Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Practice Exam

What are the initial things an officer must control during a high-risk traffic stop?

1. Keys, Hands, Eyes

2. Weapons, Doors, Windows

3. License, Registration, Insurance

4. Passengers, Speed, Location

The correct answer is: Keys, Hands, Eyes

During a high-risk traffic stop, the primary focus of the officer is to control the potentially dangerous elements presented by the situation. This includes the immediate actions of the occupants of the vehicle. Controlling keys, hands, and eyes is critical because these factors directly relate to the officer's safety. If the driver has access to the keys, they could potentially drive away, which poses a significant threat. Hands are equally important because they can conceal weapons or other dangerous items; keeping the hands in view allows officers to monitor any potential threats. Additionally, controlling where the officer and the driver are looking (the eyes) is essential for maintaining awareness of the situation, including the presence of any other individuals who may not be visible but could pose a risk. The other choices focus on aspects that, while important, do not prioritize the immediate safety threats presented during a high-risk encounter. Weapons, doors, and windows are relevant but secondary to hands and keys in this specific context. License, registration, and insurance are standard information requested during any traffic stop but do not address the risk factors present in high-risk situations. Passengers, speed, and location matter in an operational sense but are less critical to the immediate control needed for safety.