What to expect

Contact with Police may occur in many ways

  • Emergency situations.
  • During community events.
  • Information given to officers as a victim or witness.
  • Traffic stops or accidents.
  • During a criminal investigation, an officer may stop individuals in search of information.
  • To alert of safety concerns.

When at a residence

  • A police officer can enter the residence if:
  • They have been given consent.
  • They have an arrest or search warrant.
  • An emergency exists, someone calling for help, first aid is needed or to prevent injury or harm.
  • Pursuing a criminal suspect or if officers believe criminal evidence may be lost while waiting for a warrant.

When arrested

  • The individual will be asked by the officer and is required by law to give their name, date of birth and address. Do not give false information.
  • There is no requirement to answer questions involving the crime an individual may be accused of committing but doing so may resolve the situation more quickly.
  • A lawyer may be requested and if the individual cannot pay for a lawyer, one will be appointed.

When stopped in person

Officers may stop and talk with individuals for a number of reasons, including to check one’s welfare or that of a neighborhood. If the officer believes a person has committed a crime, is about to commit a crime or has information about a crime, they may be detained by police.

  • Officers may ask individuals for their name, date of birth and to provide a form of identification. It is usually not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but not answering may raise suspicions. Arrests can be made for providing false information.
  • Stay calm, be polite and respectful.
  • Individuals may ask why the action is being taken.
  • For everyone’s safety it is important to keeps hand where they can be seen.
  • Do not run away.
  • Do not touch, interfere or obstruct the officers. This could also lead to arrest.
  • Police may pat down clothing if they suspect a weapon.
  • If there is disagreement with the reason for the stop or the officer’s demeanor, a complaint may be filed to the shift supervisor after the incident.
  • On request, an officer must provide their name and ID number when it is safe to do so.

When stopped in a vehicle

Traffic safety is essential for citizens and traffic enforcement is an important role for police. Traffic stops can be very dangerous for officers and uncomfortable for citizens. Citizen cooperation can make the stop safer for everyone involved. Stops can be made if the officer observes:

  • Illegal driving behavior.
  • Defective or improper vehicle equipment.
  • Evidence of possible criminal activity.

When stopped:

  • Safety pull over to the right and stay in the vehicle. Turn the interior light on if stopped at night.
  • Keep hands on the steering wheel.
  • Officers will ask for a license, registration and proof of insurance. One is required by law to provide these items.
  • If asked by an officer to either exit or remain in the vehicle, one is required by law to comply with this request.
  • If carrying a concealed weapon, tell the officer immediately. Do not try to reach for it or display it unless requested to do so.
  • The officer should treat individual in a courteous and professional manner. If issued a citation, the officer should explain why, as well as options for resolving it.
  • An individual does not have to consent to a search of their person or vehicle but the officer may still search if there is reason to suspect criminal activity.

General information

  • Police may use reasonable force to make an arrest or detain someone.
  • If officers have probable cause of criminal activity or a reasonable suspicion about weapons or an illegal substance, they may search the individuals, vehicles and in some cases, the residence.
  • If there is probable cause, property can be seized.