Common Sense and Courtesy
By J.B. Blocker
With all the furor generated on the social media
concerning the shooting of a man during a traffic stop, it occurred to me that
many don’t seem to know how to behave if you are stopped! To me it seemed that
logic and courtesy were all that was necessary in order to make the stop as
safe and painless as it could be considering the circumstances!
I began calling the ‘Best of the Best’ to help me get
this right. These friends have served for years in several branches of Texas
law enforcement. They include Sheriff Harold
Eavenson the President of the National Sheriffs Association, Carrollton Chief of
Police Rex
Redden, Director of the Texas Border Sheriffs Association Don
Reay, Senate Candidate and past Top Texas Game Warden Peter
Flores, Kirk Launius the GOP
candidate for Dallas County Sheriff, Howe Chief of Police and License To Carry
instructor Carl Hudman, and former
Texas Highway Patrol/Texas Ranger Lee
Young
and Sheriff David Byrne to help
sort out what rules have been approved and practiced by their various departments.
Of course I might add that when Game Wardens and Texas
Rangers make a stop, it is rarely for a traffic or vehicle violation.
I did a lot of listening as they guided me through not
only the regulations but also the reasoning behind the suggested actions for
the officer and the driver. With their help I have compiled a Drivers Traffic Stop Protocol that
should be an aid to the well being of the driver and officer alike.
Ranger Lee Young simply added common sense leads to less problems. Peter Flores and Don Reay each said in
their own West Texas styles, It really
boils down to common sense and courtesy. To which I respond, “Common sense
seems to be a missing ingredient to a lot of people. Especially when they are
being pulled over!”
Since I took my license exam in the 70’s, I wasn’t
really sure what the rules are on a Texas Driver’s License Exam. So let’s start
there!
Texas Driver Handbook 2014 revised pg. 66
If you are stopped by law enforcement it is suggested that
you:
1.Move the vehicle safely to the right of the road as soon as
possible and stop
2. Place the vehicle in a parking position, set the
emergency brake, turn the engine off, and activate the hazard warning lights
3. Remain in the car, lower the driver’s window, and wait
for the law enforcement officer to give instructions
4. Follow the instructions of the law enforcement officer
5. Require passengers to remain in the car unless other
instructions are given by the law enforcement officer
6. Give the appropriate signals and safely return to the
proper lane of traffic when released by the law enforcement officer.
What if you are carrying a weapon? Every LTC instructor in Texas is
required to impart this to their students during their class.
A.
Have your driver license and LTC immediately accessible.
B.
Do not make quick movements especially when the officer is
present or approaching.
C.
Have your hands on top of the steering wheel as much as
possible.
D.
If at night, turn dome light on and roll down windows if
tinted.
E.
Open window(s) for communication.
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The following is the result of the composite wisdom and
experience of my friends who each have around 30 years or more serving and protecting.
Drivers
Traffic Stop Protocol: Lone Star Reporter Version
- Turn on hazard warning light to acknowledge to the officer that you are aware of them and intend to comply
- Pull over to the right side of the road as soon as possible to a safe location.
It is permissible to drive far
enough to have room to safely avoid traffic.
Park with ample safe space
between the road and your vehicle
It is permissible to drive to
a well-lit location
It is permissible to take a
safer side street to avoid heavy traffic.
- Place vehicle in park, set emergency brake
- Turn off engine if practical based on weather condition (heat and air)
- Turn on dome light if the conditions are dark
- Make no sudden moves
- Roll down driver’s window. All windows if they are dark tinted!
- Remain in the vehicle and instruct passenger to do the same
- Place your hands on the steering wheel and keep them there until instructed otherwise
- Be Polite and wait for officer to give further instructions
- If you are carrying a weapon, announce it to the officer and tell them where it is located, do not point or reach for the weapon
- Tell the officer where permits, license, insurance, and registration are located
- Do not reach for anything until you have been granted permission
- When released give the appropriate signals and safely return to the proper lane
- DRIVE SAFE, Don’t litter, and wave at people you pass. You are in TEXAS! jb
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I feel it is prudent to know the training basis for law enforcement training. On a national basis the common curriculum is known as
The 7
Step Violator Contact Rules of
Engagement.
