What distance should an officer stay behind a suspect vehicle during unknown risk traffic stops?

During unknown risk traffic stops, maintaining a distance of 20-30 feet behind a suspect vehicle is important for several reasons. This distance provides the officer with a safety buffer that allows for a better vantage point to observe the behavior of the occupants in the vehicle. It also creates a spatial barrier in case the situation escalates or if the driver attempts to flee.

Staying at this distance helps to reduce the risk of being caught in a potential conflict, such as gunfire or aggressive driving from the suspect. Additionally, this distance supports the officer's ability to make tactical assessments and decisions based on the interaction they're observing, without being too close to react quickly if necessary.

In contrast, shorter distances, such as 1 foot, 5-10 feet, or even 10-15 feet, would significantly increase the risk to the officer by positioning them too close to a potentially volatile situation, making it harder to respond effectively if the encounter turns dangerous. Therefore, the recommended 20-30 feet not only prioritizes officer safety but also enhances situational awareness during the stop.