(Pre- CHL) Several years ago I got pulled over at night on a dark part of the highway. I turn off the truck and turn the inside lights on. Placed my keys on the dash and waited for the officer. My wife and son were in the truck also. I didn't understand why the officer had not come up and I could not see due to his flashing lights. My wife had to tell me he was outside yelling instructions for me to exit the truck (I couldn't hear him). Slowly I exit the truck and walked towards him but still could not understand what he was saying. When I got to him I had to ask for him to repeat everything he said because I was having trouble hearing. He was very professional in how he handled it and let me go saying the stop was because I crossed the solid white line after passing someone. I hadn't slept in 30+ hour and stopped at the next exit to find a hotel.txglock21 wrote:I would like to respond with a "catch all" answer, but there are just too many different senerios(sp) to go through. The best answer I can give is to tell the LEO up that you are hard of hearing up front as soon as possible.
My point you may not be able to tell the officer right away because of the situation but by showing you're not a threat, no sudden movement, trying to obey or stay in position with your hands clear. I truly believe the shooting in the news are more of an exception. There are hundreds of contacts with LEOs & non LEOs that don't end up bad. Your concern is real but I believe the media has driven everyone to believe it happens every day.