Wednesday, March 21, 2018

What Every Teen Driver Should Know! “Taught by a Cop”

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CantonPolice
If you know a new or soon to be a licensed driver, please have them attend “Traffic Stop with a Cop” being held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Canton City Hall from 11:00 AM- 1:30 PM.  The Canton Police Department has created a class for teens that focuses on what to do during a traffic stop.  The class will also teach very important information that every new driver should know.

What to expect during a traffic stop
Constitutional Rights during an officer interaction
What to do in the event of an accident
The laws of a class “D” license
The impact of a citation on a driver’s license and insurance
Texting and driving consequences 

Lawmakers in some states require driver education classes to teach “appropriate interactions with law enforcement officers.”  Illinois, North Carolina, and Virginia passed a similar law recently.  Mississippi, New Jersey, Texas and Rhode Island also are considering them.  Although Georgia does not require the education, the Canton Police Department believes this class will benefit young drivers by giving them the knowledge of what to expect during the traffic stop.  

Students of the class will get to experience a mock traffic stop as a driver and then see the encounter from an officer’s point of view.  Canton Police hopes the class will allow drivers to be less nervous during a stop and give them confidence by having gone through a role-play traffic encounter scenario.

Chief Mark J. Mitchell stated, “We are extremely excited to offer this educational and insightful program for new teen drivers.  Our goal, and the purpose of this initiative is to relay to young motorists what to expect during a traffic stop, their rights during the interaction and the Officer’s point of view.  We hope this education, along with good communication, are key components to keeping everyone safe during a traffic stop encounter.  Not only do we want those in attendance to know what to expect but we also want anyone who leaves from a traffic stop with one of our Officers to be treated fairly, respectfully and given a voice in the process regardless of whether they received a citation or not.  Our organization strives to practice these principles of Procedural Justice in today’s world of 21st Century Policing.”      
  
Traffic Stop with a Cop is recommended for those that are 14-19 years old. The class will be limited to thirty students.  To apply, please fill out the online registration form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CantonPolice

Class Schedule – 
10:30am Check-in and handouts 
11:00am-12:00pm PowerPoint presentation 
12:00pm-12:30pm Complimentary lunch provided (pizza)
12:30pm-1:30pm Mock traffic stops and demonstration