Have you ever been pulled over and noticed an officer tapping the back of your car? It might seem like a random gesture, but there’s a very deliberate reason behind it, and it’s not about dusting off dirt or drumming on your vehicle. This subtle gesture leaves a crucial trace behind in case things don’t go as planned.
Orlando Trooper Steve Montiero shared with News 6 that this is a key safety move for both the driver and the officer. “When law enforcement conducts a traffic stop, there are several procedures in place to ensure the violator’s and the officer’s safety,” Montiero explains. A simple touch on the car’s rear is proof that the officer was there.
Ensures Trunk is Closed
One practical yet vital reason officers do this is to confirm the trunk’s secure closure. Police face many risks, and they want to ensure no one is hiding in the trunk, ready to pose a threat. Montiero points out that ensuring the trunk is latched adds a layer of safety.
Checks Driver’s Mental State
The sound of a tap also serves another purpose. The Law Dictionary suggests that the unexpected noise can alert the driver, disrupting any hidden actions and giving officers a chance to observe behaviors and seize any suspicious activity.
While this method is efficient, it might also indicate the officer’s location, possibly putting them at risk if the situation escalates.
Fingerprint Tagging
Each touch leaves behind the officer’s fingerprint on the car. This can be crucial if the encounter turns aggressive or if the driver decides to bolt. According to Montiero, this connects the officer to the vehicle, ensuring accountability and documenting the officer’s presence at the stop.
Taillight Tapping: A Changing Practice
Policing today marries time-honored practices with the latest tech innovations like body cams and dash cams. Yet, as Nick Fresolone, a retired New Jersey police academy instructor, notes, this longstanding practice of tapping is dwindling. Some newer officers see their senior colleagues still doing it but question why it wasn’t part of their training protocols.
Remember to Keep Your Car Clean
A piece of advice from criminal defense attorney Joe Hoelscher is to keep your car clean. If your car was recently tagged during a stop, it might affect future interactions with the police. The sight of a previous fingerprint can make the next officer more cautious or aggressive.
This small but significant gesture is part of a broader system aimed at enhancing safety, ensuring officer accountability, and maintaining public order during traffic stops. Being aware of these practices can help drivers better appreciate the complexities involved in ensuring everyone’s safety during these encounters.
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