“Proper Etiquette for When You’re Under Arrest”

From “Proper Etiquette for When You’re Under Arrest” by Adam Martin, The Atlantic Wire, April 6, 2012

Metropolitan Etiquette Authority (MEA) by artist Jay Shells
Metropolitan Etiquette Authority (MEA) by artist Jay Shells

#1: Be polite, respectful, and professional with the cops, even if they’re being jerks to you.

#2: Don’t say anything to the cops that you don’t have to.

#3: Answer the questions they need to process you.

#4: Don’t claim you’re sick or need medical attention.

#5: Think about the people you might be getting arrested with.

#6: Don’t go along with a group that’s antagonizing police, if you don’t feel like antagonizing police.

#7: Try to make as many friends in the cells as possible.

#8: Don’t antagonize, confront, pick a fight, or cop attitude with anybody else also in custody.

#9: Talk to people [in your cell], but only if they want to.

#10: Don’t call in to work directly from the jail phone.

See the story for more tips.


Chris Rock – How not to get your ass kicked by the police!

For more, see


Down, Out, and Under Arrest: Policing and Everyday Life in Skid Row

Down, Out, and Under Arrest: Policing and Everyday Life in Skid Row


Arrest-Proof Yourself

Arrest-Proof Yourself


How to Be Invisible: Protect Your Home, Your Children, Your Assets, and Your Life

How to Be Invisible: Protect Your Home, Your Children, Your Assets, and Your Life


You Have The Right: A Constitutional Guide to Policing the Police

You Have The Right: A Constitutional Guide to Policing the Police






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