Officials: What to do During Traffic Stops

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — You hear the sirens, see the lights and pull over for a routine traffic stop. However, in recent weeks these routine stops have become dangerous for both parties involved. “It’s a very difficult time for law enforcement with the events that are going on and officers are definitely on edge right now. You know, the officer wants to go home at the end of the day so that’s why it’s important that the community understands what can be done if they are pulled over,” says Sr. Deputy Matthew Taylor with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. In an effort to keep officers and motorists safe, officials are working to correct misconceptions on the appropriate way to act when pulled over. According to Taylor, “A lot of movement can definitely raise red flags, somebody jumping out of the vehicle all of a sudden, taking off running or a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed, if that individual is not complying with what the officer’s request… in other words if he’s not showing his hands or if he’s refusing to give his information, that’s definitely red flags that there’s something going on.” Additionally, police are clarifying the three reasons for a stop. “Any type of traffic violation, can pull you over based on probable cause or even reasonable suspicion where he believes that the individual may be involved in some type of criminal activity,” says Taylor. They ask that motorists remain calm even if they disagree with the reason they’re being pulled over. Taylor says,”Just for the community to keep in mind that they’ll have their day in court they can contest that in front of the judge .” Officials are hopeful that education will lessen the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve. “We appreciate the community and all that they’re doing. You know we have to work together, law enforcement and the community, it is a partnership. That’s what we strive to do, is to protect the community, that’s what we’re out there for.”