“If you want to avoid trouble with the police during a traffic stop — and keep the encounter brief — speak only when spoken to, keep your answers as short as possible, do what you’re told promptly [don’t give the impression that you are stalling] and keep your emotions to yourself.”
Good advice. Also, as you said earlier, keep your hands visible. Furthermore, don’t make any sudden movements. There was a poor chap shot in the South the other day who had exited his car in a gas station when a police officer asked for his license. He turned and reached into his car to retrieve his license (in compliance) when the cop drew and shot him. It seems prudent to explain to the officer what your are going to do next in order to comply with his requests/orders.
And when the officer requests your papers, comply!
"Papiere bitte!"
“There was a poor chap shot in the South the other day who had exited his car in a gas station when a police officer asked for his license. He turned and reached into his car to retrieve his license (in compliance) when the cop drew and shot him. It seems prudent to explain to the officer what your are going to do next in order to comply with his requests/orders.”
In 20/20 hindsight, he should have kept facing the officer, told him exactly where his ID was and awaited instructions. Being “right” is not going to save you from being plugged by an officer if you do something that could be reasonably taken as threatening.
Indeed, you must assume that any agent of the police state is 'roided up and eager to destroy anything that moves. Of course, moving slowly is just as likely to result in them freaking out as well, so it's a toss-up. Sadly, this is where we've come to in America. An occupying army that swarms out and harasses the citizens at their leisure so as to generate ever more revenue from the police state. Any encounter not met with meek subservience is a threat to their authoritah, and will be treated accordingly.