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The ACLU BustCard
What to do if you're stopped by
The Police
To fight
police abuse effectively you need to know your rights. There are
some things you should do, some things you must do and some things
you cannot do.
If you are in the middle
of a police encounter, you need a handy and quick reference to remind
you what your rights and obligations are.
The ACLU
is making these tips available. You can print this and carry it
in your wallet.
- Be polite and respectful. Never bad-mouth a police officer.
- Stay calm and in control of your words, body language
and emotions.
- Don't get into an argument with the police.
- 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.
- Don't complain on 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.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.
- Remember officers' badge & patrol car numbers.
- Write down everything you remember ASAP.
- Try to find witnesses & their names & phone numbers.
- If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries
as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention
first.
- If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written
complaint with police department's internal affairs division
or civilian complaint board.
What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be
used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you,
especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.
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