What to Do When You Get Stopped by the Police

I shouldn’t be giving this one away because it is such a powerful technique - but nobody will read this, right?

If you ever get stopped while driving always tell the police officer, "I’m glad you stopped me because…”

That is a good start. It is non-confrontational. The officer will be distracted from his original aim. He will now be curious as to why you are glad that he stopped you. That minor traffic offence you committed will go to the back of his mind.

The next part of the technique involves the 'why?'

The reason you give for being glad he stopped you must be adapted to your situation. The reason you give should fit in with what you are doing or where you are going. There should be no need to lie.

"I am looking for directions to…"

"Can you tell me where the nearest toilet/pharmacy/petrol station is?"

"I’m lost."

"I’m not feeling very well."

"My car has been playing up."

Police officers, in the main, join the job to help people. Redirecting their attention from issuing a minor ticket to helping a member of the public is something they would prefer to be doing. It makes them feel good to help others. It works at a base psychological level. Thus, if you get it right, they forget their reason for stopping you and assist you with your problem. As an afterthought, they might say something like; 'Oh, by the way, get your taillight fixed,' or 'keep your speed down,' or 'remember to use your indicator.'

It is a win/win situation. The officer will feel good for helping you, and you get away with a quiet word in your ear. The method does not work if you fall out of your vehicle drunk, have committed a hit and run or other serious offence or do it in a sarcastic manner.

STOP PRESS:

This technique also does not work if, like me, you are stopped by a police officer who has read this book, therefore knows this modus operandi and doesn't believe you are bursting for the toilet (I wonder if I can sue for a new pair of trousers?).