What is the trick question police ask?

Asked by: Mrs. Alene Upton  |  Last update: March 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)

If you are pulled over and suspected of drinking and driving, one of the most common trick questions a police officer may ask is: Say the alphabet backwards. This question is often used as a way to assess your cognitive abilities and coordination, which can indicate impairment due to alcohol consumption.

What to say when a cop asks "Do you know why I pulled you over?"?

It's the officer's job to gather evidence that you committed some offence or other, so don't make it easy for him! My best advice is to remain polite and simply say something like, ``I'm really not sure. Please tell me why you have pulled me over.''

What questions do the police ask?

Questions police ask witnesses
  • Did you see what she was wearing?
  • Did he have a weapon?
  • Was the gun loaded?
  • What kind of car was the thief driving?
  • I will need to get a statement from you.
  • How long ago did this happen?
  • If you think of anything else, please notify us.

What tricks do police use?

Here are some interrogation techniques that law enforcement may employ:
  • Lying. The police are allowed to lie to you when they bring you in for questioning. ...
  • Intimidation. ...
  • Fabricating Evidence. ...
  • Leading Questions. ...
  • Your DNA. ...
  • Lie Detector Test. ...
  • Accomplice Confession. ...
  • Obstruction of Justice.

What do the police not want you to know?

Right to Remain Silent

This right is probably the most known of all. You have the right to remain silent when being questioned by the police. Anything you say or do can be used against you. You have the right to have legal representation at the time of any police interrogation.

probably my favourite interaction

26 related questions found

What questions do they ask in an interrogation?

Also, a good investigator should focus on asking short, to-the-point questions such as “Who told you that?” and “What did she say to you?” and “Where were you during this conversation?” and “How did that make you feel?” and “What happened next?” Remember, a good investigator will resist the urge to tell a witness what ...

Why do cops ask "Do you know why I stopped you?"?

"It's kind of that power dynamic that I think scares some people," said Omeed Berenjian. He's a criminal defense attorney and partner with BK Law Group. "I think the most common reason is the officer wants you to admit guilt to some extent."

How to tell if a cop is texting you?

Clear Signs That You Are Receiving Text Messages From the Police
  1. Check the Phone Number. One of the first steps to verify the authenticity of a text message is to check the phone number. ...
  2. Look for Professional Language. ...
  3. Verify the Officer's Identity. ...
  4. Be Cautious of Requests for Personal Information.

Can cops ask where you're coming from?

When a police officer asks where you are coming from, they are looking for evidence to support the possibility that you have or are committing a crime or whether or not you are a threat to public safety. This creates a baseline that they will later write down in a police report.

Why do cops ask if you know how fast you were going?

They're trying to get you to incriminate yourself

The officer has that admission on record and it can be used against you. It's not just speed that leads police officers to use this tactic.

Do you know why I pulled you over legally?

Police officers in California can no longer ask, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” That's because of a new state law that came into effect on Jan. 1.

Why do cops follow you but not pull?

Instead, the general rule is that police are allowed to follow you for a reasonable distance to observe your driving and determine if a traffic stop needs to be conducted. As you might imagine, a reasonable distance is interpretative and will vary based on the specifics of the situation.

What to say when a cop asks you where you are going?

You have the right to remain silent. For example, you do not have to answer any questions about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, say so out loud.

Can you tell police I don't answer questions?

Say “I want to remain silent.” You cannot be arrested or detained for refusing to answer questions. But it can look suspicious to the police if you answer questions and then suddenly stop. Make it your practice to always remain silent.

Do you have to tell a cop where you work?

While the police may require you to tell them your name (depending on state law), they may not legally require you to tell them about your immigration status, where you're traveling from, where you're going, or what you're doing.

Can you tell a cop to stop talking to you?

Say “I do not consent to a search.” DON'T lie. Tell the police you don't want to talk to them. Say “I want to remain silent.”

How do you know if police are looking for you?

One of the strongest signs you are being investigated is that law enforcement officials contact you. They could call or text you or leave their card at your door with a request to contact them. They may also go to your home and ask you to go to the police station for questioning or visit you at your job.

Can police tell if you're on your phone while driving?

You may be looking towards the road, but you are not concentrating on what is in front of you. Cops are trained to spot this tactic. It is easy for police to spot cell phone use while you're driving at night. The interior of your car is awash in a light blue glow coming from your phone.

Can a cop pull you over if you are behind them?

On a normal traffic stop, say the officer used his radar to clock a car approaching him from the rear and decided to make a stop. The officer would simply slow until the car passed him and then turn on his lights, in the US. Typically, in the US, cops pull over a vehicle from behind.

Can I ask why I'm being pulled over?

They have to have a legal reason for pulling you over. Best not to ask though, at least not immediately. They are usually eager to tell you why so, rather then demanding answers, just be quiet, respectful, listen, and comply with their requests as long as they are within the law and reason.

What not to do in an interrogation?

Don't lie. Whatever you tell must be the truth. Otherwise, if the implicated person detects the lie, he or she will believe that you are bluffing and have no proof of his or her wrongdoing. Don't lose your temper.

What are the six basic investigative questions?

The six interrogatory and basic investigative questions, widely used in research, journalism, science and investigations of all sorts, are represented by Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

What are the examples of bait questions?

» “what we can do” not “what we did do” » “cameras are everywhere nowadays” not “our cameras caught you…” Begin all bait questions with: – “Is there any reason you can think of….?” – “Would there be any reason why….?” – “We have your fingerprints…” – “A witness told us they saw you….”