SAFETY TIPS

The following tips were compiled by The New York Civil Liberties Union and American Civil Liberties Union, also edited briefly by staff members of FarRockawayUnderAttack.com.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

Remember, your attitude may determines the outcome. Be cool at all times during any meeting with the police.

 

• Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions.
• Don't get into an argument with the police.
• Never bad-mouth police officer.
• Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
• Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• Don't run. Don't touch any police officer.
• Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent. If however you're life is being threatened through the use of extreme and deadly force when you are and or have been in full compliance, unarmed and harmless to yourself and others use your better judgment, may God be with you!
• Don't complain at the scene or tell the police they're wrong or that you're going to file a complaint.
• Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Keep your thoughts to yourself.
• Ask for a lawyer immediately if you are arrested.
• Remember officers ' badge and patrol care numbers. Use your memory, not a pen if possible.
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
• Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
• If you are injured, take photos of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you get medical attention first.

If you have an encounter you can protect yourself.

1. What you say to the police is always important. What you say can and will be used against you, and if it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer. "SO KEEP COOL"
2. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police - you can be arrested for it.

If you are stopped for questioning.

1. Police may stop and detain you only if they have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime.
2. You can ask if you are under arrest or free to leave. I if you are arrested you have ea right to know why.
3. Police can't lawfully require that you identify yourself or produce identification if they don't reasonably suspect you are involved in a crime. But use your judgment, refusal could lead to your arrest even if unjustified.
4. If police reasonably suspect you pose a danger to them or others, they may conduct a frisk and "pat down" your outer clothing. Don't physically resist, but make it clear that you don't consent (or in other words give them permission) to any further search.
5. Don't bad-mouth a police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

If you are stopped in your car.

1. Upon request, show the police your drivers licence, registration, and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched with out a warrant. To protect yourself later; you should state that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
2. If you 're given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight the case in court later.
3. If you're suspected of drunk driving (DWI) you will be asked to take a breath-alcohol and coordination test. If you fail the test, or if you refuse to take them, you will be arrested, your driver's licence may be suspended and your care may be taken away.

In your home.

1. If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don't have to let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
2. In some emergency situations officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.
3. If you are arrested in your home or office the police can search you and the area immediately surrounding you or where evidence of criminal activity is in plain view.

If you are arrested and or taken to a Police Station.

1. You have the right to remain silent and t talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. DON'T TELL THE POLICE ANYTHING EXECPT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. Don't give any explanations, excuses's or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
2. If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can't afford a lawyer, you have the aright to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask the police how to contact a lawyer. Don't say anything without a lawyer present.
3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest, of booking, yo should ask the police to contact a family member, or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call anything you say at the prescient can be recorded or list ended to. Be very careful. Never talk about the facts of your case over the telephone.
4. Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN CASES OF POLICE MISCONDUCT:

Contact the Civilian Complaint Review Board by phone at 212.442.8833 or online at www.nyc.gov/html/ccrb

Also seek council from an attorney or write to 100 Blacks In Law Enforcement for advise, their web site is: http://www.100blacksinlawenforcement.org