Which situation would necessitate a more cautious officer approach when stopping a vehicle?

A more cautious officer approach is warranted when dealing with a situation involving darkened vehicle windows. The reason for this heightened caution stems from the inability to clearly see the occupants or any potential threats inside the vehicle. Darkened windows may conceal dangerous behavior or weapons that could pose a risk to the officer’s safety during the stop.

On the other hand, when an officer is alone, it can also require more caution, but the primary concern often lies with the visibility and potential unknowns presented by the darkened windows. Similarly, a correctly parked vehicle doesn't inherently indicate a threat, and visible passengers might suggest that there are witnesses around, which could deter aggressive behavior. Therefore, the presence of darkened windows distinctly calls for a more careful assessment and approach, as the officer cannot ascertain the situation inside the vehicle without additional information.