So, your minding your own business hurrying to a friends, not quite stopping at stop signs and driving a bit to fast when you notice flashing cop lights dancing in your rear view mirror. Yep! Your getting pulled over. Just one of countless scenarios which can lead to the words, “license, registration, and proof of insurance please.” What follows will be a direct result of how you and the officer interact. Following are tips and information which can help you navigate the process known as a traffic stop.
1. Know we’re your license, registration, and proof of insurance are. If at all possible have them available prior to the cop reaching your window. It will save all involved from the tension associated with you reaching into back pockets, under seats, and looking in glove boxes and center consoles. No, being prepared doesn’t mean you’re admitting guilt. It just mitigates tension and stress, yours and the officer’s.
2. Don’t conceal your hands and face. These are actions cops are trained to view as red flags. They force the officer to consider countermeasures in the chance a weapon is introduced. You have the ability to lessen and /or deter this tension from entering the stop, so think safety and keep your hands and face visible.
3. Don’t get out your vehicle without being directed to. Getting out on your own accord will inject needless tension and stress, and move the stop into the realm of volatile. Arrest may occur, injury might be sustained, or worse, death can become imminent. No one wants a traffic stop to turn tragic. Stay in your vehicle and stay calm.
4. Don’t obstruct the process by being argumentative, disrespectful, or mocking. You don’t need to increase the odds of getting a ticket, going to jail, or turning the stop into a violent encounter. A little known fact may help you process possible outcomes. Most street cops are undecided if they’ll issue a citation upon witnessing a traffic violation. Police are given discretion to determine whether a warning will correct a driver’s behavior or if a citation is merited to deter future similar acts. This means cops rely upon interaction to determine outcome. So your preparedness, politeness, and truthfulness can be the difference between receiving a warning or a ticket.
Last, all police contacts are conducted for the purpose of protecting and serving the community. Cops are trained to resolve conflict and tension peacefully. Given the choice they will perform duties with the least amount of negative impact, as they share the same desire as the majority of citizens; to live without turmoil, and without worry about dying by another’s hands. So, if you find yourself in a traffic stop, be smart, stay calm, and stay safe. ~ LZ, Deputy Sheriff and PeaceMaker