We often hear the phrase “support your local police,” but seldom do we hear how to do it. In this article I hope to share some tips to make your interactions with the police safer and smoother.
Traffic stops
Frequently a citizen’s contact with the police officer will be through a traffic stop. One of the most important things to remember is that there a lot of people out there that want to hurt the police officer as evidenced by all the recent attacks on officers.
When a police officer stops you, “officer safety” is a key issue in his or her mind. Like all of us, the officer wants to return home safe to his or her family. Here are some simple tips to make the whole transaction go smoother and safer.
When signaled to pull over, use your turn signals and pull over safely. Turn your ignition off. Roll your windows down (this is especially important if you have tinted windows).
Stay in your vehicle
Do not get out of the vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out. While sitting in the vehicle, leave your seat belt fastened and keep your hands on the steering wheel in plain view at the 10 and 2 position. Remember, the officer doesn’t know who you are or what your state of mind is. You could be a fleeing felon, an escapee or drunk. The officer does not know until after he or she has talked to you. Keeping your hands visible is the safest thing to do.
The officer will probably ask you for your drivers license or identification, registration and proof of insurance. You are required by law to provide this information. Don’t make sudden jerky movements. Tell the officer what you’re doing such as “it’s in my wallet in my right rear pocket” or “my registration is in the glove box.”
Follow the officer’s instructions
Don’t argue with the officer about showing documents, even if you believe you’re in the right. Your drivers license is state property not yours. The courts have consistently upheld that a police officer has the absolute right to ask for identification even if you are just a passenger or witness. If you have a weapon on your person, even if you have a concealed carry permit, do not reach for the weapon to show the officer. With your hands still on the steering wheel advise the officer that you have a firearm or other weapon and follow his or her instructions. Don’t use the word gun.
Always follow the officer’s instructions, even if you don’t understand the reasoning behind them. If the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle… do it. The officer may ask you to step in front of the police vehicle or elsewhere… do it.
The officer may choose to cuff you while he or she is checking your documents or asking questions. Do not take this personally. Remember, the officer wants to return home safely at the end of the shift. The important thing to remember is to follow all instructions.
Over 40 years ago I was in law enforcement for a couple of years. Then the policy was “ask,” “tell,” “make”. It always makes things simpler if you do things when asked. You do not want to resist and turn a citation into a felony.
Always be honest
Lying, evading/running or resistance can get you charged with “obstruction of justice.” If you feel you were in the right, you’ll have an opportunity in court to tell your side or to file a complaint later. The side of the road is not the place to resolve it.
Common courtesy
Remember, the officer’s goal is to do his or her job, protect the public and go home safely at the end of the shift. Common courtesy goes a long way and makes it easier for everyone.
Be a good witness
Another way you may come in contact with the police officer is by witnessing an incident. If you see an incident happening, try to be a good witness. Make a mental note of what happened what people were wearing, did the perpetrator have a beard or mustache, tattoos or other distinguishing marks? What color was their clothes? Approximate height, weight, build, age? Any limps, accents or other information? What about their vehicle? Make/Model? Color? Visible Damage? License Plate?
Being good witness is probably the best way a private citizen can help a police officer.
Personal weapons
If you have a weapon (open carry or concealed carry) that should be your last thought if you witness an incident. You do not want to pull weapon and turn a store or sidewalk into the “Wild West”. Most robbers just want to get the money and get away.
Again, the best thing you can do is be a good witness, and let the police handle it. Yes, you can use “deadly force” to protect your life or others. It cannot be used to protect property. If you use your weapon when it wasn’t called for and a bystander is injured or killed you can be charged.
Open carry advice
A few words about open carry. With some restrictions, you can carry a gun in plain view and in public. One cannot carry the weapon on public property (courthouse, etc.), where alcohol is served, some churches etc. Know the rules. Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean you should. (I have an absolute right to walk down a dark alley with hundred dollar bills sticking out of my pocket, but it’s still not a good idea).
Another thing about open carry: it increases your chances of becoming a victim. If you are in a building and an armed robber or active shooter comes in, chances are they will see you before you see them. You are now the center of their attention. That’s the last thing you want to be. That’s why a visible handgun is sometimes called a “bullet magnet.”
Prevent crime
There’s an old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Proactive crime prevention is one of the best things we can do as private citizens. Don’t make it easy for the bad guys.
Most ways of preventing crime are fairly simple. Lock your doors. Lock your car. Have situational awareness. Don’t be walking through the parking lot looking at your cell phone.
Hang on to your purse. Hide your valuables. Keep your garage door closed and locked. Invest in an alarm system. Most of the bad guys are lazy. If your door is locked, they will try somewhere else. If you see something… say something. Call 911 if you see anything suspicious, even if you’re not sure.
Show gratitude now by doing your part
Law enforcement is sometimes called the “thin blue line.” It is that line that protects all of us from those that want to do bad things to us. As a veteran, I have had lots of people thank me for my service. We should do the same thing for members of our law enforcement community and other first responders.