Casual Contacts

[Blue_Chameleon]

How do most of you go though with casual contacts with citizens? How is that approached if they are doing something that arouses your suspicion - such as peering into a car? Of course, it might be their car cause they might have locked their keys inside of their own car...but then again, it could be someone who wants to break into that car which doesn't belong to them.

How do you go about "saying hi" without coming off like he's the criminal (even though he might be)?

[Blue23]

I always found being polite and respectful gets you a long way. If it's a law abiding person, they will not be upset with your questions.
If it's a bad guy, he will most likely lead himself down the path to cuff hotel. You could also run into Bobby who will tell you your violating her rights http://www.officer.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Trust your feelings. They are right most of the time. Your not in LE to make friends!

[FLLawdog]

Tone of voice is key in this case. Don't use your gruff, "Police...show me your hands!". Just strike up a conversation as if it were someone you know. Just say, "hey, how ya doin'? Need any help?" They'll either ask for help or get really nervous.

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FLLawdog
"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

[Sparky]

Yep...get creative.

There's no rule that you can't ACT friendly. You can be polite and even SMILE with people without letting your guard down.

Really. It's true. A smile alone works wonders at disarming them and putting them at ease. As long as it isn't a maniacal grin or anything.

And it works in any neighborhood.

That's why I liked foot patrol. You could stroll up to people hanging out and just have a conversation with them. This is harder to do when you have to crawl out of your ward car first. Joe blow crack head would talk his way into a pair of cuffs. The regular folks would about mess thier pants that a cop was actually being friendly. Those folks would actually LIKE me and would actually TRUST me.

Weird huh?

I think that chesey movie Roadhouse put it best, "Be nice. Be nice until it's time not to be nice."

The problem with this is that it is a fine line. Don't be too nice. Or else some guy will think he can get over on you and will break bad.

I dunno. Maybe it's an experience thing. You get a feel for when it's good to act like Andy Griffith, and when you need to act like RoboCop.

If all else fails...it's true that you are not in this line of work to make friends. If you don't have the time or patience...then stroll up and ask 'em if it's their car.

Everybody's got their own style. You'll work it out.


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-Sparky

[Niteshift]

I developed a habit that has kind of worked out. Remember, I'm in the semi-rural south...... I just walk up and say (in my nice, I'm-so-dumb-I-couldn't-find-my-butt-with-both-hands voice) "Hey (little smile), what's going on partner?"

Was that a greeting? Was that a "how are you today" kind of friendly inquiry? Was that an official inquiry? I can trot in a zillion people who have heard me say it to them in the grocery store or in front of the barber shop right before I shook their hand and ask about their kids.

Then, some people feel the need to reply with an answer to get them arrested. http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

The dumb, good old boy act works really good on interdiction stops. Does ok in interviews too.....right Sparky? http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif If they're not buying your good old boy act, use one of the two sure-fire convincing words...."Gooooollllly" or "Shazam"....They will instantly know you're too dumb to figure out their master crime.

Watch the change on their face when you change tones, change vocabulary and move in for the kill......enjoy having fooled them afterwards. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[David]

Blue_C

Nightshift has the right idea fir the southern Part. The attitude towards folks down here is a little laid back, as far as the rest of the turf.

I always have a smile and a hearty "Morning, etc., neighbor, any problem?"

That pretty well says everything without sounding offensive. It's their time to set the pace as to how the story is going to go.

Just like the rest say, Put you guard way up. Do this with out appearing to. You will be able to tell if it may seem necessary.

An elderly person, most likely, will be glad for the chance to talk to you while the potential perp, is going to look for ways to bolt. He will be the reason for protect/attack stance.

Mostly, on any given situation, you want to approach on your guard. Little elderly or not, for that first few moments. Someone, not obvious, could be making the elderly do the entering and he be nervous with the keyhole. You never can tell...

Go home that night... http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[FLLawdog]

As always, Niteshift is right. The laid back, friendly approach works great in interdiction. It works great for everything, but when you're after something, it never hurts to turn on the charm. Plus, who can complain on you when you're so polite? Don't let your guard down. In your mind be a tiger, but on the outside, be a puddy tat.

I always use the Columbo example. He acts like an idiot, but there's a distinct method to the madness.

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FLLawdog
"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

[John from Maryland]

I've got to echo the utility of the "Is everything OK?" start for many contacts. It is thoroughly unoffensive. Moreover, the subject often feels obligated to explain what he or she was doing. Be safe.

[Don]

It may take you a while to develop a "free and easy" style to your approach. It is a fine line between appearing friendly and open while still being ready for whatever happens.

Your FTO can help you a great deal with this. Discuss it with him, he should be glad to critique you on it. This, like everything else, will become second nature to you and you

[Blue_Chameleon]

In some aspects, it seems that I have to work on this part of my job merely because I'm a small guy. So, since I can't use size to my advantage, I need to work on communication...and how to communicate with the public without sounding like a bully.

I still feel so stiff when I talk to people...even little ol' ladies pose a tremendous amount of threat to me. Oh well...I suppose it's better to be on my toes than just not paying attention at all.

[Don]

Hey Blue,

It sounds like right now you are intimidated by just about everything. Don