Careers: Police/Traffic stop

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Expert: - 7/12/2006


Question
I once saw a list of what a patrol officer would like to have a driver do (or not do) when stopped for a traffic violation, but I have been unable to locate it.

The list included things along the line of:

pulling over in a location that is safe for the officer to approach your vehicle

keeping hands visible as the officer approaches the vehicle

turn off the radio and motor

at what point to roll down the window and gather documents

etc.

If you could make such a list, what sort of things would you include?

Thanks,
Maddie

Answer

   1. could be problamatic since some people would take that as a license to drive five miles because they would consider anyplace unsafe and they would just drive home.

 2.  I might add that the motorist should stay in the car unless asked to get out by the officer.

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Jack Toomey

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U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

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Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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