North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

During a traffic stop, which of the following should be relayed to communications?

1. Reasons for the stop

2. License number and location of stop

3. Officer's badge number

4. Discussions with the driver

The correct answer is: License number and location of stop

The correct response centers around the importance of clear and concise communication during a traffic stop to ensure officer safety and effective law enforcement operations. Relaying the license number and the location of the stop is critical because it provides essential information to dispatch that can be used to track the situation. This information helps ensure that backup can be dispatched if needed and keeps other officers informed about the ongoing activity in the area. Communications need to have an accurate understanding of where officers are operating and what vehicles are involved in order to coordinate assistance or investigate further if necessary. This practice also aids in creating a record of police activities and locations during stops, contributing to overall situational awareness. Discussing the reasons for the stop or the officer's badge number may be relevant, but they do not provide immediate logistical information that assists other officers or dispatchers during an active situation. Moreover, conversations with the driver are typically not relevant for communication with dispatch as they may not provide critical operational information required during a traffic encounter.