The Fort Wayne Police Department, in an effort to prepare the public for safe interactions during traffic stops, has released a set of guidelines to follow when pulled over by police. The advice, shared on social media, delineates a number of steps to ensure that both driver and officers remain out of harm’s way during such encounters. Highlighting the potential unpredictability of traffic stops, the department emphasizes the import of composure and clear communication.
According to the post on the department’s Facebook page, drivers are advised to pull over safely to the far right as possible before stopping, to remain inside the vehicle, and to turn on the interior light if it’s dark. Additionally, keeping hands visible on the steering wheel and waiting for instructions without reaching for any documents unbidden, which this could escalate tensions if not handled delicately, and the sequence of the interaction is critical.
Furthermore, the Fort Wayne Police Department guidance reminds drivers that officers are authorized to initiate a stop for “a traffic offense or investigation.” The social media posting underscores the role that a driver’s “calm, respectful actions” play in facilitating a safe encounter for all parties involved. The Police Department’s intentions with these steps, presumably, are helping civilians to navigate the fraught space of traffic stops, with the hopes that such guidance can offer a beacon towards safer and more understandable interactions…