Do Not Argue with Cops During Traffic Stops!
What should you do when a cop pulls you over during a traffic stop?
Drivers should simply comply with the officer’s orders, said several law enforcement experts.
Most “police officers are respectful when people are pulled over,” said Cedric Alexander, former president of the North American Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. “They are trained to be courteous. People should comply.”
If a driver has a problem with an officer, write down his name and badge number, Alexander said.
Don’t argue “points on the streets,” he said.
Other tips, according to experts:
• Pull over to the right safely and quickly. Come to a full complete stop. Don’t speed up.
• Roll down your window all the way.
• If you are stopped at night, turn on your dome light.
• Wait for the officer to approach your car.
• Try to appear calm and relaxed.
• Let the officer begin the conversation.
• Don’t say anything other than the answers to the questions the officer asks.
• Don’t reach for your license until asked to do so. (Keep your driver's license, car registration and proof of insurance current and updated.)
• Don’t reach for your cell phone or other devices.
• Keep your hands in sight of the officer.
• If asked to step out of your car, do so willingly without showing agitation or irritation.
Other DO’s and DON’T’s
(from the National Black Police Association)
• Please…do not run!
• Do not touch any police officer.
• Do not resist arrest - even if you believe you are innocent.
• Do not complain too strongly on the scene or tell the police they’re wrong or that you’re going to file a complaint.
• Ask for a lawyer immediately when arrested.
• Record officers’ badge numbers and patrol car numbers and write down everything you remember - ASAP.
• Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
There are many factors that may lead the police to approach and/or detain you. Every situation is
different and the officer may consider one or more of the following factors:
You are near a location where a crime has been recently reported or discovered.
You may be – knowingly or unknowingly – a fact witness to a criminal event or a potential criminal target.
You are hanging around with people or locations being monitored by the police to prevent crimes.
You are acting in a manner which appears to be suspicious, potentially criminal or the police believe you may be in possession of stolen property, contraband, or weapons.
When walking or driving your car, you refuse to answer police questions and/or give false,
evasive, or contradictory information… or you are combative and use derogatory or offensive
language when approached... your reaction may be perceived as suspicious or threatening.
Saying the wrong things at the wrong time could lead to further police detainment, questions, increased stress or a trip to jail. Who needs this?
You have been identified to the police by someone else or you fit the description of a criminal actor.
Remember, police must be able to articulate to the court’s satisfaction what “reasonable suspicion” and “probable cause” was used to stop, detain, and arrest a citizen.
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