Traffic Safety

The reasons vary. When you see emergency lights in your rear-view mirror, it is usually for one of these:

• Moving violationsThe most common reason: speeding, failing to signal a turn, crossing the double yellow line to pass and similar violations.
• Registration & equipmentProblems with registration or equipment, such as unapproved lights (N.J.S.A. 39:3-77) installed in place of factory parts.
• Investigative stopsYour vehicle may match a BOLO (Be On the Lookout), or a caller or officer may have reported suspicious activity.
• Safety issuesSomething like an open trunk or an item left on the roof of your car.

During the stop

1. The officer activates emergency lights, and possibly the siren or horn, to get your attention.
2. Back-up officers may arrive on the scene.
3. The officer asks for your license, registration and insurance card.
4. The officer tells you why you were stopped.
5. Your vehicle may be searched if there is probable cause that it contains evidence of a crime or illegal material.
6. You may receive a summons or a warning.

How you can help

• Pull over as far from the lane of traffic as possible.
• Stay in your vehicle unless the officer asks you to step out.
• Turn on your interior lights. Refusing when asked is a violation of New Jersey law.
• Keep your hands in view, ideally on the steering wheel.
• The officer will explain the stop once you have provided your documents.
• Don’t argue the outcome at the roadside; it is unproductive and unsafe. You will have your day in court.

• Why did the officer approach my car the way they did?Officers are trained to limit their exposure to traffic and stay near cover. You know the car behind you is a police officer, but the officer does not know who they are about to meet, so extra precautions are common.
• Why did another police vehicle arrive?A back-up unit may be another Mullica car or an officer from another agency checking on the primary officer. Traffic stops are among the most dangerous activities for officers, and the department takes every precaution to keep them safe.
• Why is the officer in their car so long?The officer is checking your registration, insurance and driving privileges, and may be checking you and your vehicle for wants or warrants.

Child safety seats

Buckle them in right

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children over six months old in the United States. Using child car seats correctly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect young children in a crash.

• Patrol
• Detective / CSI
• Traffic Safety
• Professional Standards
• HLEO
• Crime Prevention
• Permit to Carry

Non-emergency police dispatch: 609-652-2037 · Routine business: 609-561-7600