We all know how important it is to pay attention to behaviors exhibited by those we come in contact with during vehicle stops. From the moment we get behind our target vehicle, and whenever the emergency lights are activated, behavioral cues can help keep us one step ahead of them.
More than once I’ve initiated a stop and observed one occupant lean over to another for a quick kiss. Typically, it’s the driver leaning first, but I’ve had passengers lean in first as well. This action should light up your “beware-o-meter”, as obviously one of them knows they are going to jail, before you’ve even gotten out of your unit. The reason for their trip to jail are known only to them, until you’ve investigated and discovered it for yourself. Obviously, all vehicle stops are to be treated with great care and vigilance, but paying attention to even the smallest of clues can make the difference for us.
In one instance, a pick-up truck ran a red light in front of me. I pulled in behind the truck to stop it and instantly the male passenger leaned in and kissed the female driver, before I even had my lights on. My first thought was he was going to bail and flee on foot. Luckily, he did not. But, as it turned out, he had an outstanding felony warrant for Assault on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest. I was already on guard, being on a vehicle stop, but because of that one little kiss, I knew to be extra careful. The passenger already knew he was headed to jail before I did.