Stay Safe -- Former San Bernardino Police Officer Tells What To Do If You're Pulled Over

REDONDO BEACH (CBSLA.com)   —  Tensions between the public and police officers are at a high around the country.

Philando Castle was killed by police in Minnesota after being stopped reportedly for having a broken tail light. His girlfriend, recording on Facebook live, repeatedly said that Castle told officers he had a weapon in his car and then said he was reaching for his wallet and ID.

While the actual debate of whether he reached for his gun are not is only starting, CBS2's Rachel Kim stople to a former San Bernardino Police officer who offered advice to a scared public on exactly how to act if pulled over.

After Thursday night's violence in Dallas -- where two snipers gunned down at least four police officers -- they are also on edge.

As an officer with the San Bernardino Police Department for 23 years, Johnny Turner has made his share of traffic stops. He's now retired but after hearing about what happened in Minnesota, he wants to let people know what you should and shouldn't do when you are pulled over.

"Once you get to the side, you need to see some hands. Hands is what will do you in. It's what will hurt you every single time," says Turner.

Keep yours hands on the wheel at all times?, he is asked.

"Best position for them, by far. And if you're a passenger, just keep your hands on your lap in the front so we can see where they are at all times. As you can see, it's one straight line across," Turner says.

Turner says while your hands are in the officer's plain sight, don't reach for anything until he or she asks for it, like your driver's license, registration or insurance paperwork.

"Just don't jump ahead and go ahead of anything. If we're talking and you start  reaching, now that's gonna set off some alarm bells for someone who really doesn't know what you're up to," Turner says.

If you have a concealed weapons permit and the weapon in your car, let the officer know where they are. Don't reach for them. That can lead to a dangerous misunderstanding. (Castle, according to his girlfriend, did tell police he had a weapon and a permit for it and that he only reached for his wallet when the officer instructed him to.)

Whether you're the driver, passenger or someone in the backseat, bottom line -- in most scenarios, keeping your hands visible and not making any sudden movements should keep you safe.

"It's extremely important that we go home, we want citizens to go home, too,"  Turner says.