Small & Alone

On a traffic stop, late at night, someone runs from the car
as you approach the vehicle. What do you
do about it? Chase them? No, don’t chase them. First call the information in to dispatch. Let them know someone has exited the vehicle;
give them a description and a direction of travel. Next, clear the car. Do this from a position of advantage. Move back to your patrol vehicle and deploy a
long gun, shotgun or patrol rifle. Using
the PA, command anyone inside the vehicle to sit up put their hands up and if
they do, then get them out of the vehicle. Prone them out, detain them for investigation and handcuff them.

Search them for weapons and if there driver is still there
try and obtain permission to search the car. Obtain identification on everyone and check them for warrants. Complete a Field Interview on everyone and be
sure to cite the driver if he was not the one who ran away and you stopped them
for a citable offense. Ask each of the
passengers who ran and why they ran away. Verify the vehicle registration and make sure it is not stolen. If you have the legal authority, search the
vehicle and tow it away.

You may not get the person who ran away, but you should at
least make a good effort to get their car. While waiting for the tow truck, keep an eye out often the person who
ran away will come back. Sit and wait
for them at a distance, even after the car is towed they will sometimes return
looking for the vehicle. That gives you
a second opportunity to detain and investigate them. Chasing after someone on foot is usually not
a good idea, particularly when you are alone, that’s what the SGT Says.