This article is based on a true event that took place in another state regarding a traffic stop. The driver complied with the officer’s commands, but the officer made the decision to use his weapon against the driver. The driver survived his injuries and the policeman was sentenced for aggravated assault with a weapon and lost his job. In order to avoid any serious confrontation or lethal encounter, several personal suggestions will be shared.
Make sure your vehicle is legit to be driven to prevent any possible contact with a police officer. The inspection, registration, and insurance should be up to date. In many states, the police officer only needs to run your license plate through the MTD (mobile data terminal) and will easily discover whether the car is up to date with all the necessary requirements. You should also take time to check all the external lights, especially the lights on the rear plate. A driver in a small town was pulled over for having one rear light burned out on his license plate. Another driver was pulled over for not having a license plate on the front bumper. One person was even ticketed for driving only three MPH over the speed limit. As drivers, we can’t over emphasize the necessity to properly comply with the laws of the local, state, and national governments.
Now, there are several important things to do if you get pulled over by a police officer:
1- Stay calm, collected, and do not exhibit movements that can be judged as suspicious
2- Keep your hands on the steering wheel and visible at all times within the officer’s view.
3- When you pull over and stop, it is a good idea to unbuckle your seat belt. There will be less opportunity for the officer to determine any wrong motives.
4- Turning off the car is not a bad idea. If the car is left running because your children or your pet needs the air conditioner, then ask if you can leave it on for their well-being. If not, comply fully with the officer’s commands and consider that it is only a temporary stop.
5- Wait for the officer to request your identification, or have it ready with your left hand and the other hand resting on the steering wheel.
6- DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR! Your actions will be considered a threat!
7- Don’t give the officer an improper attitude, because he or she may give only a warning, especially if you admit any wrongdoing.
8- If you are harassed or given a hard time, still comply with the officer’s command or concern. You can always request a supervisor, or submit a formal complaint with the police department at a later time.
9- If you have a CHL (concealed handgun license) and have a firearm in your possession, the officer will know you are a CHL carrier through his MTD check. Also, have your personal identification ready, and out of courtesy, let the officer know that your weapon is present.
In the end, you want to get to your destination and so does the officer. So, whenever you encounter a traffic stop, make it as routine as possible within the concerns for personal safety. Not only we need God’s guidance and protection, so does the police officer.
George L. Arroyo