interaction with law enforcement lesson plan

TMCEC, www.drsr.info 1

Interaction with Law Enforcement - Lesson Plan Texas Education Code [TEC] Sec. 28.012 requires “Instruction on Interaction with Law Enforcement.”

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.28.htm#28.012

Teaching Strategy:

1. Project the first slide of the accompanying power point presentation. The PowerPoint

presentation will guide you through the lesson.

2. Bell-Ringer Activity: Have students collect a “Student Entrance Ticket” and complete the

questions. Bell-Ringer Discussion: (this can be condensed or postponed if time is short)

Discuss the questions as a class, in small groups, or have students turn to their shoulder-

partners to discuss.

a. “What are some ways that citizens interact?” (times, places, events). Answer will vary.

Essentially, citizens interact everywhere. Whether they are voting, going to work,

shopping, attending school, driving down the road, reporting a crime, volunteering, playing

at the park, or posting something on social media, people are in constant interaction within

their community.

b. This brings us to the next question: “How do you define “community?” Answers will vary.

Students may identify their friends, online communities, school, church groups, clubs,

sports teams, family circles, etc. If students do not include the following, ask them if they

consider firefighters part of their community? Teachers? Peace officers (law

enforcement)?

c. Next, discuss with students THEIR place in the community. “What role do you play?” If

students struggle with this idea, remind them that they are the future. They are the future

Learning Objectives: Students will 1. Understand and recognize proper

interaction with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters;

2. Identify the role of law enforcement and the responsibilities of peace officers;

3. Understand and recognize how to effectively and safely assert one’s rights in interactions with peace officers;

4. Identify proper behavior for civilians and peace officers during interactions;

5. Understand and describe laws regarding the questioning and possible detention of a civilian by peace officers; and

6. Understand and describe how and where to file a complaint against or a compliment for a peace officer.

TEKS: 19 TAC Ch.113 TEKS for Social Studies: 113.18 (6th Grade TEKS): 13A, 14B 113.19 (7th Grade TEKS): 16A-B, 23A-B 113.20 (8th Grade TEKS): 19B-D, 19F, 20B, 31A-B 113.41 (US since 1877 TEKS): 32A-B 113.44 (Government TEKS): 13C, 14A-C, 22A-B Estimated Time: 60 – 120 minutes Materials Needed: Accompanying PowerPoint Copies of Student Handout: “Entrance

Ticket” Copies of Student Handout for Interactive

Notes Copies of the Student Pre-Test List of Role Play Scenarios Copies of TYLA Handout: “20 Tips for

Interacting with Police Officers During a Traffic Stop”

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.28.htm#28.012


Extension/Differentiation:

For extension or enrichment: have students create a Public Service Announcement video for

teenage drivers regarding how to interact with police officers. Have students research Community

Policing efforts. Have students contact a local police officer, interview them, and write a reflection.

For remediation, reteach, or special populations: have students watch the “Virtual Ride Along” on

www.discoverpolicing.org and complete the accompanying embedded questions from the website.

For writing extension: have students choose one or more video clips from the “Real People, Real Stories” segments on www.discoverpolicing.org and write a reflection piece about the lives of law enforcement officers.

inventors, scientists, lawyers, judges, doctors, voters, jurors, authors, reporters, police

officers, fire fighters, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, drivers, pilots, military

servicemembers, politicians, salespeople, consumers, etc.

d. “What ‘rights and responsibilities’ do we possess as citizens and even as community-

members?” Answers will vary. Rights may include the right to vote, to marry, to have

children, to work, or freedoms found in the Bill of Rights (such as free speech, religion, the

right to an attorney, etc.). Responsibilities may include the responsibility to serve on a

jury, to obey the law, to vote, to attend school and get an education, etc.

3. Pass out copies of the Student Handout for Interactive Notes, and have students complete the notes as you continue through the PowerPoint as a class.

4. At the accompanying PowerPoint slide, pass out the Pre-test and give students time to answer the questions before continuing in the power point. Students will continue to follow along with their Interactive Notes Handout.

5. At the accompanying slide, distribute copies of “20 Tips for Interacting with Police Officers during a Traffic Stop” and have students read (independently or as a class). Using their Interactive Notes, students will complete the “iceberg analogy” section using the “20 Tips” handout.

6. Finish the PowerPoint before continuing to Role-Play Activity. 7. Role-Play Activity: Place students into pairs and give each pair a different scenario to role play (it

is best to cut up the Role Play Scenarios into strips so that the groups don’t know what scenarios the other groups have been assigned). Allow students time to practice with their partner and create their skit. Each group will then take turns acting out their scenario/skit before the class. After each performance, have the class try to guess what the driver did wrong or should have done differently.

8. Optional: See Extension / Differentiation activities below.

http://www.discoverpolicing.org

http://www.discoverpolicing.org

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Rights & Responsibilities

In Your Community

WELCOMEPlease complete the

Entrance Ticket

Rights & Responsibilities

Why is it important to know your rights?

What might happen if everyone ignored their responsibilities?

Rights & ResponsibilitiesAccording to political philosophers, people

naturally tend to form compacts, or agreements, with one another.

These agreements often center on defining acceptable, moral behavior for the community to

avoid anarchy and injury.News Flash!THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON

FOR CENTURIES…

Aristotle & Civic VirtueGreek Philosopher (384-322 BCE)• “For as man is the best of all animals when perfected, so

he is the worst of all when sundered [divorced] from law and justice.”

• “A state is an association of similar persons whose aim is the best life possible.”

• “It is the special property of man in distinction from the other animals that he alone has perception of good and bad and right and wrong and the other moral qualities, and it is partnership in these things that makes a household and a city-state.”

• Civic Virtue – personal qualities that enhance the functioning of a civil society, such as: community involvement, promotion of the public good, and participating in government

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Aristotle: John Locke’s

Social Contract Theory

English Philosopher (1632-1704 AD)

• All people are by nature FREE and EQUAL.

• In their own self-interest, people will secure themselves, their rights, and their property by forming a “civil society” with agreed-upon standards of conduct.

• These standards form the basis of laws and these agreements form the basis of government.

• Governments exist to protect and defend people, their rights, and their property. They do this through the enforcement of laws that society has agreed to.

Locke: John Locke’s

Social Contract Theory

Wait!!! Where have you heard this before?

“…all men are created equal…”

“…endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights…”

“…to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers

from the consent of the governed.”

The Declaration of

Independence!(Jefferson was a Locke fan)

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The Social Contract In Action!Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers

“I get it…

but how does this

relate to ME??”

The Role & Responsibility of

Peace Officers

The term "peace officer" is used to describe anyone who has statutory law enforcement powers. The term police officer is used to describe a peace officer who works for a police agency. That being said, a police officer, deputy sheriff, state trooper, or constable are all peace officers.

Their primary duty is to PROTECT

and SERVE.

Press ESC to end animation/lights.

Fun Fact… Well, maybe not “fun”

What do Timothy McVeigh (the Oklahoma City bomber), David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz (serial killer), and 9/11 ringleader Mohammed Atta

have in common?

Yes, they’re all murderers, but what else?

They were all brought to the attention of the police through a “routine” traffic violation!

In Praise of Traffic Tickets by Tom Vanderbilt, SLATE August 28, 2009

Where or when do people interact

with police officers?

List all the times and places an ordinary citizen might come in contact with an officer.

Place each in the + or – column, based on whether that experience is likely to affect a

citizen’s opinion of law enforcement positively or negatively.

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Where or when do people interact

with police officers?

Traffic Stop, Traffic Crash

Reporting a crime (Burglary, Theft, Assault, Kidnapping, Domestic Abuse, etc.)

Reporting suspicious activity

Public Venues (professional sports arenas, conventions, marches, etc.)

Death notification

Schools (SROs)

Emergency situations

Do you think that people’s opinions of law enforcement officers are influenced by the fact

that officers are typically present in negative (sometimes even traumatic) situations?

Do we more often associate officers with the negative environments that accompany their work, or do we associate them with the good

they are doing for society?

Does the Social Contract work without enforcement of agreed upon laws?

Did you know…?

Most people’s first real interaction with the legal system (including police and the courts) is as a

result of a traffic stop

In your interaction with Law Enforcement Officers, you have specific rights as well as legal

responsibilities

Did you also know…?

You and the Law Enforcement officer have the same GOAL during every

interaction?

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To make it HOME.Know what to DO and what NOT to do when interacting with an officer of the law.

Let’s take a little Pre-Test

How did you do?If an officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, you are more than likely going to be arrested.FALSE…There are many reasons an officer may ask you to exit your vehicle (for example, the officer may want to speak to you without having his backside in traffic!)

If a law enforcement officer stops you and asks you to identify yourself, you have a 5th Amendment “right to remain silent.”FALSE…Refusing to truthfully identify yourself can be a statutory violation.

If you refuse to take a breathalyzer during a traffic stop, your license can be suspended and you may be forced to submit to a blood test.TRUE…You may still be arrested and subjected to a test for blood alcohol content.

How did you do?

Police officers have quotas for how many tickets they must issue each month.

FALSE…Ticket quotas are illegal in Texas.

Police officers cannot search your car without a warrant.

FALSE…In Carroll v. US in 1925, the Supreme Court established that cars may be searched without a warrant if officers have “probable cause.” Probable cause is a certain level of officer suspicion and it depends on the facts and circumstances of each situation.

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How did you do?If you are being unfairly treated by an officer, you should state your complaints clearly, point out the objectionable behavior by the officer, and wait for aid to arrive.

FALSE…If you have a complaint or concern, remember the officer’s badge number and make your complaint through the law enforcement agency’s non-emergency hotline. Arguing with the officer or being non-compliant will only escalate the interaction. Behave calmly, comply with officer requests, and then write down your concerns about the interaction immediately afterwards so that you can report it if necessary.

If an officer gives you a ticket, you should sign it when asked to do so. It is not an admission of guilt.TRUE…Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt.

How did you do?

Crying is a more effective way to get out of a ticket than recording an officer on your cell phone.FALSE…Recording the officer, crying, trying to provoke the officer, or acting out only escalates the tension and conflict in your interaction. Remaining courteous and respectful during your interactions with people (not just law enforcement) yields better results!

You cannot be given a ticket for driving slowly.FALSE…Depending on the situation, an officer may issue a ticket for driving too slowly, especially if it endangers other drivers.

If you are being pulled over by a police officer, you have approximately 50 yards (or 150 feet) to stop your vehicle before it is considered a “chase.”FALSE…You should pull over to the right as soon as it is safe to do so. Put on your blinker so the officer knows you see him or her, then pull over (preferably in a well-lit place that is clear and free from traffic…a parking lot is a good choice, the middle of a bridge is NOT).

How did you do?

BONUS QUESTION: When interacting with law enforcement officers, the MOST IMPORTANT thing to do is to move quickly, react fast, and don’t ask questions.

FALSE! In a traffic stop or other non-emergency situation, don’t make sudden movements. Don’t reach across the car or toward the officer. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Do not touch the officer. If you need to put your hands in your pockets (or purse or jacket), talk to the officer first. Say, “I need to get my wallet out of my purse (or pocket, or glove box, etc.)…is it OK if I go ahead and reach in there to get it?” Peace officers must always be concerned about whether you might have a weapon. Any sudden, unpredictable movements can be dangerous for yourself and the officer. Of course, in any dangerous, emergency situation (such as a natural disaster or an active shooter), reacting quickly, listening for law enforcement help, and protecting yourself by following your instincts is important. Safety and survival are the most important things in the event of a crisis!

You are ready to roll!

90% or

ABOVE?

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BELOW

80%?

Danger ahead!

It’s called Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officers want to maintain public safety. If someone disagrees with the law

or the manner in which it is being enforced, they will get to have their day in court.

It’s called, “your day in court” for a reason...it will be in court, NOT on the side of the road. Being argumentative or noncompliant with a

law enforcement officer is not productive and it can escalate a situation unnecessarily.


Making sudden movements, reaching for anything, acting unpredictably, or being difficult and non-

compliant will only escalate tension and force the officer to make stressful decisions.

On the other hand, reducing officer anxiety is easy and has the best outcome!

Behave calmly, speak respectfully, use common courtesy (such as taking out your earbuds or turning

down the music), and remember… the officer is helping to uphold the SOCIAL CONTRACT in society.


Scenario 1:

List some of the things this motorist should have done differently:

If you are already driving, do you know where your insurance is stored and how to access it easily? (Proof of insurance is required under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act: Evidence of Financial Responsibility.)

http://www.tyla.org/tyla/index.cfm/resources/general-public/strength-in-unity/

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It’s called Law EnforcementScenario 2: List some of the things this motorist (and the passengers) should have done differently:

Law-enforcement officers in Texas are not required to show motorists their radar, nor are they required to “lock in” the offending speed on their screen. Do you think making demands like this of the officer is going to improve the outcome?

Did you know that failure to show one’s driver’s license to the officer is a statutory violation?

http://www.tyla.org/tyla/index.cfm/resources/general-public/strength-in-unity/

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the National Institute of Justice both have published use-of-force continuums that help law-enforcement officers determine what steps they can take next in an escalating situation. Some of these steps include:

1. Officer Presence2. Verbal Direction3. Empty Hand Techniques4. Intermediate Weapons5. Deadly Force

Describe a possible scenario when a law enforcement officer might have to jump from #1 straight to #4 or #5.

The Iceberg Analogy

When we interact with people, we only see what’s on the surface. But we all have things on our minds that people can’t see.

Police officers are no different. They have a lot going through their minds when they are on the job. Their personal safety and yours is #1!

Officer Thinking - Iceberg

Example: During a traffic stop, you may see

the police officer lightly touch your trunk as

he walks up to your car window. He will also

glance for passengers.

The officer can tell by his touch whether the

car is running and whether the trunk is

closed. He wants to be sure someone isn’t

going to pop out and start shooting.

This is also a way to leave fingerprints for

evidence in case the officer is shot and killed.

He must be prepared for the worst.

Even though the officer may be conducting a

“routine” traffic stop, he may have just come

from the scene of a fatal car collision, a

suicide call, or a case of child abuse…no day

is “routine” for police officers.

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Need to know information

Read the “20 Tips for Interacting with Law Enforcement.”

Choose 2 or 3 and complete the iceberg analogy on your handout.

Watch the short video, “What to expect during a traffic stop.”

https://youtu.be/rcnrszOQlcQ

Your rights when things go

wrong…You are not free to go until the officer says so. If you’re unsure, simply ask, “Am I free to go?”

You do not have to consent to a search of your property or vehicle. An officer may ask and you have the right to say no. Be clear but polite. Say something like, “No. I’d rather you not.” The officer may end up searching anyway if he or she has probable cause, but the officer might not. (4th Amendment)

You can ask to speak with a shift supervisor

during your interaction with police.


wrong…Law enforcement officers often ask individuals questions in order to solve crimes and catch criminals. The public’s cooperation can be vital to keeping communities safe. If law enforcement questions you and you have not been detained or arrested (such as if you are a witness), you generally have a choice whether or not to answer their questions or identify yourself. In order for law enforcement to detain you (i.e., not let you leave during questioning), he or she must have “reasonable suspicion” that youhave committed or will commit a crime. Even during this temporary detention, there is no legal requirement that you provide law enforcement with your name or identification card. In the event of an arrest supported by “probable cause,” then you must, if requested, provide your name, address, and date of birth. Failure to do so is a criminal offense (see Texas Penal Code Sec. 38.02(a)).


wrong…

If you are arrested, DO NOT resist.

You have a constitutional right to counsel. In cases involving a possible sentence of incarceration, the state may provide this for you if you cannot afford to obtain your own lawyer.

If you want to request a lawyer, it is up to you to let the authorities know that you want one, so speak up. Once you have a lawyer, they can be present with you any time you are being questioned.

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INFO to Find and Save!

What is the non-emergency phone number for your local law enforcement agency?

Some times you might use it:

To report something suspicious or request a patrol officer to drive through your area.

When else might you need to call?

Fill in your name above on the entrance ticket, then

complete the following questions:

List some ways that citizens interact in society (times, places,

events)?

In your own words, define “community”:

What do you feel is YOUR ROLE in the community?

In the chart below, list some of the RIGHTS and

RESPONSIBILITIES of people living in the community.

RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Fill in your name above on the entrance ticket, then

complete the following questions:

List some ways that citizens interact in society (times, places,

events)?

In your own words, define “community”:

What do you feel is YOUR ROLE in the community?

In the chart below, list some of the RIGHTS and

RESPONSIBILITIES of people living in the community.

RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES


Communities, the Social Contract, and the Enforcement of Laws

People naturally tend to form _______________, or agreements, with one another. These agreements often

center on defining acceptable, ___________ behavior for the community.

Define CIVIC VIRTUE:

List the top 3 words in the Aristotle Word Cloud:

1.

2.

In your own words, what is the “Social Contract?”

John Locke and the Social Contract Theory heavily influenced the Founding Fathers, including what author of

a very important document from 1776?

Define PEACE OFFICER:

What are the primary duties of a Peace Officer?

Most people’s first interaction with law enforce-

ment officers and the courts is a result of:

The shared GOAL of citizens and law enforcement

officers is to make it _________. For this reason,

it is important to know what to DO and what NOT

TO DO when interacting with a law enforcement

officer.

Pre-Test Answers (TRUE or FALSE):

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.


Sample:

Interacting with Law-Enforcement Officers for Best Outcomes

What are some things the driver could have done differently in Scenario 1:

Proof of insurance is required under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act: Evidence of Financial

Responsibility.

What are some things the driver AND passengers could have done differently in Scenario 2:

What are the steps in a typical “Use of Force Continuum?”

1.

2.

3.

Your Turn! Choose some “tips” and ex-

plain below:

Suggestion/Tip/Action

Why? What is the reason? What

may be going on in the officer’s

mind “beneath the surface?”

What are some of your rights?

What might you say in a situation where you need to assert one of these rights?

What is the non-emergency phone number for your local law enforcement agency?


Pre-Quiz: Interaction with Law Enforcement Officers

Circle True or False for each statement.

1. If an officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, you are more than likely going to be arrested.

TRUE / FALSE

2. If a law enforcement officer asks you to identify yourself, you have a 5th Amendment “right to re-

main silent.”

TRUE / FALSE

3. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer during a traffic stop, your license can be suspended and you

may be forced to submit to a blood test.

TRUE / FALSE

4. Police officers have quotas for how many tickets they must issue each month.

TRUE / FALSE

5. Police officers cannot search your car without a warrant.

TRUE / FALSE

6. If you are being unfairly treated by an officer, you should state your complaints clearly, point out

the objectionable behavior by the Officer, and wait for aid to arrive.

TRUE / FALSE

7. If an officer gives you a ticket, you should sign it when asked to do so. It is not an admission of

guilt.

TRUE / FALSE

8. If you are recording an officer on your cell phone, he/she will not place you under arrest until

backup arrives.

TRUE / FALSE

9. You cannot be given a ticket for driving slowly.

TRUE / FALSE

10. If you are being pulled over by a police officer, you have approximately 50 yards (or 150 feet) to

stop your vehicle before it is considered a “chase.”

TRUE / FALSE

BONUS QUESTION: When interacting with law enforcement officers, the MOST IMPORTANT thing to do is to move quickly, react fast, and don’t ask questions. TRUE / FALSE


KEY - Pre-Quiz: Interaction with Law Enforcement Officers

TEACHER KEY with additional information:

1. If an officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, you are more than likely going to be arrested.

FALSE. There are many reasons an Officer may ask you to exit your vehicle (for example, the officer may want to

speak to you without having his backside in traffic!)

2. If a law enforcement officer stops you and asks you to identify yourself, you have a 5th Amendment “right to remain

silent.”

FALSE. Refusing to truthfully identify yourself can be a statutory violation.

3. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer during a traffic stop, your license may be suspended and you may be forced to

submit to a blood test.

TRUE. Your license may be suspended and you may be subjected to a test for blood alcohol content.

4. Police officers have quotas for how many tickets they must issue each month.

FALSE. Ticket quotas are illegal in Texas.

5. Police officers cannot search your car without a warrant.

FALSE. In Carroll v. US in 1925, the Supreme Court established that cars may be searched without a warrant if

officers have “probable cause.” Probable cause is a certain level of officer suspicion and it depends on the facts and

circumstances of each situation.

6. If you are being unfairly treated by an officer, you should state your complaints clearly, point out the objectionable

behavior by the officer, and wait for aid to arrive.

FALSE. If you have a complaint or concern, remember the officer’s badge number and make your complaint through

the law enforcement agency’s non-emergency hotline. Arguing with the officer or being non-compliant will only

escalate the interaction. Behave calmly, comply with officer requests, and then write down your concerns about the

interaction immediately afterwards so that you can report it if necessary.

7. If an officer gives you a ticket, you should sign it when asked to do so. It is not an admission of guilt.

TRUE. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt.

8. If you are recording an officer on your cell phone, he/she will not place you under arrest until backup arrives.

FALSE. An officer may arrest you regardless. Recording the officer or trying to provoke the officer only escalates

the tension and conflict in your interaction. Remaining courteous and respectful during your interactions with people

(not just law enforcement) yields better results!

9. You cannot be given a ticket for driving slowly.

FALSE. Depending on the situation, an officer may issue a ticket for driving too slowly, especially if it endangers

other drivers.

10. If you are being pulled over by a police officer, you have approximately 50 yards (or 150 feet) to stop your vehicle

before it is considered a “chase.”

FALSE. You should pull over to the right as soon as it is safe to do so. Put on your blinker so the officer knows you

see her, then pull over (preferably in a well-lit place that is clear and free from traffic…a parking lot is a good choice,


the middle of a bridge is NOT).

BONUS QUESTION: When interacting with law enforcement officers, the MOST IMPORTANT thing to do is to move

quickly. React fast and don’t ask questions.

FALSE. In a traffic stop or other non-emergency situation, don’t make sudden movements. Don’t reach across the car or

toward the officer. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Do not touch the officer and if you need to put your hands in

your pockets or purse or jacket, talk to the officer first. Ask first, “I need to get my wallet out of my purse (or pocket, or

glove box, etc.). Is it OK if I go ahead and reach in there to get it?” Peace officers will always be concerned about

whether you might have a weapon. Any sudden, unpredictable movements can be dangerous for yourself and the

officer.

Of course, in any dangerous, emergency situation (such as a natural disaster or an active shooter), reacting quickly,

listening for law enforcement help, and protecting yourself by following your instincts is important. Safety and survival are

the most important things in the event of a crisis!

T E X A S Y O U N G L A W Y E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

1. Immediately pull over to the right. Ifpossible, pull over in a well-lit areathat is immediately available and freefrom other traffic.

2. Put your vehicle in park, roll downyour window and turn off the ignition.

3. If it is nighttime, turn on the interiorlight.

4. Do not attempt to run/flee the scene.

5. Remain seated and do not attempt toget out of the car.

6. Do not make any sudden movements.

7. Keep your hands where the policecan see them. If you must reach foryour ID or insurance, inform theofficer of what you need to do beforemoving your hands.

8. Comply with officer’s requests foridentification and proof of insurance.

9. If you are lawfully carrying a weapon,disclose it to the officer.

10. If an officer gives you a ticket, sign it.It is not an admission of guilt.

11. Do not argue with the officer:Anything you say can and will be heldagainst you.

12. Do not ignore the officer.

13. Answer any questions asked by theofficer to the best of your ability.

14. If the officer asks you to get out of thevehicle, immediately comply with theofficer’s request.

15. Do not touch the officer or reach forthe officer’s weapon.

16. Do not resist arrest.

17. Confirm with the officer that you arefree to go before starting your car andpulling off.

18. If you are arrested, clearly andimmediately ask for a lawyer. Repeatyour request for lawyer as manytimes as necessary.

19. Do not discuss the incident with theofficer or anyone else until you havespoken with a lawyer.

20. If you feel the officer is exceeding hisauthority or otherwise mistreatingyou, remember the officer’s badgenumber, write down the details of theincident ASAP, and make a complaintvia local law enforcement’s non-emergency hotline.

Prepared and Created by the Texas Young Lawyers Association

41703 1/16

20 Tips for Interacting with Police Officers During a Traffic Stop

tyla.org


What NOT To Do Role-Play Activity -Traffic Stop Scenarios

Teacher Instructions: Place students into pairs and assign each pair a scenario to role-play. Give students about 10 minutes to practice their role-play scenario. In every scenario, one student will play the officer and one student will play the driver. Students will come up with their own dialogue and act out what they think the scenario would look like. When you feel they have had enough time to come up with their skit, reconvene as a whole class and place two chairs at the front of the room (side-by-side to represent the front seat of a car). Using the chairs, each pair will perform their role-play scenario for the class. After each performance, ask the class to determine what mistakes were made or what could have been done differently.

Scenario 1: The driver refuses to roll down the window, provide identification, or identify themselves. The driver is non-compliant and also refuses to get out of the car when asked.

Scenario 2: The driver immediately begins crying and trying to avoid a citation by attempting emotional manipulation.

Scenario 3: The driver argues repeatedly with the officer and tries to avoid a citation by stating he/she knows the Chief or Mayor (for example) and is threatening to call a supervisor.

Scenario 4: The driver tries to “flirt” with or flatter the officer in attempt to avoid a citation.

Scenario 5: The driver is talking on the phone and refuses to end the phone call.

Scenario 6: The driver begins recording the officer with a cell phone and trying to provoke the officer into an argument or altercation by using insults or by taunting the officer.

Scenario 7: The driver immediately accuses the officer of “profiling” (unfairly targeting a specific race or ethnicity) and begins complaining about large societal problems that are unrelated to the traffic stop. Scenario 8: The driver claims innocence, demands proof of the traffic violation, and refuses to accept the citation (will not take it, refuses to sign it, or tears it up, for example).

Scenario 9: The driver pretends not to speak English.


Scenario 10: The driver is nervous and gets out of the car without prompting (driver may also place his hands in his pockets while talking to the officer).

Scenario 11: The driver tries to bribe the officer with money taped to the back of their driver’s license.

Scenario 12: The driver is listening to music and won ’t turn it down or take out their ear buds.

Scenario 13: The driver reaches across the passenger seat to the glove compartment or is reaching around in the car for a purse or backpack (without asking/alerting officer).

Scenario 14: The driver keeps his/her hands on the wheel and calmly tells the officer that they have a license to carry a firearm and that there is a firearm present in the glove compartment. (This one is a kind of trick question for the audience because the driver does not make any mistakes. Driver is calm and compliant, and discloses to the officer the presence of a firearm. Driver does NOT reach for anything.) Scenario 15: The officer asks the driver for consent to search the vehicle and the driver refuses and becomes angry or belligerent. The officer brings a drug-sniffing dog around the vehicle, and then asks the driver to step out of the vehicle. The driver is angrily exclaiming “I never consented to this! I want my lawyer!”

Scenario 16: The driver ignores the officer ’s instructions and just keeps telling jokes and stories (driver is oblivious, not listening, and just doesn’t stop talking).

(Group of 3 or more) Scenario 17: The passengers in the car are being loud, distracting, and unpredictable. The driver is not helping the situation (does not ask his passengers to be quiet, for example).

interaction with law enforcement lesson plan

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