Decision to Contact or Break Contact

Envision conducting a vehicle enforcement stop for a traffic violation at 2300 hours. You walk up the vehicle and contact the sole occupant and driver. The driver is initially complaint and states his driver’s license is suspended for several DUI arrests. As you continue to speak to the driver, you notice a pistol partially exposed on his seat. More specifically, the muzzle of the pistol is concealed under his leg and the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel. You draw your firearm, summon additional patrol units, and order the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel.

While standing on either the passenger side or driver’s side of the vehicle, you let the suspect know you see the firearm and warn him he could be shot if he doesn’t follow your instructions. You evaluate your surroundings for nearby cover and concealment as the driver becomes argumentative.

As you keep the driver at gunpoint awaiting the arrival of additional patrol units, he begins to get animated, intermittently moving hands off the steering wheel. You hear distant sirens approaching while focusing on the driver’s actions and movement. The lights from your patrol car are inhibiting your vision to some degree and nearby passing traffic is distracting.

Additional patrol units arrive and move toward the suspect vehicle. These officers / deputies draw their firearms in support and attempt to reduce crossfire and exposure. At this point, the driver is refusing to exit the vehicle, the vehicle is running, and both front windows are partially open. The opening only allows partial visual of the suspect’s torso, hands, and the pistol in his seat. What do you do next?

As most of you have seen or even experienced, often there are attempts to forcibly remove the suspect. Sometimes this involves breaking the window, reaching in and unlocking the doors, and preventing the driver from fleeing in the vehicle. In some instances, these incidents quickly evolve into a lethal encounter.

One option not often considered is strategically breaking contact and deploying vehicle barricade diplomacy. Employing this tactic does take training and some finesse. Breaking contact without completely relinquishing lethal cover can be challenging but could be the best and safest option. Maximizing the use of cover, patrol car lights, and distance could be advantageous.

If your patrol team is successful with breaking contact, time can become a bit more forgiving. Time is never on your side. Under most circumstances time is neutral and can be competitive. Using time appropriately, additional resources can be dispatched including K9 support, SWAT assets, and air support. Additional resources could pay dividends and ultimately increase the safety to all officers / deputies, innocent civilians, and the suspect. Breaking contact is just an alternate tactic vs. staying near the suspect’s vehicle.

Echelon K9 LLC

Presented by: Mike Walsh, Lt. (Ret.)

Former SWAT Commander

Disclaimer: This was not written with the intent of only providing one solution option for any given situation or incident. These periodicals are only intended to provide guidance and alternate tactic considerations. Each tactic comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended to adhere to state, federal law, policy, and consult with department trainers.