Behind the Scenes of Traffic Stops: A Telecommunicator’s Perspective at CAPCOG

This course is designed to provide telecommunicators with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and methods used during law enforcement traffic stops. By gaining insight into the processes involved in these stops, telecommunicators will be better equipped to support officers, ensure safety, and facilitate effective communication. The course covers key concepts, strategies, and real-world scenarios to help telecommunicators enhance their performance and provide critical assistance during traffic stops. Additionally, this course will empower telecommunicators to provide critical support in one of the most common and potentially high-risk scenarios law enforcement officers face, ultimately improving the overall safety and efficiency of public safety.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the Traffic Stop Process: Learn the standard procedures and protocols followed by law enforcement officers during traffic stops, from initiation to resolution.
• Communication Techniques: Study the effective communication methods that enhance safety and clarity between officers and telecommunicators during a traffic stop, including the importance of clear radio transmissions, tone, and accuracy.
• Safety Considerations: Explore the risks involved in traffic stops and how telecommunicators can proactively identify and communicate potential threats, ensuring officer and public safety.
• Legal and Procedural Knowledge: Understand the legal and ethical considerations that officers must follow during traffic stops and how telecommunicators can support them in these areas.
• Scenario-Based Training: Engage in practical, scenario-based exercises to simulate real traffic stops, teaching telecommunicators how to react in various high-pressure situations.

Instructor: Shawn Darby

Shawn Darby is a seasoned public service professional with 28 years of experience. He holds a degree from the University of Kentucky and has been an educator since 2008, training police officers, dispatchers, and other federal agencies. Throughout his distinguished career, Shawn has commanded various units, including the Detective Bureau, Public Integrity Unit, Academy Branch, and the Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations Section.

During his time at the Academy Branch, Shawn earned certifications in general and advanced investigations, drug and narcotics investigations, defensive tactics, driving, traffic stops, and firearms instruction. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he served as Kentucky’s STOPS Coordinator and State Firearms Officer. Notably, he contributed to the graduation of over 700 Troopers during his tenure at the Academy.

Shawn’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named Trooper of the Year three times. He is also the only Trooper in Kentucky history to receive the prestigious Ernie Bivins Award, which honors the most outstanding police cadet and instructor. His impressive record also includes three Commissioner’s Commendations and multiple letters of commendation.

Special Instructions:

Dress Code: To promote a professional training environment, CAPCOG requires proper attire.  Attendee must provide their PID # to receive TCOLE credit for courses taken through CAPCOG. CAPCOG provides training for the Emergency Communication Centers (ECC) in our region at no cost to 9-1-1 telecommunicators and their departments. When space is reserved for a 9-1-1 training class offered by CAPCOG, students or the supervisor who made the reservation must cancel such reservation at least two business days prior to start of the class.

For Questions

Contact Chanita Castilla, CAPCOG. 9-1-1 Training & Public Education Specialist.