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Seasoned Vet
 
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 10/22/2008 8:18 PM
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Law Enforcement Vehicle Stops
Bruce Mandelblit
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003
You’re minding your own business, perhaps thinking about getting to work or dropping the kids off at school, when you notice the flashing lights behind you.
It is perfectly normal to be nervous when you see those blue and red strobe lights in your rear view mirror.
You may be wondering: Why me? What did I do? Why is that cop “picking” on me?
Guess what?
The police officer about to stop you is also very concerned.
So-called “routine” vehicle stops are one of the most dangerous functions a law enforcement officer performs. It’s an unfortunate fact that many police officers are killed or seriously injured every year while conducting traffic stops.
What steps can you, as a law-abiding person, take to help reduce the stress and danger involved with police vehicle stops?
Here are a few general ideas suggested by law enforcement:
1. It is important to understand why a police officer may be stopping you in the first place. Law enforcement may stop your vehicle not only if they observe a traffic or equipment violation, but also because your vehicle may match one used in a crime, or they may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation, or the officer thinks you may need help or that you may have witnessed a crime.
2. When you see the blue and/or red overhead flashing lights (and/or hear a siren), remain calm, slow down and pull over in a safe location off the roadway.
A Quick Security Tip: Some states may use only red, or only blue, or a combination of both colors for police emergency lighting – so be sure to check with the jurisdiction in which you are traveling for this important information.
3. Please do not automatically exit your vehicle unless you are asked to do so.
A Quick Security Tip: This is for both your safety and the safety of the law enforcement officer.
4. Keep your hands in plain view by placing them on the steering wheel so the law enforcement officer can see them.
5. If you are stopped at night, turn on your interior lights (i.e., dome light).
6. Be sure to inform the officer if you have any weapons in the vehicle and their location.
A Quick Security Tip: Do not reach or point to the weapons’ location.
7. Avoid any sudden movements – especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
8. Comply with the law enforcement officer’s request to see your driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance information.
A Quick Security Tip: If any of these documents are out of reach, please tell the officer where they are located before you get them.
9. It is best to answer all questions honestly, and to avoid becoming argumentative with the officer.
10. If the police officer does issue you a citation, and if you don’t understand the reason, cordially ask the officer for details of your violation.
A Quick Security Tip: Remember, if you disagree with the violation, you will have the chance to address the issue in court.
11. If the law enforcement officer asks you to sign the citation, please do so.
A Quick Security Tip: signing a ticket is not an admission of your guilt, and in some states your refusal to sign a citation could result in your arrest.
12. You have the right to politely refuse a request by a law enforcement officer to search your vehicle – unless “probable cause” exists; then the officer has the right to search your vehicle without your consent.
13. In general, a police officer will provide you with his or her name and the reason you are being stopped, upon request.
14. If an unmarked police car signals you to pull you over, especially at night, and you are not sure the person is a law enforcement officer, please put on your four-way (hazard) flashers and dome light, and slowly drive to the closest well-lit public area. If you still are not comfortable with the situation, you may ask the officer for a marked police vehicle to stand by during your stop.
15. If you have a complaint about your treatment during a traffic stop, contact the officer’s law enforcement agency within a reasonable amount of time and ask to speak with a supervisor. On the other hand, if you have a compliment about the officer, be sure to take a moment and write a letter of appreciation to the officer’s department.
These are just some general ideas, so be sure to check with the police agencies in your area for more details on this vital subject.
My Final Thoughts: Remember that when a law enforcement officer pulls you over, that officer does not know whether you are a law-abiding person or a wanted mass murderer. That is why they must take reasonable steps for the safety of all parties involved – including themselves. It is always best to be cooperative and polite during a vehicle stop. If you are courteous to the officer, the officer will, in the great majority of cases, be professional and respectful to you.
Evil Unchecked Grows, and Evil Tolerated Poisens The Entire System. Jahwal Nehru ------------------------------------------------------------- In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
Mark Twain.
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