What is a typical indicator of a dangerous encounter with a sovereign citizen?

Claiming to be a sovereign citizen is a typical indicator of a dangerous encounter with a sovereign citizen. Sovereign citizens operate under the belief that they are not subject to federal or state laws, and they often reject the authority of law enforcement. When individuals proclaim their status as sovereign citizens, it may signal that they hold anti-government views and could potentially resist law enforcement actions or engage in confrontational behavior. This claim serves as a red flag for officers, as it may indicate a higher likelihood of unpredictable behavior and a disregard for legal norms, which can escalate into a confrontational situation.

The other choices present behaviors that might not indicate danger. For example, many sovereign citizens may be cooperative during traffic stops or may display identification when requested, which does not inherently suggest a threat. Claiming to be a government official is a less common behavior and may not be as directly linked to the typical indicators associated with sovereign citizens, who primarily reject governmental authority rather than emulate it. Understanding these dynamics helps prepare officers for potential encounters with individuals who identify as sovereign citizens.