Attitude test

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Thu 23 Jun 2005 12:13
Attitude test - Tomo
There have been a number of references on various threads about a police "attitude test", including one or two by posters who are apparently police. It seems that if one is stopped and fails this test one may be done for everything possible. As it seems that anyone, Backroomer or otherwise, may be stopped at any time nowadays, can anyone give some indication of what this test amounts to in the police mind, and how best to pass it - with only a moderate capacity for hypocrisy, perhaps?
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Thu 23 Jun 2005 12:37
Attitude test - volvoman
Don't know if this 'test' is a formal procedure or not but I don't know many people who, in the course of their work, would take the sort of abuse and 'clever' backchat police officers are too often subjected to without reacting in some way.

It strikes me as obvious that if you're pulled over and generate a lot of hassle and abuse you're more likely to have the book thrown at you than if you remain calm, polite and helpful. I can't imagine there's much more to it than that.
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Thu 23 Jun 2005 12:43
Attitude test - Ex-Moderator
If you wish someone to be generous, polite, helpful and tolerant towards you, then it is best to treat them in that same way.

If you're in an abusive, intolerant, beligerent or picky mood, then people will often respond the same way.

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Thu 23 Jun 2005 12:42
Attitude test - Altea Ego
From the police perspective - No I cant provide a view.

From someone who has used the test quite a few times to escape possible fines and points I can. I think the "attitude" test is one of the motorists greatest skills.

If you can, Get out the car, meet him half way. If possible let him take you into or next to his car, his territory where he feels comfortable. Make him feel in control. Switch on the smile, a nice embarrased smile. Use the eyes. Plod can spot a false smile miles away so think nice things.
Plenty of eye contact. Plod wont bother to "educate" someone who he thinks is not listening, Nod, agree, looked shocked and ashamed when he tells you about pulling arms legs and heads out of crashes.

Excuses wont cut it. ANY excuse. You know what you have done, you know why you have been pulled, he has heard every excuse you can think of and tons you havent, so dont bother. Trot out an excuse and you get knicked. Excuses lead to arguments and you get knicked if you argue. Even if you have a valid reason for doing what you have done, he hasnt seen it or he wouldnt have pulled you.

Polite, Friendly, Contrite, Listen dont Argue, allow plod to think he can educate you, and you can get away with almost anything.
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Thu 23 Jun 2005 12:44
Attitude test - Ex-Moderator
I think this thread is pointless and likely to degenerate into bashing.

Given that the question has been asked, and answered, I have now locked it.
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