If the Police Stop You

Overview

Here are some tips to minimize your stress and anxiety during your contact with the police and at the same time give you some insight into the concerns and procedures of the officers.

If You Are Stopped by the Police While in Your Car

Pull Over Safely

As soon as you notice police emergency lights, pull your vehicle over to the right as soon as it is safe to do so. Even if you do not know the reason for the stop, pull over promptly. You may have committed a traffic violation without realizing it, or the officer may need to alert you to a problem with your vehicle.

Remain Inside Your Vehicle

Remain in your vehicle while the officer approaches. Do not attempt to exit your vehicle or walk toward the officer. Approaching the officer may create a safety concern. For your safety and the officer’s safety, stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.

Keep Your Hands Visible

If stopped at night, turn on your interior light. Keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel. Avoid reaching under seats or into compartments until instructed to do so. These movements can cause concern because the officer cannot determine your intentions

Provide Required Documents

Provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance when requested. Texas law requires drivers to present this information to a uniformed officer or an officer who displays proper identification. Most officers wait until they receive this information before discussing the reason for the stop.

Communicate Respectfully

If you have questions about the reason for the stop, ask them before the officer returns to their vehicle. Answer questions honestly, remain calm, and avoid becoming argumentative, disorderly, or abusive. If you believe an officer treated you unfairly, address your concerns through the court process rather than arguing at the scene.

Citations and Warnings

Whether an officer issues a citation or a warning depends on the circumstances and the officer’s discretion. Your conduct during the stop may influence the outcome.

Understanding Officer Safety Measures

Police officers routinely work in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. As a result, they follow safety procedures that help protect everyone involved. Officers use these precautions to reduce risk and maintain safety during public interactions. While some actions may seem distant or unnecessary, these practices help create safer interactions for both officers and community members.

Understanding Officer Safety Precautions

Law enforcement officers regularly encounter unpredictable situations. As a result, they follow established safety procedures during traffic stops and other public interactions. Training teaches officers to use these procedures consistently to help protect everyone involved. While some actions may appear cautious or impersonal, officers use them to maintain safety and reduce risk. Understanding these precautions can help community members and officers have safer, more productive interactions.

If the Police Approach You on the Street

Individuals may feel frustrated or concerned when an officer stops them for questioning. Although the delay may be inconvenient, the officer believes there is a reason to stop and ask questions based on reasonable suspicion. In many cases, these stops stem from information reported by others rather than being initiated solely by the officer.

Most common reasons an officer stops someone

• You might be one of only a few people walking around in the vicinity of a crime that has recently occurred.
• Your clothing might be similar or identical to that worn by the perpetrator of a crime.
• Someone may have called the police complaining about your presence or that you looked “suspicious.”
• Someone may have pointed you out to the officer.
• You might be acting in a manner that the officer considers “suspicious” and you may act even more “suspicious” after realizing that the officer is observing you.

The police officer does not wish to detain you any longer than necessary. Once the officer is able to determine that you are not the individual that he or she is looking for, the officer will often apologize for the inconvenience and then quickly leave to resume the search.

In All Police Encounters

• Avoid making sudden movements (for your wallet, into your coat, toward your waistband, etc.) until you have informed the officer of your intention to do so and the officer has said it’s okay.
• Do not carry weapons (real or otherwise) or even joke about having a  weapon on your person.
• Do not touch the police officer or violate his or her personal safety zone (six feet).
• Remain calm and avoid being argumentative. If you are uncooperative and refuse to answer reasonable questions, the officer is likely to become more suspicious and the encounter will probably last much longer than necessary.
• Comply first, then you may seek an explanation from the officer or the officer’s supervisor later.

NOTE: The Texas A&M University–Central Texas Department of Public Safety does not condone police misconduct of any type. Many negative perceptions stem from uncertainty about why an officer makes specific requests or takes certain actions. Patrol officers often face demands that limit their ability to provide explanations during a stop. We hope the information on this page helps you understand police procedures and prepares you for what to expect if a police officer stops you.

University Police Resources