When a cop pulls you over and asks why he pulls you over, is it better to play dumb or be aware?
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TheorionMage | 257 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Yoda
1 y
I am NOW speaking as a retired cop.
DO NOT KID yourself. There IS a game of 'cat & mouse' fishing expedition begun. The ONLY 'correct answer' IS: "Why 'no' Officer, how may I help you?"
If at night, turn on YOUR dome light, keep your hands upon the steering wheel and turn off your motor, until told by the Officer to do otherwise, Make NO sudden gestures that COULD BE misconstrued! (Furtive movements).
IF you ARE legally armed, VOLUNTEER this information. Again, wait until the Officer tells you HOW he wants you to reveal its location and WHERE your lawful carry permit can be found (if your state requires one). Nothing 'stupid'.
You and they are BOTH human and your both's anxiety levels are NOW elevated. BREATHE! EVERYONE HERE wants to 'go home today' uninjured~
ANY unrequested (volunteered) information CAN theoretically establish the Officer's 'Probable Cause' to REQUIRE you to step out of the vehicle AND possibly BE HANDCUFFED and nominally patted-down ostensibly checking for weapons, 'for the Officer's safety' ... and trigger a search your vehicle for contraband IN PLAIN SIGHT, (NOT locked gloveboxes or trunks.)
Keep YOUR verbal responses brief and to the point, AND respectful. He/she has the gun AND the legal excuse to to 'end' you if you choose self-righteous antagonistic sarcasm, although the Officer's body camera is YOUR friend!
If you BOTH do what's required, it bears unquestionable 'witness' of LAWFUL investigation.
The truth is that you really don't have to tell him anything. That is your right. If the car is under your name then they would have to get a warrant in order to force you to step out, and that could take all day at least. the bottom line is that if they're just pulling you over for a routine checkup then there's absolutely no reason for them to pull you over. Best not to say anything. Make sure that you bring out your cell phone and record the entire encounter from start to finish. Remember the only four words you have to say are "I don't answer questions". Be smart and don't volunteer any information, ever.
"IF you ARE legally armed, VOLUNTEER this information"
I got pulled over once and had a gun stuffed between the front seats. I was out of state so they wanted me to follow them to the court and pay the fine on the spot, which I did. As we left the court one cop said he wanted to search the car for signs that it was stolen ( I had just bought the car. I had a signed title and bill of sale but hadn't transfered it yet.). When he said he was going to search the car, I told him about the gun.
Everything was cool. They put the gun in the trunk. They told me that if I had not told them about the gun they would have arrested me for concealed weapon.
First of all you didn't have to follow them anywhere least of all to the courts. Second of all if you don't give them permission to search your vehicle then they have to get a warrant and in order to get a warrant they need to be looking for something specific. So in other words this whole mess was because you couldn't keep your mouth shut and simply just say four simple words "I don't answer questions." Fifth amendment people, look it up. there is nothing illegal about those circumstances and they took full advantage of you. You have the right to bear arms, the right to bear arms does not mean that you have to carry openly. If you're really that worried about it there is such a thing as a concealed weapons permit. You have the right to remain silent and I recommend that you use it. Always record your encounters with the police from start to finish because that will level the playing field. Otherwise you were at their mercy on whether or not they decide to release the videos from their body cams. Your car is your personal property and they cannot legally search it without your consent unless they have a warrant. Also, because your car is your personal property you have the right to stay in it even if they tell you to step out of the car. On top of all of that when they asked to see your license and registration you don't need to hand it to them. All you need to do is show it to them. 1 in of clearance is all you legally need to give them when you open your window.
Want to try it out? Let's do some roleplay. You be the cop and I'll be the guy you pull over. You're at the window and I'm already holding my cell phone and recording you. Go!
I had no reason to hide anything from them. I had no reason not to follow them to the court. I'm quite certain that it worked out better the way I did it than if I had acted like a dick and refused to cooperate. It escalates things for no reason.
I've had many dealings with the cops, including a number of arrests. I make a judgment call when to keep my mouth shut. If they ask "Who did you buy it from?" they aren't getting shit.
Those cops were going to search my car whether I gave them permission or not. They would have found the gun whether I gave them permission or not. If they found it, I would have been in jail instead of on my way home. If the court later let me off the hook because the cops didn't have probably cause, it doesn't change the fact that I spent some time in jail awaiting trial instead of going home.
When you cooperate and chit chat with the cop, you are playing the odds. You could potentially say something that's used against you. But unless you say something REALLY stupid, the odds are that you're better off being the guy that helps lower the tension, and has a friendly chit chat. Because the next guy the cops meets might be a total ass. I'm going to treat the cop like a human, not like he's the enemy, and the only thing I can give him is name rank and serial number.
It's not about having a reason to hide anything. It's about exercising your rights. And it's about them having to have a reason to pull you over in the first place. If they don't then it's just harassment.
@JKingOff If they see something in plain sight, smell something suspicious, or find you to be under the influence, they can detain you and search your vehicle. Depends on what state of course
Look the law is the law. If the car is in your possession and registered under your name if they don't have your permission they cannot enter or search it without a search warrant. If there is a real reason for them to be pulling you over and talking to you they will invest the time and energy to get the warrant. If they're just pulling you over to rub some dirt on you we'll bust your chops then they're not going to bother spending most of the day trying to get a warrant to harass you. Once again know you're rights. "I do not answer questions" that's all you got to say. Don't incriminate yourself. Record the entire encounter and make sure that they do their job properly. Otherwise it's their word against yours with no proof. The last person you should trust to give you real information on how law enforcement officers operate is a current or former law enforcement officer. do the research for yourself and don't take other people's words for it. It's literally in the Constitution. You can look it up. Hell you can even YouTube it. YouTube "How to get rid of police with four easy words". Seriously guys it's not a brain buster. You can do it!
@JKingOff The law can be very flexible at times. Lawyers wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t. Law enforcement tactics are typically discretion based. There’s tools cops can use to get what they want out of a situation. For example, look into casual encounter laws. Just thought I’d chime in. I worked as a former sheriffs deputy. Not trying to fight you, but rather bring you some insight.
Of course, and I completely agree with you. You have to account for the human element, and you have to understand that not everyone that wears a badge has the greater good at heart. There are those few people that are essentially wolves and sheep's clothing. I completely agree with you that not all law enforcement are enherently good or bad. The fact of the matter is that the laws are put into place to protect people in circumstances where you do get someone who doesn't uphold the integrity that they're badge would indicate. Stating that you don't answer questions is not the same as refusing to cooperate or being combative, or even having something to hide. It is you letting the other person know that you fully understand that you have the right to remain silent. it's that right that grants you the ability not to give them anything that they could use against you because anything you say regardless of the intentions behind it can and will be used against you in a court of law. As you stated before, the laws can be very flexible and so can the lawyers that enforce them along with the law enforcement officers. Always know you're right! Always record your encounters!!! It's that simple.
Not_Average | 778 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Explorer
1 y
Play dumb. As a former cop, I can tell you the reason we ask this is so that you possibly admit to something we didn’t see.
Best to go with the "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!" thing!! If it is night, I turn the dome light on, and keep my hands on the wheel, in plain sight. I address them as "officer" or "sir" or "ma'am" ALWAYS. Answer their questions, and stay with Yes/NO, if you can. Never offer details of where you are going, why, or what you might have with you!! When they ask for your driver's license, I tell them it is in my wallet, in my back, right pocket, and I MOVE VERY SLOWLY, keeping my left hand in plain site, on the wheel! When they ask for registration, I tell them it is in the glove box, and MOVE VERY SLOWLY, opening it, in plain site, and slowly taking the card out. If they ask to search your vehicle, decline, and say "NO, I DO NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO SEARCH MY VEHICLE, OR ME," as they only ask, if they do not have PROBABLE CAUSE, and are just "FISHING" for something, like maybe your friend left a butt, and you didn't know, but they search, and suddenly you are arrested for possession, and you NEVER KNEW!! And I AM WHITE!!! I can't imagine what some of my Black friends face, and deal with, well, actually, some have told me, and it is disgusting, because they have no record, not even a parking ticket!!
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Massageman | 2.9K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Master
1 y
Be courteous, obedient and don't act like you "know it all". Be "aware enough to realize when you should play "dumb".
If the officer asks if you knew why you were pulled over, do NOT say you do. If you do, that is essentially an admission of guilt.
Just put your hands on the top of the steering wheel and wait for the officer to make the first move. This may or may not take a few seconds, depending on if they are pulling your plates on their computer.
Do not make any sudden moves. The officer will likely ask for your license/ID. TELL the officer where you keep it (front left pocket, purse, etc. ) and then SLOWLY get it if they ask to see it. Slowly remove it from wallet/coin purse, etc. Do NOT hand over a whole wallet with money in it: it may be considered a bribe.
Note- If you are being pulled over in a densely trafficked area, a dangerous area, or a dim area, put on your emergency blinker ASAP, slow down and quickly look for a lit parking lot or other area where you feel it would be safe to pull over. But, be sure to put on that emergency blinker so the police know you are NOT evading them.
It's best to be truthful if you know what you did. Cop gave me a warning for going through the stop sign basically in front of him. He was behind me... I didn't know he had driven behind me. The last time I check no one was behind me. Annnd, I was caught up in a conversation via my Bluetooth on my radio.
Recently, I was pulled over for swerving over the lane. Now, I definitely was not doing that and felt the Cop pulled me over for a quota (If that's such a thing). She didn't come of truthful. I told her I did not realize I was. She asked where was I coming from after walking away to write the ticket (She dip back before going to the car). I felt that she should have asked that question first. No alcohol test. Nothing. I guess my eyes weren't drunk looking, etc. She informed me the pull over was being taped... I pretty much was talking to my uncle in the car. Just picked him up from work. Night shift.
She gave me a ticket with a fine and point. Maaan, passed that I now gotta go to court to fight it!
And you Lose. Everytime. Judge gunna side w a cop not you...999 times out of a 1000... It's not worlt fighting non criminal stuff in court.
Prettygurl12 | 2.2K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Master
1 y
I don't give them an opportunity to be aware or not when I pull them over.
"Good afternoon/morning. My name is Officer [Last Name] with [Police Department]. The reason I pulled you over today is because I witnessed you [traffic offense]. Any particular reason you committed [traffic offense]?"
Whether or not they get a ticket or a warning depends on the severity of the offense and if they're polite to me.
I personally hate giving tickets. We have to write them by hand and they take a long time. But if I do cite, it's almost always because they were rude. Almost every traffic offense leaves it up to officer discretion as to whether or not to write a ticket. My department doesn't have quotas for tickets, so I don't NEED to write a ticket for anything, technically.
This gives me a thumbs up to go wild and be polite.
yucychan | 80 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Yoda
1 y
I feel there's no points to be scored in both cases. If you tell the cop you are unaware why you are being pulled over, it gives the impression that you do not know traffic rules and regulations. And if you are a driver that is unaware of traffic rules and regulations, it makes sense that the cop should give you a ticket. If you admit to the cop that you are aware why you are being pulled over, it is also just as bad. It indicates you do know the traffic rules and regulations but you disregard them, which makes you an equally dangerous driver that deserves a ticket. There's no win-win situation in my opinion.
@yucychan What if you are pulled over for a tail light or turn signal light that isn't working, and you HONESTLY DID NOT KNOW? I have those replacement bulbs, in my glove box, because that happened to me! She was State Patrol, and she complimented me for taking the exit ramp, and turning off, and stopping off the freeway. She asks me if I know why she stopped me, and I say NO, HONESTLY, not knowing. She told me the passenger side turn signal/brake light seems to be out, and asked me to step on the break, and switch on the signal, to confirm it. Yeah, it was out. I had these in my glove box, I told her. SLOWLY, I opened it, and took them out. I had to open the back, to get my tool kit, to get the screw-driver. We casually chatted, as she took the time and let me change the bulb, rather than write a "Fix-It" Ticket. It took, maybe 7-8 minutes, but it was SOOOO MUCH, like the "Protect and Serve" thing, that Police/State Patrol are there for!! I think she ran my license plate, at one point, but never asked for my License, or Insurance info. Why do SOOOOO many people get so NERVOUS, and freaked out, when the lights come on, and an officer stops you! If you haven't done anything, WHY be worried? Well, I mean, if you are white. . .
@JackSmy That's different. If you are talking about tail lights going off, obviously we would not know until someone else informs us. For the asker's question, I think he is referring to something that the driver is aware of.
@yucychan The question does not explicitly state that you knew, or didn't know, so don't be a douch-bag and nit-pick at bullshit things that YOU read into the question, that were not asked! I answered with my experience, and I'm sorry if that isn't what you wanted, or expected, but that is LIFE!! People have different experiences!
@JackSmy Don't know what's your issue or why you are so mad over nothing. I was just saying that I think the asker is referring to something that the driver is aware of. I never said that your opinion was wrong. So chill. In fact, I was agreeing with your opinion. So not sure why you got mad and started name-calling all of a sudden.
@yucychan I am not mad, in any way, as you say, but that you post that, and say I am 'mad over nothing' is presumptuous, and offensive! You don't know me, and you presume to judge me, from whatever nonsense you READ IN TO my response. I responded with a personal experience, related to the question, and you come back with saying that YOU don't think that is what was asked. Yeah, your reply was offensive, judging me, and saying that just because your interpretation of the question somehow negated, or made my response 'wrong' or irrelevant. I specifically said, responding to another, to ALWAYS go with "Innocent until PROVEN GUILTY" and never admit anything! Why are you making it such a big deal, and thinking you know me well enough to call me out, and say I am "mad," and "should chill"? Fuck you, and your opinion, and you don't know me, and didn't read all the posts! by the way, admitting anything, is going to get you a citation! Once again, Innocent until PROVEN guilty! Like you assume the cop will have 'mercy' when you say that you know the speed limit is 25, in a SCHOOL Zone, and you are rushing to an appointment, and doing 40? Not getting off, punk!! Admit you knew the law, and broke it, you get the Citation!
WindAtMyBack | 912 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Yoda
1 y
It's common for cops to ask if you know why they pulled you over. It seems to me it's become a norm. They did it the last time I got pulled over, which was just a tail light warning.
It would be stupid to answer that question "Because you saw me drinking that bottle of whiskey?", when they didn't even see that. But they know about it now.
I think they ask, because you MIGHT answer that way. That might also be a way of getting around Miranda. I'd be curious if that's ever been ruled on.
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rachel776 | 251 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Guru
1 y
when they say "do you know why I pulled you over?" it's so you'll admit it to them and then they don't have to prove anything in court
if you say no, they'll have to show up at court to testify, which many times they don't, and you win
Ya cops who don' slow on to court... that's a good defense strategy.. just hope the cop don't show up. DUMBASS cops are always gonna show up to court. They don't not show up like ever In Wisconsin. It's sucks here ...
purplepoppy | 2.4K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Master
1 y
If you say you know then you're confessing but if you don't then thats driving without due care. It's best to preempt them and say "oops what I done" because 99% of time it's just a routine check and he doesn't know about the body in the boot.
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hellacray | 1.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
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1 y
Lol a lot of people is saying play dumb, but I think it's much better to admit what you did. Cause the cops aren't stupid they have it caught on tape.
Like there was a time I ran a stop sign cause I was in a rush and it was 5AM. And the cop pulled me over. I told the cop I know I didn't come to a full stop. I gave him a reason why then little later on he gave me a warning.
So saying you don't know I think probably pisses off cops. Better to come clean and hopefully the cop is cool.
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Anonymous
1 y
Better not to admit to guilt, that way you have the option to fight the ticket. Be polite, make yourself forgettable, and in a few months when you have your hearing, say you didn't do it. Chances are the cop won't remember you and won't be able to prove you actually did. So while a pain in the ass, it does get you out of paying a ticket. Or give you negotiating power in lowering the cost of your ticket if you agree to admit guilt later and spare the city the expensive cost of having the court hearing in the first place.
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JackofSpades | 304 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
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1 y
So the deal is, if you want to dispute a ticket in court then absolutely not. You don't want to admit fault to anything. (Same goes for car accidents. Never say you're sorry or admit fault to anyone especially the cops.)
However most of the time attempting to fight a ticket in court is a waste of time and money. So if you suck up to them without looking like you're sucking up to them, (they call this "respect") and put on an "Oh shit, the speed limit is 45? I'm sorry I must have missed the sign. My bad" kind of act you MAY get off with an official/unofficial warning.
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MissDawn7961 | 573 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
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1 y
I have never been pulled over by a police officer but if I was then I would do my best to ask the officer - officer , why did U pull me over - ? for every 1 has the right to know why they R being pulled over ! for they may have broken the law and need to know what law they broke so they will not repeat breaking this law ! thanks
It depends on what you being pulled over for if you're doing 90 mph well you know why you're getting pulled over but if you don't have your seatbelt on and you just left your house or just got groceries and just left the grocery store and you just forgot to put it on then that is understandable you still going to get a $15 seat belt ticket in Georgia $30 in South Carolina $200 in North Carolina that is a rip off in this economy it's crazy
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John_Galt | 792 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Xper 7
1 y
In my experience, it’s better to just be completely honest. the choice of wether to give you a ticket or not has probably already been made before the conversation starts. But if it hasn’t... you’ve got a better chance of changing his mind by just being totally honest and friendly, With maybe some regret and self deprivation mixed in. Not to much it just makes the conversation much less stressful.
@John_Galt I have two friends who are cops and they both said they teach in the academy to decide if they are writing the ticket before first contact. This is to minimize bias.
Nah. Come on. Just answer the question straight with no frills. It's better to get through with it efficiently than to needlessly drag it on.
My nan got stopped for passing through an orange light once and got let off without a ticket because of the transparency. As long as you're just honest and the offence was minor, you should be fine.
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sheikalana | 233 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
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1 y
I would just act normal. Once I took an uber by my self to go home late at night and we were pulled over by the police I thought the police was going to question the driver I ended up being questioned lol. I just acted normal answered his question and he let us proceed.
ShadezMcgee | 610 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Yoda
1 y
Typically you will have a good idea why. Playing dumb or being a smartass not only makes you rude to start off the interaction, but it can also affect the cop's decision of a ticket, warning, etc.
Just cooperate with the officer and it will be over quick, no need for drama and unnecessary stress.
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ChiTown33 | 1.7K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.
Master
1 y
If you're young you might be able to pull off that young and stupid thing. But at some age it just becomes pathetic and maddening for the cop. My philosophy is honesty is always the best policy. Man up! Tell the cop what you did and why you did it. Admit you're in the wrong (if you are). You may get a ticket but you'll leave with your self respect. And you might even gain the cops. That's why i said "admit your wrong".
They ask that so 1) You confess to something and good luck fighting that ticket now or 2) He pulled you over for something else and now you will be written up for that too. NEVER volunteer ANY information to cops. Even if they sound casual and just making talk they have a purpose behind it. Be polite but you do not have to answer any questions. If you are ever afraid he might be intending to arrest you ask if you are free to leave. If he says no, you are going to be put under arrest
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Anonymous1 yBetter not to admit to guilt, that way you have the option to fight the ticket. Be polite, make yourself forgettable, and in a few months when you have your hearing, say you didn't do it. Chances are the cop won't remember you and won't be able to prove you actually did. So while a pain in the ass, it does get you out of paying a ticket. Or give you negotiating power in lowering the cost of your ticket if you agree to admit guilt later and spare the city the expensive cost of having the court hearing in the first place.React
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