Helpful tips when being stopped by security forces

  • Published
  • By 14th Security Forces Squadron
  • Special to Silver Wings
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  The flashing blue lights of a Security Forces patrol car in your review mirror may fill you with dread. You might wonder, "Am I really being pulled over?" You might also think, "I wasn't speeding or talking on my cell phone...what did I do?" There are a multitude of reasons that you could be pulled over, from Random Antiterrorism Measures to a simple tail light being out. From the moment that Security Forces initiate a traffic stop, the patrol is observing your actions and behavior and the way you respond may affect whether or not you receive a ticket. Here are some helpful tips to help you through this stop with minimal delay and more importantly safely for both you and the SF personnel. 

First, as soon as you see the lights on behind you, turn on your right turn signal and pull as far to the right of the road as possible as soon as you can safely do so. It is important to show the patrol that you are cooperating, and by stopping near where the violation occurred, you may have a better sense of what happened. If after the initial stop, security forces ask you to pull into a parking lot or out of heavy traffic, then proceed to do so, but not until then. By stopping close to where the violation occurred, you will also be able to gather information that could help you contest a ticket, such as noticing a new yield sign versus stop sign or missing speed limit signs. 

Once you have safely pulled over, turn on your hazard lights, turn off the engine, roll down the window and place both of your hands on the steering wheel. If at night, turn on your interior light. Do not make sudden movements and don't look into the glove box, or through a purse until the patrol has approached your vehicle and requested documentation. Every year, hundreds of police officers are killed during traffic stops, and although CAFB is considered a safe environment, our patrols treat every traffic stop the same as our off-base counterparts. Be cooperative and don't give any cause for alarm.

It is okay to greet the patrol, but allow Security Forces to identify themselves and request your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. It is important to give the patrol these documents when asked and not question why. When talking with Security Forces, don't admit any guilt. It is acceptable to give simple "yes" and "no" answers. If the SF member decides to give you a ticket, it is unlikely that you will be able to argue, cry or otherwise attempt to talk your way out of the ticket. There is an established appeal process and the SF member can provide you with information on that process.
The bottom line is that we are here to keep everyone on the installation safe, and your assistance in doing so is greatly appreciated.


Here are several other tips to keep you safe while driving on CAFB:
1) Never get out of your vehicle unless requested to by the SF patrol. This places you at risk of being struck by traffic and could be perceived as a threat by the patrol.
2) Never confuse rank with the patrolman's authority. Again, there is an established appeal process to follow; arguing with the patrol will not change the ticket and if you become abusive or argumentative it could lead to further actions being taken against you.
3) If passing a patrol car that has someone pulled over, slow down and try to yield as much space as you safely can.
4) Always yield to emergency vehicles, whether it is Security Forces, fire department or an ambulance. Their next response could be to assist you and you wouldn't want other drivers delaying help to get to you. Sometimes it is life or death and seconds count...yes, even at Columbus AFB we have those situations.