the Po-po, or something else entirely, be cool and follow these steps. You will need

The ability to remain calm Good manners and a little luck!. Step 1. Relax. Being nervous,

even if you’ve done nothing at all, makes cops suspicious. Step 2. If you’re

in a car, put your hands in front of you, on the steering wheel. Don’t reach for

your license or registration until you’re asked. Police are trained to assume that everyone

has a hidden weapon, so don’t give them reason to believe that you might. Step 3.

Remember the old adage, “Speak only if spoken to”? Now’s a good time to follow it. Don’t

offer excuses or explanations; you may be admitting to something they’re not even

pulling you over for! Call the person “officer” instead of “sir” or “ma’am.” Surveys

show this is the greeting police prefer. Step 4. Stay put. If you get out of a car after

being stopped, police assume it’s to attack. The same rule applies when there’s no car

involved; if you walk even a few steps away, they assume you’re making a run for it.

If you have anything illegal, in a car or elsewhere, don’t look at it! Police are

trained to study body language. Step 5. Do not complain or argue. It will never, ever

work. Keep things civil — even friendly — and they just may cut you some slack.

If you have a Police Benevolent Association card, or membership to another police organization,

keep it in your wallet so the officer can see it when you take out your license. Just

try not to be too obvious about it! Step 6. If you get a ticket, simply take it and say

“thank you,” as hard as that may be. Being rude can only make trouble for you in the

future. Did you know Fourteen million arrests are made in the U.S. every year.