Eight "best" ways (involves LE)

[Pat-inCO]

The eight "best" ways to end up on the "short end of the stick"
when interfacing with law enforcement (LE) are:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1) Aim a gun at them. Likely outcome = YOU are shot, even if it was
"ONLY a toy gun".

2) Run away from them. Likely outcome = YOU get lumps and bumps.

3) Run away when they have a K9 unit = You get used as a chew toy.

4) Not answer questions from LE = YOU get to visit the Gray Bar Motel.

5) Resist when an LE tries to cuff you. See #2 and #4.

6) You try to go "hands on" with LE. See #2, #4, and he may introduce
you to pepper spray or possibly the taser. Keep in mind that if you
were belligerent to start with, the officer will have called for backup,
which greatly increases the likelihood of you being introduced to three
or more officers, lumps, bumps AND the effects of pepper-spray/taser.

7) You whine and complain during a traffic stop. = YOU get every charge
added to your citation that the officer can think of, and it takes FAR
longer for the officer to handle the stop.

8) You scream about "MY RIGHTS". = You will be in contact with the
officer far longer than you would have otherwise, he will make sure
that everything on your person is checked closely, and everything in
your vehicle has received minute scrutiny; even if he has to get a court
order before searching (REMEMBER, you are the one that will be waiting,
he/she gets paid by the hour, so they don't care how long it takes).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eight best ways to MINIMIZE your inconvenience when contacted by LE.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Keep in mind, the officer IS in charge. If you disagree, reread the
first sentence.

1) Remain calm. The officer doesn't care that your aunt Sadie's
hang-nail IS about to go critical.

2) BE POLITE! New experiences are good for you.

3) LISTEN! Even if you have to turn off the music from your iPad.

4) Follow directions! Don't whine, just FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

5) Answer all of his/her questions (TELL THE TRUTH) calmly and in a
polite manner. Remember "new experiences"?

6) KEEP YOUR HANDS VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES! Unless you LIKE looking into
the business end of a .45

7) ASK if it is OK to reach for what ever you think you need to get.
Beats looking into the business end of a .45, doesn't it?

8) DO NOT make excuses, he/she has heard ALL of them before, and with
far more variations than you can possibly imagine.

Please remember, if it was a clear, blue sky day of 70 degrees, there
was no one else in the car, there was not another car within a quarter
mile, yet you managed to plant a lamp post firmly in the center of your
grill, it is not testifying against yourself to admit you did it.

Peace and serenity be upon you . . . . .
until something more interesting happens!

 

[kmoore]

Yea, when your paid to enforce traffic laws and stop offenders. There were many in my 39 years that would have had a warning or 1 ticket. Did a darn good job talking themselves into more. After all traffic enforcement is to change a persons illegal driving habits. Some just need more help.
Ok, some will say right away it's to create money for the city, county or state. Find out how much those tickets really make. Their are cops wages, cops equipment, retirement, administration costs, plus more. . Courtroom clerks, judges plus more all get paid a check. Traffic enforcement in cost vs revenue. It's there to keep your insurance companies happy and roads safer.

 

[Bob Wright]

I had this happen once:

I was pulled over in a business district, early evening light, by a Memphis police officer. I opened our conversation with, "Officer, before we start, I want to advise you that I am armed."

The officer then asked me where my gun was, and I told him it was on my hip.

"Okay. Keep both hands on the wheel where I can see them, and let me see your driver's license."

There was a brief pause while he mulled over his statement.

 

[contender]

An EXCELLENT post Pat!

That needs to be taught in every classroom, once a week, from 1st grade until graduation. MAYBE then,, we'd have fewer issues out there.

 

[Watchman]

Officer, I was only speeding to make it to the gas station before my car ran out of gas!

 

[Pat-inCO]

I had one several years ago, while still in Colorado. I was driving on a back road
by where I used to work. It had been at least five years since the last time I used
that road. - - - You guessed it, they had installed a stop sign where none had been
before. I ran it, with an SO vehicle watching. - - - Yup, lights and sirens.

I pulled over as soon as I could get off of the road. Turned off the engine, opened
the drivers window, grabbed my wallet and put it on the dash, put both hands on
the steering wheel.

As the deputy came even with the back pillar of my door I said "Boy I sure blew that,
didn't I". He stood there seemingly in shock, then asked for my drivers license,
registration and proof of insurance. I said "reaching for my wallet on the dash" and
did. Handed him the license and started looking for the registration and POI.
He asked if the address on the license was correct, and I said "only for the last
twenty five years".

I then remembered that the registration and POI were in the center console. SO, I
told him they were in the console and asked if I should reach for them. He had the
biggest grin on his face I could imagine. - - - With the grin still there he said "That's
OK, we can look it up. Hang loose". I said "copy hang loose".

In a few minutes he came back, gave me my license back, plus his business card.
He then said "If you have any questions on the stop, please call me".

NO ticket, NO warning, just a calm, and proper stop.

P.S. I stopped on the way home and bought a LOTTO ticket. Didn't win anything,
but I figured I had used up all the luck in the stop. ;-)

Golly-Gee-Whiz! being calm and polite sure seems to work.

P.P.S. I left out a few details for brevity.

 

[blume357]

The only one I had a slight problem with was about not answering questions... but then I've never been in a situation where I felt I needed to 'lawyer up'. Every time I've been pulled over my first responses are going to be comply and be respectful. So far in 50 years of driving and untold numbers of stops it has worked just fine.

 

[Mobuck]

So you're saying that when Barney stops me and asks if I know why I was stopped, I shouldn't look him in the eye and say "Geez, I figured you already knew before you stopped me?".
Truthfully, I've only been stopped 5 times in 55 years and only 1 resulted in a ticket. That ticket was bogus but I paid it because it would have cost me a day's pay to challenge in court and the ticket was less $$. When there are 5 vehicles in line running same speed and the state patrol pulls over the only out-of-state license plate I smell a very stinky RAT.

 

[RCA1504]

10 out of 10 times if you do as instructed by a LEO everything goes well, as compared to not following instructions. You may still get a ticket, but you were also stopped for some violation to begin with.

 

[Ka6otm]

The only one I had a slight problem with was about not answering questions... but then I've never been in a situation where I felt I needed to 'lawyer up'. Every time I've been pulled over my first responses are going to be comply and be respectful. So far in 50 years of driving and untold numbers of stops it has worked just fine.

Me too. If I was in a shooting, I'd tell them that I was forced to shoot and that I'll be glad to answer their questions with my lawyer present.

Being driven downtown is far better than saying something that can get you imprisoned for life simply because you're completely stressed and don't know what you're saying.

 

[cwo4uscgret]

In regards to Number 4 (and #5 to mitigate a negative response) Don’t self-incriminate yourself. If you think you need to consult a lawyer before saying anything - politely say after you consult your lawyer you will answer questions with your lawyer present. On a traffic stop - if you’re asked how fast you were going - be honest but remember a speeding ticket is an infraction and if you reply I was going 50 in a 30 mph zone you’ve admitted guilty of the infraction.

My best response when pulled over is to put your 4 ways on, turn engine off, window down, make eye contact, greet the Officer with Good (whatever time of day), and listen to what’s said.

I always carry a concealed handgun; when I’m asked for license, insurance, and registration I will say Sir/Ma’am I am a retired LEO and am carrying a firearm - if you are a licensed concealed carrier (or live in a Constitutional Carry State announce you are carrying; so they or their partner on your passenger side yells gun and then your remains are being zippered into a rubber bag! Allow the Officer to remove your gun if you are asked to produce it. Say sir my gun is on my right hip; you can remove it if you want.

Attitude goes along way. If you don’t know why you are being pulled over you will be told; try not to plead your case on the side of the road - you’ll lose!

I’m not telling the Officer I’m a retired LEO with a concealed gun - it’s for his and my safety. Believe me when I say this - your interaction with a LEO can be less “painful” if you are polite and cooperate with them.

 

[turd]

Not about a ticket, but I surprised several Iowa Highway Patrolmen at lunch one day at a truck stop. I used to deliver cars as part of a team of drivers from Des Moines to Davenport several days a week. I walked over to the table they were eating at and thanked them for the job they were doing keeping most folks near the speed limit and safe on a busy interstate (I-80). They were speechless at first, and then one said "Thank you Sir for the kind words". Being respectful is always a good plan with LEOs.

 

[jbenedetto2]

Years ago my ex ran away with a State Trooper. I was driving fast because I thought you were trying to return her.

 

[contender]

I'd like to politely disagree with this statement.

"Allow the Officer to remove your gun if you are asked to produce it. Say sir my gun is on my right hip; you can remove it if you want."

In NC,, it's a little known & obscure law,, that if you voluntarily give an officer your firearm,, technically, and legally, they are not obligated to return it.
Plus,, if you are not 100% sure the officer who stopped you,, (example; you are female and an unmarked pulls you,) you have also just given up your only means of self defense.
I always teach the ladies in my clinics;
(1) BE POLITE.
(2) Make sure you keep your hands visible.
(3) If it's an unmarked & non-uniformed officer, only lower your window partially, and POLITELY ask for a uniformed officer to be called as well.
(4) If you are not 100% sure it's a legit LEO,, call 911 & politely tell them of your concerns. A legit LEO will not mind the assistance. Especially when you explain WHY you were initially concerned.

 

[gjgalligan]

4) Not answer questions from LE = YOU get to visit the Gray Bar Motel.


Kind of a catch 22. You have a constitutional right to not answer questions without legal counsel.

 

[tazbigdog]

Having been a LEO, this post is funny. I find that when people are respectful and cooperative, that goes a long way with me. If you truly did not know you’ve committed a crime, and own it, I’m more likely to let you go with a warning. I’ll take your information down for future reference.

And I’ve given 3 times more warnings than arrests.

 

[Mobuck]

The majority of my contacts with law enforcement on the road were the result of lack of knowledge of the law on the part of the officer.
1: Kansas state trooper who worked an area just across the river from MO didn't seem to understand or believe that MO only issues ONE plate (which goes on the front) for trucks licensed over 12,000#.
2: Mo state trooper who could not recognize or accept that an Iowa trailer plate really does look like a cereal box cutout.
3: Mo state trooper who would not accept that 'implements of husbandry' are exempt from lighting requirements (tail/brake turn signals).
4: Il State trooper who had to call in to determine that we had entered a 4 lane roadway at a point which did not display 'No farm implements allowed' signage.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I have found Police to be like anyone else, there are good ones & there are idiot, ahles that think they can do what ever they want. I have encountered both. Police do not like it when you stand up to them ,even if you are legally allowed to. Its all about the power, not politeness. In many States if they do not have a Warrant, are not in Hot Pursuit etc., they have no right to be on your property without being invited. If asked to leave and they refuse you are within your rights to consider them hostile, and protect yourself, including lethal force. I expect Police to act within the law, use common sense and not try to coerce or intimidate me. Police expect it of me, I expect the same from them and will accept nothing less. Too many firearm owners think they know the law because they watch You Tube, read a book or article or have a "friend" who told them X etc. WRONG! Rather than buy another firearm or two, I paid a reputable Criminal Attorney to research and walk me through my rights etc., as a homeowner, firearm owner, user, CCW person etc. It is worth every penny you spend. Remember, there is NO Justice, there is only Law, and you had better understand and know the difference. How many of you have ever spent a dime for real education regarding the law? Just one mans opinion & experience.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

And for those who are ex or current LEOS, why do you think it is OK that a person is presumed guilty for traffic violations just because you say so? Traffic court is set up for the individual to fail. Most people can not afford lawyers m= and even then the costs i usually 5 times the fine etc with little or no guarantee of success. Police have routinely lied about calibrating radar, how long they followed someone, why they picked an individual out 30 others. Why the signage for speed limit isn't there, Why the speed drops from 55 to 40 for only 300 yrds then goes back up, and that is where they are sitting. I have heard it all. My brother in law is a retired PA State Trooper. They have quotas, they are required to write tickets, if revenue is short they write more, it goes on and on. He told me it is the biggest Police scam among many that happens daily to law abiding citizens, and getting out of it is virtually impossible. After all, who will go against the word of a State Trooper. LOL. How many Police are arrested and jailed every year for being "bad" cops. Doesn't help you when you have been the victim of one, does it.

 

[gregs45auto]

Similar ticket. New stop sign on a street. I ran thru it. Cop pulled me over and wrote a ticket, not a warning. In court, I asked the cop how long has the sign been up. " 2 weeks ". How tall was it sir. " 4 1/2 feet, the tall stop sign had been run over". Told the judge that I did'nt want to waste any more of the court's time. Judge gave me a warning. greg

 

[Pat-inCO]

It sounds a lot like it is time to close this thread.

 

[Pat-inCO]

You have a constitutional right to not answer questions without legal counsel.

And just how long do you want to sit on the road-side waiting for your lawyer to arrive?
AND how much are you going to pay your lawyer to get there?

The time to resolve any disagreement with an LEO, is NOT on the roadside.

 

[Diabloman]

don't do the crime IF you can't do the time!

 

[kmoore]

Mobuck, you are right many cops don't have a clue about laws governing implements of husbandry. I doubt many on here even know that word or have read the laws regarding them in their state. Back in 1981, I had a traffic law/rule instructor who said it best. The Farm vehicles that carry a Farm plate that F stands for "forget it", leave it alone, common traffic laws do not apply. Some may have missed that class.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I have never seen or heard of a traffic ticket changing anyone's driving habits. At best the person is more on the look out for Police etc., for about a week, they they revert to being the normal everyday law abiding person/citizen that they were, before being stopped. IMHO the lie of protecting the citizenry of the USA from death & destruction at the hands of 'reckless & wild " drivers needs to stop. It is an extremely small percentage of drivers who are reckless and out of control & dangerous to others. The rest just happen to violate one of the thousands of traffic laws ,many of which are outdated and useless, that generate revenue. IF they didn't want the revenue, why fine you! They could stop you, tell you what you did wrong, and ask you to pay more attention and drive carefully etc. LOL, fat chance of that happening. The arguments for being polite are bull IMHO. because there is No Law that requires you to be happy or polite. I am polite because i was brought up to be polite, not because I think it will help me with some high school graduate with a badge & gun. So, if the officer uses the fact that you are upset because of his biased, subjective, one sided decision to stop you, and uses it against you, he is breaking his oath of applying the law "Fairly, Impartially and Reasonably! Cops are people and like most people are flawed, except they use a Badge & a Gun to cover it!

 

[toysoldier]

Chris Rock---How not to get your a$$ kicked by police

 

[kmoore]

Snake your entitled to your opinions, that's what they are. Being on the other side and knowing what's real police work. How budgets are made and where the money goes maybe not be exactly the same everywhere in the US. But at least I stated facts not opinions. Some just hate or dislike police no matter what. No matter what I said you will disagree.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Snake your entitled to your opinions, that's what they are. Being on the other side and knowing what's real police work. How budgets are made and where the money goes maybe not be exactly the same everywhere in the US. But at least I stated facts not opinions. Some just hate or dislike police no matter what. No matter what I said you will disagree.

Actually I really do not disagree with your comments. I do not hate Police. I do not think all Police are bad or that we do not need them or should not support them. What I disagree with is the "blind" attitude some people exhibit that Police somehow walk on water, when they don't. I also stated facts. The average Cop is a high school graduate, and not usually a valedictorian or Rhodes Scholar type. That is a fact! Why I state they all do not walk on water? Simple, #1. Proof is the number indicted, tried & jailed yearly for breaking the law. The number is growing Fact! As for real Police work. I did my time with the govt, and was in situations that most Police were neither trained to handle nor would they be allowed too. So, lets not go to the my experience is better than your experience routine. You make assumptions that I have no experience with budgets, management or real Police work. You are sadly mistaken. Everyone's experience is different and mine, both when in govt and as a private citizen, has shown me that there are many in uniform who take advantage of it, I know first hand because we "busted" some of them! Refer to #1. So, if you have "facts" to refute #1. I am all for it. I will also defend your right to your opinion, every day of the week. Stay safe in all that you do.

 

[gramps]

I have never seen or heard of a traffic ticket changing anyone's driving habits. At best the person is more on the look out for Police etc., for about a week, they they revert to being the normal everyday law abiding person/citizen that they were, before being stopped. IMHO the lie of protecting the citizenry of the USA from death & destruction at the hands of 'reckless & wild " drivers needs to stop. It is an extremely small percentage of drivers who are reckless and out of control & dangerous to others. The rest just happen to violate one of the thousands of traffic laws ,many of which are outdated and useless, that generate revenue. IF they didn't want the revenue, why fine you! They could stop you, tell you what you did wrong, and ask you to pay more attention and drive carefully etc. LOL, fat chance of that happening. The arguments for being polite are bull IMHO. because there is No Law that requires you to be happy or polite. I am polite because i was brought up to be polite, not because I think it will help me with some high school graduate with a badge & gun. So, if the officer uses the fact that you are upset because of his biased, subjective, one sided decision stop you, and uses it against you, he is breaking his oath of applying the law "Fairly, Impartially and Reasonably! Cops are people and like most people are flawed, except they use a Badge & a Gun to cover it!

I took an “Oath of office”. The words fairly, impartially, and reasonably, we’re not part of that oath! Just being one of the good guys implied that. What is your excuse for being a BRAT?
gramps

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I took an “Oath of office”. The words fairly, impartially, and reasonably, we’re not part of that oath! Just being one of the good guys implied that. What is your excuse for being a BRAT?
gramps

I think your attitude towards me, a person with a different opinion & perspective, says it all. Typical. As far as your oath, explain to me the ever increasing number of Police indicted ,convicted, jailed each year, Fact. What about their oath? Enjoy your day : )