Blue lights flashing in a drivers' rear view mirror. What action does one take? Once a driver is pulled over, a variety of steps can be taken: they can speed off, cry, flirt or start an argument. What is the best step to take when in that situation? What are our rights as drivers?
Tom Stofer, detectives captain in the Auburn Police Department, said the officers in Auburn are all well intended and are always looking out for the safety of the community. He said it is important to have rights.
"If we have reasonable suspicion or probable cause that they have either committed a crime or have a contraband we do have a right to search the vehicle," Stofer said. "If they deny you to search the vehicle we can get a search warrant and they can be detained."
When pulled over, speaking respectfully to an officer does make a difference, Stofer said.
"Courtesy goes a long way in traffic violations. If the driver is polite and follows the officers instructions, the officer is appreciative and will really take that into account," Stofer said. "Sometimes people don't see it this way, but the officer's job is to help them. Most of the people who speed, and the people who don't buckle-up, are repeat offenders, and we want to modify that as much as we can to try to keep the driver safe."
Elizabeth Hamersly, a senior in economics, can attest to that statement. Hamersly was pulled over earlier this year and said she was very polite to the officer.
"I was nice to the officer. I followed all his instructions and it paid off, he let me off with a warning." Hamersly said. "I think it's important to be respectful of them because most of the time they will cut you some slack, or at least in my case they did."
Auburn students who have been pulled over in Auburn feel strongly about their rights. Remy Williams, a junior in business, was pulled over last year while going to church, going barely above the speed limit. His experience did not go as well as Hamersly's.
"Police officers try and make it seem like they're following protocol and simply just doing their jobs, but in many cases I believe they abuse their authority," Williams said. "To protect the safety of society is one thing, but to pull me over when I'm late for church is another."
Williams felt belittled by the officer who pulled him over.
"When I get pulled over, I should first have the right to know why I am being pulled over, and have proof," Williams said. "I should have the right to an explanation. Cops should treat people as equals rather than a lower breed with less power."
Stofer said speeding is the most common traffic violation in Auburn.
"Auburn is a small town and when you're in this kind of town, most of the speed limits are 25 or 35," Stoffer said.
While Auburn Police are working hard to keep this town safe, drivers need to do their part too by following the rules.
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