In a high-risk stop, what is the role of the primary officer?

In a high-risk stop, the primary officer plays a critical role in initiating commands and ensuring the safe removal of occupants from the vehicle. This responsibility is vital because high-risk stops often involve situations where there is a potential for danger, such as armed suspects or individuals who have been involved in violent crimes.

The primary officer's duties include clearly issuing commands to the vehicle's occupants, usually directing them to exit the vehicle and move to a safe location. This helps maintain control of the situation and minimizes the risk of escalation. By prioritizing the safe removal of occupants, the primary officer ensures the safety of both the officers on the scene and the individuals involved.

In this context, while stopping traffic ahead and securing the area, providing backup cover, or handling handcuffing and reporting are important aspects of managing a high-risk stop, they are typically the responsibilities of other officers involved in the operation. The primary officer is specifically tasked with leading the engagement and controlling the flow of the incident by managing the commands and ensuring that all actions are conducted safely and effectively.