Workshop advises respect in traffic stops

The workshop was
designed to bridge a gap between police and the
community.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

WARREN — Police and motorists must respect one each other during a traffic stop so both can return home safely.

That’s the message area residents received Tuesday night during a community workshop, “Bridging the Gap,” at the Warren West Community Center.

The goal was to give community members a better understanding of law enforcement — and give police a better understanding of the community’s perspective toward them.

Sponsors were the Warren-Trumbull County NAACP, Warren and Warren Township police departments, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service and Inspiring Minds, which urges youths to succeed in life.

Lt. William Thompson of the patrol told the residents that the police must have probable cause to stop a vehicle.

That might be because of a burned-out taillight or for having earphones in both ears while driving.

“The police have a right to stop you,” Thompson said. He told the 200 people attending the workshop that police attempt to be respectful and professional.

Akron attorney Edward L. Gilbert said that police can’t stop a car just because it’s in a known drug area.

He called on community members to refrain from making negative comments to the police.

He urged them to remain calm, to be polite to the officer and not be aggressive.

Police do have the right to ask for a driver’s license and vehicle registration, but they don’t have the right to ask where the driver is going, Gilbert said.

He urged motorists not to be confrontational because this can only result in problems.

If there is a problem, Gilbert explained, the motorist should get a description of the officer and badge number.

If struck by an officer, “don’t fight back. Don’t resist,” he said.

Through a show of hands, Thompson demonstrated how nearly all of those stopped by the patrol didn’t receive a citation.

Thompson said it’s best for a motorist not to say anything and to sign the citation.

The signature indicates only that the driver received the ticket and is not an admission of guilt.

Patrol Sgt. Nakia Hendrix presented three training videos that patrol cadets view during their training. It showed how violence can occur during a traffic stop. A trooper is shot dead during one stop.

Hendrix urged residents to consider the type of training troopers receive so both the police officer and motorist can act appropriately and return home unharmed.

yovich@vindy.com