Are you being stopped by the police?

Breathe.

I take my time to respond because safety is my goal.

I ground my feet and stabilize my voice.

Accusations are information, not truth.

I choose my response and separate from their chaos.

I wait for silence, I speak when I am ready.

I refused to be gaslit or baited, I find grounding from the truth.

I take my time to respond because safety is my goal. I ground my feet and stabilize my voice. Accusations are information, not truth. I choose my response and separate from their chaos. I wait for silence, I speak when I am ready. I refused to be gaslit or baited, I find grounding from the truth.

  • I am asserting my Fifth Amendment Right to Remain Silent. I do not consent to a search under the Fourth Amendment and am requesting the presence of an attorney under the Sixth Amendment. (If the officer asks you about immigration, state: "I will not answer questions about place of birth, immigration status, or entry into the United States.")

  • Do not make any statements about what happened or the incident. Do not give explanations, excuses, or stories. Do your best not engage in small talk. Do not say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without an attorney present. 

    If you feel safe doing so, ask for their name and badge number. Mentally note what agency they’re from (i.e. highway patrol, county sheriff, local police, military police, campus police, etc.)

    A person who is not a sworn officer cannot physically detain you. (i.e. a fare inspector or security guard has no right to physically detain you, though they may call the police, who can detain you)

  • Continue to comply with other lawful requests but remain firm in your right to remain silent. You should be told why you are being stopped and why an action (like issuing a ticket) is being taken.

    If they ask you for your ID, calmly narrate yourself retrieving it (i.e. “I am reaching into my pocket for my wallet…)

  • When you’re ready, ask POLITELY if you are free to go. If they say yes, inform them that you are going to leave, and CALMLY leave.

    If the officer says no, ask if you are being detained. If they answer yes, politely ask what crime you’re being investigated for.

    If you are not being detained, politely inform the officer that you are going to leave. Once they acknowledge your statement that you are leaving, LEAVE.

  • Illegal Stops

    The officer has to give you a reason for your detention. Failure to give you a reason is a red flag, especially if you’re being kept from leaving for an extended period of time.

    Remember, stay calm, ask if you’re free to go, and always be respectful.

    Filming

    You have a right to film the police. HOWEVER:

    • Make it obvious that you are doing so (don’t be secretive).

    • Do it from a safe distance (so that you don’t interfere with their investigation).

    • The officer needs a warrant to view your video/photograph and cannot delete anything under any circumstances.

    • ALWAYS be respectful.

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