What to do if you’re stopped by the police

THINK CAREFULLY about your words, movement, body language and emotions.

Don’t get into an argument with police.

Remember anything you say or do can used against you.

KEEP YOUR HANDS the police can see them.

DON’T RUN. DON’T TOUCH the police officer.

DON’T RESIST even if you believe you are innocent.

DO NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENTS regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN you remember ASAP. Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.

If you are injured TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INJURIES as soon as possible but make sure SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FIRST.

If you feel your rights have been violated FILE A CITIZEN COMPLAINT with the police department.

What you say to the police is important. What you say can and will be used against you and it will give police an excuse to arrest you especially if you bad mouth a police officer.

You must show your driver’s license and registration when stopped in a car. Otherwise, you don’t have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested with one important exception. The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to give it. If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.

You don’t have to consent to any search of yourself, your car, or your house. If you do consent it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ask to see it.

Do not interfere with or obstruct the police. You can be arrested for it.