What does 'Felony Stop' involve?

A 'Felony Stop' involves a high-risk officer approach typically conducted in situations where officers suspect that the individuals in the vehicle could be armed and dangerous, often due to the nature of the suspected crime being a felony. This type of stop is executed with heightened caution and involves specific tactics designed to minimize risk to both officers and civilians.

In a felony stop, officers will usually position their patrol vehicles in a way that provides safety for themselves and may use additional resources, such as backup units. The officers will often instruct the occupants of the vehicle to exit one at a time and in a controlled manner, increasing the likelihood of safely apprehending individuals who may pose a threat.

This contrasts with normal traffic procedures, which typically involve routine stops where the situation does not suggest immediate danger. Similarly, traffic diversion and officer safety checks are procedures used in different contexts that do not carry the high level of risk or urgency found in felony stops. The distinction lies in the immediate threats that officers assess when determining the method of approach during such encounters.