How to Interact With the
Police
By: Nico
Problem
Most people don’t know how to safely and intelligently interact with the police.
Solution
I have created a presentation with several tips for general interactions with police officers
as well as different scenarios and what to do in them.
Why is this important?
Lots of reasons, but in simple terms, if you react to a situation with the police in the wrong
way you could end up arrested (or in some cases killed).
Never
Lie to the police
Physically touch an officer
Be rude to an officer (it’s not technically a crime but…)
Resist arrest
Run
Discuss your citizenship/immigration status
Sign anything (besides a ticket) without speaking to a lawyer first
Attempt to bribe an officer
Don’t answer questions you don’t have to
Even if you’re innocent.
Miranda warning + 5th amendment rights
About 80% of people waive their miranda rights and willingly submit to a police interrogation
Police can’t help you in court
You can’t talk your way out of being arrested
What to do if you’re pulled over
Do not play loud music
Show your license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance.
Do not answer questions or provide information besides that
Keep your hands visible at all times
Say what you’re going to do before you do it.
Do not admit to a crime.
Get out of the car if asked. They may do a pat down search.
Sign a ticket if necessary (you can always dispute it later)
What to do if you’re pulled over Part 2
If an officer asks to search the car, ask if they have a warrant. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO SEARCH
YOUR CAR WITHOUT A WARRANT. (Ask to see the warrant)
● Implied consent
● There are exceptions
If you were arrested while driving, you can ask if you can park your car in a safe place, or you can
contact a licensed driver to do so.
What to do if you’re pulled over by unmarked car
It may or may not be an officer so be careful
Turn on hazard lights and drive a little under the speed limit
Call 911 and tell them an unmarked car is attempting to pull you over
● Give your name
● Location
● Make and model of your car
● Make and model of unmarked car
Drive to the nearest police station or if that’s not possible, a populated, well-lit public area
What to do if the police approach you in public
Don’t talk to them (polite conversation is generally fine Ex. Starbucks)
Ask if you’re free to go.
If you’re free to go, leave.
What to do if the police show up at your door
Talk to them through the door.
Ask if they have a warrant.
If they have a warrant, ask to see the warrant.
READ the warrant. Some warrants only have specific rooms.
Don’t tell stories or give any extra information (answer questions about some things are okay. Ex. “It’s not a
bomb)
If the police enter your home without a warrant say “I do not consent to a search”
There are some exceptions to warrants in emergency situations
Fun fact: the police don’t need a warrant to search through your trash outside your building
What to do if you’re being detained
What is being detained? (48 hours)
Give your name and address if asked
Do not answer any other questions
Do not discuss your immigration or citizenship status
Tell the police you are invoking your right to stay silent and invoking your right to an
attorney.
The police are allowed to lie to you during an interrogation
What to do if you’re arrested
What is being arrested?
Provide your name and address if asked
Do not answer any questions without a lawyer present
Use your phone calls (they will likely be recorded)
Call your lawyer if you have one
Don’t take any deals or sign anything without your lawyer present
Make sure your car is in a safe place. (Phone call)
Don’t participate in a lineup without talking to your lawyer
When to accept deals
DON’T ACCEPT A DEAL WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR LAWYER. EVER.
Phones
Your phone may be confiscated as evidence if you are arrest, but the police cannot search
your phone without a warrant
Do not unlock your phone for the police without a warrant. (Ask to see the warrant)
Rulings on biometrics are unclear.
What to do after you’re arrested
Update the clerk/bailbondsman of any new addresses
Get help if you need it (Ex. Substance abuse, anger management, etc.) Very good for court
If you can afford to hire a lawyer, do research on them
Do not lie to your lawyer
What to do if you believe your rights have been violated/you’ve been unlawfully arrested
When is an arrest invalid?
● Some parts of the warrant are blank or incorrect
● Law enforcement gave the judge false information
Examples of rights violated
● No probable cause and no arrest warrant (Ex. Pulled over for not signaling a turn,
must wait for drug sniffing dogs)
● Consent to be detained is coerced
What to do if you believe your rights have been violated/you’ve been unlawfully arrested Part 2
Write down the officer or officers’ badge number
Write down everything you remember
Document and treat any injuries
You can file a complaint against the officer with the police department
You can file a lawsuit against the officer or the police department
Sources
https://www.abc10.com/amp/article/news/verify/crime-verify/do-not-call-112-to-verify-id
entity-of-unmarked-police-car-traffic-stop/536-5a1eb739-be0e-4526-adcc-699266dac416
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/23/927134939/if-youre-stopped-by-police-you-have-rights-to
-protect-you-here-s-what-to-remembe
https://youtu.be/d-7o9xYp7eE
