How do officers approach a subject vehicle during non-high risk contacts?

When officers approach a subject vehicle during non-high risk contacts, the best practice is to approach from the left side of the vehicle. This allows the officer to maintain a safe distance from traffic, especially in situations where the vehicle is stopped near moving vehicles on the roadway. Approaching from the left also keeps the officer in a position where they can maintain visual contact with both the occupants of the vehicle and the surrounding environment.

By approaching from the left, officers reduce the risk of being in the path of approaching vehicles, which is particularly important in high-traffic situations. Additionally, this position allows officers to see inside the vehicle more clearly and engage with the driver and occupants effectively while remaining in a relatively safe area. This is a standard approach method utilized by law enforcement to ensure both the officer's safety and effective communication during interactions.