The beach season is now officially in full swing. With visitors from all over California and all over the world… not everyone is familiar with the laws of our awesome neighborhood. And, many don’t care. LAPD will have their hands full handling the seasons schenannigans. Here are some safe Summer suggestions for interacting with your local Police Officers, while they are interacting with others or even you!
When Police detain ANYONE for ANY REASON, including traffic stops:
1. Please do not approach the officers and ask questions while they are engaged with a possible suspect or individual.
2. If you have a question, wait at least 15 ft away within direct eyesight of the officers. Wait to make eyesight with the officer to acknowledge that you have a question.
3. If you saw something or have information related to the incident at hand, please wait for the officer to verbally acknowledge you to come towards them.
4. Do not walk behind a police officer when they have someone detained or are making a traffic stop. They require a zone of safety to make sure no threats come upon them from behind.
5. Regardless of your opinion of what you see, positive or negative - please refrain from yelling or screaming your opinions of what you see. While you do have freedom of speech, such actions if construed as interfering with an arrest or inciting violence - which are both crimes.
6. If the matter at hand does not directly involve you, please just stay at a safe distance until the matter is resolved.
If you are pulled over:
1. Turn off your engine.
2. Roll down your window.
3. Turn OFF your radio.
4. Get off the phone.
5. Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
6. Don’t reach for anything in your car.
7. Let the officer know where your license and registration are before you reach for them.
8. Be courteous and let the officer explain to you why he stopped you. (If he/she doesn’t - POLITELY ask).
9. Avoid the “don’t you have anything better to do… You should be out catching real criminals…” and the police favorite, “I pay your salaries!” This may only lead to additional violations on your citation…
These general rules are to ensure the safety of everyone involved! Remember, police officers unfortunately deal with combative and violent individuals every day and it is a very dangerous part of their job. Situations that require or involve the police often already include people that have a heightened state of emotions, and often involve subjects that are under the influence of mind altering substances. The more calm, patient and direct you can be while interacting with police officers is always appreciated!
