"ROUTINE STOPS" 1960s CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER TRAINING FILM DODGE POLARA 64634

Made in the 1960s for the California Highway Patrol, "Routine Stops" details some of the basic mistakes made by complacent patrolmen, that had fatal consequences. The film details the "suspicious attitude" that patrolmen must develop, as a basic means of protecting themselves against the actions of criminals. The police cars shown appear to be the Dodge Polara or Dodge 880. The narrator of the film was Guy Oates, who at one time served as the Chief of California State Police. The film follows the story of Officer Fred Walker, who was killed during what seemed like a routine traffic stop because he let his guard down and failed to maintain control of his weapon. His death serves as a stark reminder that no stop is ever truly routine, and law enforcement officers must remain constantly alert and suspicious. The film emphasizes the importance of proper safety procedures—such as approaching vehicles carefully, keeping the gun hand free, positioning the patrol car for protection, checking for threats inside the vehicle, maintaining control during arrests, and staying vigilant even at the station. It illustrates that danger can come from anyone, including seemingly harmless individuals, and that developing consistent safety habits can mean the difference between life and death. Ultimately, it underscores that treating every encounter with caution and maintaining a strict safety routine is essential for an officer's survival.

0:00 – A seemingly ordinary driver is pulled over for speeding. Officer Fred Walker suspects the man might be drunk and has him step out of the car.

1:15 – Officer Walker overlooks proper weapon control. The suspect, who is mentally unstable, uses the officer’s own gun to kill him. Emphasizes that even routine stops can be deadly.

2:01 – A passing motorist reports the scene; another officer responds and reconstructs the crime. Reminder: complacency and thinking “it can’t happen to me” is dangerous.

2:35 – Continual suspicion is crucial for law enforcement officers. Officers must treat everyone as a potential threat to stay safe.

3:54 – Even harmless-looking individuals or women may present danger. Example: A woman’s AWOL boyfriend shot an officer during a stop.

4:38 – Park patrol car offset from violator’s vehicle for protection. Approach carefully, with gun hand free and backseat checked. Avoid standing where a door can be thrown open into traffic.

5:46 – Stay behind the door’s trailing edge to avoid surprise attacks. Keep violator at a psychological disadvantage by making them turn in their seat.

6:44 – Be cautious when opening car doors; some may attempt a low blow. Stand ready and control distance and position during interaction.

7:24 – Keep violator in front, direct them safely to the patrol car. Maintain awareness and positioning throughout the walk.

8:02 – Keep your gun on the side away from the violator. Never let your weapon be easily accessible to a suspect.

9:02 – If a violator refuses to sign a citation, arrest may be necessary. Use proper frisking and handcuffing techniques. Many officers have failed to search for weapons properly.

10:25 – Safely seat a suspect in the patrol car from the driver’s side. Use seat belts for restraint and shift your weapon away from the suspect.

11:16 – Do not let your guard down at the station. Even unarmed, suspects can turn violent during booking.

12:09 – Attacks on officers have risen. Proper safety routines can reduce this trend.

13:01 – Routine doesn't mean boring — it means consistent safety practices. Always follow proper procedures: park safely, keep gun hand free, control interactions.

14:03 – Make officer safety a regular, unvarying routine. This kind of habit will always pay off — it may save your life.


This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com