Know Your Rights!

You have the right to express yourself, gather peacefully, and ask your government to address your concerns. The government can set rules regulating these activities. But, the regulations cannot favor one side over another and must be necessary to protect public safety and order. The rules regarding permits and the use of public property may vary depending on where you are. Know your rights when demonstrating or protesting! 

Getting stopped by police can be a frightening and violating experience.  Although the burden should not fall to you to deescalate a stop, an interaction with police can sometimes turn volatile.  You can reduce the risk of a charged police encounter by knowing your rights and employing the following strategies:

• Your right to record
• Your right to remain silent
• Your right to not be stopped on the assumption you are doing something illegal
• Your right to know why you are being detained
• Your right to refuse a search
• Your right to a lawyer
• Your right to a phone call

Taking photographs and videos of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is your constitutional right. That includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers often order people to stop taking photographs or video in public places, and sometimes harass, detain or even arrest people who use their cameras or cell phone recording devices in public. This sheet explains your rights. 

Students around the country are turning the heartbreaking school shooting in Parkland, Florida, into an inspiring push for change. Plans for coordinated student walkouts have been making national news and have already spurred disciplinary threats from some school administrators. 

Th following strategies can reduce the risk to yourself if pulled over by law enforcement:  

• Get to a well-lit, public area - if you are being pulled over, you can verify you are indeed being pulled over by real law enforcement and state that you are complying but waiting to pull over until you come upon a more public area by calling 911 and telling the dispatcher, who will then tell the responding officers. 
• Stay calm -  while it's not your job to deescalate the situation, speaking respectfully and avoiding hostile language may ease the encounter. Communicate clearly to the police about your rights. Do not consent to unwarranted searches. If you are feeling nervous or scared, say it out loud. Make sure you have everything recorded. 
• Do NOT resist -  don’t resist arrest, even if you think the arrest is unfair. Comply with the officer’s commands for the time being and leave it for your lawyer to deal with later. 
• Keep Your Hands Visible - keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them, or hold them both in the air. 

Th following strategies can strengthn your case when your rights are violated by law enforcement:  

• Remember everything that you can -  write down everything you can remember as soon as you get the chance.  Record officer’s names, badge and patrol car numbers, and get contact information for any witnesses if you can. Write down the moments you invoked your rights or when you believe your rights might have been violated.  
• Documnt your injuries -  if you have physical injuries, take time-stamped photos and seek medical attention.  Keep documented proof of your visit to medical services.  
• File a complaint -  file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.