Police Encounters

Sterling Police Department

6557800-traffic-police-with-a-stop-sign-board-in-hand0.jpgWhy might the police stop to question you?

  • You are running and a crime was recently reported in the area.
  • You associate with people under police investigation.
  • You are near an area in which a crime has recently been reported.
  • You are in an area that the police believe to be abandoned or unoccupied.
  • You are acting in a strange or suspicious manner.
  • The police believe that you are in possession of stolen property.
  • Someone has identified you to the police as the person who committed a crime.
  • You are using derogatory or offensive language…saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
  • You appear to be making efforts to evade an officer.
  • You are spending time in known drug areas.
  • You or your vehicle fits the description of a suspect or a suspect’s vehicle.
  • You are violating traffic laws.
     

What should you do if the police stop to question you while you are on foot?

  • Remain calm and in control of your language, body movements and emotions.
  • Keep your hands where the officer can see them.
  • Never touch a police officer.
  • When answering the officer, be respectful and truthful.
  • The officer may perform a “pat-down” to search for concealed weapons.
  • Do not physically resist the “pat-down”. You may, however, make it clear that you do not consent to any further search.
  • Never argue with an officer.
  • Do not bad-mouth the police officer or run away; this may lead to arrest.
     

What should you do if you are stopped by the police while in your car?trafficstopbus2.jpg

  • Use your turn signals to pull over safely.
  • Do not get out of your vehicle unless the officer instructs you to do so.
  • Place your hands on the steering wheel, in the officer’s view.
  • If the stop is at night, turn on the overhead light.
  • If, when you are asked to provide your personal information (i.e. driver’s license, registration), it is not easily accessible, ask the officer if it is okay to get it from where it is in the car.
  • Do not argue with the police officer. If you believe that you are receiving a citation in error, you may appeal it in court.
  • If it seems appropriate, ask for the officer’s name, badge number and/or business card.
  • Every car stop has the potential for danger. Over half of the officers killed in the line of duty are killed while conducting a motor vehicle stop.
     

What if the officer is in plain clothes or in an unmarked vehicle?

  • If the officer is in plainclothes, remember to be as polite and courteous to him/her as you would be to a uniformed officer.
  • Ask for identification if they do not provide it.
  • If you are not satisfied with their identification, you may request that a uniformed officer or marked cruiser respond to the scene.
  • If signaled to stop by an unmarked police cruiser, acknowledge the officer’s presence by turning on your directional or hazards, while continuing to drive until you reach a well-lit area, such as a police station or convenience store.
  • When you do pull over, if you are unsure of their identification, remember that you may request a marked cruiser and uniformed officer to respond to the scene.
     

How can you help the police?

If you witness a crime, or see someone or something that you believe to be suspicious or strange, you can help out by contacting your local police department.

Sterling Police Department(978) 422 - 7331 or 911

Remember to gain as much information as possible for the police…it may be helpful to think of a pair of CYMBALSCymbals_PSF-590x718.png

 

Vehicle CYMBALS:C – ColorY – YearM – Make/ModelB – Body StyleA – All others (damage, markings, dents, etc)L – License Plate NumberS – State

 

People CYMBALS:C – Color (hair, skin, eyes)Y – Year of birth (age)M – Make (Italian, Asian, etc.)B – Body (weight & height)A – Attire (color & type)L – Looks (tattoo, beard, hair type)S – Sex (male or female)