Bloomfield Police Department
This area has been provided to offer helpful suggestions for you should you find yourself being pulled over by a police officer. If you are driving and see flashing lights in your rearview mirror follow these simple steps:
1. Pull over to the right side of the roadway and position your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible.
2. Turn off your engine and any other device (radio, etc.). Roll down your driver's window and any tinted windows. Keep your seatbelt on. If it is dark, turn on the interior lights and your hazard flashers.
3. Stay calm & ask passengers to remain quiet and calm, too. As the officer approaches, put your hands in plain view preferably on the steering wheel or in plain sight. Stay seated & inside the vehicle unless you are asked to get out. Make all movements slowly. The officer is watching carefully to make sure a weapon is not being drawn or something is being hidden.
4. Ask for identification if an officer is NOT in uniform or if the patrol vehicle is unmarked.
5. Usually, you will be asked for your valid driver's license, proof of registration and insurance. You do not have to be told why you are being stopped BEFORE you comply. When you are going to move let the officer know, then move slowly. Place your hands back on the wheel while the officer checks your license and vehicle status.
6 Answer questions politely and honestly, but be brief. Remain calm and respectful. Let the officer know if you are carrying a weapon and if you have a legal permit.
7. Follow the officer's directions concerning getting out of the vehicle; suspicion of alcohol use, possession of illegal objects; or safety violations. DO NOT resist a pat down.
8. Be polite and do not argue if you are given a ticket. The matter can be contested later in court. The citation will show the date and location of the court date, if not call your local department.
9. Don't be surprised if other patrol vehicles appear. Remember, your interaction may be recorded for everyone's safety.
If you believe that an officer has acted inappropriately or irresponsibly, document the officer's behavior in a written statement. Contact the specific department where the officer is employed and ask about their complaint procedures.
THE TRAFFIC STOP