Many people don’t know or understand the rights afforded to them when it comes to interacting with law enforcement. And, they often don’t know the level of compliance required of them when approached by police officers.
- Always remain calm and cool. Remain calm and collected because there’s no reason to make things more difficult for yourself. Allowing yourself to become nervous or fidgety is just a reason for an officer to be suspicious of your behavior.
- Never touch an officer. Police officers are trained to deal with and restrain someone who is behaving dangerous or belligerent. Always keep your hands visible, never in your pockets, and if in your vehicle, keep them resting on the steering wheel.
- Remember you have rights; don’t give them up. Remember these tips and express yourself as politely as possible. If you know you’re doing nothing wrong, don’t agree to unlawful searches or questioning out of fear or a desire for transparency. Once you have agreed to a search request it becomes difficult to challenge the officers’ conduct after the fact.
- Ask if you’re being detained or are free to go. You have the right to know what is going to happen to you, so feel free to ask questions if you haven’t chosen to remain silent. Remember that just because you’ve been placed in a squad car, it doesn’t mean you are going to jail. Ask if you are being detained, and the officers are required by law to give you an answer.
- You can refuse most searches. Officers need to have significant cause to search you, your home, or your vehicle. You can and should demand a warrant for any and all searches. However, note that an officer can perform a “pat down” if they fear you have weapons. Do not physically resist an officer, but calmly state that you do not give consent to further search without a warrant.
- Do not confess to wrongdoing. Remember, everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. This is for your protection, provided by the Miranda Law.
- Keep silent, don’t lie. You have the right to remain silent until you have a lawyer present. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
- Ask for a lawyer. State aloud that you wish to remain silent and ask for legal representation immediately. You are not required to give any explanations or excuses.
- Demand a warrant for entry into your home. If no warrant is presented by police, you can refuse entry.
- Report misconduct later and don’t argue. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. If you feel that your rights have been violated, be as neutral and cooperative as possible.