Public and Private Spaces at CVOEO

Guidance for Law Enforcement Stops

CVOEO staff deliver services not only in our offices, but also out on the road. Below are some general guidelines detailing how to respond in a traffic stop situation.

While these guidelines apply to everyone, individuals who are undocumented or do not have identification are in a more precarious legal position. For that reason, the better course of action for those individuals would be to immediately request an attorney and invoke their right to remain silent, without answering any questions. The rights outlined below—to not consent to a search, to ask to see a warrant, to ask who has made the stop and why—all apply across the board. Whether or not to exercise those rights will depend on each situation, and will need to factor in the individual’s assessment of risk and safety in the specific moment.

Guidance:

• Stay calm and maintain a respectful tone: This can be difficult when being stopped and questioned, but it is important to not escalate the situation. 
  • Remain visible: To avoid escalation, drivers and passengers should keep their hands visible at all times. Drivers should keep their hands at the 10 and 2 positions on the steering wheel. 
  • Avoid making any rapid movements: Do not move without securing the officer's consent by explaining exactly what you are attempting to do before moving or shifting hands. Misinterpreting a movement can lead to dangerous situations, and maintaining clear communication about your physical actions is key to safety.
• Ask for more information: If the person making the stop is not in a clearly marked police car, ask the person making the stop if they are a police officer, an immigration officer, or from another law enforcement branch. If it is unclear who is making the stop, it is okay to ask for identification. The driver can also ask why they are being stopped.
• Show your ID and registration: If asked, the driver should show a copy of their driver’s license and registration. Passengers in the car are not required to show identification, provide any identifying information, or answer any questions, and may assert their right to remain silent and request an attorney.
• Exiting the vehicle and complying with an officer: The officer may ask the driver and any passengers to exit the vehicle for officer safety. If asked to do so, the driver and passengers should comply. The officer can, and may, pat down the driver or any passengers (above the clothes) for officer safety.
  • Personal searches: The officer cannot search the individual’s pockets, belongings, or vehicle without a judicial warrant or the individual’s consent. If the officer asks or attempts to perform a search, the driver can ask if the officer has a warrant, and request to see it. If the officer asks or attempts to perform a search, the driver can clearly state that they do not consent to a search without a warrant. This does not mean that a search will not occur, but only that the driver has clearly asserted their right not to be searched.
• Exercise your rights: The driver and passenger can decline to answer questions, exercise their right to remain silent, and can request an attorney at any point.

Private Door Signage

• CVOEO Private Door Sign -PDF (8.5"x11")
• CVOEO Private Door Sign, 2 per page - PDF (8.5"x11")
• CVOEO Private Door Sign, small - PDF (5.625"x10")

Public Door Signage

• CVOEO Public Door Sign - PDF (8.5"x11")
• CVOEO Public Door Sign, 2 per page - PDF (8.5"x11")
• CVOEO Public Door Sign, small - PDF (5.625"x10")

Combined Door Signage

• CVOEO Private and Public Combined Door Sign, foldable half sheet - PDF (8.5"x11")

CVOEO believes trust is built through clarity. We aim to be transparent about how we operate while protecting the privacy and wellbeing of the people we serve.

We regularly review and update our policies to ensure they align with best practices, evolving conditions, and our organizational values.

Our Vision

Building a community where every person is valued, has access to opportunity, and can achieve their full potential.

Our Mission

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) addresses fundamental issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice and works with people to achieve economic independence.

Bridging Gaps, Building Futures reflects our commitment to meeting immediate needs—such as food, fuel, and housing support—while helping individuals and families build long-term stability through education, financial skills, and asset-building.

Our Values in Practice

• Learning & Teaching: Learning is reciprocal and evolving.
  

• Action Oriented: We adapt quickly and work creatively in partnership with the people we serve.
  

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We strive for equitable and inclusive access to services and resources.
  

• Empathy & Humility: We center compassion and person-led outcomes.
  

Commitment to Community: We create belonging and connection where we live and work.