A Code 5/Felony Stop is used when a suspect is wanted for or has committed a felony. This procedure ensures the safe and effective handling of high-risk situations.
Notification:
Inform Dispatch: Notify dispatch that you are initiating a Code 5 stop. Provide the location, vehicle description, number of occupants, the crimes the suspects are wanted for, and request backup.
Awaiting Backup:
Stay in Your Vehicle: Remain in your vehicle until backup arrives to avoid putting yourself in unnecessary danger.
Backup Arrival: Arriving units should not position themselves in front of the suspect vehicle to prevent risks of crossfire. Instead, the first two units should arrive and position themselves next to the primary officer at an angle. Any other units arriving should position themselves behind the primary unit.
Conducting the Stop:
Initiate the Stop: Once backup has arrived, the initiating officer will commence the Code 5 stop by letting the secondary (officer to their left) to hold non-lethal and tertiary (officer to their right) to hold lethal. Once both supporting officers confirm they are ready, the primary will initiate by counting down from three. On “1,” all units will exit their vehicles with weapons drawn, following the chain of command.
Issue Verbal Demands: The primary officer will provide clear verbal commands while other officers maintain defensive positions:
“Driver, throw your car keys out and step out of the vehicle with your hands up.”
Detain the Driver: Once the driver exits the vehicle, instruct them to look through their eyes and walk back towards the sound of your voice. The secondary officer will then cuff the driver and move them into cover.
Detain Passengers and clear Vehicle: Repeat the process with each passenger with tertiary until all occupants are detained.
Safety Considerations:
Avoid Dangerous Positioning: Do not position your vehicle directly in front of the suspect’s vehicle. Doing so places you at risk of being targeted by the suspect or being caught in crossfire. Always maintain a position that maximizes your safety and the safety of other officers.
