Know Your Rights: What To Do If Youre Stopped by the Police. DO NOT RUN!!!! We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. This provides tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights. YOUR RIGHTS - You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. - You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. - If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave. - You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately. - Regardless of the charge. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES - Do stay calm and be polite. - Do not interfere with or obstruct the police. - Do not lie or give false documents. - Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. - Do remember the details of the encounter. - Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated. IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING Stay calm. Dont run. Dont argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police are violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them. Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to know why. You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court. IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel. Upon request, show police your drivers license, registration and proof of insurance. If an officer or immigration agent asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, your car can be searched without your consent. Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you are a passenger, you can ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, sit silently or calmly leave. Even if the officer says no, you have the right to remain silent. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Dont give any explanations or excuses. If you cant pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. Dont say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without a lawyer. You have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. IF YOU FEEL YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street. Dont physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. Write down everything you remember, including officers badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first). File a written complaint with the agencys internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish. Call your local ACLU
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:53:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015