10 Rules for Dealing with Police
10 Rules for Dealing with Police – “10 Rules for Dealing with Police, the new film from Flex Your Rights, premiered at Cato earlier this week. If you’re interested in knowing more about how to defend your rights during encounters with law enforcement, this is a must-see. You can watch the whole thing [here], which includes discussion and commentary after the film.
(from the Washington Examiner).
1. Always remain calm, collected and respectful. “A police encounter is the worst time and place to vent your frustration with the police,” Murphy warned.
2. You have the right to remain silent. Exercise it. Not talking is the smartest way to exercise your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. (This means “STFU”.)
3. You have the right to refuse any searches of your person or property without a court-ordered search warrant. Murphy told the audience to memorize these lines: “I don’t consent to searches.” (And then STFU.)
4. Don’t be fooled. The police are allowed to lie to you, make threats they know to be false, or promise things they have no intention of delivering. (See Number 2.)
5. Ask if you’re being detained or are free to go. The police need probable cause to detain you against your will. (And then STFU.)
6. Don’t do or say anything to help the police find probable cause so they can detain you. (See Numbers 1 and 2.)
7. Don’t run. That automatically gives them probable cause. (See Numbers 1 and 2.)
8. Never touch a cop. That’s a no-brainer. (See Numbers 1 and 2.)
9. Be a good witness so if you have to make a complaint about police misconduct, you will have a good recall of what took place. But don’t tell the officer. (See Numbers 1 and 2.)
10. Don’t let anybody from the government inside your house without a court-ordered, signed search warrant.
See also the Bill of Rights Card by Two Seas Media and our Pocket Constitution, and The Fifth Amendment.
And just in case the above didn’t make any sense…
How to Deal with Officers
At all times, remain calm and smile.
A police encounter is the worst time and place to vent your frustration about the police.
Do not make any sudden jerky movements, and do not run.
When stopped, ask each officer you deal with:
“Officer, am I being detained or am I free to go?”
If you are being detained, tell each officer you deal with
“I’m going to remain silent and I want to see a lawyer.”
Do not consent to searches:
“Officer, I do not consent to any searches.”
If searched without permission, do not physically resist:
“Officer, I am not resisting, and I do not consent to this search.”
Chris Rock’s educational video, “How To Not to Get Your Ass Kicked by the Police”
More
- See the videos accompanying the Fifth Amendment post
- Bill of Rights Card by Two Seas Media
- FlexYourRights.com
- “They’re Not on Your Side,” by Nathaniel Burney, The Criminal Lawyer, November 17, 2010
- “’10 Rules for Dealing with Police’ seeks to teach constitutional rights,” by DeNeen L. Brown, The Washington Post, March 25, 2010
- Injustice Everywhere
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