Traffic stops, why so many cruisers? (vehicle, minivan, driver, lights)

[ItsRick24]

I know because it happened to me some years ago, but I've noticed that when the police stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, the one car does the initial stop. But within a few minutes, there's 3, 4, sometimes even 5 cruisers arriving in response. I can understand a second (or third) car for backup; I can further understand if the driver's DUI, or has wants/warrants, or unlicensed/unregistered/uninsured. But in my and several other instances, the driver is let go with no more than a ticket for the violation. I just don't understand why there's so many police cars converging for a run-of-the-mill traffic stop, especially after the occupant(s) have been checked out.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

In my state, it's rare to see more than 1 cruiser for a stop. I'm guessing that you're in a place where they have too many officers, like Jersey.

[Checkered24]

I would guess in that area it is deemed appropriate to insure the safety of the original officer to have a strong show of backup.

[louie0406]

Maybe the PO who initiated the stop called for backup because he senses something suspicious.

[sj08054]

Originally Posted by ItsRick24

I know because it happened to me some years ago, but I've noticed that when the police stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, the one car does the initial stop. But within a few minutes, there's 3, 4, sometimes even 5 cruisers arriving in response. I can understand a second (or third) car for backup; I can further understand if the driver's DUI, or has wants/warrants, or unlicensed/unregistered/uninsured. But in my and several other instances, the driver is let go with no more than a ticket for the violation. I just don't understand why there's so many police cars converging for a run-of-the-mill traffic stop, especially after the occupant(s) have been checked out.

3, 4, 5 backup is excessive and when there are that many involved. It's not likely a normal stop.

Here in Philadelphia and NJ.. it's almost always a 2nd vehicle for backup.

Are you sure you are not generalizing?

[Hemlock140]

That never happens here. No doubt your area has more incidents where the person pulled over has outstanding warrants or there is more chance for resisting/violence.

[Lux Hauler]

See this quite a bit, especially in smaller townships. Usually no reason for it other than them trying to make the situation look far more important than it is. I always laugh when there are 3 or 4 cruisers with lights going off and its just some confused looking middle-aged woman in a minivan trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Back up? Sometimes. More often than not they have nothing better to do than to flex muscles and waste tax revenue.

When I am mid to large cities, the only time I see more than one cruiser is if they are searching a vehicle or detaining an individual giving a pat down or performing an arrest.

[ma5cmpb]

Here in Ohio I see this quite often. We have a joke that says if 3 or more cars show up at the scene then somebody is going to jail.

[marlinfshr]

I see it around here some as well. Perhaps another car or 2. Especially after midnight! I have seen them do u turns as if they weren't called but just happened to drive by and saw that one of their "buddies" pulled someone over. And it isn't always the same departments. It could be a town cop that pulled someone over and a state or county cop drove by and decided to stop.

I'd assume it's as much out of boredom as well as just being there in case of a problem. Afterall, they are just cruising around anyway, might as well be of assistance if needed!

[ItsRick24]

Originally Posted by sj08054

3, 4, 5 backup is excessive and when there are that many involved. It's not likely a normal stop.

Here in Philadelphia and NJ.. it's almost always a 2nd vehicle for backup.

Are you sure you are not generalizing?

Absolutely not. I see it constantly and in several cases, the driver is sent on his/her way afterwards.