During a high risk traffic stop, which action is NOT directed by the primary law enforcement officer?

The correct answer is that the driver gets out of the vehicle last. In a high-risk traffic stop, the primary law enforcement officer typically prioritizes control of the situation by following specific procedures for safely managing the occupants of the vehicle. It is standard practice for officers to instruct the driver to exit the vehicle first, as doing so provides the officer with immediate control over the person who is operating the vehicle, potentially reducing the risk of the driver accessing weapons or attempting to flee.

In addition, having the driver exit last could place the officer in a vulnerable position, as it could lead to an unexpected escalation if the occupants were to suddenly act. Therefore, the officer's directive in a high-risk stop aims to ensure the safety of all involved by maintaining order and reducing exposure to threats.

The actions of throwing keys from the vehicle and allowing other occupants to exit one at a time are specific strategies used to mitigate risks and maintain control during such stops, ensuring that the situation is handled systematically.