know your rights when dealing with cops

Traffic Stops

1. Your Safety - When being pulled over pull over to a safe place, turn off your ignition, stay in the car and keep your hands on the steering wheel. At night turn on the interior light. Keep your license, registration and proof of insurance close by like in your "sun visor." Roll your window down at least half way, It will show that you have nothing to hide.

 Be courteous, stay calm, smile and don't complain. Show respect and say things like "sir and no sir." Never bad-mouth a police officer, stay in control of your words, body language and your emotions. Keep your hands where the police officer can see them. Never touch a police officer and never run away!

2. Right to Remain Silent - Never Talk To A Police Officer!  - Don't speak first. The Supreme Court says you should never talk to a police officer before or after you’ve been arrested. The Supreme Court ruled you must speak up and say out loud to the police officer "I'm going to remain silent" and then keep your mouth shut. How can you be arrested, falsely accused and charged with a crime if you don't say anything? Anything you say or do can and will be used against you at anytime by the police or the government. Silence is not an admission of guilt and can not be used against you in court. So bite your tongue if you have to. If you can keep your mouth shut, you might come out ahead more than you expected.

3. Just Say NO To Police Searches! - If a police officer didn't need your permission to search, he wouldn't be asking you. Never give permission for a police officer to search you, your car or your home. If a police officer does search you, don't resist and keep saying "I don't consent to this search." Police are not allowed to go inside your pockets and pull out your property. Police are allowed to do a "pat down" of your body and feel for weapons.

4. Am I Free To Go? - As soon as the police officer ask you a question ask "am I free to go?" You have to ask if you're "free to go," otherwise the police officer will think that you're voluntarily staying to talk with him. If the police officer says you're being detained or arrested tell the police officer "I'm going to remain silent."

What do you do when you look through the peephole and see a badge?

1. Remember: You do not have to let the police in the house unless they have a warrant — or probable cause. If you're having a party, turn off the music, ask your guests to chill, and ask that anyone who's too intoxicated carry on in another room.
2. Go outside to speak with the cops. Close the door behind you. Although some scary precedents are being set these days, police cannot enter your home without a warrant or probable cause. By closing the door, you're cutting off a visual — or olfactory — line to potential probable cause.
3. Be polite. Ask why they are there. "Good evening, Officer. What can I help you with?"
4. Where possible, assure them you will take care of the problem. If the police ask to enter, inform them, "I do not consent to any searches." If a police officer gives you an order and you are confused about your position, ask, "Do I have to comply?" If they continue with questioning, tell them you'll need to call your lawyer and that you will not answer any questions.
5. Ask, "Am I free to leave?" This is especially handy if, say, a group of you'd been too bawdy on the patio and an officer stops by. If he/she is getting a bit hot under the collar, politely ask, "Am I being detained?" or "Am I free to leave?" If the cop has no reason to hold you, quickly, quietly, and politely retreat inside.