FAQs
When a police officer asks where you are coming from, they are looking for evidence to support the possibility that you have or are committing a crime or whether or not you are a threat to public safety. This creates a baseline that they will later write down in a police report.
Why do cops always ask where you're coming from? ›
Officers want to know where people are coming from so they can draw conclusions about their whereabouts. Suppose an officer has a hunch that someone is intoxicated, if the person says they are coming from brunch, a bar, or a club, you can now expect the cop to be on high alert.
What happens if you say I don't answer questions to a police officer? ›
In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions.
What do police ask for when pulled over us? ›
Along with asking you any questions the law enforcement officer feels are relevant to the situation, they will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. They will then run your information through their computer to perform a quick background check.
Why do cops touch your trunk when they stop you? ›
One officer will check the trunk, while the other approaches your window. This is to ensure the safety of the officers and make sure the driver is not able to get away with hiding anything or obtaining a weapon while the officer is checking the trunk.
Do you have to answer where you are coming from the police? ›
If a police officer asks you where you have been, you have no obligation to answer the question. In fact, it is generally not in your interest to do so.
What to say when a cop asks where you're coming from? ›
You have the right to remain silent. For example, you do not have to answer any questions about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, say so out loud.
Do cops have to answer Are you a cop? ›
No federal or state law requires cops in California to identify themselves as police officers to the public, even if someone asks them directly. This is also true of police officers who work undercover. Still, some cities mandate that cops must identify themselves in a public setting.
Can you talk bad to a police officer? ›
Cursing at police officers may be protected by the First Amendment, which protects the ability of citizens to criticize government officials — even offensively and excessively.
What should you not say in a police interview? ›
Answer: During a police interview, you must remain polite, calm, and aware of your rights. Avoid volunteering unnecessary information, speculating, lying, making self-incriminating statements, discussing the case with others, arguing, making jokes, and interrupting the officer.
Asking Incriminating Questions: Police officers may ask incriminating questions during interactions to gather evidence or establish probable cause for an arrest. It's essential to exercise your right to remain silent and refrain from answering questions that could incriminate you.
Why do cops ask if you know how fast you were going? ›
They're trying to get you to incriminate yourself
All they're trying to do is get you to incriminate yourself. If you say that, yes, you know exactly how fast you were going, you then admit to breaking the speed limit intentionally and willfully. The officer has that admission on record and it can be used against you.
Why do cops ask "Do you know why I stopped you?"? ›
"I think the most common reason is the officer wants you to admit guilt to some extent." "They're probably looking to get you to self-incriminate," added driver Justin Gehring of Woodbury. "If he's asking me a question, I'll answer him," added driver Deb Metzger from Wisconsin.
Can you tell a cop not to touch your car? ›
As long as the officer does not possess a warrant and you are not under arrest, you can tell the officer that you do not consent to a search. However, it is important that you do not do so aggressively and that you do not overstep your rights when talking with the police.
Why should you not let cops touch your tail lights? ›
The simple act of touching the tail light may compromise the officer's safety. A mere tap or touch on someone's tail light may not cost much time or effort for the police officer, but a situation could arise in any second where milliseconds and small movements matter, it could be an unnecessary risk.
When a cop flashed his lights at you? ›
Usually when we do that we are trying to get your attention, so you pay attention to your driving; speed, lane usage, lack of attention, cell phone usage. Think of it as a warning. We may do this if your issue is not over the top, or perhaps we are on the way to another call and cannot stop you, but want to warn you.
Why do police ask for location? ›
Whether the police are looking for an active suspect or trying to find someone who's called 911 for an emergency, there are ways that they can track your location. That said, their methods vary based on the type of phone you're calling with, where you are, and your service provider.
Why do police ask you to come to the station? ›
Sometimes they have enough evidence to arrest someone and all they need is for them to meet with them so they can be properly arrested. In other circ*mstances, the police lack sufficient evidence to charge someone, and they rely on the individual to tell them something that will allow them to arrest them.
Why do cops always ask "Do you know why I stopped you?"? ›
The officer may be trying to appear open to hearing your version of events so that you will say something incriminating that the officer can use against you in court. Often, the officer will try to get you to admit that you committed a violation.
Why do cops always say "Do you know why I pulled you over"? ›
"I think the most common reason is the officer wants you to admit guilt to some extent." "They're probably looking to get you to self-incriminate," added driver Justin Gehring of Woodbury. "If he's asking me a question, I'll answer him," added driver Deb Metzger from Wisconsin.