When you see the red, white and blue lights, red and white lights, blue lights or whatever color lights in your rearview mirror, that means you've attracted the attention of the friendly local law enforcement. According an article by Andrew Herrig on the website Wealthy Nickel, here are 12 things NOT to say to an officer of the law.
 |
| Ironically, this is the Delhi Township Police Department. I live in Delhi Township, a part of Cincinnati, Ohio |
Please understand that law enforcement is only trying to do their job. Please don't be an ignorant doorknob with a sense of entitlement
The best thing to do when pulled over is be honest, stay calm, be polite and, even better, put your hands up on the wheel so they see that you are not armed and that will make things smoother. It will put the officer's mind at ease
1. Admitting you know the reason you were pulled over
-There's nothing wrong with being honest with a police officer. It's standard for an officer to ask the person why they were pulled over. If you tell them Yes, this can be considered an admission of guilt and used in a court of law, a reference to the Miranda Rights. It will also make appealing tickets in court difficult
2. Wanting to argue about being stopped
-Arguing with police will not work out in your favor. It will make things harder for you later on. While drivers should be as honest as possible, don't say why you know the reason you were pulled over. In this case, say as little as possible. Use the old phrase "silence is the golden rule"
3. Asking why you were pulled over
-Despite drivers being allowed to know why they were pulled over, it's up to the officer in question to explain their actions. Starting off the conversation with an attitude will not set a good tone for what will happen next
4. Talking too much
-It's a nervous habit of some to talk too much when nervous. Sometimes, this can backfire; it will lead the officer to suspect you are under the influence of something or give them reason to search the car. Overall, it may lead to the officer becoming suspicious. Just control your nervous talking otherwise the officer could want to search your car when all they needed to do was a simple traffic stop
5. Making fun of the situation
-This is one of the worst things to do. Cracking jokes with the officer makes it look like the driver is not taking this seriously. The officer takes their job seriously and when the driver is cracking jokes, that's not good. It makes the driver look as though they think they are above the law, especially if they were pulled over for a traffic violation. Stay cool and calm and everything will go fine
6. Being rude to the officer
-Understand that police officers are doing their job to keep people safe on the road. If you committed a traffic violation, whether it be unknowingly or knowingly, the officer has a right to address it, as it's their job. Being rude to an officer is not the best way to start off the conversation. It's easier to make a complaint after the occurrence than to calm the storm down after talking rudely to an officer
7. Saying you pay their wages
-This screams "sense of entitlement" more than anything. NEVER say this to an officer. Officers already know their paychecks come from the public. Why highlight that? They're doing what they are paid to do-enforce the law on the road and elsewhere. Just be thankful that police are doing their job
8. Telling them you have connections
-When you are pulled over, the last thing you want to do is tell them you are connected to powerful people. This sounds obnoxious and will sound like the driver is trying to threaten or even look down on the man or woman officer. If it's a case of actually being connected to someone in a position of authority, it could also bring shame and embarrassment to the person they mention, ruin relationships and even ruin their reputation
9. Inviting them to search your vehicle
-This practically shouts from the heavens "I'm guilty" or "I have something to hide". Unless there is a probable reason to search the car, police must have consent from the driver to search a vehicle or perform a frisk. Drivers can say no and searches won't continue. But offering up an opportunity to search a vehicle immediately raises the officer's suspicion and takes away opportunities to appeal it later
10. Asking them why they are not out catching "real" criminals
-Some drivers seem to think that police have nothing better to do than catch people going a few miles over the speed limit or violating traffic laws. That they should be out catching "real" criminals, like murderers, rapists, thieves and more. There are police officers who work in different sections and work with different crimes, violations or infractions. Questioning these officers about that heightens tension and causes hostility
-For example, in major cities, there are police who work in the central business district, keeping an eye on traffic and other happenings. Or there are police who work major events, such as sporting events and concerts. They keep people safe from crimes
11. Bending the truth
-Lying, no matter the situation, will make things worse. The last thing you should do is lie to an officer. This is a crime. If the driver has to go to court, the fact the driver lied to an officer will come out and the judge will know. People don't have to volunteer information, but it's far better to remain honest and truthful than lie
12. Anything after arrest
-If a person is arrested and read their rights, they need to remain quiet. Because, after all, part of the Miranda Rights includes "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." The officers have the right to use that against you. Doing anything after arrest is going to come back to bite you. The only thing you can do is ask for a lawyer. So, during this time, silence is most definitely golden otherwise whatever you do is going to harm your defense in court
No comments:
Post a Comment