Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz says, “Ask yourself, ‘What should I do when stopped during a traffic encounter by a law-enforcement officer? “What must I do during and after the traffic encounter? What should I not do during the traffic encounter?”
{Any motorist that sees flashing police light(s) on an UNMARKED vehicle believed to be a police unit attempting to stop you, should immediately acknowledge you see him/her by putting your four way flashers on, slow down and get to a well lit area before stopping…….if it is a legitimate police officer, he/she will know what your intentions are when you slow down and put your flashers on! If this scenario occurs, do not open your window, remain in your locked vehicle until you are satisfied that the person stopping you is legitimate.}
{Anyone that sees flashing lights of what is believed to be a law-enforcement officer you shall do the following:}
- Pull over as far to the right as possible. You should remain in your vehicle, unless otherwise instructed to exit.
- Roll down your window to a safe level, you may want to turn off your engine, option is yours.
- You should place your hands on the steering wheel.
- Do NOT start rummaging through your pocket(s), or purse for your license, or in your glove compartment for your registration, until the officer asks you to do so. If an officer places his hand over his holstered weapon, do not be alarmed, that is only a pre-cautionary action not intended to intimidate the driver or occupants. (some officers do this and some do not)
- Listen carefully to the officer’s instructions and follow any lawful orders.
- You should keep your hands visible to the officer at all times, and DO NOT reach behind your back or into your pockets while the officer is interviewing you.
- When any person who resides in this state is arrested and charged with a violation of the Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act, or any municipal parish ordinance regulating traffic, such person shall be released on his own recognizance upon SIGNING the promise to appear section on the traffic citation without surrendering their license. This section shall only apply to such persons who are not wanted for failure to appear in connection with other traffic citations or for whom a warrant has been issued for any other reason.
THIS ARTICLE COMES TO YOU AT A TIME WHEN OFFICERS AND THE MOTORING PUBLIC HAVE TRUST AND SAFETY ISSUES WITH ONE ANOTHER. IT IS MY HOPE THAT WE ALL LEARN FROM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED AND NO LIVES ARE LOST OR JEOPARDIZED BY UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.
The aforementioned information is intended to provide you with some comfort and safety precautions for the officer involved and you, the motoring public.
PLEASE SHARE WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FACEBOOK, AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA ACQUAINTANCES.
The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com
