A question for the police.

I got pulled over today on I-25 for going 91 in a 75. I got a ticket, which I deserved(I'm not arguing that). Before the officer left he asked me if I had any questions, which i replied with the usually nope. But after I left a question came to mind that I wished I had asked him.

When I was speeding I was in the left lane of a 3 lane section. I knew as soon as I saw the cop that I was getting a ticket, so I started to get into the right hand lane. And then when he lit me up I pulled over onto the shoulder. This put him with his back towards traffic.

My question is, should I've pulled over onto the left shoulder so that the officer wouldn't be in danger of traffic? or is that lane reserved only for emergency vehicles?

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Originally Posted by Ryan_Th3_K1d

My question is, should I've pulled over onto the left shoulder so that the officer wouldn't be in danger of traffic? or is that lane reserved only for emergency vehicles?

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I'm not a cop but my understanding is they want you to get as far off the road as possible, so they can park their cruiser closer to traffic and far enough back with the front wheels turned to provide some small measure of protection from the oncoming traffic. There should be a real patrol LEO here to give you a better answer though. And since it seems appropriate...

[Driver]......[PoPo]

I've asked that before, and was told that no matter where I park, they can park off set enough to block themselves from other cars.

Police cars are emergency vehicles and can close down the entire highway if they deem necessary (probably wont be able to justify that to the supervisor for a regular speeding traffic stop).

Pull over to the right is what is most normal and probably safest (there are other circumstances that could make it necessary to pull over the left). Either way an Officer may or may not offset his/her vehicle into that lane of traffic giving him/her a walking-traveling lane for safety (not that it really matters). The officer may choose to walk up along the passenger side if you pull to the right for added safety

I guess the key is that you pull over and do it safely. If you are really concerned you can always turn on your hazards letting the officer know that you are going to pull over and hit an intersection, parking lot, or off ramp for safety, they may appreciate that.

Also, I hate when people pull over before I light them up, I am usually planning a stop and calling it out through dispatch before I light them up. I know where usually want people to pull over for everyone's safety and if you stop in the middle of the road before getting my lights turned on it may raise my suspicions (if you hop out of your car you may get a gun pointed at you)

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

Police cars are emergency vehicles and can close down the entire highway if they deem necessary (probably wont be able to justify that to the supervisor for a regular speeding traffic stop).

Pull over to the right is what is most normal and probably safest (there are other circumstances that could make it necessary to pull over the left). Either way an Officer may or may not offset his/her vehicle into that lane of traffic giving him/her a walking-traveling lane for safety (not that it really matters). The officer may choose to walk up along the passenger side if you pull to the right for added safety

I guess the key is that you pull over and do it safely. If you are really concerned you can always turn on your hazards letting the officer know that you are going to pull over and hit an intersection, parking lot, or off ramp for safety, they may appreciate that.

Also, I hate when people pull over before I light them up, I am usually planning a stop and calling it out through dispatch before I light them up. I know where usually want people to pull over for everyone's safety and if you stop in the middle of the road before getting my lights turned on it may raise my suspicions (if you hop out of your car you may get a gun pointed at you)

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Good to know, thank you!

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

Police cars are emergency vehicles and can close down the entire highway if they deem necessary (probably wont be able to justify that to the supervisor for a regular speeding traffic stop).

Pull over to the right is what is most normal and probably safest (there are other circumstances that could make it necessary to pull over the left). Either way an Officer may or may not offset his/her vehicle into that lane of traffic giving him/her a walking-traveling lane for safety (not that it really matters). The officer may choose to walk up along the passenger side if you pull to the right for added safety

I guess the key is that you pull over and do it safely. If you are really concerned you can always turn on your hazards letting the officer know that you are going to pull over and hit an intersection, parking lot, or off ramp for safety, they may appreciate that.

Also, I hate when people pull over before I light them up, I am usually planning a stop and calling it out through dispatch before I light them up. I know where usually want people to pull over for everyone's safety and if you stop in the middle of the road before getting my lights turned on it may raise my suspicions (if you hop out of your car you may get a gun pointed at you)

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When I get pulled over I try to angle a little bit to protect the cop. I get let go once because of it! The lady was pretty happy to see that I did that, acknowledged it and told me make sure I come to a COMPLETE stop at the stop signs!


that is kinda funny people pull over before you hit the lights.

More than happy to answer questions and personally I don't have all the answers, as some of you military folks remember, this is just one way to do it (probably the most common). Other officers on here may have different takes on each subject, that comes with different amounts/types of experience and different lengths of careers.

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Originally Posted by sniper7

that is kinda funny people pull over before you hit the lights.

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I am certainly more happy to give a warning (if possible and feasible) to someone who is polite, admits to wrong doing, has their information ready, and is genuinely concerned for my safety. I hate writing tickets in general so I can come up with a pretty good reason to cut you loose (then I have to tell my supervisor why i didn't write any tickets).

Pretty recently I get was watching a flashing red in the middle of the night and a van went right through it like it wasn't even there. I pull out from my spot, speed up to catch it, which it was doing about 60 in a 40. I picked up my mic. and started to call out the traffic stop (no overhead lights on yet) and the lady pulls into the right lane. I figure she realizes what she has done and is getting ready to get pulled over. She then slams on her brakes in the middle of a travel lane and as I am getting my car in park and opening my door she hops out and starts walking at a pretty good pace toward my patrol car. I drew my gun and pointed at her, yelled at her to get back in my car, called for cover.

She couldn't understand what happened, didn't realize there was a light that she ran, was upset that I yelled at her, and made a complaint through my supervisor that I did that.

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

I am certainly more happy to give a warning (if possible and feasible) to someone who is polite, admits to wrong doing, has their information ready, and is genuinely concerned for my safety. I hate writing tickets in general so I can come up with a pretty good reason to cut you loose (then I have to tell my supervisor why i didn't write any tickets).

Pretty recently I get was watching a flashing red in the middle of the night and a van went right through it like it wasn't even there. I pull out from my spot, speed up to catch it, which it was doing about 60 in a 40. I picked up my mic. and started to call out the traffic stop (no overhead lights on yet) and the lady pulls into the right lane. I figure she realizes what she has done and is getting ready to get pulled over. She then slams on her brakes in the middle of a travel lane and as I am getting my car in park and opening my door she hops out and starts walking at a pretty good pace toward my patrol car. I drew my gun and pointed at her, yelled at her to get back in my car, called for cover.

She couldn't understand what happened, didn't realize there was a light that she ran, was upset that I yelled at her, and made a complaint through my supervisor that I did that.

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some people have no common sense. I see it all the time at the airports. people literally lose their minds while flying commercially.

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Originally Posted by sniper7

some people have no common sense. I see it all the time at the airports. people literally lose their minds while flying commercially.

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That could be TSA......[Bang]

I also forgot to mention that as I pulled my gun out I am trying still trying to call out the traffic stop, which was proving to be a bit difficult.

And, I certainly agree about the flying portion, I can't believe how people act during the whole process. INSANE!

As soon as I see that an LEO has an interest in me I get nervous (hey, I don't need a ticket, they cost too much) so I make sure I do everything as right as I possibly can. It doesn't hurt that I played cop for a while and know what most LEO's expect and/or want to have happen.

Thanks for the reply. I've learned from my dad, who's always polite when he gets pulled over. I had my info ready and was polite, but when I get pulled over for going 16 over I expect a ticket.

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

(if you hop out of your car you may get a gun pointed at you)

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I can fully understand why, but. I have been pulled over with dogs in my car. The dogs are usually friendly but I don't want to test that theory. I get out, with all relevant information, and stand behind the car before the officer exits his vehicle. The officer tells me to get back in the car and I explain I have dogs. He had a puzzled look and then said "okay, thanks". We talk. He gives me a warning for having a lead foot.

Thoughts?

I once fishtailed past a CSP on the highway doing about 90 mph and got off with a warning. True story.

Ah Pook, all I can say is that no two situations are alike and the officer may have seen the dogs through the windows and thought they looked vicious. That is my best guess.

My Beagles would be climbing all over me to get out the window, to see what treats the friendly officer might have for them! They have no time for threats, life for them is about FOOD!

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Originally Posted by sniper7

some people have no common sense. I see it all the time at the airports. people literally lose their minds while flying commercially.

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"Whaddaya mean I can't fly with a bear trap in my carryon?"

[Stooge]

so what's the best way to stop that provides protection for the officer?

I wouldn't worry about it. The officer can provide their own protection, and if they don't like where you stopped, they'll let you know with their loud speaker.

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

I am certainly more happy to give a warning (if possible and feasible) to someone who is polite, admits to wrong doing, has their information ready, and is genuinely concerned for my safety. I hate writing tickets in general so I can come up with a pretty good reason to cut you loose (then I have to tell my supervisor why i didn't write any tickets).

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Why haven't you ever been the one to pull me over? Every time I've ever been pulled over, I go as far as possible to the right or pull into a parking lot. I turn off the car, turn on the inside lights so they can see everything in the car. I'm polite and quickly give the info and licenses and always get a ticket. Only 2 in the last 15 years, but still!

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Originally Posted by Stuart

I once fishtailed past a CSP on the highway doing about 90 mph and got off with a warning. True story.

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Now that takes some balls. I have a new level of respect for you after that post.

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Originally Posted by rondog

My Beagles would be climbing all over me to get out the window, to see what treats the friendly officer might have for them! They have no time for threats, life for them is about FOOD!

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We had beagles when I was growing up. They are the friendliest chow hounds I've ever seen. I don't even recall small children ever being intimidated by them.

If I had *potentially* agressive dogs in my vehicle during a traffic stop, I'd roll my window down enough to hollar to the cop as he approached that I'm concerned about the dogs and ask if he minded if I exited the vehicle.

Just me though.

I don't know about balls. I was about your son's age.

Ah! too much testosterone. Close to the same thing but without the wisdom to back it up.

Everytime a female LEO pulls me over, regardless of the situation, I ALWAYS GET A FUCKING TICKET. Why the fuck is that? Irritates the hell out of me. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang]

When she walks up to your car you've gotta quit asking her "What's the problem toots?"

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Originally Posted by DD977GM2

Everytime a female LEO pulls me over, regardless of the situation, I ALWAYS GET A FUCKING TICKET. Why the fuck is that? Irritates the hell out of me. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang]

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Yeah, I've had bad experiences with women cops also [Rant1][Rant1][Rant1]

If you're going to get a ticket anyway, might as well hit on her the whole time.

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Originally Posted by DD977GM2

Everytime a female LEO pulls me over, regardless of the situation, I ALWAYS GET A FUCKING TICKET. Why the fuck is that? Irritates the hell out of me. [Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang][Bang]

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You should stop referring to her as "sugar tits", Mel.

"Hey Sugar Tits, I'm kind of in a hurry, so can you bring the officer you are career shadowing out here so we can get this over with?"

I think I'd get Taser'd if I ever said that to a female cop.

If you refer to me as sugar tits I will probably let you go...