Know what to expect during a traffic stop? Oxnard police create informational video

OXNARD, Calif. -- The Oxnard Police Department created a video explaining the process of what people can expect during a traffic stop, and what their rights are.

It's a moment no one looks forward to. Getting pulled over.

Police say a lot of new drivers in particular-- don't understand the process.

“About two or three months ago we were approached by a group of parents that were concerned about their children that were going off to college,” Kevin Thompson, a police officer with the Oxnard Police Department. “They wanted to know what could happen and what their behaviors should be during a traffic stop.”

The department wanted to hold a public forum to talk about it-- but because of COVID-19 the police department instead created a video describing what drivers and passengers can expect.

When officers ask for your license and registration, police state you should ask if you can retrieve the paperwork before reaching in the glove department.

The new video comes amid nationwide protests and a push for police reform and accountability.

“With the climate in our country right now it is very important that everyone understands that police officers and the citizens we are all on the same team. Sometimes people think that we are pulling people over based on their race. But we are basically making traffic stops off of traffic code violation for the State of California, which we are trying to enforce,” said Thompson.

Oxnard police say they haven't run into many problems, which they attribute to having a good relationship with the community.

“We just ask number one to comply, don’t become argumentative and get into a debate,” said Thompson. “If you feel that an officer is not acting professional, the driver can ask for a supervisor.”

Here is the link to the full video provided by the Oxnard Police Department, click here.