LVPD Press Release

**Alan_Wellson** · Subject: LVPD Press Release Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:30 am

A Message From the Chief Wellson to all Citizens of Las Venturas
Las Venturas is a strong, inclusive community of diverse neighborhoods. The Las Venturas Police Department is representative of those neighborhoods, with a deep respect for all people. Our employees come in all genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations. I have made a strong commitment to increase and improve outreach efforts to all communities.

We making a great effort to try to minimize the level of crime in Las Venturas therefore you may get stoped by Police even if you haven't done anything wrong in fact.
In these few paragraphs I'll explain what to do while stoped by a Police Officer.

Officers may stop people who are driving when they observe a violation of the vehicle code or other laws, or if the person or vehicle matches the description of someone in an investigation. Officers may stop people on the street if they observe a violation, if they are investigating a complaint or they believe the person has or is about to commit a crime. These interactions usually involve the officer asking for your name, your address and your identification. These are simple questions - but can be stressful for the person involved. Officers also routinely walk in their patrol districts and speak to people on the street. These "walk and talks" are not considered stops, and the goal is for the officers to become more familiar with the community.

Traffic Stops (Pull over when the Police Officer asks you to do so)
Traffic safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists remain one of the largest public safety concerns of neighborhoods in Las Venturas, so traffic enforcement is an important role for police.

The most likely reason why people are stopped while driving is for violations of the vehicle code. The laws governing driving privileges consist of more than 100 pages. It is not uncommon for a driver to violate a code without knowing it.

Violations Fall In Two Categories:

Moving Violations: Includes improper lane change, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving in excess of the posted speed limit, etc.

Non-Moving Violations:Includes occupants not wearing their seat belts, children not restrained properly, a tail light or brake light not working correctly, etc., or failure to possess a license, registration or insurance.
Other Reasons Individuals May Be Stopped While Driving:

Criminal investigations often involve officers looking for a suspect, a witness, or a suspect vehicle. Your vehicle may match the description of someone the officer is looking for.

Courtesy or safety concerns, such as when your trunk is open, something is hanging from your vehicle, or something is on top of your vehicle, may also lead to stops.

A warrant exists for the arrest of an occupant of the vehicle.

Things To Do When Stopped
Officers are trained to place a great deal of emphasis on their safety and survival, so they can do the job of protecting others. Many of these guidelines are based on the safety procedures that officers follow.

Slow down, safely pull over to your right when you can and make a complete stop. Please stay in your car with both hands in sight on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach. Do not get out of the vehicle unless asked to do so.

Show the officer your driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance when asked to do so.

When driving a motor vehicle you are required by law to have in your possession a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration and proof of current insurance for the vehicle. If you are stopped and you do not have all these items with you, you could be arrested, issued a citation and/or have your vehicle towed, depending on the circumstances.

If You Are Arrested
If you are arrested, you need to be told what you are being charged with. Don't resist arrest, even if you disagree with the reason or the charge; following your arrest you have the right to legal representation if you are charged with a crime.

Constitutional Rights
If you are being questioned after an arrest, all persons (juveniles and adults) have the following rights, referred to as Miranda Rights:

-You have the right to remain silent.

-Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

-You have the right to talk to an attorney and have him or her present while you are questioned.

-If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you at no expense.

Rights of Police:

-Police may use reasonable force to make an arrest or detain someone.

-If they have probable cause, they can search you, your vehicle and, in some circumstances, your residence.

-If they have probable cause, they can seize your property.

-If they have reasonable suspicion that you have a weapon or illegal substance, they can search you.

Thank you, I hope I cleared out the few things and that citizens of Las Venturas are going to have better understandment of Police actions. If you have any questions or concerns please don't be afraid to E-mail me ((PM)).
LVPD Chief Alan Wellson