Officers Advising People to be Cautious During Traffic Stops
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The shootings on a Mississippi highway had Jackson police advising drivers to be cautious if they got pulled over. Residents said, now, they are more nervous about the blue lights, and they wonder if their life could be in danger when obeying the law and pulling over. Many drivers said they check their surroundings if they get pulled over. “I just want to make sure it’s a police officer. You have to be cautious, it’s kind of scary,” said Vicki Northcott. Sadly, people posing as police officers is nothing new, said Sergeant Johnny Jines, “it gives us all a black eye and we just have to do our best; the ones that are left behind to do the right thing.” Sgt. Jines reminded residents that, if it’s late at night and you’re alone and see blue lights behind you, always try to find a public area to stop. “I usually won’t stop until I get to a well lit area or have my cell phone on hand,” added Northcott. “If anything is kind of suspicious at all and you do go ahead and stop just roll down your window an inch or two where you can at least converse,” said Sgt. Jines. “Most officers should be very understanding.” Even in daylight, authorities said to be cautious especially if something doesn’t feel right. “I don’t want to break the law. I want to do the right thing and pull over because what if he says why didn’t you pull over, but I think my life is more valuable,” stated Northcott.
