Motorcycles are becoming a greater concern for U.S. law enforcement agencies. The number of motorcycles on U.S. roads has increased, as has the size, horsepower, and speed of these motorcycles. As the number of motorcycles increases, there is a perception among many in the law enforcement community that motorcycle riders may be less likely to stop upon request. Similarly, there is a perception that motorcycles are also more likely to become engaged in high-speed pursuits than passenger vehicles. Motorcycle traffic stops are a challenging situation for law enforcement officers and an increasing concern for law enforcement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified the need to provide the law enforcement community with guidance regarding the safe conduct of motorcycle traffic stops, as well as strategies and techniques for reducing the likelihood that a high-speed pursuit will occur during the conduct of a motorcycle traffic stop. This guidance document is designed for law enforcement executives, planners and policy makers, curriculum designers, trainers, supervisory staff, and law enforcement officers of all levels of experience who are responsible for conducting motorcycle traffic stops in the course of their duties. This document identifies promising practices for safely and effectively conducting traffic stops of motorcycles, officer safety strategies and techniques for motorcycle traffic stops, and strategies and techniques for reducing high-speed pursuits involving motorcycles. While these techniques do not purport to eliminate high-speed pursuits, they are intended to minimize the likelihood that a motorcyclist will flee, and to provide strategies to maximize the safety of all involved should the motorcyclist attempt to flee. This document also identifies and discusses risks and recommends strategies and techniques to avoid or mitigate those risks; the intent is to assist law enforcement officers in safely conducting motorcycle traffic stops and issuing citations when a violation is observed. Finally, this document provides promising practices for training law enforcement officers in the safe conduct of motorcycle traffic stops. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting