Law enforcement officers stop people everyday. Its a necessary part of their job. A person may be stopped or approached by law enforcement for many reasons. These could include:
a traffic violation
suspicious behavior
questioning as part of a criminal investigation
appearing to need help.
A person could be stopped while driving or walking down the street. Officers are required to respect peoples rights-these rights protect everyone from:
having to answer questions (other than the ones about identification) that a person may not wish to answer
being held without probable cause
improper searches.
When you are stopped
If an officer has business with you, be sure you;
stay calm
do not become defensive or rude
give your name and address and show your identification, if requested.
If you are not free to leave, by the law you have the right to:
remain silent
have a lawyer with you while you are questioned.
When you are stopped while driving
An officer may pull you over if there is good reason to believe a law has been broken. You may be pulled over if:
you were driving too fast.
you committed a traffic violation
your driving was posing a hazard
your vehicle matches the description of one reported stolen or used in a crime
you have faulty equipment.
Officers may also stop vehicles at roadblocks to check for possible violations. During a traffic stop you should:
Pull over at the right when it is safe to do so. Come to a full top.
Turn on your vehicle interior dome light, if youre stopped at night.
Roll down your window and wait inside the vehicle for the officer. Listen for any instructions. Dont get out of the vehicle unless instructed to do so.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
Tell an officer before reaching for any items.
Remember, officers are especially alert for any signs of danger during a traffic stop. When the officer comes over:
Be polite and respectful.
Stay calm.
Do not move suddenly-the officer may think youre making a threatening move.
What may happen next
The officer may ask for your license, vehicle registration and proof of financial responsibility.
The officer may issue a citation. If so, sign it (doing this does not mean youre admitting gulit).
Dont argue with the officer. If you feel a ticket is not justified, you have the right to appeal it in court.
If the officer asks to search your vehicle, its your right to refuse.
The officer may search your vehicle if:
he or she has a warrant
something illegal is in plain view
there are reasonable grounds for believing something illegal is inside
you are arrested.
If the officer has reasonable basis to fear for his or her safety, they may do a pat-down search to check for any weapons on your person.
