What does it mean when a traffic signal is green but there is a police officer directing traffic?

When a traffic signal is green but a police officer is directing traffic, you should always follow the officer's directions. The officer has the authority to control traffic for safety reasons, which may involve overriding the normal traffic signals to manage the flow of vehicles or pedestrians.

For instance, the officer might be directing traffic at an accident scene, during road construction, or in a situation where there’s a large event requiring crowd management. The presence of a police officer indicates that the usual traffic rules may not apply in that moment, and complying with their commands ensures that you are contributing to the overall safety and order of the traffic situation.

In this scenario, stopping immediately would not be appropriate, as it could cause confusion or disruptions in traffic. Similarly, proceeding without stopping might pose a risk if the officer is instructing otherwise. Turning around to find an alternate route may also be unnecessary if the officer is managing the situation effectively. Therefore, adhering to the officer's directions is the safest and most responsible course of action.