What To Do If You're Stopped by the Police

We all recognize the need for effective law enforcement, but we should also understand our own rights and responsibilities — especially in our interactions with the police. We also need to realize that having rights doesn't guarantee that you will survive to tell the tale of your interaction with the police as demonstrated by the following photo array!

Here are some are some suggestions on what to do if you are stopped, questioned, arrested or injured in your encounter with the police:

• Do not make any statements regarding the incident.
• Don’t get into an argument with the police.
• Don’t resist even if you believe you are innocent.
• Don’t run.
• Don’t touch any police officer.
• If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately.
• If you are injured, take photos of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you get medical attention first. Ask for copies of your medical treatment files.
• If you complain at the scene, or tell the police they’re wrong, do so in a non-confrontational way that will not intensify the scene.
• Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• Never bad-mouth a police officer.
• Remember officers’ badge numbers, patrol car numbers and physical descriptions.
• Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
• Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions.
• Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
• Write down everything you remember ASAP.

Is there anything you would add to this list? Any thoughts run through your mind as you read through this list?