BRENHAM POLICE CHIEF OFFERS ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN PULLED OVER

  

Brenham Police Chief Ron Parker has offered a list of tips for what drivers should do when they are pulled over by police.

Parker says the department has received several inquiries from the public on this topic, particularly from parents of young, new and inexperienced licensed drivers.  He says being stopped by an officer can be a stressful experience for the driver, any passengers and the officer, too, so knowing what to do during a stop will help ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Parker says officers are responsible for conducting traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a criminal violation. The Brenham Police Department, in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, suggest the following procedures for citizens who are involved in a vehicular traffic stop with law enforcement.

When you see emergency lights behind you, it is important for you and your passengers to stay calm and cooperate. Remember to:

• Activate your turn signal, slow down and pull off or to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Turn off the engine and any audio devices, such as your radio, etc.
• Stay in your vehicle unless you are directed otherwise by the officer to exit.
• Turn on your interior lights if you are pulled over at night, to assist with visibility.
• Not be alarmed if an officer uses a spotlight or flashlight for additional visibility.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in a visible location so they are easily observable.
• Follow all instructions the officer gives you or your passengers.

The officer may approach either side of the vehicle. When the officer approaches the vehicle:

• Lower the corresponding window so the officer can better communicate with anyone inside the vehicle.
• Let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact. Do not reach for it and closely follow the instructions from the officer.
• Upon contact, the officer will show their law enforcement credentials if they are not clearly in uniform. If they do not show their credentials, you may ask to see them.
• The officer will explain why you were stopped.
• They may ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance and your vehicle registration documents. If any of the documents are out of your reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for the officer’s acknowledgment before reaching to retrieve the documents.
• The officer may ask you and/or your passengers to exit the vehicle. In this case, keep your hands visible, exit the vehicle and stand in a location as directed by the officer. The officer has a legal right to frisk for any weapons.
• The officer may issue a verbal warning, a written warning, a citation, or may arrest in certain situations when there is a legal reason to do so. The officer will typically explain his or her disposition, but if not, you may ask the officer to do so.

The above procedures are cited from Police Chief magazine: Brian A. Ursino. “What to Do and Expect When Pulled Over by Police,” Traffic Safety Initiatives, Police Chief 88, no. 7 (July 2021): 18-19.

Parker says if you do not agree with the officer's decisions or actions, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer; rather, you may seek to contest the decision in court.  Acceptance and signature on a citation is not an admission of any guilt.  However, refusing to sign a citation may result in an arrest.

If you believe the officer acted inappropriately or have questions regarding his or her conduct, Parker suggests speaking to a supervisor as soon as possible after the stop.