Why Might a Police Officer Question You?

When law enforcement authorities question a person, there are either direct or underlying reasons necessitating such contact.  They may be checking out a complaint phoned into police by someone in their neighborhood, or they may have received a report of some criminal activity that had just occurred in the immediate area.  Your presence might indicate that you are a potential witness who would be able to provide valuable information in an investigation.  In some cases, the officer(s) observations might lead them to think you are having trouble and need assistance. With all due respect to citizens’ rights, officers have a responsibility to properly investigate matters that may threaten public safety or involve breaking the law.  Their questions are not accusations, but rather clarification for circumstances that they see as needing attention.  Your cooperative response alleviates potential conflict and eliminates wasting time on irrelevant circumstances.

If a Police Officer Stops You on the Street:

Sometimes problems arise when it seems as if a police officer has stopped to question you for what appears to be no reason at all.  Since the time factor may be crucial in investigating a possible crime, police officers are trained to observe and evaluate a situation and take action if they have a reasonable suspicion that you may in some way be involved in an incident.  There are many factors that officers take into consideration in determining if they have a credible reason to stop and question someone.  Every situation is different and unique, but some factors that may lead to making contact with you are:

• Police may have a minimal description of a suspect who you might resemble.
• You might be in an area where a crime has just been committed.
• Your actions may appear to be suspicious (i.e., running from an area where a crime has just occurred), and you act even more suspiciously when you see the police officer.

Your forthright response if an officer does stop to question you will usually resolve the situation.  If the officer has not told you why you have been stopped, you may inquire.  If despite these considerations you feel you do not want to respond, the officer must respect your right not to answer.  However, your cooperation would be most helpful in aiding a police investigation.

If the Police Stop You in Your Vehicle:

A traffic stop is one of the most frequent encounters between citizens and police.  A vehicle stop is made when a police officer believes an offense has occurred.  You may feel anxious, irritated, impatient, or concerned about being pulled over, but the officer must enforce vehicle code to ensure the safety of travelers on our roadways.  The officer, too, has concerns while approaching a stopped vehicle, for there is always the possibility of threat to their personal safety while performing their law enforcement duties.  The following recommended procedures and guidelines will ensure that the traffic stop can be completed quickly and safely.

• When signaled by an officer, safely pull over to a place out of traffic flow.  Remain calm,  and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel.  If you have passengers, have them sit quietly with their hands visible as well. 
• Avoid sudden movements and ducking posture; these actions can unnecessarily cause alarm to the officer.  If it becomes necessary for you to move substantially, tell the officer before doing so. 
• If it is night time, turn on your inside light.  For safety reasons, the officer will want to visually scan the car interior before proceeding. 
• Do not get out of your car unless the officer asks you to do so.  If you are asked to step outside the car, comply in a calm and cooperative manner. 
• If requested, you must give the officer your drivers license and vehicle registration.  Tell the officer where it is before reaching for it, especially if it is in the glove box or some other place out of immediate view.

If a Police Officer Comes to your Door:

If a police officer knocks on your door, it is usually for one of the following reasons:

To interview you or a member of your household as a possible witness to an incident that is being investigated.

To make a notification.

To personally supply you with information they feel is necessary.

To serve a warrant.