Contact with a police officer can occur in many ways, including:
- Providing information as a victim or witness
- During community functions or events
- Emergency situations
- Questioning for an investigation
- As a result of a complaint or call for service
- Execution of a search warrant
- Traffic stops
Innocent individuals are often offended, angered, or both as a result of being detained by an officer. Although the delay may be inconvenient for you, the officer believes that there is a reason to stop you and ask questions. Examples might include questioning about a crime which occurred recently in your area or locating a witness to an incident. The officer does not want to detain you any longer than necessary. A few minutes of cooperation will speed up the process and get you on your way.
The first words spoken by the officer(s) or people involved may determine the tone of the encounter and possibly the eventual outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Why did you stop me?
- Traffic violations are the most common reasons a vehicle is stopped. Examples are speeding, running a red light, or failure to wear a seatbelt.
- Criminal investigations often involve searching for a “get-away” car. Your car may match the description of a suspect’s vehicle.
- Safety concerns such as your trunk may be open, you may have left items on your roof, or you may have a tire going flat.
Why did the officer sneak up along the side of my car?
- Officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic and reduce possible injury.
Why did two or three officers show up?
- Officers in the vicinity frequently back each other up without being requested.
Why is it taking so long?
- The officer is verifying your driving privileges and registration status.
What should you do?
If you are stopped in your car
- Slow down and pull over safely – get out of the lane of traffic.
- Place your car in park and roll down your window; turn off the radio, cell phone, etc.
- If it is nighttime, turn on the interior lights.
- Stay in your car. Do not open any doors unless the officer asks you to exit the car. Getting out of your car can be perceived as a threat to officer safety.
- Make sure both of your hands are visible – a good place is on top of the steering wheel.
- Please refrain from making movements inside the vehicle as the officer is approaching your car and asks to see your valid driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. Tell the officer where they are located; unnecessary movement may cause concern for officer safety.
- If you are carrying a firearm, inform the officer immediately.
- If you must reach into a compartment or baggage to retrieve ID, inform the officer about the location of the object before reaching for it.
- The police will check the validation of your license and registration.
- It is possible that circumstances may arise that lead an officer to ask for consent to search your car. You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle. The officer may search a car without consent if there is a legal basis to do so.
- If you are suspected of drunk driving, you may be asked to submit to breath, blood or urine tests. Cooperate with the officer. If you refuse, it may result in the loss of driving privileges, fines, and if convicted, mandatory jail time.
- Be respectful, patient and relax.
- Do not argue your case with the officer. If you receive a citation, you have a court date to question the validity of the stop or charges, and you can make appeals at a later time.
If you are stopped on the street
- Do not ignore, walk away from, or make sudden moves around law enforcement officers even in instances where you feel they may be mistaken. Do not argue with the officer about the stated reason for approaching you.
- Follow officer instructions. You are not legally required to provide identification and answer questions, but failure to do so may cause the officer to become more suspicious of your activity and prolong the stop.
- Do not touch an officer.
- You may be asked to take your hands out of your pockets. This is for safety reasons.
- If you are carrying a firearm, inform the officer immediately and follow instructions.
- If an officer has a “reasonable suspicion” that you may be carrying a weapon, you may be subjected to a “pat-down” search. Inform him/her of any weapons or sharp objects they may encounter, but don’t reach for them.
- Remember, you are not required to give testimony against yourself. You have Fifth Amendment rights.
If police come to your door
- Make sure each individual is really a law enforcement representative by requesting to see a badge and/or identification card. Be pleasant but serious.
- Make sure that the officers are at the correct house by asking, “How can I help you?” or “What brings you to my home?”
- Reasons may include:
- They may have an arrest warrant (person) or search warrant (location)
- Be actively investigating a crime
- Be in “hot pursuit” of an individual suspected of committing a crime and running into your house
- An emergency situation such as a “911” disconnect or someone yelling for help.
- If officers insist on entering your home, you may verbally express any objections you have. However, do not resist or argue with them to try to prevent them from entering.
The bottom line
- Stay calm and in control of your words and actions
- Do not resist arrest or interfere in the arrest of another person even if you think the arrest is unfair. The officer's actions can be challenged at a later time in court.
Provide feedback
You have the right to ask officers to explain their actions and also to ask for their name, badge number, and/or to speak with a supervisor.
It is important for the police department to hear from the community about how officers are doing. To make a complaint or share a compliment, please contact the Lexington Police Public Integrity Unit via phone or by using the online form.
Go to Public Integrity Unit webpage