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MNeagle
5th March 2011, 07:22 AM
Found this at TB2K:

Know Your Rights When Talking to Police Officers

What police officers don't want you to know!


All you have to remember and say are these magic words:

"Am I free to go?"

"I don't consent a search."

"I'm going to remain silent."


Police Officer Stops You

To stop you a police officer must have a specific reason to suspect your involvement in a specific crime and should be able to tell you that reason. This is known as reasonable suspicion. A reason a police officer might pull you over will usually be for some type of "traffic violation," such as speeding or maybe not using your blinker. The traffic stop may seem wrong or unfair, but the police officer believes he has a reason to stop you. Throwing a cigarette butt or a gum wrapper out your car window is reason enough for the police to pull you over, ticket you for littering and start asking you all sorts of personal questions.
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop. Top Five (5) Things to Know About Protecting Yourself from the Police:

#1 - Safety. The first thing is your safety! You want to put the police officer at ease. Pull over to a safe place, turn off your ignition, stay in the car and keep your hands on the steering wheel. At night turn on the interior lights. Keep your license, registration, and proof of insurance always close by.

Build trust, be a "good citizen," be courteous, stay calm and don't complain. Show respect and say things like "sir, no sir." The idea is to get the cop to think that you're an average ordinary citizen and let you get on your way down the road. Never bad-mouth a police officer, stay in control of your words, body language and your emotions. Never touch a police officer and don't run away!

#2 - Talking To A Police Officer. The only questions you need to answer is your name, address and date of birth. Instead of telling the police officer who you are, simply give him your drivers license or I.D. card. The only the information the police officer needs to know about you can be found on your drivers license, so don't volunteer any more information to the police officer! If he ask you any questions say politely, "Sir I'm going to remain silent, am I free to go?" and then don't say another word.

#3 - "I'm Going to Remain Silent." The Supreme Court has made a new ruling, that you should Never Talk to a Police Officer" without an attorney, but there's a CATCH! New Ruling Before you're allowed not to talk to a police officer, you must tell him "That You're Going to Remain Silent" and then keep your mouth shut! (How can you be falsely accused and charged if you don't say anything?) Remember anything you say or do can and will be used against you at any time by the police. Police have help put innocent people in prison just because of a couple of words that were spoken to a police officer.

#4 - Just Say NO to Police Searches! If a police officer didn't need your permission, he wouldn't be asking. Never give permission to a police officer to search you, your car or your home. If a police officer does search you, don't resist and keep saying "Sir, I don't consent to a search."

#5 - "Am I Free to Go?" As soon as the police officer ask you a question ask him "Sir, Am I Free to Go?" If he says that you're are being detained or arrested, tell the police officer that "Sir, I'm going to remain silent." New Ruling

Ask for a supervisor. If all else fails and you feel the police officer is abusing your rights, ask him to call his "supervisor" to your location. "Some states you don't have this right, but it's worth asking."

Anything You Say Can And Will Be Used Against You

Police officers need your permission to have a conversation, never give it to them!

Never voluntarily talk to a police officer, there's no such thing as a "friendly chat" with a police officer. The Supreme Court has recently ruled that you should NOT talk to a police officer without a lawyer and you must say "I'm going to remain silent." It can be dangerous to talk to a police officer or a Federal Agent anytime like during a traffic stop, in a public place or at police station. Innocent people have talked to a police officer and ended up in jail and prison, because they spoke to a police officer without an attorney.

Police officers have the same right as you "Freedom of Speech," they can ask you anything they want, but you should never answer any of their questions. Don't let the police officer try and persuade you to talk! Say something like "I'm sorry, I don't have time to talk to you right now." If the cop insists on talking to you, ask him "Am I free to go?" The police officer may not like when you refuse to talk to him and challenge you with words like, "If you have nothing to hide, why won't you speak to me? Say again "I told you I don't have time to talk to you right now, Am I free to go?" If you forget or the police officer tricks you into talking, it's ok just start over again and tell the police officer "I'm going to remain silent."

The Supreme Court has ruled that if a police officer doesn't force you to do something, then you're acting "voluntarily." That means if the police officer starts being intimidating and you do what he ask because you're "afraid," you still have done it voluntarily.(Florida v. Bostick, 1991) If you do what a police officer ask you to do, such as allowing him to search your car or answer any of his questions, you are 'voluntarily' complying with his 'requests.' So don't comply, just keep your mouth shut, unless you say "Am I Free to Go?" or "I don't consent to a search."

You have every right NOT to talk to a police officer and you should NOT speak to a police officer unless you have first consulted with a lawyer who has advised you differently. Police officers depend on fear and intimidation to get what they want from you. Police officers might say they will "go easy" on you if you talk to them, but this is not true! The government has made a law that allows police officers to lie to the American public. Another reason not to trust the police! So be as nice as possible, but stand firm on your rights! Where do some of your rights come from? Read the Fourth and Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Traffic Stops and Your Rights

First of all keep your license, registration and proof of insurance in an easily accessible place such as attached to your sun visor. The less time it takes for you to get to these items, the less time the officer has to look through your windows and snoop. When pulled over by a police officer stay in the car, turn on the cab lights and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Sit still, relax and wait for the officer to come to you. Any sudden movements, ducking down, looking nervous or appearing to be searching for something under your seat is dangerous! Just sit up naturally, be still and try to put the officer at ease."

The first thing you should ask the police officer is "hello officer, why did you pull me over?" THEN KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! Police officers have a routine they use during traffic stops. Some police departments have a "10 step check list" on what to do and what to ask you. Police officers like to ask the first question and that usually is, "do you know the reason I pulled you over today?" The police officer is trying to get you to do two things, get you to admit that you committed a violation and to get you "voluntarily" to start a conversation with him.

During a traffic stop the police officer will ask for your "papers please," such as your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance. Let the police officer do all the talking, but you don't have to answer any question the police officer ask if "you" choose not to do so. Just remember innocent people have ended up in prison because they talked to a police officer. Remember the police officer is not your friend and should not be trusted.

The police officer might start asking you personal questions such as "where are you going, where have you been and who did you see," ect. At that point it's the perfect time to exercise your rights by asking the police officer "AM I FREE TO GO?" There is NO legal requirement that American citizens provide information about their comings and goings to a police officer. It's none of their damn business! Keep asking the police officers "AM I FREE TO GO?" You have to speak up and verbally ask the police officer if you may leave, otherwise the courts will presume that you consented to stay and talk to the cops on your own free will.

Passengers in your vehicle need to know their rights as well. They have the right not to talk to a police officer and the right to refuse a search "unless it's a 'pat down' for weapons." The police will usually separate the passengers from each other and ask questions to see if their stories match. All passengers should always give the same answer and say, "I'm going to remain silent, am I free to go?" Remember you have to tell the police officer that you don't want to talk to him. It's the law
How long can a police officer keep you pulled over "detained" during a traffic stop? The Supreme Court has said no more than 15 or 20 minutes is a reasonable amount of time for a police officer to conduct his investigation and allow you to go FREE. Just keep asking the police officer "AM I FREE TO GO?"

There's only a few reasons a police officer is going to detain you: 1) Find out who you are "do a back ground check." 2) The police officer is going to write you a citation "traffic ticket," to make money for the state. 3) The police officer is looking for any reason to arrest you. Any time a police officer arrest someone, that means revenue for the government "specially small drug possession."

A good time to ask "AM I FREE TO GO," is after the police officer has given you a "warning or a ticket" and you have signed it. Once you have signed that ticket the traffic stop is legally over says the U.S. Supreme Court. There's no law that requires you to stay and talk to the police officer or answer any questions. After you have signed the ticket and got your license back you may roll up your window, start your car and leave. If you're outside the car ask the police officer, "AM I FREE TO GO?" If he says yes then get in your car and leave.


Car Searches And Body Searches

Remember the police officer wouldn't be asking you, if he didn't need your permission to search! "The right to be free from unreasonable searches is one of America's most precious First Liberties."

Just because you're stopped for a traffic violation does NOT allow a police officer to search your car, however if you go riding around smoking a blunt and get pulled over, the police officer smells marijuana, sees a weapon or drugs in plain view well now he has "probable cause" to search you car and that's your own stupid-ass fault!

You DON'T have to give consent to a police officer when he ask to search your vehicle or home. While you DON'T have to consent, bear in mind that the expectation of privacy in a car on a public road is less than the expectation of privacy in your home.

Police officers swore an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and not to violate your rights against unreasonable search and seizure Fourth Amendment. Denying a police officers request to search you or your car is not an admission of guilt, it's your American right! Some police officers might say, "if you have nothing to hide, you should allow me to search." Say politely to the police officer "I've been advised by an attorney never consent to a search."

The police officer is allowed to handcuff you and/or detain and even put you in his police car for his safety. Don't resist or you will be arrested! There's a big difference between being detained and being arrested. Say nothing in the police car! Police will record your conversation inside the police car, so say nothing to your friend and don't talk to the police officers!

If you are arrested and your car is towed, the police are allowed to take an "inventory" of your car. If anything found that's illegal, the police will get a warrant and then charge you with another crime.

Police Pat Downs...
For the safety of police officers the law allows the police to pat down your outer clothing to see if you have any weapons. If the police officer feels something that he believes is a weapon, then he can go into your pockets and pull out the item he believes is a weapon.

A police officer may ask you or even demand that you empty your pockets, but you have the right to say "NO, AM I FREE TO GO?" There's NO law that requires you to empty your pockets when a police officer "ask" you. The only time a police officer should be taking personal property out of your pockets is after you have been arrested.



If the Police Knock at Your Home-You Don't Have to Open the Door!

If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you DON'T have to open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. "Besides if the police have a warrant they won't knock, they'll be kicking in your door!" There is NO law that requires you to open your door to a police officer.* Don't open your door with the chain-lock on either, the police may shove their way in. Simply shout to the police officers "I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY" or just don't say anything at all.

Guest and roommates staying in your home need to be aware of their rights specially "college students" and told not to open the door to a police officer or invite police officers into your home without your permission. Police officers are like vampires, they need your permission to come into your home. Never invite a police officer into your home, such an invitation not only gives police officers an opportunity to look around for clues to your lifestyle, habits, friends, reading material, etc; but also tends to prolong the conversation.

If you are arrested outside your home the police officer might ask if you would like to go inside and get your shoes or a shirt? He might even be nice and let you tell your wife or friend goodbye, but it's a trick! Don't let the police officer into your house!

Never agree to go to the police station if the police want to question you. Simply say, "I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY."

* In some emergency situations (for example when a someone is screaming for help from inside your home, police are chasing someone into your home, police see a felony being committed or if someone has called 911 from inside your house) police officers are then allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.

Children have rights, if you're under 18 click here. Just because you and your children didn't know you had rights and gave up those rights by talking to a police officer or a federal agent without an attorney, could cost your family dearly and change the lives of your family forever!

http://policecrimes.com/police.html

BabushkaLady
5th March 2011, 07:32 AM
Never voluntarily talk to a police officer, there's no such thing as a "friendly chat" with a police officer.


I usually tell them to "have a nice day"; when they're finally walking away from my vehicle. They thought I was a Mute stupid woman before that . . .

;)

freespirit
5th March 2011, 08:01 AM
here's a related video...well worth watching
(acting is not very good though...lol)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA

hoarder
5th March 2011, 08:23 AM
here's a related video...well worth watching
(acting is not very good though...lol)
Ira Glasser? ACLU? :ROFL:

freespirit
5th March 2011, 08:31 AM
regardless of the source, the information is valid and correct...

Book
5th March 2011, 09:54 AM
http://dvdmedia.ign.com/dvd/image/article/565/565900/the-andy-griffith-show-the-complete-first-season-20041112102447858.jpg

This isn't America anymore?

iOWNme
5th March 2011, 11:20 AM
I usually start off by asking the fiction in what capacity he is operating in: Peace Officer or Policy Enforcement

"Hello sir, may i ask if you are acting as a Peace Officer or as Policy Enforcement today?"


The hat he chooses to wear determines what actions i follow with.

Son-of-Liberty
5th March 2011, 11:35 AM
I knew not to allow police to enter your home without a warrant but never thought about it like this before. Interesting...


Police officers are like vampires, they need your permission to come into your home. Never invite a police officer into your home, such an invitation not only gives police officers an opportunity to look around for clues to your lifestyle, habits, friends, reading material, etc; but also tends to prolong the conversation.

Antonio
5th March 2011, 11:36 AM
This should be renamed into Naivete Thread. Seems like nobody here had a couple of guns stuck in your ribs,handcuffed and thrown in a cell. The cops can do whatever the hell they want. If they don`t like the color of your shoe-laces they can plant a baggie of dope on you and a pistol with the serial number filed off.
There are 2 rules to follow when dealing with cops:
1)Do not show fear
2) Be respectful but never ever think of kissing their ass

Cops have absolute power over your being when you are arrested. Every arrest is a thrill for them. If they lose respect for you, you are fucked no matter what (unless Bush Sr. is your daddy).

solid
5th March 2011, 11:43 AM
Good article. Also, a cop doesn't have to detain you to strike up a conversation. A lot of people believe that a cop talking to them they have to answer, they don't. You can ask "Am I being detained?" for clarity. If the answer is no, you can refuse to answer and walk away. If you are being detained...you can refuse to answer, but can not walk away. If you try to walk away from a detention, it may lead to an arrest. Find out where you stand in that game of chess.

Book
5th March 2011, 06:16 PM
If they don`t like the color of your shoe-laces they can plant a baggie of dope on you and a pistol with the serial number filed off.



http://www.aquabacon.com/wp-content/main/2010_05/shoe-laces-tattoo.jpg

Heroin addict shoe laces.

:D

Twisted Titan
5th March 2011, 11:58 PM
Police officers depend on fear and intimidation to get what they want from you. Police officers might say they will "go easy" on you if you talk to them, but this is not true! The government has made a law that allows police officers to lie to the American public


Thats all you need to know.


T

mrnhtbr2232
6th March 2011, 07:46 AM
Police officers depend on fear and intimidation to get what they want from you. Police officers might say they will "go easy" on you if you talk to them, but this is not true! The government has made a law that allows police officers to lie to the American public


Thats all you need to know.


T


It goes way farther than that, T. They can lie to you all day long - the only exceptions seems to be the distinction between intrinsic misrepresentations, or those lies that relate to a suspect's connection to the crime; and extrinsic misrepresentations, or those that have nothing to do with the suspect's connection to the crime but attempt to distort his ability to make a rational choice about confessing. Not surprisingly most people are incapable of such stamina in the face of professional interrogation. In particular, everyone should know about the Reid Behavior Analysis Interview. All of these things are designed to provoke characteristic behavior responses. It is also used to determine if a suspect has a propensity to even commit the crime(s) under investigation. After going a few rounds with the BAI they will know inconsistencies, truthfulness, and deterministic conclusion about the crime and the suspect relative to deciding on guilt. The system is not a just a bunch of cops with a chip on their shoulder as it is sometimes easy to assume. In fact, once you are in custody and remanded to investigators you are completely out of your league. The one and <b>only</b> way to prevail is to say absolutely nothing. Endure the interrogation, piss down your legs, whatever it takes. But survive it. Or you are doomed.

freespirit
6th March 2011, 11:25 AM
This should be renamed into Naivete Thread. Seems like nobody here had a couple of guns stuck in your ribs,handcuffed and thrown in a cell. The cops can do whatever the hell they want. If they don`t like the color of your shoe-laces they can plant a baggie of dope on you and a pistol with the serial number filed off.
There are 2 rules to follow when dealing with cops:
1)Do not show fear
2) Be respectful but never ever think of kissing their ass

Cops have absolute power over your being when you are arrested. Every arrest is a thrill for them. If they lose respect for you, you are fucked no matter what (unless Bush Sr. is your daddy).


careful with those assumptions, antonio...lol

other than that, you're right...respectful, but no fear. i don't give the bastards an inch, but i don't get belligerent with them either.

that being said, the more people that properly exercise their (perceived) rights, the better the chances that the officers will conduct themselves in a more professional manner...

this will only work to a point though, as you mentioned, once they decide to pull your number, you're beat no matter what, but i say why gift wrap it for them?

Antonio
6th March 2011, 11:33 AM
This should be renamed into Naivete Thread. Seems like nobody here had a couple of guns stuck in your ribs,handcuffed and thrown in a cell. The cops can do whatever the hell they want. If they don`t like the color of your shoe-laces they can plant a baggie of dope on you and a pistol with the serial number filed off.
There are 2 rules to follow when dealing with cops:
1)Do not show fear
2) Be respectful but never ever think of kissing their ass

Cops have absolute power over your being when you are arrested. Every arrest is a thrill for them. If they lose respect for you, you are fucked no matter what (unless Bush Sr. is your daddy).


careful with those assumptions, antonio...lol

other than that, you're right...respectful, but no fear. i don't give the bastards an inch, but i don't get belligerent with them either.

that being said, the more people that properly exercise their (perceived) rights, the better the chances that the officers will conduct themselves in a more professional manner...

this will only work to a point though, as you mentioned, once they decide to pull your number, you're beat no matter what, but i say why gift wrap it for them?

You are right about all this.
PS. IMHO face-reading is the most essential skill when dealing with cops. Believe me, when you see a rotten cop, you will know right away. Very few things can temporarily change a rotten cop into a decent one. I guess, fear or greed can do this (say, your driver`s licence said George Bush or you got a gym bag full of 100$). Otherwise you are fucked in some way no matter what.

A decent cop can easily turn rotten if you disrespect him or grovel in front of him. I honestly don`t blame them. The shit they have to put up with here in NYC, I`m surprised the cops are not going on shooting rampages.