During a traffic stop when is it time for an officer to explain what the stop was for?

thanson73

I would assume it depends on what part of the country your from.

In the part of Texas I'm from they teach the Seven Step Approach.

Step

1. Greet and Identify yourself "Evening Sir, I'm Officer "Your Name Here" with the run of the mill Police Department."

2. Explain why they were stopped. "The reason your were stopped was for running the red light back there."

3. Identify them " I need to see your drivers license and proof of insurance"

4. Explain what you are going to do "I am going to issue you a citation, written warning, verbal warning"

5. Write out the citation or written warning

6. Explain the citation or warning " I need you to sign the bottom. Press hard three copies. By signing you are not saying you are guilty, you are just promising to contact the court reference this ticket. You have 10 days to contact Municipal Court and advise them on how you wish to resolve this matter.

7. Assist the violator back into traffic.

That is the text book way, but there are lots of variations

Officer

I always do it right after I greet people and tell them who I am.

cruiser007

There is no set time, but under the STOPS program implemented by many police agencies... the officer will tell you before you can even open your mouth.

The purpose of this is to deflect whining and complaints.

Ex) Afternoon. Officer Gunn of the Anytown, PD. The reason I stopped you is you were doing 50 in a 25. Is there a justification for your speed?

Steven C

When I hand you your ticket, at no point am I reguired to tell you why I stopped you.

Brian C

I usually advise them what they've been stopped for immediately after greeting them and introducing myself and the department I work for.

California Street Cop

The time, is when the officer decides to do so. In California, there is no written law, case or stautory, that demands when we will advise the offender.

For those of you that keep propagating these BS stories, you are getting people in trouble, sometimes hurt. I've been on more than one car stop where someone gets exteremely beligerent, then combative when he/she isn't told why they were pulled over as soon as they were approached.

In one incident the guy climbed out of his car and got combative with my partner screaming that he had a right to know right now. It escalated. After we got him cleaned up a little and the paramedics cleared him for jail medically, I asked why he blew up. He said that he had read on the Interent that an officer has to tell him why he was pulled over as soon as he asks. He apologized profusely for flipping out, but he thought his rights were being violated.

Let me tell you kids, and others, the deal. If you think your rights are being violated, let the officer know politely. You need to continue to obey his/her commands. You may request that a supervisor repsond to the scene. Let them explain the situation and law to you. If the officer or supervisor does not explain their actions to your satisfaction, you obtain the officer's and supervisor's name and badge number and call the PD to lodge a complaint.

DO NOT argue, become abusive or combative towards the officers. Your little left trun signal warning may very well turn into a stay in the hospital and a felony charge.

Sherri

As soon as he/she makes contact with the violator. Here's how we do it in the AF "Hello, my name is Airman [last name here]. I pulled you over today because [reason]". That's how cops should do it.

Coach

After he/she has positively identified you. Once that has done, he should tell you because this is his probable cause for being allow to stop you.

charlotte q

when he is writing the violation code on the ticket.

rsantiago800

there are some Supreme court rulings on some of the appeals, It is the law to have the Officer explain immediately once they have positively identified you and their isn't a safety issue for your or the officer, then they have to explain why they are detaining you. Otherwise it could be considered an unlawful detention.

lana s

They are supposed to tell you before they ask for your registration and licence. If they don't, ask them.

zebj25

An officer doesnt "have" to tell you at any time. However, tactically speaking, many police officers begin with why. This is because police making a simple stop for a faulty brake light have been shot because the drivers had just committed armed robbery, which was not the reason for the stop.

I am dying to know why i got 4 thumbs down?

If you disagree with what I stated:

Trooper Andrew J. (AJ) Sperr
New York State Police
New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 2848

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life imprisonment

Trooper Andrew Sperr was shot and killed in the town of Big Flats when he stopped a vehicle containing suspects who had just robbed a bank.

Trooper Sperr had stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation. As he approached the vehicle two suspects inside opened fire, striking him several times. Despite being mortally wounded, Trooper Sperr was able to return fire, striking both suspects.

Both suspects fled the location. One was apprehended at a local hospital when he entered to receive medical aid for his gunshot wounds. The second suspect was apprehended after fleeing to a local motel and then calling police for medical aid. Both suspects were charged with aggravated murder and first degree murder. The suspect who shot Trooper Sperr was convicted of all charges on September 26, 2006. On October 17th, 2006, he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole on charges of aggravated murder and first-degree murder.

Trooper Sperr had served with the New York State Police for 10 years and was assigned to Troop E. He is survived by his parents, four brothers, and six sisters.

Little_Ohio_Lady

Usually they will say, do you know why I pulled you over, or the reason I pulled you over was ....then they go into the liscence and registration and proof of insurance speel then its have you been drinking tonigh or are there any weapons,drugs, hand granades or bazookas in your car that we should know about?....lol...can ya tell I have been through this a few times.....

*****

He is suppose to tell you right off the bat, otherwise it can be construed as harrassment.The law states that you have a right to know why you are being stopped and possibly detained.

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