WHAT TO DO WHEN STOPPED BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF

There are many different reasons why you might be stopped by law enforcement. Whatever the reason, your cooperation is requested and greatly appreciated.  A few of the possible reasons for being stopped are:

• Law Enforcement may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation.
• You may have committed a traffic violation.
• Your vehicle may match the description of one used in a criminal act.
• The Deputy might think you are in trouble and need help.
• You may have knowingly or unknowingly witnessed a crime.

If you are stopped by a Deputy while driving, you may feel confused, anxious or even angry.  These are natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and dangerous for the Deputy. Each year, a number of law enforcement officers are killed or seriously injured while making the “routine” traffic stop. Law Enforcement Officers are especially vulnerable during the hours of darkness.

With this in mind, there are things that you, as a law abiding citizen, can do to help lessen the uneasiness of the experience.

What to do when a Deputy stops you:

• When you see the blue overhead lights and/or hear the siren and it appears that the Deputy is attempting to stop you and not pass you on an emergency call, remain calm, slow down and pull over in a safe location on the shoulder of the roadway or a nearby parking lot.
• Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. This is for safety reasons. (A number of pedestrians and law enforcement officers have been killed by passing vehicles.)
• At night turn on your interior/dome lights.
• Keep your hands in a position where the Deputy can see them, preferably on the steering wheel.
• Inform the Deputy of any weapons in your vehicle and their location. Do not reach or point to the location.
• Avoid any sudden movements, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
• Comply with the Deputy’s request to see your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Florida law requires you to carry these with you.
• If your documents are out of reach, tell the Deputy where they are before you reach for them.
• If there are passengers in your vehicle, encourage them to remain quiet and cooperate with instructions. You, as the operator, are solely responsible for your vehicle and its occupants.
• Avoid becoming argumentative. Arguing will not change the Deputy’s mind. If you contest the violation, you will have an opportunity to address the matter in court.
• Answer all the questions truthfully.
• The Deputy may issue you a ticket.  If you feel the reason is vague or unclear, politely ask the Deputy for details.
• If asked to sign a citation, do so. It is not an admission of guilt. Refusal could result in an arrest.
• You have the right to deny a request by a Deputy to search your vehicle; however, if probable cause is present, the Deputy has the right to search your vehicle without your consent.

Understand that each situation is unique and the Deputy Sheriff must alter his or her response to fit the circumstance.  Generally, however, a Deputy:

• Will provide his/her name upon request
• Will inform a person of the reason for being stopped,
• Will only arrest a person for a crime committed in the officer’s presence, or when the officer has probable cause to believe the person has already committed the crime

Questions / Compliments / Complaints

If you have a question about these procedures or a complaint about your treatment, contact the Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with a supervisor. You may also send a letter of compliment if you feel the officer was particularly helpful in your situation. Compliments or complaints about officer conduct should be made within a reasonable time.