Interacting with a NPD Officer

Interacting with a Norwalk Police Department Officer

	This information is offered so you may know what to expect in the event you are stopped by a Norwalk Police Department officer. Our concern is for your safety and, of course, the safety of our officers. The officer's mission is to enforce the law and provide quality service to the citizens of Norwalk. Please allow the officer the opportunity and time necessary to come to assess the circumstances of the contact. Keep in mind that an officer does not wish to detain you any longer than necessary. Your cooperation will help expedite matters!

	Few citizens have first-hand knowledge of the hazards that police officers face on a daily basis. Because of these dangers, officer must constantly be on guard. We hope these suggestions will be beneficial to citizens during a police contact.

	How to ensure your safety if you are stopped while in your vehicle:

			Pull over to the right immediately upon seeing the police car's red and blue lights.
			Remain in your vehicle while the officer approaches.
			Turn on your interior light if stopped at night.
			Keep your hands in sight - preferably on the steering wheel where the officer can readily see them.
			Give your license, registration, and proof of insurance if asked to do so.
			If you want an explanation as to why you were stopped, ask before the officer returns to his cruiser.
			Do not touch, threaten, or act in a disorderly manner towards a law enforcement officer. The conduct could result in arrest or additional charges.
			If the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle do so without any threatening or sudden movements.
			Give the officer at least three to six feet of professional space to do his job.
			Remain in your vehicle at all times unless told otherwise.
			Do not transport firearms in a vehicle without being advised how to do so legally. Call the Police Station and an officer will explain the proper procedure.

		Please note Norwalk Police Department officers do not have "quotas."

		If you are stopped in Norwalk, 99.9% of the time, it will be by an officer in one of the marked cruisers. On occasion, an officer in an unmarked vehicle may attempt to stop you. If you are not sure if it is an officer drive slowly and legally to the police station for further confirmation or call dispatch on 9-1-1.

	How to ensure your safety if you are stopped while walking, shopping or interacting with others:

		Please keep in mind if an officer approaches you and voluntarily contact you, there is a reason for which you may be unaware. The most common reasons for an officer to stop a civilian are as follows:

			You may be one of the only few people in the vicinity of a crime which has recently occurred.
			Your clothing may be similar to that worn by the perpetrator of a crime.
			Someone may have called the police station complaining about your presence or that you looked "suspicious."
			Someone may have pointed you out to an officer.
			You may be acting in a manner that officer considers out of the ordinary and you act suspiciously after realizing you are being observed.

		If you are contacted that it is part of the officer's duty. Officers are often responding to complaints made by fellow citizens and are performing their duty to address those complaints. Please remember police officers are human and wish to be treated as you would want to be treated.

	In all law enforcement encouters, please remember these basic rules:

			Do not make sudden movements for your wallet, into your coat, or towards your waist or pockets until you have informed the officer of your intent and the officer has given approval.
			Do not display weapons! If you possess a weapon or one is nearby, advise the officer immediately in a calm and direct way. Do not joke about having a weapon.
			Do not touch an officer, or invade her "personal space."
			Do not be argumentative which only prolong your encounter. Be cooperative.
			Do not immediately demand an explanation - comply first, then seek an explanation from the officer or his supervisor.