Mephistopheles

Nighshift, slate, and any others:

First, big thanks for taking the time to participate in such a constructive way here.

Now the questions:

1. Detentions.
In the event that you've detained someone at a traffic stop, what is the reasonable amount of time that the person can be detained for? I've only heard rumors on this one usually ranging 9-15mins.

2. Just say NO.
When asked by an officer if he can search your vehicle. In your opinion, what would be the most respectful way to say no? I am very busy, and would like to convey that sense of urgency.

3. Getting out of the car.
This seems to be a tricky situation. I've read that getting out of one's car and locking the door creates another level of expectation of privacy. Plus, it lessens one's "grabbable area" and should for that reason put the officer at ease. However, I also understand that such an action may be viewed by the officer as odd or agressive. How would you view such a situation?
Better yet, has anyone ever completely reversed roles on you by exiting the vehicle, and then approaching you in your cruiser? Again, I can see how this may put an officer on edge. Is this behaivor as atypical as I think it to be?

4. Man's best friend?
When a dog alerts on a closed compartment, how is the officer to know it's not a bag of dog food in the trunk?

Thanks for your time.