With the recent events that have taken place, I felt it necessary to write a blog that will help us to remember the difficult job that law enforcement deals with on a daily basis. I think it’s important that we think about these people as human beings. They too, have families, friends and neighbors that they would like to come home to at the end of the day. All too often, people misjudge officers as the enemy or the person who is “out to get them.”
One of the leading causes of death for the police officer is when they make a “traffic stop.” Many officers face retaliation and acts of violence and many are killed each year from gun fire while performing the duties of an ordinary traffic stop. I think we need to put ourselves in their shoes and understand that they have a difficult job while trying to serve the public. Let’s face it…their work days don’t include going on a call for cake and ice cream. This job requires the attempt to maintain law and order during difficult situations that call for their skill and training. Let’s talk about what we can do during a traffic stop to keep ourselves and the law enforcement safe. Much of this would be the same criteria as if you were in your car as well.
If you notice an officer’s lights on behind you, slow down, put on your warning flashing lights and proceed to a safe, well-lit area in which to pull over. Doing this lets the officer know that you are not trying to run away. Try to pull off to the right side whenever possible. Make sure to allow space for the officer to approach safely on your driver window side of the vehicle.
Stay in the vehicle until the officer approaches. Keep your seat belt on and have paperwork, permits and license sitting on top of the dash/steering wheel. Also, keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer doesn’t think for any reason that you are a threat. These tips help keep you safe as an officer walking up to your truck has no vision as he/she is blindsided from the trailer/sleeper box and the back of the truck. Also, you as a driver are seated above the officer approaching and it’s important for him/her to see your hands and contents clearly.
When speaking to the officer, comply…comply…comply. Be polite and respectful and don’t argue. At times, it’s best to just state the fact that you were wrong, say you were sorry and you’ll pay more attention the next time. If you feel as though the officer is wrong in the situation, remain calm, professional and resolve the issue in a court room… not by the roadside.
Laws are there to protect the safety of the public. Without law enforcement, our society would be in total chaos. Our police officers are at the front line when duty calls. Especially at this time, they need public support for the difficult job they endure each and every day to provide protection for our communities and highways. Personally, I would not want to do “my” job without them!