What are the two general types of traffic stops?

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The two general types of traffic stops can be effectively categorized as unknown risk and high risk. This classification is crucial for law enforcement officers, as it helps them evaluate the potential dangers involved in a traffic stop.

In unknown risk stops, officers approach a vehicle without prior knowledge of the situation, which could involve a routine traffic violation or could pose severe risks depending on the driver's behavior or the context of the stop. Officers must always be prepared for any situation, as they may encounter hostile individuals, weapons, or other unpredictable circumstances.

High risk stops, on the other hand, are conducted under conditions where law enforcement has specific intelligence or a reasonable belief that the occupants of the vehicle may pose a greater threat to the officer's safety or to the public. These stops often involve the use of specialized tactics, such as multiple units responding to the scene, to manage the heightened risks effectively.

Understanding these two categories enables officers to adopt appropriate strategies and ensure their safety during traffic enforcement activities. The other options do not accurately reflect the established risk levels associated with traffic stops, making unknown risk and high risk the correct answer.

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