Amanda Taylor Shows The Dos and Don'ts During A Traffic Stop

No one likes getting pulled over by police and with recent cases lately, both citizens and police are on edge. So, News 9 contacted the Edmond Police Department to demonstrate what we all need to do to be safe during a traffic stop.

Getting pulled over can catch you off guard.

"I've seen people stop in the middle of the road, in the middle of the highway, you know, the center lane," recalled Sgt. James Hamm with the Edmond Police Department.

However, when you see the flashing lights in your rear-view mirror, you should pull over to the right as quickly and safely as possible.

Sgt. Hamm: Good afternoon ma'am, how are you doing today?

Amanda: Hi. Alright, how are you?

Sgt. Hamm: Doing good. The reason I'm stopping you is for speeding.

First and foremost, keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel. Then, let then officer know where your license and insurance are located. Never start digging around before asked, because even if your intentions are good, the officer doesn't know that.

Sgt. Hamm: What are you trying to dig for?

Amanda: I'm looking for my license. 

Sgt. Hamm: Ok, if you would just sit your purse over here where I can see it, okay? I'll take that from you. Is your insurance in your purse too?

Amanda: No, it's in my glove box.

Sgt. Hamm: Ok can you grab that for me?

They'll watch you retrieve your documents to make sure you're not grabbing a weapon or trying to destroy evidence, like drugs.

"You don't know who you're dealing with, you don't know what kind of day they're having, you don't know if they've just committed a crime or what," said Sgt. Hamm.

Officers do have a legal right to ask you to step out of the car. That generally happens if they have additional questions or concerns. Again, follow their instructions.

Sgt. Hamm: If you will just come back here to the side of the road for me, ok?

Amanda: Do I need to turn it off?

Sgt. Hamm: It's up to you. 

The officer will have you stand in the safest place for both of you. If you argue or refuse, the officer has a right to force you to get out, which could lead to an arrest for obstruction.

Sgt. Hamm: I need you to step out of the car for my safety and yours ok?

Amanda: I don't want to. 

Sgt. Hamm: Ok, I'm still going to need you to step out here, if you have a problem once we get out there, I can call the supervisor for you to come speak to.

Amanda: Ok, yes sir.

Officers have a right to ask you to sit in their vehicle, but most agencies no longer do that for safety reasons. If you're not sure it's a real cop pulling you over you can wave, turn on your hazards basically something to let them know that you see them. Then, as you're going slowly to the closest, most well-lit, most populated area; you can call 911 and ask them if they have an officer in that area. The goal here is to keep everyone safe

"Just listen to the officer's instructions and they're going to tell you everything they want you to do and how they want you to do it," Sgt. Hamm said.

So, what about your rights? You can ask to see their commission card or department identification card to verify their identity. You can request they have a supervisor come to the scene. If you have an issue with the officer's behavior, that is not the time to argue, you can always file a complaint later.