Posted on: February 12, 2010
Even in an innocent encounter, police officers can be intimidating and nerve wrecking. So what should you remember when discussing potential illegal activity? Remember your basic rights and practical survival strategies.
According to 10 Rules for Dealing with Police, a docudrama educating the public about basic legal and practical survival strategies for handling even the scariest police encounters, there are 10 easy steps to remember to protect your constitutional rights and make smart decisions when dealing with law officers.
1. Always Be Calm & Cool. A bad attitude guarantees a bad outcome.
2. Remain silent. What you don’t say can’t hurt you.
3. You have the right to refuse searches. Saying no to searches can’t be held against you.
4. Don’t get tricked. Remember, police are allowed to lie to you
5. Determine if you’re free to go. Police need evidence to detain you
6. Don’t expose yourself. Doing dumb stuff in public makes you an easy target.
7. Don’t run. They’ll catch you and make you regret it.
8. Never touch a cop. Aggressive actuations will only earn you a more aggressive response
9. Report misconduct. Be a good witness.
10. You don’t have to let them in. Police need a warrant to enter your house
Educating the public about their basic constitutional rights and learning how to recognize injustices against others is the first step to ensure lawful police action and police accountability.
Once citizens know their rights, they are much less likely to experience negative outcomes, both on the street and in a court of law. As a North Charleston personal injury lawyer I think anyone who wants to know more about their legal rights should learn these rules.
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