When stopped and car is off, but before officer approaches....
1. turn interior light on
2. roll down window
3. both hands at top of steering wheel until asked for license and registration
Criticism or additional suggestions (esp from law enforcement people) appreciated
2007-01-02 04:56:58 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
What your doing is the way I wish all traffic stops were conducted.
Yes we do use high beams, take downs, spotlights, and our own flashlights when we approach car, but the interior dome lights adds that extra little bit. All our lights don't light up the interior of a vehicle as much as your dome light will.
As for waiting till the Officer ask for your drivers license, insurance, registration, etc. again good job. On traffic stops at night the last thing I want is someone moving around inside the vehicle as i am approaching it. You never know if they are going for the items mentioned above, a weapon, or hiding something.
The window does not make a difference to me. When I get there, it can be down or up. Just as long as you roll it down so that can speak with you once I do get there. I understand it may be cold or raining out and it would be an inconvenience to have it down until I walk up, but remember it's also an inconvenience for me to wait for you to roll it down while I'm standing in the cold and rain.
The things you are doing is both for your safety and the Officers. Thank you for caring.
2007-01-02 08:56:37 · answer #1 · answered by thanson73 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You probably shouldn't open the window all the way at first....especially if you are a woman travelling alone. There have been incidences of people being pulled over (especially at night in back roads) who were not legitimate officers, and they were robbed, raped or even killed.
Call 3-1-1 (if your area has it - if not, 9-1-1) and ask to have the officer's ID verified and see if there is suppossed to be a patrol in this area at this time.
Don't be obnoxious; be polite always; but be sure you're dealing with a legitimate law enforcement officer or you could be placing your life in danger.
2007-01-02 13:28:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best way to behave in an unlit area you slow down and continue driving slowly until you reach a well lit area. You don't know if the person in the car behind you really is an officer of the law or an impostor, if he is an officer he should know better than to stop somebody in what could be a potentially dangerous area.
2007-01-02 13:00:27 · answer #3 · answered by r1b1c* 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT PULL OVER IN AN UNLIT AREA! Wait till you see a well lit area and then pull over. Police cars are easier to make than bogus money. Turn on your inside car light, roll down your window, put you hands on the wheel till you are approached.
Anyone can pull you over and have a uniform on. If you have a cell phone, i would call them before I pull over to make sure that they are who they portray. The cops are the only ones that can tell you if it is their police car or not.
Then hope they have had a good day. or your night will become a nightmare.
2007-01-02 13:22:22 · answer #4 · answered by cprucka 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any decent law enforcement professional should already be using the squad's lighting equipment (spotlight, take-down lights, MARS lights, etc) rendering a dome light ineffective. Having paperwork handy and hands to where the officer can see is sufficient.
2007-01-02 13:03:25 · answer #5 · answered by footballcop 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's best to avoid behavior that will get you pulled over to begin with. After making sure you can see each other, be polite. Acting annoyed, insulting the officer, or swearing is only going to lead to more trouble.
2007-01-02 13:15:18 · answer #6 · answered by animefan95 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you'll need to turn on the interior light on, you'll have plenty of light behind you. lol. I'd roll down the window and place my hands on the steering wheel.
2007-01-02 13:02:06 · answer #7 · answered by laney 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't turn my car off. I don't bother to turn the interior light on. In fact I try to have my license and registration ready when they approach me. If you have something to hide make sure when talking to the officer to keep a straight face. I think it's best to have the mentality that you have nothing to hide.
2007-01-02 13:00:20 · answer #8 · answered by 88keys 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Make eye contact. Speak clearly. Make sure the cop is aware of every move you make before you make it ( "I'm going to open my glove box to get my registration" for example). Just don't surprise the police with movements. They are guys doing a job. And it never hurts to be civil and polite.
2007-01-02 13:02:53 · answer #9 · answered by Schmorgen 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you have a cell phone,call 911 or police to see if it's really a cop.Don't be afraid to ask for his or her identification card.
2007-01-02 13:34:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋