It can be a dangerous proposition when law enforcement encounters African Americans. Knowing the proper way to conduct yourself during a police encounter can save your life or help you avoid a felony record.  Here are several suggestions to make this encounter safer:

Blue and red flashing sirens of police car during the roadblock in the city

  1. Put forth every effort to BE A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN.
  2. DON’T TALK TO A POLICE OFFICER VOLUNTARILY, except to give him your name, address, and DOB if requested. You have the right to be silent.
  3. If the officer desires to question you about alleged criminal behavior, RESPECTFULLY REQUEST A LAWYER and REMAIN SILENT until you have one.
  4. BE RESPECTFUL AND NONCOMBATANT. Don’t speak in a loud, threatening, or irritable tone.  Yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am may help deescalate any tensions or fears the officer may have.
  5. COMPLY, DON’T RUN OR RESIST IN ANY WAY, if the officer detains or arrests you, or orders you to exit your car.
  6. If the officer requests permission to search your car, DON’T CONSENT.  RESPECTFULLY, DECLINE.
  7. During the stop, periodically ask the officer if you are detained. If he says no, you may leave the encounter.
  8. If possible, DISCREETLY use your mobile device to get an AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THE ENCOUNTER.  Don’t attempt to record the encounter if it interferes with the officer’s official duty.