• When you see the emergency lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm, slow down and pull over in a safe location completely off the roadway.
• Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. This is for safety reasons.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
• Inform the officer of any weapons in your vehicle and their location. Do not reach or point to the location.
• Avoid any sudden movements, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
• Comply with the officers’ request to see your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Florida law requires you to carry these with you.
• If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
• If there are passengers in your vehicle, encourage them to remain quiet and cooperate with instructions. You, as the operator, are solely responsible for your vehicle and its occupants.
• Avoid becoming argumentative. Arguing will not change the officer’s mind. If you contest the violation, you will have an opportunity to address the matter in court.
• Answer all questions truthfully.
• If the officer issues you a ticket and you feel the reason is vague or unclear, politely ask him/her for details.
• If asked to sign a citation, do so. It is not an admission of guilt. Refusal could result in an arrest. You may contest the citation in court at a later time.
• You have the right to politely deny a request by a law enforcement officer to search your car; however, if probable cause is present, the officer has the right to search your vehicle without your consent.

WHY DO OFFICERS STOP PEOPLE?

There are many different reasons why you might be stopped by the Police Department. Whatever the reason, the officer needs your cooperation:

• The officer may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation.
• You may have committed a traffic violation.
• You or your vehicle may match the description of one used in criminal act.
• The officer might think you are in trouble and need help.
• You may have witnessed a crime.

If you are stopped by an officer while driving, you may feel confused, anxious or even angry. These are natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and dangerous for the officer as well. Many law enforcement officers are killed each year and thousands more are injured in traffic-related incidents. For example, each year approximately half of all line-of-duty officer deaths were related to traffic incidents. In addition, when the use of weapons at the traffic stop is added, the percentage of traffic-related deaths is over 55 percent. Every stop for a traffic violation has the potential for danger. Help lessen the uneasiness experiencing a traffic stop.

Remember: Be courteous and cooperative in any stop by the police.

The Satellite Beach Police Department encourages feedback of all types. Citizens wishing to identify exceptional police work or have questions on how a situation was handled by a patrol officer may contact the Interim Deputy Chief Ronnie Kinsey at (321) 773-4400 ext. 472