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