Your safety and civil rights are important to each and every law enforcement officer. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office is committed to working with you to ensure that every encounter you have with one of our officers is a positive one.
It's important to remember that there are many reasons why you might be stopped by an officer. Whatever the reason, your cooperation is a vital part of the experience.
WHY DO OFFICERS STOP PEOPLE?
Officers are trained to identify and investigate violations of local, state, and federal laws. Every situation is different. Here are a few reasons for which you may be stopped:
YOU..
- ...appear to need assistance
- ...are in an area where a crime just occurred
- ...witnessed a crime
- ...fit the description of a suspect
- ...have been pointed out as a suspect
- ...violated the law
WHEN APPROACHED BY AN OFFICER
When you are approached by an officer, remember that there are several reasons that he or she may want to speak to you. Your cooperation is vital. Overreaction on your part can possibly turn the situation into a negative one.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO
- Follow the officer's instructions
- Keep your hands visible
- Make slow movements
- Tell the officer if you have a weapon (knife, gun, etc.)
- Tell the officer if you possess a concealed handgun permit for a gun you may be carrying
- Remain calm and do not become argumentative
WHAT IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE?
- Follow the tips listed above
- Remain seated in the vehicle; do not get out of the vehicle unless instructed to do so
- Keep your hands visible at all times
- During darkness, turn on the interior light prior to the officer approaching
- Give the officer your driver's license and vehicle registration upon request
YOU MAY BE SEARCHED
Officers may at any time request permission to search a person, vehicle or property. If permission is freely and knowingly given, the officer may conduct a search as granted. You can be searched for the following reasons:
- when arrested
- when a warrant exists for you
- when you have given consent
- when probable cause exists which indicates that a law has been violated
Also, if the officer suspects that you may be armed, the officer is allowed to frisk you to see if you have any weapons. This procedure is to ensure the safety of everyone present.
COMMITTED TO YOUR SAFETY
Deputies of the Caroline County Sheriff's Office are highly trained and committed to protecting law abiding people. If you get stopped by an officer, remember that he or she:
- does not intend to offend you
- usually does not have any previous knowledege of you
- may not be stopping you for the same reason that you perceive
- is trained to remain in a position that enhances his or her safety and the safety of others
IF YOU BELIEVE THE DEPUTY HAS ACTED INAPPROPRIATELY...
We encourage you to file a formal complaint. The Caroline Sheriff's Office handles all complaints against personnel and we take the actions of our deputies seriously. You may file your complaint by:
- emailing your complaint to internal_affairs@carolinesheriff.org
- Calling the Sheriff's anonymous tip/complaint hotline at 804-633-1133
- stopping by the office at 118 Courthouse Lane in Bowling Green and file your complaint in person
Your complaint will be investigated and appropriate action taken. We appreciate and encourage citizen input! |
