Surviving an Encounter with Police

A great deal of national attention was focused on the encounter in Cambridge, Massachusetts between Dr. Henry Louis Gates and Police Sergeant James Crowley. Ultimately, the two individuals got the chance to sit down over a beer with President Obama. Regardless of your personal opinion connected to the situation, citizens must be aware of protocol and strategies for dealing with law enforcement officials. Regrettably, the average citizen will not be privileged enough to discuss their conflict while sipping a cold lager. Far too frequently, I have been involved in or witnessed an encounter with police that could have ended with harmful or adverse consequences. I'll be the first to admit that police profiling does occur and that all policemen are not saints. This is simply a fact of life. Nevertheless, the work of a police officer is often thankless, filled with hazards, and categorically dangerous. Whenever a police officer answers a call or pulls someone over for a standard traffic stop, the officer never knows how the situation may unfold. The outcome could, at any time, become fatal for the officer or the citizen. The following are some simple pointers that could very well help to lessen the severity of an encounter with the police. I offer this office for the sake of peace and self preservation. When interacting with law enforcement, forget about the blame game and faults associated with the officer and keep in mind that personal survival should always be first and foremost in your mind.

Always Remain Calm

If you are in your vehicle, slow down, come to a complete stop, place your hazards lights on and keep both hands visible on the steering wheel. Avoid quick and sudden moves and don't jump out of your vehicle. Remain seated. If you need to reach for your license, car insurance, or registration documentation, explain to the officer that you are doing just that before making an abrupt motion. In the event that your police encounter takes place at a home or business establishment, you should demonstrate calmness by sitting or standing still as you speak with the officer. In all instances, do not yell, shout, or your raise your voice at the officer. In some instances, a loud and belligerent response is sure fire way to be fined with disorderly conduct. Always comply with an officer's reasonable requests.

Monitor your Language

Avoid any use of profanity, vulgarity, or words that might be offensive. The last thing an officer on the scene wants to hear is someone insulting him or her. It all boils down to respect. While you might not personally like the circumstances or the police officer, the officer is a person of authority and should be treated as such. It would be advantageous to answer questions politely and respond with a distinct, "Yes sir" or "No Mam." Officers, in many instances, are partial to individuals who address them as their appropriate rank. If you are unable to identify the officer's rank, simply refer to the policeman as, "officer."

Off with the Music- Believe it or not, some individuals have a tendency to blast their music during a traffic stop. This shows a blatant sign of disrespect and will not help your general situation. It furthermore complicates matters by becoming a distraction. Plain and simple, turn all the music off during a traffic stop. Most likely, you will not be playing the officer's favorite song.

Question and Thank

If you have questions, politely ask the officer. You do have a right to ask legitimate questions at the proper time. Save your questions until the officer completes the initial investigation. Make sure you visually see the officer's name and write it down immediately after the encounter so that you will not forget. You should also ask the officer for his or her badge number if you feel the need to do so. Just remember, politeness will go a long way. Even a declaration of "thank you" can cause an officer to be at ease in a possible negative situation. No matter what the incident, an officer receiving a thank you at the close of the encounter will go a long way to a positive experience.

Overall, an encounter with police does not have to be damaging or detrimental. Realize that most officers of the law simply want to properly do their jobs. Sadly, some officers are pushed and forced to react in a manner that is not typical of their normal behavior. Keep in mind that you, as a citizen, do have the power to exercise self-control and conduct yourself in the highest degree. Doing so can undoubtedly keep you from personal arrest or worse possibilities.