Practical advice for getting stopped by the police in Idaho

Police Cars Sirens are on

Imagine you see a police officer behind you and he has his lights on. Immediately you get a terrified feeling in the pit of your stomach. Don’t panic! If a police officer has his sirens on this signals that there is an emergency. If you are on a road other than a two lane highway where there is another field of traffic (which the police car is on) you should pull over to the side of the road. Chances are he is going someplace else.

If the officer is directly behind you and turns his lights on, you should pull over in a safe spot. A safe spot can include a parking lot, past the fog line on a highway or road, or even make a turn off of a less busy street or road. Some people have the wrong impression that pulling over early is an admission of guilt. This is not true. Pulling over immediately has many advantages. Pulling over early can calm down an officer who is either angry or upset over what you did. If nothing else, manners and politeness go along way when interacting with law enforcement.

Giving the officer extra respect doesn’t hurt. It may seem like a slap to some peoples pride, but officers respond positively to politeness. I would even recommend shutting the car off when I talk to an officer. This gives him or her the feeling that you are interested in what they have to say and respect their authority. It also puts an officer at ease because they know you are not likely to take off or run them over as they approach the vehicle.

 Officer approaches the vehicle

Often during the day you can tell a lot from an officers demeanor by the speed he exits the police vehicle. If he exits abruptly he is more likely in a bad mood. If he exits slowly, he is more likely not to be in a bad mood. It also pertains to the speed in which he approaches your vehicle. Often the same rules apply. You may not be able to see an officer if the stop is at night. Officers use a spotlight to blind the driver, and it also allows them to see the occupants. Just remember that the officer can see you. So, please make as little movement as possible while in the vehicle

The first thing you must do is remain calm. Placing your hands open on the steering wheel puts the officer at ease and keeps you from rummaging through the car because you are nervous. I highly recommend remembering this small habit. Officers can see inside the vehicle as they approach. They pay close attention to smells, looks, or even where you are placing your hands. If an officer stops you and sees a lot of movement in the vehicle he is more likely to consider there is something suspicious going on. Don’t riffle through the car looking for registration or your license. This type of movement looks suspicious to officers. Wait until they tell you to reach for those items before you do that.

Here is a few more tips. Roll down the window all the way. Officers hate talking through glass. Turn down your music, the officers feel disrespected when there is loud music playing as they are walking towards a vehicle or interacting with citizens. Spit out your tobacco or gum. This is simply so you can speak clearly. Lastly, put out your cigarette before speaking to the officer. The last thing an officer wants to smell is second hand smoke.   

When the officer speaks to you, try and find out all the information you can. When you speak to an officer be polite and speak clearly. Officers anticipate your nervousness, but if you speak clearly, in a polite tone, it may defuse and officers defense mechanisms. Using words such as “sir,” “mam,” “please,” and “thank you” can ease an officer. Ask direct questions in a polite tone of voice. If possible, ask why you have been stopped and how long the officer has followed you. This will give a defense attorney a strategic advantage if you are summoned to court. Also, do not eat or drink as you talk to the officer. This is a sign of disrespect.

Concealed carry permit holders

In Idaho this question comes up a lot. Officers prefer that you tell them about your concealed carry permit immediately. This lets them know that you are carrying a firearm. Do Not simply say “I have a gun right here.” Police officers may shoot first in that circumstance. Please begin the conversation by politely saying “I have a concealed carry permit. Then if prompted tell the officers where the gun is, and if asked to remove the gun in a safe manner. Do not try and hide the fact that you are a concealed carry member. Be up front with the police from the beginning.

Also, don’t expect all officers to be concealed carry advocates. Many officers have strong beliefs against citizens carrying concealed weapons. An officer may be abrasive or even bias because you carry a weapon on you. Do not begin arguing with the officer about your weapon. Remember, the officer is just trying to go home safely at the end of his shift. He may see you as a threat if you are a concealed carry holder and begin arguing with him or her. Please, be polite and follow all commands that the officer gives you.