In no particular order, here's what a cop is paying attention to when he or she pulls you over:

The environment. The location of the stop may be in a neighborhood unfriendly to cops, or where there are hazards from passing traffic

Editor's note: Here are things cops look for that could potentially be red flags that you're doing something wrong.

1. Activity inside the car. People moving around can indicate efforts to retrieve or conceal a weapon, or to hide drugs, liquor, or stolen property.

2. Continuing to drive long after the overhead lights have gone on and the siren is sounded. I've had people try to drive all the way home.

3. Telltale indicators the car is stolen, like a dirty license plate on a clean car, or the opposite. License plate screws with nicks or scratches. A bug-covered front license plate on the rear bumper. Expired or missing registration stickers.