Self defense
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Explicitly request to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.
Having an attorney present is recommended before answering questions.
- Say 'I want a lawyer' explicitly, rather than 'I think I want a lawyer.'
5 people, independently
Say out loud that you are staying silent and requesting legal counsel to trigger your protections during questioning.
Protections may not activate without verbalizing the request; silence alone might not be enough.
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- Explicitly state your 5th amendment rights when an officer poses a specific query.3
Do not assume police will treat you fairly if you are polite; they may still use your words against you.
One person reported being super friendly and honest but having their actions used against them anyway.
one person who lived it
Call your banks to cancel accounts if you suspect belongings left in police custody may be stolen.
To prevent theft or fraud by officers suspected of taking items.
- Based on suspicion of misconduct by specific officers.
one person who lived it
Comply with police instructions rather than attempting to be a hero.
Compliance helps you survive the encounter.
2 people, independently
If stopped for a minor issue like a broken light, respond civilly and ask for directions to an auto parts store to diffuse tension.
This approach may result in no warning being issued.
- One person's experience.
one person who lived it
Use precise, unambiguous language such as 'I do *not* give you consent' when denying permission for searches to avoid ambiguity.
Saying 'no' can later be claimed by an officer to mean 'I don't mind.'
one person who lived it
Provide your driver's license if asked for ID unless you have researched local laws and are certain withholding it is legal.
Withholding ID can be a crime and gets complicated.
one person who lived it
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Do not assume police will transport you back to your point of origin after release; plan for alternative transportation.
Some officers state it is not their responsibility, though others report being offered rides.
- Experiences vary: some report refusal, others report offers of rides.
one person who lived it
View police friendliness as a technique to elicit incriminating information rather than genuine camaraderie.
Officers may use phrases like 'I'm on your side' or 'help me out' to get you to admit guilt, which can lead to arrest.
2 people, independently
Politely decline invitations from police to come to the station for an informal chat.
You have no obligation to attend such meetings.
one person who lived it
In a traffic stop, identify yourself if you are driving, but note that passengers may not be required to identify themselves depending on local laws.
Driving requires furnishing documents, while passenger requirements vary.
- Laws vary on identification requirements for non-drivers.
one person who lived it
Keep your hands open and visible on the steering wheel at all times; do not reach for items unless explicitly instructed.
This prevents moves from being misinterpreted and following basic instructions helps de-escalate the situation.
one person who lived it
Do not hide emergency contacts in your shoes, as items found there will be searched and withheld until release.
Shoes are thoroughly searched upon arrest, and contents are not returned immediately.
one person who lived it
Refuse water offered by police during interrogation.
Cups may collect fingerprints and DNA.
one person who lived it
Consult a lawyer to understand your rights and potential compensation after a wrongful arrest; seek out firms offering free consultations or pro bono services, such as Legal Aid.
- Not every lawyer offers free consultations; verify with their website or assistant before scheduling.
one person who lived it