located.

When establishing a perimeter around a building containing a barricaded subject, what is the primary purpose of the outer perimeter?

Answer: To prevent the subject from escaping and keep unauthorized persons out

The outer perimeter is designed to contain the subject, prevent escape, and protect the public from the dangerous situation.