Being stopped by the police can be an anxiety producing event. But it is extremely important to be mindful of your movements, actions, statements and behavior. Knowing what to do and what not to do will keep you as well as the police officer safe. Do not joke about having a weapon on your person. Do not touch the police officer or violate his or her "personal" safety zone (3 - 5 feet). Remain calm and avoid being argumentative. If you are uncooperative and refuse to answer reasonable questions, the officer is likely to become more suspicious and the encounter will probably last much longer than necessary. Comply first, then you may seek an explanation from the officer or the officer's supervisor later. Every stop has the potential for danger.
What should I do when I see flashing lights behind me?
If you see flashing lights behind you, you should pull to the right and slow down. When an officer is trying to stop you, you should pull off of the roadway when it is safe and come to a stop. If you are stopped at night, turn your interior dome light on. Limit your movements inside your vehicle until the officer approaches and requests your license and insurance information. Traffic stops are inherently unpredictable in the eyes of an officer and reaching into your glove box or purse as the officer approaches only adds to an already tense situation.
What if I am in a secluded area or want to verify that a real police officer is pulling me over?
When you see the lights flashing, slow down and pull to the right and turn your hazard lights on. This will act as an acknowledgement to the officer. If you have a cell phone, call 911 and tell the operator that you want to verify that an officer is trying to stop you. Listen to the operator’s instructions as to what to do next. If you do not have a cell phone, stop in a well lit/well populated area, lock your door, roll your window down an inch and request the officer provide his/her department issued identification card. All Texas peace officers have a department issued id card. If you believe that a real officer is trying to stop you but you do not want to stop in a dark area, again slow down, pull to the right and activate your hazards. You can continue to drive until you reach the next well lit area. The important thing in both of these situations is to acknowledge the officer trying to stop you.
What if I am being stopped by an unmarked police car?
Acknowledge the officer as described above. Call 911 to verify the officer’s identity or stop in a well lit/well populated area and verify the officer’s id as described above.
Don't Be Offended
Innocent individuals are often offended or angered, or both, because an officer has detained them for questioning. Although the delay might be inconvenient for you, the officer believes there is a reason (reasonable suspicion) to stop you and ask questions. Most of these stops are not officer-initiated.
Most citizens already realize that law enforcement is a difficult and dangerous profession. Scores of police officers are killed each year, and hundreds more are injured and assaulted. For these reasons, police officers tend to be extremely cautious. They place a great deal of emphasis on officer safety and survival. Certain safety practices are instilled in our officers from the first day of their careers. Although the procedures maximize safety for the officer, they may seem standoffish, impolite, or offensive to citizens who may not consider such precautions necessary with "them." Even though you have no intention of doing the officer harm, he or she will probably maintain a defensive posture until the officer feels that there is no risk of confrontation or injury. As far as police officers are concerned, there is no such thing as a "routine" traffic stop.
Complaints or Concerns
If you believe an officer has acted inappropriately during a traffic stop or other encounter, you should report that conduct to the officer’s superiors and follow agency guidelines for submitting complaints against officers as soon as possible. Officers will normally provide their names and badge numbers on request, when practical. Due to the overlapping of jurisdictions, drivers should make sure they identify the correct agency as well as any identifying aspects of the officer and law enforcement vehicle. Drivers should refrain from arguing the validity of a charge during the traffic stop or detention. Signing a citation is not admitting guilt. It simply confirms your promise to pay the fine or contact the court. If you do not agree with the charge brought against you and wish to contest it, you should argue your case before a judge or request a jury trial and acquire the services of an attorney to represent you.
If Arrested
We hope you are able to leave the situation however, if you are arrested, stay calm. Ask the officer if you may call a family member or friend who will be responsible for bailing you from jail. Let them know where you are and the agency arresting you. If necessary, call a professional bail bondsman licensed in the jurisdiction where you are being arrested.
