What is the primary purpose of STOPS?

The primary purpose of STOPS is to maintain tactical advantage while establishing voluntary compliance. This approach emphasizes the importance of officer safety and effectiveness during traffic stops by blending tactical awareness with communication skills. By maintaining a tactical advantage, officers can better manage the interaction with the subject, ensuring their safety as well as the safety of the public.

Establishing voluntary compliance helps to foster a cooperative atmosphere, encouraging individuals to comply with instructions without the need for coercive measures. This not only enhances the overall effectiveness of the stop but also contributes to building trust within the community, which is essential for successful policing. This focus on tactical advantage combined with communication strategies leads to more successful outcomes in interactions with the public during patrol stops.