I’m a new federal LEO and recently transferred to a state that recognizes federal officers as having state peace officer authority, and my patrol area overlaps quite a bit with state unit’s. During field training, I was in a state where that was not the case, so I generally did not stop to assist any units unless there was an obvious emergency. Now that I’m somewhere I can lawfully assist, I’d like to know the proper etiquette if I come across a trooper, deputy, or other local officer already on a traffic stop. Assuming I’ve already notified my own dispatch appropriately, what’s the best way to approach the officer and ask whether they need assistance without creating confusion or stepping on toes? It’s often the case where I don’t know the context for the stop, and whether or not that officer even wants a backup unit or not. What’s the right thing to do, or what do you all prefer?
Edit: i really appreciate the advice folks. Seems like everyone has their own preference, opinions swaying one way or the other. For clarification, I’m in a marked unit and work for a land management agency (not a park ranger). For me I think the best course of action is to just talk to the LE folks around here and see what they prefer. It is a small LE community out here after all. I’m going to delete this post shortly, unless the mods decide to do it first. Thanks again.