South of Main Blockwatch

What To Do When Stopped By Police

Nov 12, 2000

What To Do if
Stopped By Police
Here are some recommendations
from a police sergeant Giselle
Doszpoj from Bridgeport, Connecticut
if you are pulled over by police:

1. Shut off the engine and remain
inside your car unless the office
requests that you exit.
2. Have your license, registration and
insurance card in a convenient
location so that they are easily
accessible. Fumbling around in your
car for "lost or missing" paperwork
should be kept to a minimum.
3. Keep your hands on the steering
wheel and avoid making moves that
can be interpreted as sudden or
threatening.
4. In the event other passengers are
riding with you, ask them to refrain
from making comments.
5. If the stop is at night, try to pull
over in a well-lighted area.
6. Turn on the interior light and keep
it on so the officer can see inside
your car. It shows that you are
concerned for you safety as well as
the officer's.
7. Do not argue with the officer. If
you are treated unfairly, get the
officer's name and badge number.
You can follow up by notifying the
officer's superior and filing a
complaint against him or her.