Random vehicle searches are nothing new on a US Air Force base. You can be stopped at anytime as you enter the base, or on your way out. Either way, you should be prepared in case you are stopped for a random vehicle search. Read on to find out more about how to respond to a random vehicle search when you are on a US Air Force base.
Pull Over
Just as you should pull over onto the side of the road when prompted by a civilian police officer, you should likewise pull over when the security police approach your vehicle and motion for you to pull over and turn your engine off. Do not keep on driving, as the security police may well think you have something to hide and proceed to give chase.
Show ID Card
When you get out of your car, make sure that you have your military ID card with you so that you can produce it and show it to the security police. Even though it will not always be required each time you submit to a random vehicle search, it is always a good idea to have it with you in case the security police want to see it.
Follow Instructions
It is understandable that if this is your first random vehicle search that you will be anxious and worried about what to expect when you are pulled over on base for a random vehicle search. But there is no reason to feel that you have been unfairly singled out, unless you have broken the law in some way. Random vehicle searches are conducted on US Air Force bases to help ensure the security of the base. Security police will therefore expect drivers to follow their instructions and to be compliant at all times. Open up the boot and bonnet of the vehicle, describe what is in the plastic bag on the front passenger seat and answer any other questions or queries posed to you in a polite, patient manner.
Submitting to a random vehicle search is not a voluntary procedure when you are on a US Air Force base. You will be expected to comply with the security police as they carry out their job. Doing so will help the random vehicle search go more smoothly, causing you the least amount of delay as you proceed with your business or as you exit the base.
