SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Southfield Police Department is launching a unique program to teach teenagers how to work with police. The program called “Please Stop Me” launches Thursday, April 11th at 6 p.m. in a vacant parking lot near Civic Center Drive and Evergreen Road.
“The point of this is to allow young people in our community, and their parents, to understand what are the things that would cause a stop to escalate,” said Acting Chief Brian Bassett. “We talk about that, why things concern police and how we make a stop as safe as possible.”
Acting Chief Bassett explained to 7 Action News that traffic stops are the most dangerous part of a patrolman’s job. In many cases new drivers only visual of a traffic stop is what they see on social media, or on television. Those stops are typically escalating situations that have gone viral, which can create a dangerous narrative for drivers. While the department hasn’t had problems, they view this as a pro-active step to get involved with the community.
“This allows teen drivers to experience a traffic stop in a safe and controlled environment with a parent in their own car too,” said Bassett.
The program is open to high school students with a valid driver’s license or driving permit who live or attend school in Southfield. Drivers must attend with a parent or legal guardian.
Space is limited, so pre-registration is required — which is still open.
For more information you can contact Officer Pate at (248) 796-5360 (kpate@cityofsouthfield.com) or Officer Buckberry at (248) 796-5409 (kbuckberry@cityofsouthfield.com).
More classes are expected in the future.
If you'd like to learn more about how to react to a traffic stop, Michigan State Police break down the process online, here.
