How can you reduce the chance of being stopped by law enforcement officers?
  • Obey traffic laws.
  • Avoid equipment and registration violations on your vehicle. Have working lights, current tag and registration sticker, tires with adequate tread. (If you need financial help getting these items, call the WAMY Community Action office at 828-264-2421 or go to their office at 225 Birch Street, Suite 2, behind Boone Drug Deerfield to see if you qualify for a voucher).
  • Never drink and drive
  • Occasionally, police do conduct driver's license checkpoints. In these circumstances all drivers are legally required to provide their driver's license. You should not drive without a valid driver's license. However, if you do not have a valid driver's license and do get stopped by an officer, we would suggest that you cooperate by providing your personal information and any legal identification materials that you may have to prove who you are. The more the officer can be assured of your identity the less likely you will be to get physically arrested. If the officer cannot identify you, the officer has no other option but to arrest. Most often misdemeanors and traffic violations can be handled by citation without an arrest. The decision usually is within the officer's discretion.

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1. How can you reduce the chance of being stopped by law enforcement officers?
2. How do you know if you’re being stopped by law enforcement? What are you supposed to do?
3. What does the officer do before getting out of the patrol car? What should you do?
4. What will the officer ask you to do?
5. What happens if you don’t have a valid driver’s license?
6. What do you do if you’re given a warning?
7. What do you do if you’re given a ticket?
8. What can you do if you don’t understand the officer?
9. Will the officer report you to ICE?
10. What should you do if you are in an automobile accident, no injury?
11. What should you do if you’re in an automobile accident, with injuries?
12. What information are you required to give to the police, to the other driver?
13. If you are hurt, will someone contact your family or friends? Will someone help you if you don’t understand?
14. Why are there patrol cars parked in some neighborhoods?
15. What branches of local law enforcement are involved in check points?
16. How can you be informed about police activity in your neighborhoods and not be afraid?
17. What can you do if you think that the officer did something wrong or inappropriate?
18. How can you get a legal, officially recognized ID card?
19. What other forms of identification should you have?
20. Where can your community groups meet that you feel safe? We have been told that some don’t feel safe traveling to and from gatherings.
21. How can you get help for your children if they are bullied in school or community activities?
22. How can you get protection if you are bullied in your workplace?
23. Does ICE seek help from local law enforcement personnel, parole officers and court officials, or other officials? If a person is detained, what is the processing procedure, how can you get immediate h
24. If someone from ICE comes to your home, work, or stops your car, what should you do? Are they supposed to show identification? Do you have to answer questions? Who can help you if you don’t understand
25. How can you get help if you are physically attacked or victim of a crime? Can you get someone to be with you who can help you understand and get the help you need?