"Real life" questions (many!)--

[HailStorm]

(Explorer asking these, but interested in LE as career, so looking for the way it's done "in the real world.")
Traffic stops--
Spotlight on rearview mirror or sideview mirror? Heard both ways, the latter can be used if you approach on pass side.
How often do you approach on the pass side?
A Domestic--
how do you decide whom to arrest, is it based on physical marks, he said/she said, intuition, other?
If no signs of abuse (and no reason to arrest), do you ask about the "go somewhere for the night?" If not, what do you ask, if so, how often does it work/what do you do when it doesn't?
(Assuming a right handed officer) Where are the other weapons (mace, baton, taser (if applicable) located on your belt?
Down-time on patrol--
If you go around parking lots and run plates, what do you do if you get a hit? (Does anyone do this anymore?)
General--
Thoughts on reserve officers? Useful, PITA, depends on the person? (The kinds that are civilian volunteers that handle animal complaints, parking complaints, etc).

Much thanks for your help! And I'll probably have more later...

[acreature]

Traffic stops--
Spotlight on rearview mirror or sideview mirror? Heard both ways, the latter can be used if you approach on pass side.
I try to hit the rear view everytime. It lights the interior up, unless the rear window is heavily tinted. I shine my flashlight into the side mirror as I approach.

Also, you will not cross the beam of the tear drop if you shine through the rear window. I f shined to a side mirror, as you get closer, you stand the chance of srossing the light path and giving up your approach.


How often do you approach on the pass side?
As often as possible. Better tactical advantage, and still, most people do not expect it.

A Domestic--
how do you decide whom to arrest, is it based on physical marks, he said/she said, intuition, other?
If no signs of abuse (and no reason to arrest), do you ask about the "go somewhere for the night?" If not, what do you ask, if so, how often does it work/what do you do when it doesn't?
Each incident is different... Have to take all of the circumstances and make your decision. Experience tends to make the decisions easier.


(Assuming a right handed officer) Where are the other weapons (mace, baton, taser (if applicable) located on your belt?
Starting on right side of my buckle.... Dual clip pouch, Duty Weapon, Asp, Handcuff case(Right rear), Handcuff case(Left rear), Flashlight ring, Radio, Taser, OC Spray.


Down-time on patrol--
If you go around parking lots and run plates, what do you do if you get a hit? (Does anyone do this anymore?)
If no one is in or around the car and I am the only one out. Secure and Tow.

[HailStorm]

Down-time on patrol--
If you go around parking lots and run plates, what do you do if you get a hit? (Does anyone do this anymore?)
If no one is in or around the car and I am the only one out. Secure and Tow.

How big of a "hit" is required? Felony warrant? Outstanding parking ticket?

[acreature]

How big of a "hit" is required? Felony warrant? Outstanding parking ticket?

Felony warrant for the car? Operator?

Parking tickets.... Not here. Maybe in a big city.

There are too many situations/scenarios to give a definitive answer on such a vague inquiry ;)

[Star]

Traffic stops--
Spotlight on rearview mirror or sideview mirror? Heard both ways, the latter can be used if you approach on pass side.
I try to hit the rear view everytime. It lights the interior up, unless the rear window is heavily tinted. I shine my flashlight into the side mirror as I approach.

Also, you will not cross the beam of the tear drop if you shine through the rear window. I f shined to a side mirror, as you get closer, you stand the chance of srossing the light path and giving up your approach.


How often do you approach on the pass side?
As often as possible. Better tactical advantage, and still, most people do not expect it.

A Domestic--
how do you decide whom to arrest, is it based on physical marks, he said/she said, intuition, other?
If no signs of abuse (and no reason to arrest), do you ask about the "go somewhere for the night?" If not, what do you ask, if so, how often does it work/what do you do when it doesn't?
Each incident is different... Have to take all of the circumstances and make your decision. Experience tends to make the decisions easier.


(Assuming a right handed officer) Where are the other weapons (mace, baton, taser (if applicable) located on your belt?
Starting on right side of my buckle.... Dual clip pouch, Duty Weapon, Asp, Handcuff case(Right rear), Handcuff case(Left rear), Flashlight ring, Radio, Taser, OC Spray.


Down-time on patrol--
If you go around parking lots and run plates, what do you do if you get a hit? (Does anyone do this anymore?)
If no one is in or around the car and I am the only one out. Secure and Tow.

Yes, great answers. I agree totally. Dammit, I didn't get here first. :D

[HailStorm]

Felony warrant for the car? Operator?

Parking tickets.... Not here. Maybe in a big city.

There are too many situations/scenarios to give a definitive answer on such a vague inquiry ;)

RO has a felony warrant (need I specify what kind?).
Vehicle is reported as stolen.
:D