The present invention is a vehicle observation apparatus for reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement persons during vehicle stops. The invention is also a vehicle equipped with the vehicle observation apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a mast being mountable to and deployable from a law enforcement vehicle, means for two-way communication and observation secured about one end of the mast, means for operating the mast, and means for operating the means for two-way communication and observation. The mast may be telescopic and adapted to be placed in at least a first position and a second position, or may be non-telescopic and in an extended position when in use. In another embodiment, the invention may be a similar apparatus wherein the mast is mountable to and deployable from a check point structure.