If you were stopped by the police today, do you know your rights? Many would say no. The others who say yes, know sometimes knowing your rights doesn’t mean anything in a system where abuse of authority is often used. I bet you if you went to your police department’s website, you couldn’t find a page about knowing your rights when being stopped. Very few share the “courtesy” and show actual concern about a community issue. Is it because they really don’t want you know the do’s and don’ts a police officer can or cannot do? Are they afraid the community would say “Officer, I know my rights, and no you cannot …” We at Unheard Voices are going to share the “common courtesy” all police departments should. It is imperative each citizen knows their rights and hold police officers accountable for their actions if illegally stopped. Here are some helpful tips when being stopped by the police. The tips will be available as a page entitled “Know Your Rights” for reference.
1.If you get pulled over, remain calm. You have the right to ask the police officer why you were stopped. If you know you were stopped illegally, arguing with the officer can only escalate the situation giving them an “excuse” to arrest you.
2.When he/she requests them, show the officer your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Try to remember the officer’s badge number and patrol car number. Do not immediately ask for his/her name, just be mindful of it.
3.Never get into an argument with the officer. No matter how right you are, unfortunately you will not win.
4.You have the right to say as a little as possible. Remember, that anything you say or do can be used against you.
5.If they ask you to get out of your vehicle, calmly do so. If you are afraid, you have the right to ask for another authorized person on the scene, ex. an EMT or another police officer.
6.Police CANNOT search your vehicle without probable cause.
7.If there is no probable cause, make it clear that you do not consent to a search so you’re legally protected later on. It’s not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
8.After the officer has checked your credentials and everything comes back clean, ask “Am I Free To Go?” If you are being arrested or detained, you have the right say you would like to remain silent and speak with a lawyer.
9.If you feel like you were wrongfully stopped, targeted, take note of the situation. Remember the patrol car number, police officer, and their badge number. Do not be afraid to report these incidents at the local police department in the town you were stopped. This can simply be done by filing a complaint. You have the right to file one! It is imperative that we hold police officers accountable for their actions!
