Are there rules as to how a police officer conducts himself during a traffic stop? My situation is that I was pulled over for speeding in Ohio (I still have to appear in court for it-I choose to do so), and the officer displayed erratic behavior during the period of the stop. I complied with everything he said, I gave him my license, proof of insurance, and I even offered additional information. I did not contest the stop, I did not insult him anyway, make any gestures, or raise my voice. What I did do was ask him if the proof of insurance was adequate enough b/c the proof itself showed the exp date to be Nov 2000; however, I had an updated card in my trunk. I asked him if I could step out and get it to prove it. He said "that's fine" a couple of times while I was explaining about the insurance . I simply asked, "this is OK then?" to verify what he said for clear communication. I did not say it in a smart manner. He said, "that's fine". Then I said OK I just wanted to be sure, and at that time he repeatedly yelled, "that's fine" over and over again (at least half a dozen times. I calmly said "OK, I just wanted to make sure". He then said to me, "Are you trying to agitate me? How many times did I say 'that's fine'?" I was afraid to answer since I was not sure if it was a rhetorical question and I didn't want to make him any more angry, but after a few seconds of silence I said "a dozen" to give an answer. I tried to tell him that I was just trying to make sure we had clear communication, but he then yelled at me asking me if I wanted to spend a hour there. At no time during this situation did I raise my voice. The whole reason I wanted to be sure there was clear communication is because I hadn't seen if he marked that I had proof of insurance on my ticket. I didn't want to receive a letter in the mail stating that my license was going to be suspended. I did not insist that I get out of the car, or that I should find the insurance card. This occurred just outside of Akron. What can I do? What can I do in a court of law (at the hearing for the traffic stop)? Thank you. |