Unless your window is already lowered, do not lower it until the officer asks. Police officers are always on alert and trust no one, and with good reason; it is to protect themselves. A window being lowered while the officer is walking towards your vehicle can be viewed as a threat. A threat which may lead to the officer becoming defensively irate and possibly drawing their weapon. Just sit patiently and await instructions.
Let the officer have the first word, and do not ask "What did I do wrong?" Although you may believe you have not committed any violation, the officer obviously believes you have. In the officer's mind you are questioning their intelligence, which will certainly frustrate them, increasing your chances of undeserved extra tickets.
Police officers are not much into small talk, they have a job to do and move along. However, in some cases the officer may initiate small talk, which in actuality is a way for them to question you, just in case you are a bandit on the loose. If an officer does seem to initiate small talk, remain positive and respond politely.
Pleasantly portray your demeanor even if you are having a bad day, or you're just not the cheery type. Showing an officer a bad attitude, or acting overly confident will only serve as a force to make the officer counter your attitude, and let's face it, they're in control. Just be nice, and if you feel you have wrongfully received a ticket, say "thank you officer" then take your battle to court.
If you have never seen the barrel of a gun pointed directly at you, and you never do; do not start by coming out of your vehicle when an officer pulls you over. This is truly risky business, and can cost you your life, especially if you're holding on to a sandwich wrapped in tin foil. Just stay in your vehicle.
If you show a police officer respect, they will respect you right back. If they do not, still follow The Top 5, it is safer for everyone involved.
select one here...