how come when you get pulled over?

Question

the officer taps or places his hand on the trunk of the vehicle or the window?

Answer 1

The leaving evidence answer is interesting, I have never heard that before, but that could very well be so in some areas. Not a bad idea, either.

We are trained to check that the trunk of the vehicle is closed and latched to make sure that nobody can ambush us from behind as we approach the vehicle. If we don't check, someone could be hiding in there waiting to attack.

Answer 2

Anyone who has joked about having someone in the trunk is actually pretty close. There is a feature that has come standard on most vehicles for about the last ten or so years. This feature allows the driver to open up the trunk from the front of the car, not in the back with a key. The officers press down on the trunk in case there is someone hiding in the trunk with a weapon waiting to attack the officer if given a chance. Having his hand on the window will sometimes help with a glare.

Answer 3

The primary reason to gently push the trunk of the car is to insure it is closed, police officers do not like to be ambushed. Sometimes if there is window tint, the glare of sunlight, or the glare from streetlights or traffic you can see into the vehicle better by cupping your hand slightly against the window (try it - it works).

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I never noticed that. When I get pulled over, I know what's coming, so I automatically roll down the window and start fishing for my license and proof of car insurance.

Besides, I drive a pick up truck, so there's no trunk to tap...

Answer 5

the touch of the trunk or window places the officers finger prints on the vehicle. its just incase if something happens to the officer during that traffic stop, the police can identify that car was the car the officer had stopped.

Answer 6

For tactical reasons. The first is to make sure its not open and noone can pop out. Second is to get your attention focused to the rear of the vehicle. That way if you're looking for a weapon or hiding drugs you will be looking at the officer instead.

You're best bet when being pulled over.

1. Turn your dome light on (especially at night.
2. Make sure your car is in park and the keys are out of the ignition.
3. Have your ID, insurance and registration already out and ready in your lap.
4. have your hands at 11 and 1 o'clock on the steering wheel PALMS OPEN.
5. Always answer "yes sir or no sir" or ma'am for a female officer.


Those that follow this advise will be surprised on how many tickets they wont get because the officer appreciates a feeling of safety during a traffic stop. It is, after all, one of the MOST dangerous duties they perform.

Answer 7

Ihave seen officers do it on disorderly conduct. They are able to track down the vehicle if the officer gets injured or the vehicle somehow gets it away. It worked when they shot the officer on that particular episode and managed to get the guy for life.

Answer 8

Are you a explorer???...If not...E-mail me plz...and...

When a officer walks up to the car...he puts he's hand on the trunk to make you its fully close so theres not like a gang banger inside and pop up 2 get the officer...In some gangs thats something one has to do is hit a cop to get into the gang...This is a great way to do so...so...there you go!!!

Answer 9

Like some have said...to leave a fingerprint.

Say you try your hand at taking a cop out. You get away and they catch you tomorrow. You say you weren't anywhere in the area, blah blah blah. They check your car for prints and find the cops print on it that was shot. Then your screwed.

Answer 10

It's to leave prints and to check the trunk for possible suspects, persons hiding, people in trouble etc.