Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops

Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops Model Lesson Plan (draft) As driver educators, we are responsible for disseminating information and procedures to our teens for their safety while using highway transportation systems. Respect for law and law enforcement officers, as well as our fellow drivers are very important.

Age/Grade: Driver Education classroom, 9 – 12th grade students. Objective: Compliance with 115C – 215 (b)(5).

Supplies, materials, and resources:  Driver License Handbook.  Support video from media and other acceptable sources.  Parking lot, with a vehicle.  Law enforcement officer (recommend resource officer at school).  Sample questions potentially asked by students. (below)

Activity Description of Activities Materials and Supplies Time Introduction of the lesson by using local, state or You Tube, video clips, or social 3- 5 mins. national events involving negative media, etc. relating to what-to, or 1. Focus and Review confrontations with law enforcement during not-to-do during traffic stops. police stops.

2. Statement of Lesson  Students will understand the expectations Bulleted list of items listed on the 2-5 min. Objectives/ Intro to Student of the officer of where they should pull- Driver License Handbook. Friendly Learning Target over.  Students will know the basics of how to conduct themselves during a traffic stop.  Students will understand how to physically and verbally present themselves as not being aggressive toward the officer.  Students will understand that the officer is in charge at the traffic stop and they

1 Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops Model Lesson Plan (draft) should comply with their requests.

Actual role play in a mock stop using an actual Classroom space, with chairs 30 mins. 3. Teacher Input law enforcement officer (LEO). replicating a vehicle. Modeling or Provide a format for LEO to follow in the Parking lot with an officer and a Demonstration classroom, and weather permitting, outside in vehicle. (preferably in a quiet space the parking lot. where voices can be heard by all. Question and answer period for LEO using Below 15 mins. questions from list provided. 4. Guided Practice

6.Closure/ Assessment 5 mins. Written, or choral response

Sample questions students may ask during the lesson.

What do I do when I see the blue flashing lights in my rear-view mirror? Immediately put on your hazard lights and follow pull over to the right edge of the roadway in a safe place.

How do I handle passengers in my car if I am being pulled over by the police? First, always know who is in your car, what they have or don't have on them and that they are controllable. If you are being pulled over, advise all passengers that you will do the talking, that they must place their hands palms up on their knees and "to be quiet and compliant".

Why should I show respect to a police officer who does not show me respect?

2 Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops Model Lesson Plan (draft) Remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you want that police officer to change his/her behavior or actions, be the change you want to see.

What can I do if I feel like an officer is being unprofessional - or even abusive - during a traffic stop? The objective is to make it home safely. Comply with the officer's reasonable requests, ensuring that you remain respectful. You can call the officer by his/her last name (e.g., "Officer Jones") or Sir/Ma’am, and once the interaction has been completed, you can file a complaint at every level of government (local police dept., State Attorney General, FBI) if the officer behaved unprofessionally. Additionally, if you believe the officer is being unprofessional and/or abusive, you can respectfully request that the officer's supervisor come to the scene.

What if there is not a safe place to pull over when being stopped by the police? You are permitted to find a safe place to pull over. You must act reasonably, so the first possible safe place would be highly recommended based on factors such as lighting, whether the area is populated and/or traffic conditions. Remember to put on your hazard lights so that the officer will know that you acknowledge him/her.

May I call my parents during a traffic stop? It is recommended that you have as little movement as possible during a traffic stop. Police officers have a very focused and keen level of awareness during these encounters, so when you are moving around a lot, it could raise concerns. Having your parents on the phone could be both an asset and/or a distraction. You may call them, but please consider whether this will escalate the car stop. Remember, they are not there with you, so they may have a heightened anxiety that could lead to an unnecessary confrontation with the police officer. The best rule is to remain calm, to comply and if there is an issue with the police officer's level of professionalism, ask for a supervisor. Additionally, you can always say that you would like to call your attorney and parents prior to making these calls.

Why do I have to roll my window down all the way when I can hear the police officer perfectly well with my window rolled down just a little bit? The police officer will probably ask you to roll down your window. It is always better and safer for you to comply rather than to be confrontational and not to comply. There is no law that says you have to roll down your window, but you must comply with any lawful order from a law enforcement officer.

Suggested procedures for motorists when stopped by law enforcement officers:

• On a standard dual-lane highway, ALWAYS pull to the right and off the travel portion of the highway;

3 Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops Model Lesson Plan (draft)

• On a highway, with two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction, a driver should pull his vehicle onto the most feasible shoulder of the highway in a safe manner;

• Upon bringing the vehicle to a stop the driver should remain seated in the vehicle and place the vehicle in the “parked” position, preferably with the vehicle in the “off” position. With power locks and windows more prevalent, the engine may have to be left running. Activate the vehicle’s hazard lights or emergency flashers;

• If at night, activate the vehicle’s interior lights;

• Turn off your car radio. This will assist in communicating with the officer;

• Place both hands on the steering wheel while the officer is approaching the vehicle;

• The passengers should place their hands in their lap or on their knees, in order to allow the officer a clear view of the vehicle; and

• Once the officer approaches the vehicle, lower your window so you can communicate with the officer.

• Do not talk on your cell phone;

• Do not move around in the vehicle, reach under the seats or enter the glove box or center console while the officer is approaching the vehicle. Basically, refrain from unnecessary movement; and

• Do not exit the vehicle or have other parties exit the vehicle unless instructed by the officer. Officers understand and take into consideration many factors when stopping drivers. In some cases the violator may continue to drive a short distance until they reach the first “safe haven” or well-lit area as determined by the law enforcement officer. This distance is based upon the violation committed or the law enforcement officer’s observation of the motorist’s driving ability. When proceeding to the first “safe haven” or well-lit area, the vehicle’s hazard lights or emergency flashers should be activated.