Ownership, Territory and Height SignalsConsidering that under these circumstances the police officer
is in the superior position to you, this behaviour serves only to
make things go from bad to worse and your chances of getting
a ticket are increased. Instead, try this if you are pulled over:
- Immediately get out of your car (your territory) and go fo-
wards to the police officer's car (his territory). In this way
he is not inconvenienced by having to leave his space.
(Don't try this approach in the USA where getting out of
your car and rushing towards an officer may result in
sudden lead poisoning.) - Stoop your body over so that you are smaller than him.
- Lower your own status by telling the officer how irrespon-
sible you've been and raise his status by thanking him for
pointing out your mistake and telling him that you realise
how difficult his job must be, having to deal with fools like
you. - With your palms out, in a trembling voice, ask him not
to give you a ticket. If you're female and the officer is
male, smile a lot, blink your eyes repeatedly and talk in a
higher pitched voice. If you're a man, just take the ticket
and pay it.
'Please don't book me!'This behaviour shows the police officer that you are not a
threat and encourages him to take the role of a reprimanding
parent, in which case he may decide to give you a stern
warning and tell you to be on your way — without a ticket!
When this technique is used as directed, it can save you from