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Tips for interacting with police

Experts suggest knowing these tips when interacting with the police

  • Remain calm if confronted by police
  • Ask whether you are being detained
  • Keep your hands where police can see them
  • You are not required to answer questions
  • Do not argue with police
  • You have the right to ask for badge numbers and names
  • You can ask for a lawyer
  • Do not consent to a search of your property
  • Ask the officer if you are free to go
  • Do not interfere with or obstruct police
  • Do prepare your family in case you are arrested
  • File a written complaint if you feel your rights have been violated
Yvette C. Hammett

Yvette C. Hammett

Yvette C. Hammett is a journalist who spent much of her career in newsrooms, including The Tampa Tribune, The Mobile Register, and The Stuart News, covering issues from courtroom to environmental battles, a busy cop beat, and international news.

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