Many people find interactions with the police to be very frustrating and risky. This article will share five secrets from turning a negative encounter into a safer experience that will lay the foundation for your defense in the future.
- Keep calm and be confident but not argumentative.
The police officer will be assessing your attitude and demeanor from the moment he interacts with you, so you need to watch what you say and do and what your body language communicates. You want to exude a positive and calm presence, without anger or frustration. This will send a message that you are not dangerous.
- Don’t debate with the officer, but avoid admitting to allegations.
Know that the officer will write down everything you say, so don’t admit to wrongful conduct if it’s not true. At the same time, you do not want to get into a heated debate with the officer. Express yourself politely. For example, if an officer asks you if you know you were speeding, you could respond with “No, I did not know that,” or you could say, “Thank you for letting me know why you pulled me over, but I did not believe I was speeding.” You have a right to remain silent, and it is often the best course of action to avoid talking as much as possible.
- Never run or fight.
Never run from a police officer. This will only get you into more trouble. Never lay hands on an officer or resist arrest. These actions escalate the situation, so for your own safety you should comply with officer’s orders.
- Ask questions.
Often a very polite question can lay the foundation for your case later on. A simple question to the officer can help you later:
- When you feel detained:
- “I don’t want any trouble, but I just wanted to clarify whether I’m free to go now.”
- When they want to search you or your vehicle:
- “Officer, are you asking for my consent to search? If so, I’m sorry but I can’t consent.”
- When they are requesting to search your home.
- “Officer, do you mind showing me a warrant? I’m sorry, but I can’t consent to a search of my home without one.”
- Don’t be afraid to ask for an attorney.
You have a right to an attorney, and don’t be afraid to exercise that right. Your request may not change the officer’s actions, but the very fact that you requested and attorney may help your attorney fight your case.
