Why Do Police Touch the Back of Car?
As we’ve all seen on TV, movies, or in real-life, police officers often touch the back of a car during a traffic stop. This seemingly simple act can raise a lot of questions. Why do they do it? What are they looking for? What does it have to do with the stop itself?
The Simple Answer: Insurance Verification
In many countries, police officers have to verify the insurance coverage of a vehicle before giving the driver a parking or moving violation. They need to ensure that the car is properly insured and has the necessary documentation. This is why, when stopping a car for a traffic violation, an officer will often reach back and touch the rear window to check for an insurance card or registration sticker. It’s a quick and efficient way to confirm whether the vehicle is insured.
Other Reasons: A Safer Stop
In addition to verifying insurance, police officers also use the back of the car to gather more information. Here are a few reasons why:
- License Plate Check: An officer may check the license plate of the car to see if there are any outstanding warrants or unpaid traffic tickets. This can help them determine the owner of the vehicle and their compliance with traffic laws.
- VIN Verification: An officer may check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car to ensure it matches the documentation on file. This can help prevent fraud and identify stolen vehicles.
- Occupant Identification: In some cases, an officer may touch the back of the car to check for the presence of additional occupants. This can help them ensure everyone’s safety and respond accordingly.
- Suspect Observation: Sometimes, an officer may simply observe the back of the car to get a sense of the vehicle’s occupants. This can help them detect any suspicious behavior or contraband.
Tactical Considerations: Officer Safety
Officer safety is always the top priority during a traffic stop. Touching the back of the car is a way for the officer to position themselves and maintain a safe distance from the occupants. This can help prevent aggressive behavior, violence, or escape attempts. By knowing what’s going on at the back of the car, an officer can:
- Assess potential escape routes
- Monitor occupants’ movements
- Prepare for a worst-case scenario
Not Always a Touch
It’s not always a touch, though! Officers may use alternative methods to gather information, such as:
- Licensing and Registration: Asking the driver for these documents upfront
- License Plate Readers: Using mobile readers to scan license plates remotely
- Hand Signals: Communicating with occupants through hand signals to establish a safe distance
- Patrol Vehicles: Using in-car systems to access information remotely
Conclusion
In summary, police officers touch the back of a car to verify insurance, gather more information, and prioritize officer safety. This simple act may seem routine, but it’s a vital part of the traffic stop process. By understanding why officers do this, we can better appreciate the importance of their work in keeping our communities safe. Remember, when an officer asks you to step back or move away from the vehicle, it’s never a simple touch, but rather a critical part of their job to keep you and others safe on the road.
