Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Max, I really am trying to understand, but it's just my opinion that a spot light directed at a drivers mirror is not enough to set them off. Sure, if I had a big attitude towards the driver, sparks may fly, but that's not my style. Here's what is normally said to a driver I stop, of course, circumstances may cause the approach to differ somewhat, but this is the general approach I use with MOST stops.
The violation is observed and the decision to stop the vehicle is made. The vehicle is stopped, and depending on the number of occupants and age group, I choose my approach to the vehicle. If it's a night time stop, the spot light is directed at either their rearview or sideview mirror and the take down lights are on. Once I get to the driver, my normal greeting is "good evening Sir/Maam, I stopped you for (insert the violation here), may I see your drivers license, registration and insurance card please". Most usually comply, some may start to argue that they didn't do the violation cited, etc. Again, its' all about people skills. Once I have their paperwork, I ask them to remain in the vehicle while I return to mine to check their credentials and ensure that there are no active warrants. My decision to issue the summons is based on the violation, the drivers history (DMV check) and yes, the attitiude of the driver. While I will vary the approach to more of a firm but still respectful attitiude, I certainly don't call the teenagers I stop as "Sir". That's it, would this approach anger you Max? Or are you coupling the spot light WITH an attitude, if that's the case, I agree with you 110%, no need to belittle anyone or talkdown to the driver. That IS sloppy Police work.
I'm extending the proverbal olive branch to you Max. I see that you don't live too far from me, if you ever happen to becoming through NW NJ and would like to continue this debate over a cup of coffee, beer, whatever you wish, look me up, all my numbers are in the travel companion. If not, well, that's fine also. I am NOW officially done with this debate, and will now continue my neverending hunt for more HP, thanks, it's been real
Scott W.
The violation is observed and the decision to stop the vehicle is made. The vehicle is stopped, and depending on the number of occupants and age group, I choose my approach to the vehicle. If it's a night time stop, the spot light is directed at either their rearview or sideview mirror and the take down lights are on. Once I get to the driver, my normal greeting is "good evening Sir/Maam, I stopped you for (insert the violation here), may I see your drivers license, registration and insurance card please". Most usually comply, some may start to argue that they didn't do the violation cited, etc. Again, its' all about people skills. Once I have their paperwork, I ask them to remain in the vehicle while I return to mine to check their credentials and ensure that there are no active warrants. My decision to issue the summons is based on the violation, the drivers history (DMV check) and yes, the attitiude of the driver. While I will vary the approach to more of a firm but still respectful attitiude, I certainly don't call the teenagers I stop as "Sir". That's it, would this approach anger you Max? Or are you coupling the spot light WITH an attitude, if that's the case, I agree with you 110%, no need to belittle anyone or talkdown to the driver. That IS sloppy Police work.
I'm extending the proverbal olive branch to you Max. I see that you don't live too far from me, if you ever happen to becoming through NW NJ and would like to continue this debate over a cup of coffee, beer, whatever you wish, look me up, all my numbers are in the travel companion. If not, well, that's fine also. I am NOW officially done with this debate, and will now continue my neverending hunt for more HP, thanks, it's been real
Scott W.
