Educating to help drivers and officers

I
realized that new drivers on the road are not taught the correct (or
any) protocol to implement when being pulled over by law enforcement
for a traffic stop. I was further drawn to this topic because I knew
that I could design a program that would save the lives of police
officers and drivers alike.

The
concept for this project began when my mom asked me what I would do
if the police stopped me. It had never occurred to me that reaching
for my registration in my glove compartment could be misinterpreted
as reaching for a weapon. I knew then that if I was clueless with all
of the resources and advantages I possessed growing up that a program
designed to teach the traffic stop response skills could save lives!

I
decided that I could successfully take community issues and create a
sustainable response that would benefit others. Thus, Relax, Respect,
and Respond was born in concept. As I began to look for community
resources and meet people to guide me, I forged relationships,
developed skills, and broadened my network. I worked with a film
crew, music producers, school resource officers, and the Troy Police
Department. I developed a life-long mentoring relationship with a
Girl Scout Alumna.

As
I created the program, the title Relax, Respect, Respond emerged as
the simple steps to follow when stopped by a police officer. First,
Relax, do not panic and find a safe place to stop the vehicle, put
the car in park, and keep your hands on the steering wheel until the
officer gives you directions. Respectfully communicate with the
officer; advise them if you plan to reach for required documents in
the glove compartment. Always immediately inform the office if you
are in possession of a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). The police may
request that the driver or any passengers step out of the car. Always
respond professionally. As this project developed, I learned that my
resources loved seeing a strong independent, determined Girl Scout
designing what had not been created in the past.

I
presented my project for official review by the local police
department, and my school. I headed off to the Michigan State Police
Headquarters. They were so impressed with Relax, Respect and Respond
that they plan to roll the program out statewide, and they
recommended we present the program at the National Convention of
State Police Departments.