3.1.2 LEARNING OBJECTIVE : The st udent w ill be able t o ident ify elem ent s of a t raffic st op w hich w ould const it ut e reasonable suspicion of drug courier act ivit y .
A . Drug courier profile ( adapted from a profile developed by the DEA ) 1 . Driver is nervous or anxious beyond the ordinary anxiety and cultural communication styles 2 . Signs of long-term driving ( driver is unshaven , has empty food containers , etc .) 3 . Vehicle is rented 4 . Driver is a young male , 20-35 5 . No visible luggage , even though driver is traveling 6 . Driver was over-reckless or over-cautious in driving and responding to signals 7 . Use of air fresheners
B . Drug courier activity indicators by themselves are usually not sufficient to justify a stop
3.1.3 LEARNING OBJECTIVE : The st udent w ill be able t o ident ify elem ent s of a t raffic st op w hich could const it ut e reasonable suspicion of crim inal act ivit y .
A . Thinking about the totality of circumstances in a vehicle stop
B . Vehicle exterior 1 . Non-standard repainting ( esp . on a new vehicle ) 2 . Signs of hidden cargo ( heavy weight in trunk , windows do not roll down , etc .) 3 . Unusual license plate suggesting a switch ( dirty plate , bugs on back plate , etc .) 4 . Unusual circumstances ( pulling a camper at night , kids ' bikes with no kids , etc .)
C . Pre-stop indicators 1 . Not consistent with traffic flow 2 . Driver is overly cautious , or driver / passengers repeatedly look at police car 3 . Driver begins using a car- or cell-phone when signaled to stop
4 . Unusual pull-over behavior ( ignores signals , hesitates , pulls onto new street , moves objects in car , etc .)
D . Vehicle interior 1 . Rear seat or interior panels have been opened , there are tools or spare tire , etc . 2 . Inconsistent items ( anti-theft club with a rental , unexpected luggage , etc .)
Resources
Proactive Field Stops Training Unit ? Instructor ' s Guide , Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions , 2001 . ( See Appendix A .)
Web address for legislation 77R-SB1074 : http :// tlo2 . tlc . state . tx . us / tlo / 77r / billtext / SB01074F . htm
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