Go ahead and roll down your window for me, please. >> I can hear you. >> Why am I being pulled over? >> You can roll down your window or I can go ahead and just place you under arrest. I don't want you to take the chance on rolling my hand up into your window. >> Officer Michael Bowen of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department was driving patrol when he noticed a vehicle roll through a stop sign without completing the stop. Officer Bowen immediately activated his emergency lights and floored it, passing through the same intersection to catch up to the vehicle. The vehicle turned into the next parking lot [music] and parked, waiting for Officer Bowen to approach. As Officer Bowen approached, Joel rolls the window down about 3 in, just enough to communicate and exchange documents if required. >> Hello, sir. Go ahead and roll down your window for me, please. >> I can hear you. >> Go ahead and roll down your window for me, please. Yes, it is. >> I don't have to roll it. >> You can roll down your window or I can go ahead and just place you under arrest. >> For what? >> For disobeying a lawful order. Because when you hand your information to me, I don't want you to take the chance on rolling my hand up into your window. >> The exchange of documents does not require the officer's fingers to enter the opened window. It doesn't require a handshake and is in fact a [music] Fourth Amendment boundary. Furthermore, in Missouri there is no law that requires a driver to roll their window all the way down during a traffic stop. >> [music] >> While officers may ask you to do so, the law does not mandate it as long as you can clearly communicate, present your license and insurance, and remain visible, you're well within your rights. In fact, even Missouri's own Department of Revenue suggests that when you're unsure whether an approaching officer is legitimate prior to them identifying themselves, it's reasonable to roll your window down only far enough to talk. This serves as a practical safety measure for both the driver and the officer. A partially open window acts as a barrier that reduces the risk of sudden intrusion or escalation. It allows for verbal communication while still providing a buffer, especially in situations where an officer's intent may be questionable or unclear. >> You can roll down your window or I can go ahead and just place you under arrest. I don't want to you to take the chance on rolling my hand up into your window. >> It also protects the driver from bad weather, road debris, and aggressive behavior. Now, after being threatened with arrest, Joel begins recording. >> Do you have your driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration for the vehicle? >> I do. >> Okay. >> Why am I being pulled over? >> I'd like to see that information, please, because you ran the stop sign. >> Okay. What's your badge number, sir? >> I'm officer Bowen. Can I see that information, please? >> Yes, sir. Stand by on the insurance. >> Do you have the registration for the vehicle? >> I do. >> Can I see that as well, please? >> Yes, you can.