WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED BY AN OFFICER
=Be polite and respectful. Stay calm.
Don’t complain on the scene or tell the police they are wrong or that you’re going to file a complaint. If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with the police department’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.=Keep your hands where the police can see them. Don’t touch any police officer.
=If you argue with police or resist arrest, they are likely to bring more charges against you.
=Know the name or badge number of the officer involved, along with the patrol car number. If ticketed, the officer’s number will be on the ticket; if arrested, it should be on the police report.
=Police do not have to read you your Miranda rights at the time of arrest, nor do they have to formally announce that you are being arrested.
=You don’t have to show police your ID (unless pulled over while driving), but the police have the right to take you in until you have been identified. Once they have your ID, they can run a warrant check.
=Try and find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
Police Conduct 3 Types of Stops:
1) casual encounter = The officer is ‘inviting’ you to talk; ask, "Am I free to go?" If not, you are being detained.
2) detention = The officer has ‘reasonable suspicion;’ ask the reason for detainment. It could be useful to you later if arrested. However, the officer does not legally have to tell you the reason.
3) arrest = The officer has ‘probable cause’ to believe you committed a crime.