One of the most recognizable interactions law enforcement has with its community is typically through the everyday traffic stop. These opportunities for interaction occur for a variety of reasons, but all have the same goals in mind: the safety of the individual, the safety of the community, and the safety of the officer conducting the stop.
It is a common misconception that when you see the red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, you are about to have a negative experience resulting in two things: a fine and/or demerit points on your license. This is not always the case, as there are many reasons why law enforcement may make contact with you at any given time. One possible reason could be an equipment defect, such as a headlamp or taillight being out, or one of many other vehicle components required for safe operation on the road. Another reason for being pulled over could be to provide emergency notification of a possible hazard or danger in the immediate area.
The point is that regardless of the reason, our primary purpose for making traffic stops is educational or informational. If you are driving faster than the posted speed limit, our goal is to educate. This may be done through a verbal or written warning, or it may be facilitated through a citation if the violation warrants it. Again, our goal is not revenue generation or monthly statistics. As a local agency, we gain very little revenue from any of the fines or fees assessed in traffic tickets. Also, the number of traffic stops or tickets is not a factor in the evaluation of an officer here at the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department.
What is common in any traffic stop is the risk it poses to everyone in the immediate area. This is due to the fact that the law enforcement squad car, along with the stopped vehicle, is temporarily positioned alongside traffic that continues to flow. We try to minimize this risk by conducting traffic stops in the safest way possible. This means choosing the most appropriate location, allowing the officer to exit their vehicle and remain as safe as possible, while also creating as much space as possible for the stopped vehicle to prevent harm to the driver and passengers.
This is one of the reasons we always ask that motorists stay in their vehicles. If another driver is not paying attention and strikes the stopped vehicles, the safest place for the driver is inside their vehicle. Another reason we ask people to remain inside is to minimize risk to the officer. While most traffic stops occur without incident, the number of officers killed or injured during traffic stops is a serious concern.
Regardless of what you may be stopped for, your response should always be the same. Have your license, registration, and insurance information ready when the officer arrives at your window. Keep your movements to a minimum, and if possible, keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches. Although this may seem intimidating, try to place yourself in the officer’s shoes, approaching a vehicle without knowing who is inside or whether they may wish to do harm.
Although you may not agree with the outcome of the traffic stop, please respect the officer’s decision and know that the goal is keeping our communities safe. If you feel there are mitigating circumstances related to the behavior that led to the citation, you may address that on the court date provided on the citation. While leniency may not always be possible, professionalism on the part of the officer is.
I receive many calls from individuals who are unhappy about receiving a ticket, and my question is always not whether they felt they deserved it, but rather whether the officer was respectful during the contact. I am always proud, and never surprised, when the answer is that they were treated with respect.
Just as I like to tell students, law enforcement’s role is much like that of teachers. Our subject is traffic law, our classroom is the traffic stop, and your homework is to drive safely. Let’s all try to be “Straight A” students of motor vehicle operation.
