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Those who have had run-ins with the law like minor traffic violations, do you generally get suspected of having drugs? When my hair was alot shorter the first time I was pulled over, the officer had no problem letting me off with a warning. I've been pulled over three times since. Once for no provocation other than that "I was out late" and each time I was suspected of having drugs. It's starting to really bleep me off. I don't usually even go near drugs. I'm just trying to make an honest living and sometimes end up in a rush. I guess otherwise law abiding citizens are easier to pick off for petty stuff and make money off of. Gods forbid if they look anything like a stereotype.
In my younger longhaired days I was often asked to step outside of the car and I too was a good boy with a few exceptions. I was always polite and cooperative and they quickly judged that I wasn't the stereotypical longhair druggie etc. etc. It is unfortunate but because of the way society is in many areas you will have this. In places like San Francisco, or my old haunt Madison Wisconsin it's not as much a problem.
As annoying as it is it's a fact of life like paying taxes, we hate it but manage to get by anyway. Just remain calm and polite and they will not hassle you too much usually.
Kevin
When the officer comes up to to your car always have your hands on plain view usually on the steering wheel with your wallet on the dash so you can take out your license out while keeping your hands in plain view. If you are stopped at night also turn on your dome lights. This will put the officer at ease and will make the stop go much easier and smoother.
But remember these guys have huge egos if you challenge it in any way things will get ugly(I learned that lesson in my young dumb short haired days). I know all about my rights but if you stand on those rights over minor traffic stops they can still arrest you and haul you into court. That costs you time and money and maybe your job if you miss work over it. Or worse yet they might plant something on you,which is my biggest fear, and then how do you prove it wasn't yours?. They'd destroy your life in a heartbeat if you challenge them. Beware of female cops they are out to prove their manhood.
I can personally say I'd never date a woman police officer even if she were the last woman on earth.
Friends,
I agree with the previous advice. Be cooperative and cool. However, you should know your rights.
I have before me a small, 4 page wallet size card that everyone should have, published by the ACLU, called "WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE." It is too long to reproduce here, unless I get specific requests. I can copy it and upload it, if the powers that be will assist me, for I am not good at the uploading game, or I would send some new photos of my geriatric hair progress. Try going on line www.aclu.org, and see if you can locate it. Better yet, join. It only cost $5. for people of limited means, though $20. is suggested, and request that several copies of this card be sent to you. This small card also advises what to do if you are taken to a Police Station, and How to respond if the police knock on your door at home.
The ACLU is entirely in favor or our obeying the law, as defined by the constitution. But ready to challenge overzealous police, as we successfully did here in Asheville, NC last month when a sherrif's deputy arrested a couple for posting an upside down flag, the traditional symbol of distress, with a sign pinned thereto explaining their opposition to an undeclared and unwinnable war against an abstract noun.
When our new Sherriff was elected, I took him to lunch in my role as president of the local ACLU, along with one additional board member. We like him and congratulated him on his election, and assured him we were on the same side: supporting the Constitution. In this case, he instructed the prosecutor to drop the charge. Ta Da.
Moral. Elect good people. Remind them of their duty to function within the bounds of our constitution.
Cal.
Oh, cool. I didn't know this existed. Thank you for what you do. :)
I've been pulled over maybe half a dozen times, and the responses have been all over the map- from totally friendly and professional with multiple cars surrounding me, to one-small-word-away-from-getting-arrested.
The one thing they ALWAYS have asked me, though, is "is this car yours?"
I don't *think* I look like a car thief..." ;)
-sectari