Shock: This is Why Cops Tap Your Car When They Pull You Over

Many of us notice a peculiar action by police officers: tapping on a vehicle during a roadside stop. This action is not random but serves clear and significant purposes. It's a procedure that's been part of police training worldwide for many years, integrating safety considerations, investigative techniques, and psychological factors.

Officer Orlando Steve Monteiro, who was recently interviewed by a local news channel in the US, explained that this seemingly trivial action is actually very intentional and is part of an international safety protocol.

"When law enforcement officers conduct a traffic stop, there are numerous procedures to follow, not only for the safety of the violator but also for the officer's safety," says Monteiro. "One of these things is to prove that the officer was with the car. So when officers approach the vehicle, they touch the rear part."

However, he noted that this is not the main reason. Here are a few more reasons why this small action is intended:

1. Creating Physical Evidence

Officers tap the car to leave fingerprints on the vehicle's body. If the stop ends in a criminal event or the driver attempts to flee, the fingerprints serve as evidence that the officer was in contact with the vehicle. "This is one of the methods to ensure the event details are documented even in cases of unforeseen developments," Monteiro explains.

2. Distracting the Driver

The tap is also used to distract the driver. When the officer approaches the vehicle, they need to ensure that the driver and passengers aren't planning an action that might endanger them, such as drawing a weapon. The tap creates a situation where the driver focuses on the rear, allowing the officer to look inside and identify potential dangers.

3. Checking Alertness and Cooperation

"We want to check if the driver is alert or behaving unusually," Monteiro notes. "If the driver completely ignores the tap or acts nervously, it might indicate excessive stress, concealment attempts, or intoxication."

4. Detecting Vehicle Anomalies

In some cases, the tap is used for a quick check of the vehicle's condition. Unusual sounds or unexpected noise may alert to problems, such as smuggling attempts or modifications to the vehicle structure for criminal purposes.

5. Ensuring an Authoritative Presence

The tap symbolizes the officer's control over the situation. "The tap reminds the driver that we're here, overseeing and controlling the situation," says Monteiro. "This action establishes the officer's presence and sets a clear boundary between normal behavior and undesirable behavior."

It's interesting to note that behind this simple action there is also a psychological explanation, proven repeatedly in police studies.

"The action creates a psychological response in the driver known as the "surprise effect." It's a brief moment of uncertainty that lowers the chance of the driver taking unexpected actions, like attempting to flee or drawing a weapon. Additionally, the physical gesture delivers a clear message: the officer is touching the car, marking territory, and creating an indirect yet authoritative connection with the driver," he concludes.