Student Tips on Police Stops
boston college police department
There are different reasons why the Boston College Police might stop you. Whatever the reason, the officer needs your cooperation.
- You may be a potential witness to a crime.
- The officer might think you are in need of assistance.
- You may have violated a University Rule or Regulation or committed a violation of law.
- You may fit the general description of a person that the police are on the look out for.
If you are stopped by any police officer, you may feel anxious, confused, or
upset. These are all natural feelings, but remember, stops can also be stressful
and dangerous for the police. Each year, a number of law enforcement officers
are assaulted and/or injured while making 'routine stops.'
With this in mind, there are things that you can do to help make the contact a more efficient and positive experience for both you and the officer.
If you are stopped in your vehicle
If you are approached on the street
In all police encounters
Telephone numbers for assistance
If You Are Stopped By The Police While In Your Vehicle…
1. As soon as you notice the blue police lights, immediately pull your vehicle over.
- Although you might not know the reason, you should pull over right away.
- You may have committed some minor traffic violation without realizing it.
- There may be some problem with your vehicle of which you are unaware.
2. Remain in your vehicle while the officer approaches.
- Do not attempt to get out of your vehicle or approach the officer.
- Exiting your vehicle does not assist the officer and may be perceived wrongly.
- For the officer's safety and yours, remain in your vehicle.
3. Turn on your interior light if stopped at night.
- A lit vehicle interior will reduce the officer's concern regarding possible issues to his/her safety that are within your reach.
4. Keep your hands easily observable, preferably on top of the steering wheel where they can be seen.
- Reaching suddenly under your seat or into the glove box are actions that
may cause the officer concern.
5. Give your license, registration and BC identification to the officer when requested.
- Massachusetts law and University regulations require you to turn over this information upon request by a uniformed officer or officer in plain clothes who displays proper identification.
- Officers may not provide a specific reason for the stop until they receive this preliminary information.
6. If you wish to inquire as to why you were stopped, or want to offer an explanation, you will be given time later. For now;
- Answer all questions honestly.
- Do not make sudden movements or attempt to touch the officer.
- If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, do so without any sudden movements.
- Give the officer space as a safety zone to do his/her job.
- Remain in your vehicle at all times unless told to do otherwise.
- Do not become argumentative, disorderly, or abusive.
- If you believe that you have been unfairly treated, Now is not the time
to make that argument.
If The Police Approach You On The Street…
- You might be one of only a few people walking in the vicinity of a crime that has recently occurred.
- Your clothing might be similar to that worn by the perpetrator of a crime.
- Someone may have called the police complaining about your presence or reported suspicious activity.
- Someone may have pointed you out to the officer.
- You might be acting in a manner that appears suspicious and act even more suspicious after realizing the officer is observing you.
The BC Police do not wish to detain you any longer than necessary. Once the officer is able to determine that you are a BC student and not the individual that he/ she may be looking for, the officer will return your ID's and leave to resume his duties.
In All Police Encounters…
1. Avoid making sudden movements (for your wallet, into your coat, pant pocket, toward your waist band, etc.) until you have informed the officer of your intention to do so and the officer has acknowledged same.
2. Do not carry contraband items or even joke about having them.
3. Do not suddenly approach the police officer or violate his/her space.
4. Remain calm and avoid being argumentative.
5. Comply first, and then you may seek an explanation from the officer or the officer's supervisor later. All concerns and/or complaints are investigated.
Boston College Telephone Numbers for Assistance
Police Emergency Line
617-552-4444
Police Non-Emergency Line
617-552-4440
Sexual Assault Network
617-552-2211
Safety Escort
617-552-8888
Student Services
617-552-3300
"Working Together for a Safer Community"