You may be nervous about what might happen when you get stopped by the police, but remember that they are the ones who really have the right to be worried – because they never know what they're going to face. In general, the more you try to ensure the safety of police officers, the more you will ensure the safety of yourself.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Reacting When Dismissed
Step 1. Know your rights
The police can stop someone for violating traffic rules, no matter how trivial the offense is. It can even follow and wait for you to do it. Never fight with the police or act violently/threateningly. If you do, the police can detain you or take revenge in other ways.
The police cannot stop you because of your age, race, or the type of car you drive. If you believe you were dismissed for illegal reasons, record interactions between yourself and the police (if possible). Place the cell phone on the dashboard and press the “record” button
Step 2. Find a comfortable point to pull over
Slow down, turn on the turn signal, and pull to the left. This way, the police will know you're about to stop. Try to find a parking lot or a wide shoulder. Many police officers will appreciate your consideration. Remove the key from the car engine and place it on the dashboard.
If it's dark and you're alone, you have the right to drive to a lighter area, such as a gas station, before stopping. If you plan to drive until you find safety, call emergency services. Tell the officer that you are required to stop by the police but must drive until you find a safe place. Emergency services operators can communicate this information to police officers
Step 3. Relax
Even though getting stopped by the police can be scary, you'll still be fine if you get a ticket. Take a deep breath and remember that police are not scary or dangerous. Whatever the circumstances, the police are there to protect everyone.
Step 4. Open the driver's window and any darkened windows
If it's dark outside, turn on the cabin lights. Always move slowly. Do not take anything from the passenger side or under the driver's seat. When the policeman approaches, put your hands on the steering wheel, in a position where he can see.
Remove the key from the engine hole and place it on the dashboard. This shows that you are not planning to run away
Step 5. Don't talk just yet
When the officer comes to the car, he will usually ask to see the driver's license and vehicle registration. He doesn't have to tell you the reason why he should ask you to leave. When you wave your hand, tell the police officer that you will be taking your driver's license and vehicle registration. Take out these two letters carefully and in slow motion. If you are in a dark area, the officer will follow your hand movements with a flashlight. Complete this process before doing anything else, then put your hands behind the wheel again. When the police check your driver's license and vehicle status, place your hands on the steering wheel.
- Keep your SIM and STNK in an envelope (preferably yellow or other bright colors), not a wallet. The size of this envelope should be quite small. Don't keep your vehicle files in an envelope big enough to hold a gun. If the driver's license and vehicle registration are stored in the cabin compartment or under the bench (you are advised to avoid them), ask the officer's permission to remove the yellow envelope from its place.
- If you don't have a driver's license or vehicle registration, the police can ticket you or arrest you. However, if your reasons are justified, he or she may allow you to provide other proof of identification that includes a photo of yourself. Then, it will use it to search your data. This depends on the nature of the policeman, so try as much as possible not to drive without a driver's license and vehicle registration.
Step 6. Answer briefly and don't pretend
Make sure you are always polite and refer to police officers as "Mr/Mrs". You can also ask for his name. Open-ended questions can be problematic for you. The police may try to obtain a confession that can be used against your testimony in court. He will include all your answers in his report. Also, as more and more police officers use private cameras these days, your interactions with them will also be recorded. Here are some examples of how to correctly answer police questions:
- If you are asked, "Do you know why I stopped you?" say "No".
- When you are asked, "Do you know what your speed is?" say "Yes". Answering "no" to this question will make the cop believe that you are ignoring the maximum speed limit. However, if you really don't pay attention to the limit, say "I think my speed is about X kilometers per hour".
- If the police ask, "Do you have a good reason to hurry?" answer, "No". If you say "yes", if the police find out you are lying, you will get a fine.
- If he asks "Have you recently had alcohol?" and you didn't, answer "no" if the reason for the stop was because you were driving recklessly. However, let the police know if you are taking drugs or have an illness that could cause driving problems.
- If the police officer sees or smells alcohol, he or she may ask you to take a field awareness and breathing test. While the police cannot enforce this test without first obtaining a search permit, refusing it entitles them to arrest and confiscate your driver's license. If this happens, you can still be forced to take a test in prison if the police are able to obtain a permit. This permit will be easily issued if you commit a traffic violation.
Step 7. Follow all police orders
Refusing to follow police orders will make you considered a rebel. The police may also believe that he must force you to obey his orders. Play it safe and follow all the instructions.
- If the police sees an illegal object, he has the right to open your car door and grab it.
- In the US, a moving vehicle can be stopped on certain suspicions after a stop at a red light. Some of the causes of this suspicion include suspicious passenger activities, speech and things the police can smell, security breaches, open containers, potential weapons, etc.
- If the police ask to search the car, you can refuse. When you do this, you will still be safe. However, the courts have a tendency to defend the police. Even if the basis of the search is not true, they will still consider it legal.
- Don't talk to the police in unnecessary conversation. The police know why he asked you to pull over. Everything you tell him can be used against you in court. Do not speak unless you are responding to a police question. Also, don't mention the names of other cops you know, as this could make them think you've been stopped or violated the rules before – thus getting to know other cops.
- Do not leave the vehicle unless you are asked to do so. This can be seen as a threat. You'll also be safer staying in your vehicle than on the road and close to traffic. Keep your seat belt on. Even if you are stopped, you can still be hit on a busy street or highway. Also, wearing your seat belt will let the police know that you didn't mean to get out of the vehicle and run.
Step 8. Know when the police can legally search your car
In the US, a moving vehicle can be stopped after a red light stop on the basis of suspicion. If the police see any illegal items, they can search the vehicle containing the items and detain you if necessary. If the police ask for permission to search the vehicle, you do not have to consent. However, be aware that if you do this, the police may think to look for suspicions that could keep them on the lookout for your vehicle.
- Suspicions that may underlie a search include suspicious passenger activity, speech and things that can be smelled by the policeman's nose, security breaches, open containers, and objects that may look like weapons. Be aware that denying a search is not something that can be grounds for suspicion by the police. Unless he can find another reason, you will be allowed to leave after he gives you a ticket or warning.
- Also know that the police don't have to ask your permission to have a sniffer dog sniff the outside of a car (for drugs, people, explosives, etc.).
Step 9. Be polite and don't argue if you get a ticket
You still have plenty of time in court. Instead of arguing, say thank you and keep your emotions under control. If you believe you were dismissed for illegal reasons, or that the police officer did something illegal, don't argue with the police when you confront them. Try to remember his name to use in court.
- If you have been suspended for a long time, you may ask the police for permission to leave.
- If you believe the police are doing something illegal, contact a lawyer. Then find out if you can file a complaint with the court in the area where the police officer lives and operates. For example, if you believe you were dismissed for racial reasons, contact a lawyer and consider filing a complaint.
Part 2 of 2: Reacting While Being Detained
Step 1. Know when you can be detained
The police can detain a person at a traffic light stop when: he sees the person committing a crime or has his own suspicions. When a police officer has “reasonable beliefs based on facts and circumstances that a person has committed or is about to commit a crime, he can arrest that person”.
- For example, if you drive recklessly and violate traffic rules, the police have the right to ask you to run a self-awareness test. If he sees drugs in the car when he stops the vehicle, he can arrest you.
- Confirm hold. Ask him if you can go. If he says no, ask why he was detained. After that, stop talking.
Step 2. Know what the police can do after an arrest
If you experience this, the police can do the following for detaining you:
- Searching body and clothes
- Browse luggage
- Search the vehicle when you are in it when it stops you
- Asking you to take a test, is like walking straight
- Asking question. Know that you have the right not to answer and to remain silent
- When these things happen, stay calm and cooperate with the police as best you can.
Step 3. Understand your rights
The police should read your rights before asking questions after detention. This way, you know that you have the right to remain silent when asked. Otherwise, everything you say “can and will be used against your own testimony”. The police cannot force you to speak or give a statement. If this happens, notify a lawyer immediately.
- If the police start asking questions and you believe you will be arrested, stop talking. If you are about to be arrested, be quiet. Anything you say before detention will be used against you.
- If the police interrogate without warning, the statements you make cannot be used as evidence in court. Be aware that the police will ask again and again if you want to talk to them after they have told you your rights. The police are allowed to trick you into talking. They don't have to be honest with you.
Tips
- If you think your rights have been violated or you have been the victim of an illegal search, contact a lawyer at a later date and discuss whether you have the right to make a claim.
- If the cop searches the car even if you don't allow it and he has no reason to suspect it, don't fight or deny him.
- Remain respectful of the police at all times, even when you refuse to be searched. Say something like "Sorry, sir, but I mind being searched". You can stay firm in exercising your rights, but make sure you also respect the police by speaking calmly and in control. In addition, a dangerous situation can also be "resolved" if the initial behavior of the police themselves is already unfriendly.
Warning
- Do not use harsh or unkind language. Never say to the police that you know your rights as a citizen. Instead of doing it, show the police that you know the right by being calm and assertive under pressure.
- Don't try to run away from the police. Yes, being on TV and on the news for a few hours while being chased by the police is fun, but know that this is the worst situation you can face. The police will eventually catch you and be very unsympathetic after you put them and society at risk.
- Do not carry an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, as this can be used as an excuse for breaking the law. If you ride someone else's car, you can still be punished. If you've just returned from a liquor store, keep the drink in the trunk just in case – if an accident occurs and the bottle breaks in the car, the police may suspect you've just drunk it.
- Do not carry illegal or dangerous objects in your own vehicle or body. This could trigger the police to confiscate the vehicle and detain you.
