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What should I do if an officer approaches me on the street?
There are many reasons an officer may directly approach you on the street. Here are some of the reasons:The officer may be stopping to see if you are in need of assistance of some kind.· You might be one of only a few people walking around in the area of a crime that just occurred. · Your clothing might be similar or identical to that worn by a suspect in a crime. · Someone may have called the police complaining that your activities or presence looked "suspicious" to them. · You might be acting in a manner that the officer considers "suspicious".\
The following general advice applies to all direct encounters:
· Do not carry weapons (real or otherwise) or even joke about having a weapon on your person. · Do not touch the officer or violate his or her "personal" safety zone, approximately 3 feet. · Remain calm and avoid being argumentative. If you are uncooperative and refuse to answer reasonable questions, the officer is likely to become more suspicious and the encounter will probably last much longer then needed. · Comply with the officer then ask for a explanation from the officer later. · Avoid making sudden movements (for your wallet, into your coat, toward your waistband, etc.) until you have informed the officer of your intention to do so and the officer has said it's okay. |
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Town of Summit Police Department 53066
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Non-Emergency (262)567-1134
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