The last time I got pulled over was by a local Sheriff officer during early afternoon. I got pulled over for a broken, right side, tail light bulb. I got off by a warning and was told to fix it asap, which I did, but I had a question. The place I got pulled over was between two apartment complexes, which to me was very "secluded." I was a bit uncomfortable when the Officer asked me to step out of my car so that he could show me and pin point where the tail light was out. The rule is that if I get pulled over, of course, I will pull over, but my question is, "Do I have the right to keep on driving until I see a safe spot like the gas station to where I feel comfortable pulling over at?" Being a women and getting pulled over especially by a male officer makes me uncomfortable when they pull an individual over when the location is "secluded" from other people.
2006-09-08 20:58:16 · 11 answers · asked by Bobcat9 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Also, when the Sheriff Officer told me to step out of my car so that he could show me where the tail light was out. Do I have to get out or do I have the right to roll down my window enough to exchange words? I'm just curious cause I hear scary stories about creepy men pretending to be real officers and how they can purchase uniforms and badges real easily like on Ebay or some random online stores. I just don't want to become a victim and was curious about my own rights.
2006-09-08 21:02:24 · update #1
One more thing: The Sheriff Officer pulled me over in the City limits, not on the freeway or in the country roads. How come there are Sheriff Officers in the City, especially in the Bay Area lets say the City of Mountain View? I'm originally from the Central Valley where I'm used to the Sheriff Officers pulling people over in the Country, CHP officers pulling over on hwy's and fwy's while City Police officers pulls over people in the City. It's a lot different here in the Bay Area than I'm used to back home.
2006-09-08 21:10:53 · update #2
You absolutely have the right to go to a public place if you don't feel safe within reason. Any reasonable officer will understand this, as it is not all that uncommon. Truth be told I get nervous if I have to pull someone over in a secluded spot. It's dangerous for the officer also. Traffic stops are the second most dangerous call an officer deals with. If there is not a place close to hand, then you might want to call 911 and tell them that you are being stopped and want to go to a public, safe place for the stop. It will help if you know what agency is pulling you over. If the officer becomes aggressive in pulling you over, then you might want to go ahead and stop, it's your decision.
Yes, the officer can ask you to get out of the car, and you have to follow their instructions. You can tell the officer you are scared and don't want to get out of the car, and see what they say. I have had women tell me that they don't want to leave their car, and in minor situations I let it go, and just tell them that they need to take care of whatever. If there is a more serious issue,or we are in a dangerous location (traffic exposure on a narrow shoulder etc...) then I require them to leave their vehicle. It's not a big deal in the case of a broken tail lamp and a warning.
A county sheriff has jurisdiction in any area of their county, including inside a city limits. Any police officer can intervene if they see a violation and stop you anywhere. They will just call for a local officer to come handle the issue officially. Truth is, most cops out of jurisdiction won't mess with a minor traffic offense though.
2006-09-08 22:35:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you put on your hazards so that the cop knows you see him, but keep going till you find a safer spot that is okay. If they ask you why you didn't immediately pull over tell the cop truthfully why. He should be fine. Also, if something doesn't seem right, use your cell phone to call and verify that this is a real on-duty policeman. Another tip, ALL women should take a basic self defense course! It's very reassuring to know how to take down an attacker. And can be a life saver in a scary situation.
2006-09-08 21:07:28 · answer #2 · answered by spacedchic00 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use good common sense. Find a place that is well lit and out of traffic. A police officer will allow you to do this for your safety and theirs as lon as it can be done in a reasonable amount of time. As for being "uncomfortable" about being pulled over by a male police officer, grow up! Maybe you should just not go out after dark.
2006-09-09 02:15:11 · answer #3 · answered by rico3151 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a situation like that, you CAN continue only if you slow down and turn on your emergency blinkers to let him know that you acknowledge him. Once you find a lighted place, hopefully where there are people, explain that you were afraid because of all the things you've heard. If you speak to him respectfully, he should speak with you respectfully, too. YOU can report him if he is disrespectful or rude.
Call your local precinct and ask if that officer was legit or if there's something else going on... they won't know unless you report it, and they cannot do anything if you don't report it. At worse, they'll just say it was OK.
2006-09-08 22:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your rights are the same as men in any instance. But it is not unreasonable to find a safe place to stop. If the officer questions you or wants to charge you for evasion, make sure the police and the judge both know that you did this for your safety, and for the safety of the police officer. I don't think that would be an unreasonable event. Just don't start speeding away!
2006-09-08 21:02:15 · answer #5 · answered by Fun and Games 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes you do have that right.
You also do not have to get out of the car. I suggest that you pull over but keep your window up and your doors locked. Then, call 911 and ask if the officer in question is legitimate.
2006-09-08 21:00:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could call the police department or tell the officer to call for backup before you get out of the car
2006-09-08 21:01:30 · answer #7 · answered by tarheel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister had a similar thing happen to her. She put on her flashers and drove slowly until she came to a well lit place that she thought was safe to stop. You never know if it's a real cop or not a lot of weirdo's out there.
2006-09-08 21:10:05 · answer #8 · answered by crusinthru 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do have the right to pull over in a save place. However you better pull over as soon as you get to one or they think your running and they force you over.
2006-09-09 00:45:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anne M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the law does not distinguish crimes by way of gender.If at all you have comitted an offence,the same policeman is the one who will either do you harm or witness any harm done to you.And because he is a sworn custodian of law he is least likely to have sinister motives.You should just comply with what the law requires of you.
2006-09-08 21:07:19 · answer #10 · answered by tomasojimo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋