COMMUNITY SAFETY
What To Do During a Traffic Stop?
By Trekelle Perkins, Deputy Chief of Police, Sanford Police Department
M any may think that since I am a law enforcement officer that I have never been stopped by the police. The fact of the matter is, I have been stopped both prior to and since becoming a police officer. Thankfully, every encounter has ended safely. The last time a police office stopped me was approximately 10 years ago, as I was driving a white Impala, (my assigned, unmarked police vehicle). The deputy, a white male who conducted the traffic stop, stated that he stopped me because “his curiosity had gotten the best of him” and not because I had committed a traffic infraction. During this stop, I was a little nervous, as I didn’t know how it would end. I knew my intentions, but I did not know his. I knew that I had not committed a traffic offense, so when he activated his blue lights, I became concerned. Prior to coming to a complete stop, I rolled down all the windows (they were tinted), and I kept my hands where he could see them. Although the stop was not a valid one, I remained calm and did just as the deputy asked. After he decided to release me, I asked him for his business card. Although calm, I was extremely upset. My
intentions were to file a formal complaint against him. However, afterward I decided not to do that. Even though I did not follow through with my complaint, I encourage anyone who has an encounter with a law enforcement officer and feels that they have been mistreated or that inappropriate/ illegal actions took place during the encounter, to contact that officer’s supervisor and report the incident. If it is necessary, file a formal complaint with the appropriate agency. Presently, when a police vehicle is traveling behind me, I get extremely nervous, wondering if they are going to stop me, and if they do, how will the encounter end? While driving when they are behind me, I constantly glance at my speedometer and in my rearview mirror, praying, “Lord, if he/she does stop me, please do not allow me to get shot. Let us both make it home safe….” I honestly believe that my current reaction to a police vehicle traveling behind me has changed because, in recent years, I have seen several males who share the same skin color that I do, get shot and killed by the police during traffic stops. I am not saying that race contributes to these incidents, as I am
not sure the deputy who pulled me over could see my skin color. But I do know that I was not stopped for a valid reason. So, what do you do when you are being pulled over by the police? In one word – COMPLY. Remember, every officer is “not out to get you.” Do exactly what the law enforcement officer tells you to do. Below are some more helpful tips: ■ Maintain your composure and conduct yourself in a mature manner. ■ Pull over safely and turn off your vehicle. ■ Turn off any devices that may distract you or the officer during your conversation. ■ Avoid any action or language that might create an unpredictable situation. ■ Place your hands in a position that is easily visible to the officer. ■ Plan your response to the officer’s request for documentation. The important thing is to MAKE IT HOME SAFELY. On the side of the road is not the place and time to attempt to dispute the actions of the officer. There is a venue for disputes afterward – when you are safe and sound.
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VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1
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