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Interacting With Police Officers
Being stopped or approached by a Police Officer can be intimidating or unsettling. The summary guidelines below will ensure your interaction with a Police Officer is a positive one. For additional information, access one of the following brochure links:
See another online resource on how to interact with law enforcement officers.
Summary Guidelines
What to Do If the Police Stop Your Vehicle
- Immediately pull over to the right
- Remain seated in the vehicle and do not open any doors unless the officer orders you to exit the vehicle, in which case comply with all orders immediately
- Place your vehicle in park and roll down your window
- If it’s nighttime, turn on the interior lights
- Make sure both of your hands are visible - the top of the steering wheel is a good location to place them
- Do not make any other movements until the officer reaches your car and asks to see your driver’s license and registration
- 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
- Immediately comply with any additional orders from the officer
- If you have a CCW permit and are carrying a firearm, inform the officer immediately
- Do not argue with the officer regarding the stated reason for the stop
- If you are cited you are required to sign the ticket and accept your copy
- Do not argue your case with the officer
- Remember that you have a court date (listed on the bottom of the ticket) to question the validity of the stop or charges and make appeals
- Do not ask a supervisor to rescind the citation
- If you feel the officer acted unprofessionally, inform the officer’s supervisor by calling the non-emergency number, 937-333-2677
What to Do If You Are Approached by an Officer
- Do not run from the officer
- Take your hands out of your pockets and keep them out
- If you have a CCW permit and are carrying a firearm, inform the officer immediately
- Do not make sudden moves
- Follow instructions the officer gives you
- If the officer is going to pat you down, inform him/her of any weapons or sharp objects they may encounter, but don’t reach for them
- Don’t argue with the officer about his stated reason for approaching you
- Answer the officer’s questions to the best of your ability
- If you feel the officer acted unprofessionally, inform the officer’s supervisor by calling the non-emergency number, 937-333-2677
Civil Vs. Criminal Enforcement
- Police Officers investigate violations of Criminal Law.
- They are not allowed to make decisions or take enforcement action on civil issues, except for Civil Protection Orders, which are enforceable.
Police Officers Cannot
- Settle property disputes
- Settle contract disputes
- Evict tenants before completion of lawful eviction proceedings, regardless of whether their names appear on the lease
- Resolve custody disputes involving children of married/divorced parents without documents showing a judgment establishing custody, unless evidence of an immediate threat to the child’s safety is apparent