2 Answers

What are Pennsylvania's Policies on Police Stops?

Police stops are frequent occurrences in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Understanding the reasons behind the traffic stop and the actions performed can  help to reduce the stress incurred during a Pennsylvanian traffic stop. The  actions for and during a police stop are the same regardless of the officer or  branch of service, be the officer a member of the city or state police squads.
Read more:  What are Pennsylvania's Policies on Police Stops? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7218974_pennsylvania_s-policies-police-stops_.html#ixzz1yEuIsYgB

Reasons

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a police officer can only pull  over a vehicle if there is suspicion of a legal discrepancy, such as a failure  to obey traffic regulations or if the vehicle appears to be one used in a crime.  This is referred to as reasonable suspicion. There are some cases when a police  officer may pull over a vehicle simply to inform an individual of a problem with  the vehicle or of an item on the vehicle, although this is not as frequent as  other police stops.

  
  

  
  
  
  

During the Stop

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  During a Pennsylvanian police stop, the officer will request several pieces  of vital information. These pieces include a driver's license, current insurance  information and vehicle registration. The officer may also request the  identification information of the other adult passengers if there are additional  adults in the vehicle. If the police stop was due to a suspected driving under  the influence, a sobriety test may ensue. During the police stop it is important  to shut off the vehicle and to follow the instructions of the police officer at  all times. If you are on the road, state law dictates that you are to turn on  your hazard lights during the police stop.

  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
   
  
  

Vehicle Searches

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  Pennsylvania police do not search vehicles without reasonable cause or  suspicion. This suspicion can include an occupant with multiple criminal actions  or suspicious activities during the traffic stop. A vehicle search can also  occur if a passenger appears to be intoxicated, especially if the intoxicated  individual is the driver of the vehicle. A warrant is not needed to search the  vehicle if there is reasonable suspicion during the traffic stop, although a  warrant is necessary to disassemble the vehicle in a manner that may cause  damage to the vehicle, such as checking the dash or to remove the seats during  the search.

  
  

  
  
  
  

I live in PA and I must say they are the most considerate cops I ever met. I've been stopped three times for speeding and never got a ticket. They did issue written warnings. As far as a physical body search, only if they feel you are carrying a weapon. You as a woman have the right to have a supervisor present during a search which must be done by a female officer. This is according to my cop buddy.