When police officers conduct a traffic stop, they may touch the tail light or the back of your vehicle as they approach.
This practice is not a formal procedure, but rather a tactic that some officers use based on tradition and training. Here’s why some officers might do this:
Key Takeaways
- Fingerprint Evidence: Touching the tail light can leave the officer’s fingerprints on the vehicle, which could serve as evidence that the officer was at the scene if something were to happen during the traffic stop.
- Startle Effect: The unexpected touch or tap can startle a driver who may be trying to hide something illegal, causing them to make sudden movements that could be revealing to the observing officer.
- Safety Check: It’s a way for the officer to ensure the trunk is securely closed, which could prevent someone from potentially jumping out or accessing a weapon.
Historical Context and Training
Tactic Origin
The practice dates back to a time before modern technology was available. Before dash cameras and body cams became standard, officers were trained to leave a mark on the vehicle to establish physical evidence of their interaction with the driver.
Safety Measures
For some officers, touching the tail light or trunk has become a part of their routine for ensuring their safety during a traffic stop—one of the most unpredictable and potentially dangerous aspects of police work.
Modern Considerations
Shift in Practice
With advances such as dash cameras and GPS tracking in patrol cars, the necessity of touching the tail light as a way to leave evidence has diminished. Some law enforcement training programs no longer teach this technique.
Varying Habits
Not all police officers touch the tail light during a stop. It may be more common in some regions or among veteran officers who maintain the practice from their early training.
Conclusion
While not a universal practice, some police officers may touch a car’s tail light during a traffic stop for reasons rooted in tradition, safety, and evidence.
As technology evolves and policing methods are updated, this habit may become less common. However, it remains a point of curiosity and a notable anecdote related to law enforcement procedures.