Car Accidents and Lawyers to Reduce Stress

Posted on: 14 April 2015

Most police officers do act professionally. They are trained to de-escalate situations and keep order, so it might seem strange that a citizen should ever need these skills when being stopped by an officer. The truth is police are human and prone to poor behavior at times just like anyone else. However, they are in a position of power and in a line of work that can be dangerous and stressful, so it is up to you to be wise and not cause additional problems for yourself.

Be Prepared

If you are driving a car and a police officers signal for you to stop, you should put on your turn signal and pull over as soon you are able and make sure to give room for the officer to approach the side of your car without being in danger for oncoming traffic.  After you have stopped and if it is dark outside, it's a good idea to switch on your interior light so the police officer can see what you are doing.

Roll your window down all the way and wait for the officer to approach with your hands on the steering wheel. You don't want the officer to suspect you are reaching for a weapon or trying to hide something. You can get your ID and car registration when they ask for it.

Take a deep breath and try to relax; you don't want to seem like a person with something to be nervous about.

This may seem obvious, but you should keep your car's registration paper in the glove box with a copy of your insurance card within easy reach so you won't be fumbling around for it when the officer asks to see it.

Check that 'Tude and Be Honest

Don't question the officer. It sounds like you are trying to take control of the situation. Let them speak, listen to them carefully, and wait for them tell you why they stopped you.  If they ask to see your ID, get it for them promptly, and answer questions truthfully, cooperate fully, and make sure you don't have an edge in your voice.  Any sign of disrespect could annoy a police officer, who may be having a very stressful day already.

Obey Direction Promptly

If a police officer asks you to comply with something reasonable, you should allow it without argument.  If something seems egregious or unreasonable, you can say clearly that you that you are not going to resist, but that you are not submitting to that particular request.  If there is a camera on the police car, the officer is wearing a body camera, or there are witnesses, then you will have that on record.

You are required by law to identify yourself when driving, getting on a plane, or if ( in most states) the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you could be engaging in an illegal activity.

Remember these Facts

The police officer is the one with the bully club, the pepper spray, and the gun. This isn't the time to get up into their face about "your rights" or "unreasonable searches." If they do abuse your rights, you will have recourse later by making a complaint, or dealing with it in court with the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Ironically, in documented cases of brutality, it is often a person without a criminal record or who has been guilty of only a minor offense who is battered by an police officer. Seasoned criminals are more aware of how to act around police to avoid provoking them and getting hurt by one.