WileyCoyote
Active Member
This is the right way to handle a traffic stop. Especially important for young people to watch this to avoid being intimidated by police.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDJrQBwJpqk
Here’s a summary of the video in case you don’t have time to watch. This story is the SAME whether or not there is anything incriminating in your car:
You’re driving along, and notice a police cruiser behind you with lights flashing. As you’re pulling over to the side of the road, tell all passengers in your car to keep their mouths shut and let you do all the talking. Make sure they understand this.
Then roll up all windows in the car, and slightly open your window about 3 inches. This gives the officer limited access to your car, reducing the chance he will falsely (or correctly) claim he smells marijuana. Then you and all passengers put your hands in plain sight. In your case, put both hands on the wheel. Don’t get your license and registration out until the officer asks for them. You do NOT want to be reaching into the glove compartment as the officer reaches your window. This would naturally scare him, and he might pull his gun. I would if I was him.
Next, remember and follow the first rule of handling a traffic stop: Be completely polite and respectful, and make no sudden moves.
You (very politely): “Hello officer, why did you pull me over?” (this asserts your innocence)
Officer: “Do you know why I pulled you over?” (he’s trying to get you to incriminate yourself; don’t do it; don't admit to speeding or anything)
You: “No officer, that’s why I asked”.
Officer: “You were speeding. Do you know what the speed limit is on this road?” (again, he’s trying to get you to incriminate yourself; assert your 5[SUP]th[/SUP] Amendment rights and keep your mouth shut; don’t say anything in response to this question)
Officer: “The speed limit is 35 and I clocked you at 45”.
You: “Officer, how can I help?”
Officer: “Everyone step out of the car”.
This next step is very important. As you and all passengers open your doors to get out, use the electronic controls to lock all doors and close all windows. Then take the keys from the ignition and put them in your pocket, and shut your door. Now, the officer has no access to your car.
Officer: “Why did you lock your car?”
You: “Habit. I always lock my car whenever I get out. Officer are we being detained, or are we free to go now?” (this establishes that the encounter is not voluntary)
Officer: “May I have your keys please?”
You: “Why?”
Officer: “I need to give your car a look to make sure you don’t have anything you’re not supposed to have. You don’t have anything to hide, do you?” (this is a very common tactic, and many people who have incriminating evidence will then agree to the search even though they know they will get busted as a result)
You: “No sir, but I don’t consent to any searches sir”.
Officer (angrily): “Look, you have 2 choices. You can either make things better for yourself, or you can make things worse. If you cooperate with me, I’ll help you. But if you don’t cooperate with me, I’m gonna have to call the police dogs down here to tear your car apart. And if they find anything you’re not supposed to have, I’m gonna throw your ass in jail with some very bad men who would love to do some very bad things to a punk like you! Do you understand your choices?!!!” (this is just a scare tactic)
You (politely and calmly): “Officer, are we free to go now?” (this reaffirms two things: that the encounter is not voluntary, and that you know your rights and are not intimidated)
Officer (angrily): “OK lawyer boy, you’ve made your choice. I’m gonna have to take this thing to the next level. You wait right here!!!”
The officer storms back toward his vehicle, hoping you’ll say “OK officer, please don’t call the police dogs. I’ll cooperate with you”. Don’t do it. Remember, if the officer had cause to search your vehicle, he wouldn’t be asking. He would just do it.
About 5 minutes later the officer will come back with a speeding ticket for you to sign. Politely sign it, get back in your car, and leave. Don’t start laughing or give your passengers high-fives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDJrQBwJpqk
Here’s a summary of the video in case you don’t have time to watch. This story is the SAME whether or not there is anything incriminating in your car:
You’re driving along, and notice a police cruiser behind you with lights flashing. As you’re pulling over to the side of the road, tell all passengers in your car to keep their mouths shut and let you do all the talking. Make sure they understand this.
Then roll up all windows in the car, and slightly open your window about 3 inches. This gives the officer limited access to your car, reducing the chance he will falsely (or correctly) claim he smells marijuana. Then you and all passengers put your hands in plain sight. In your case, put both hands on the wheel. Don’t get your license and registration out until the officer asks for them. You do NOT want to be reaching into the glove compartment as the officer reaches your window. This would naturally scare him, and he might pull his gun. I would if I was him.
Next, remember and follow the first rule of handling a traffic stop: Be completely polite and respectful, and make no sudden moves.
You (very politely): “Hello officer, why did you pull me over?” (this asserts your innocence)
Officer: “Do you know why I pulled you over?” (he’s trying to get you to incriminate yourself; don’t do it; don't admit to speeding or anything)
You: “No officer, that’s why I asked”.
Officer: “You were speeding. Do you know what the speed limit is on this road?” (again, he’s trying to get you to incriminate yourself; assert your 5[SUP]th[/SUP] Amendment rights and keep your mouth shut; don’t say anything in response to this question)
Officer: “The speed limit is 35 and I clocked you at 45”.
You: “Officer, how can I help?”
Officer: “Everyone step out of the car”.
This next step is very important. As you and all passengers open your doors to get out, use the electronic controls to lock all doors and close all windows. Then take the keys from the ignition and put them in your pocket, and shut your door. Now, the officer has no access to your car.
Officer: “Why did you lock your car?”
You: “Habit. I always lock my car whenever I get out. Officer are we being detained, or are we free to go now?” (this establishes that the encounter is not voluntary)
Officer: “May I have your keys please?”
You: “Why?”
Officer: “I need to give your car a look to make sure you don’t have anything you’re not supposed to have. You don’t have anything to hide, do you?” (this is a very common tactic, and many people who have incriminating evidence will then agree to the search even though they know they will get busted as a result)
You: “No sir, but I don’t consent to any searches sir”.
Officer (angrily): “Look, you have 2 choices. You can either make things better for yourself, or you can make things worse. If you cooperate with me, I’ll help you. But if you don’t cooperate with me, I’m gonna have to call the police dogs down here to tear your car apart. And if they find anything you’re not supposed to have, I’m gonna throw your ass in jail with some very bad men who would love to do some very bad things to a punk like you! Do you understand your choices?!!!” (this is just a scare tactic)
You (politely and calmly): “Officer, are we free to go now?” (this reaffirms two things: that the encounter is not voluntary, and that you know your rights and are not intimidated)
Officer (angrily): “OK lawyer boy, you’ve made your choice. I’m gonna have to take this thing to the next level. You wait right here!!!”
The officer storms back toward his vehicle, hoping you’ll say “OK officer, please don’t call the police dogs. I’ll cooperate with you”. Don’t do it. Remember, if the officer had cause to search your vehicle, he wouldn’t be asking. He would just do it.
About 5 minutes later the officer will come back with a speeding ticket for you to sign. Politely sign it, get back in your car, and leave. Don’t start laughing or give your passengers high-fives.
