Unit 8: Law, Courts, and Procedure

Physiological Factors

1. Distractions of performing law enforcement surveillance
2. Distractions of using radio, spotlights, radar, making notes.
3. Driving into situations at higher speeds puts a greater demand on an officer’s searching skills
4. Overconfidence in one’s driving abilities or in handling capabilities of a cruiser.

Fatigue from working rotating shifts, overtime shifts, having your biological clock saying it’s time to sleep.

Drug and alcohol consumption, including prescription and over-the-counter medications like cold pills. Note: A 4000 lb. cruiser qualifies as heavy equipment for the purposes of the “user warning” on many such medications.