One of the questions I am routinely asked, is why law enforcement officials “do what we do” on a traffic stops.
Most police agencies have traffic enforcement programs. When utilized properly, these programs have been proven to save lives, reduce crashes, protect property, and reduce injury due to the crash. These programs are a vital public safety tool.
As you know, law enforcement needs probable cause to conduct a typical traffic stop. The officer observes a traffic violation, such as speeding, seat belt, etc., and opts to stop the vehicle. The officer should tell you the reason for the stop. Most officers will have a conversation with you and allow you to provide your excuse or your reason for the violation. Many violations have exceptions to the law. Your input may assist the officer with deciding whether you will receive a citation or a warning.
If a driver is stopped, the driver is required to identify themselves, as well as provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance). If you refuse to identify, this could result in your arrest. Depending on how the traffic stop proceeds will determine if anyone else in the vehicle is required to identify themselves.
If you feel you have been wronged or treated inappropriately, I encourage you to contact the officer’s agency and discuss the issues with a supervisor. Arguing or fighting on the side of the road with the officer rarely helps the situation and could complicate your complaint. Most encounters with law enforcement today are recorded on a body-worn camera or on an in-car camera system. The videos are available for review.
If your vehicle smells of marijuana or of some other known type of drug, the police officer has the authority to search your vehicle with or without your consent and based on what they find take action which more often than not means a custodial arrest. If you are arrested for a drug offense and found to be carrying a firearm or in the possession of a firearm, this could result in an additional charge and the seizure of your firearm.
If you have questions, please give me a call.
Ride tall my friends. Until we meet again. Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is the Chief of Police in Trinity.
