Why Do Police Officers Stop Cars for Minor Violations?

“Why do officers stop cars for minor violations”” the Waterford Police Department asked via Facebook. “Don’t they have more important crime to fight?”

They then shared the following story about a DUI enforcement that took place Thursday, Nov. 20:

Officer Michael Fedor was assigned to D.U.I. enforcement tonight and stopped a vehicle on Willets Ave. for crossing over the double yellow center-lines in the roadway. The stop resulted in the arrest of the sole occupant and the seizure of 2.5 lbs of Marijuana, approximately $500 in cash and the vehicle.

Arrested was Nathaniel Scott Jr. of New London, Connecticut. Scott is 35 years old.

Officers routinely stop cars for what many would consider minor violations. From those stops, officers often times encounter other crimes, contraband and wanted people within the cars. If the stop is determined to just be a minor motor vehicle violation, the officer has some discretion as to the disposition. (Verbal warning, written warning, infraction, summons and/or arrest)

(Photo from Waterford Police Department)

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