Upon seeing those flashing lights in your rearview and/or sideview mirrors keep in mind these:
"Friendly Tips"
1. Don't Argue.
They say that arguing with them is the same as calling them idiots. Obviously they have caught you breaking the law so you should just accept it.
2. Don't Lie.
Officers are trained to detect "human characteristics of lying" and they also know how to ask questions to make you slip up and get caught in a lie. If you tell the truth you are more likely to be "set free."
3. Avoid calling them negative names (such as pig & oppressor) and avoid pet names (such as baby, sweetheart, honey, etc.)
Police like for you to remember that they are "Officer" to you.
4. Be Polite.
Don't talk over them and don't try to get the last word in.
5. Avoid Nervous Behavior.
Police are already on high alert to protect themselves so after being pulled over, don't reach in your pockets, glove compartment, under your seat, or arm rests until being asked to get your license, registration, and in some cases, proof of insurance.
I started writing this blog at about 7:30pm and I had planned on taking this topic in a direction that was completely opposite from the article on yahoo. The officers who volunteered their advice for that article came across as rude and mightier than thou which made fueled my intentions of being as much of a smart ass as I could. The truth is, I strongly dislike the police. If history has taught me nothing else, I've learned that the police and the government that establishes our departments place themselves on a pedestal high above the people they are supposed to serve and protect. Most of the police I have ever come in contact with are pricks who spend more time on traffic enforcement than they do working to lower our crime rates. That was my opinion of ALL police...
...but it is now 2:39am and I had the most coincidental thing happen to me about an hour ago which changed my point of view slightly. I was leaving a 7-11 around the corner from where I stay and after sitting at a red light (with a no turn on red sign) for almost 10 minutes, I decided to just make the right turn anyway. Hey, it was 1:30am and there was no traffic coming and I was just trying to get home. Well, right after I made that right hand turn I passed a police officer coming in the opposite direction who proceeded to make a U-turn and pull me over. Upon approaching my car, he asked me to place both of my hands outside of the vehicle, which I did, and at that point I thought this was going to turn into an ugly situation. He said thank you and approached the driver side window, where he asked me if I knew why he was stopping me. Of course, I knew why he did so I said yes and he asked me why I made the turn anyway. I told him that I had been sitting there for 10 mins and the person I was in the car with had gallstones and was in excruciating pain so I was just trying to get both of us back home safely. He asked if he needed to call an ambulance before he took my license and registration. He walked away and was gone for maybe 5 minutes before he returned and told me that if I had lied and told him I didn't know I couldn't turn or I didn't know why he was stopping me, he would have given me a ticket but because I was honest with him he was just going to let me go with a warning. He told me to wait next time and to have a goodnight.
This was the first time since I have been driving that I actually got pulled over by a pleasant cop. He didn't talk down to me, he didn't show any aggression, and he definitely didn't seem to be on that pedestal every other cop I've encountered had placed themselves on. The timing of that traffic stop amazed me so I was inspired to finish this entry before I went to bed.
MY ADVICE:
The next time you look in your mirror and see those flashing lights, do yourself a favor and follow the advice these officers gave you. You never know what you will encounter. I'm definitely not saying that my ONE encounter tonight will change my perception of law enforcement officials, but I can say that it opened my mind to the idea that not ALL cops are out to attack you. However, there will still be times when you get pulled over because of some stereotype, be it your race, how old you look, or the color of your car, so I do advise EVERYONE to know their rights in traffic stop situations because for every 1 legitimate traffic stop, there may be 10 illegitimate stops. In order to preserve your freedom and exercise your rights, you have to know what the police can and can't get away with. Check out www.lawfirms.com for more information.
*~Writers Ink.~*
Want to share a similar experience or voice your opinion on this blog? Feel free to comment, email me at writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com, or send me an IM!
SIDENOTE:
All pictures can be linked back to the original website they were found on by clicking on the photo & the orignal yahoo article can be found at http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110666/what-not-to-say-when-pulled-over-by-a-cop
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