Legal police
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
Do not walk or run away from police officers.
They may shoot you.
one person who lived it
Do not volunteer mistakes or information to questioning police officers.
They are there to prove their case, not to help you.
- Some argue that honesty and owning up to mistakes can lead to positive responses from officers.
- One person from the Netherlands believes police cannot be that bad if you are honest.
2 people, independently
Keep quiet in jail and do not talk to inmates or discuss your case on phone calls.
People are listening, and talking openly can ruin your case.
one person who lived it
If you can safely observe a police interaction from a distance, do so while staying back at least 100 feet to avoid being seen as a threat or hindrance; film the interaction but never surrender your phone or camera to officers.
Filming provides evidence if the situation turns violent and prevents bogus complaints about the officer's conduct.
- One person noted that outside the US, such as in the UK, they trust police will not use excessive force and prefer to leave them to their job.
one person who lived it
Assume police officers will lie to you, as it is legal and an active tactic used to extract information.
It is legal for police to lie, and they actively use it as a tactic to get more information.
one person who lived it
If an out-of-uniform individual claims to be police, ask to see an official agency ID card rather than just a badge.
Badges are easily obtained, whereas agency-issued ID cards are standard protocol.
- This strategy may carry different risks depending on race, with some reporting severe negative consequences for Black individuals.
- In some areas, protocol requires a marked squad car to arrive when unmarked vehicles pull someone over.
one person who lived it
Do not admit to breaking the law during a traffic stop, even for minor or unintentional infractions.
Attorneys advise against admitting guilt at this stage.
- One person reported that admitting fault led to a warning rather than a ticket.
one person who lived it
Be aware that police reports may claim you admitted to speeding even if you did not.
A report stated an officer wrote that the driver *said* they were speeding, despite no mention of actual speeding.
one person who lived it
Watch educational videos such as 'Don't Talk to the Police' to understand legal rights and interactions.
It provides a lecture on rights by a lawyer to law students.
2 people, independently
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Avoid sudden movements or throwing items during a robbery to prevent triggering a reactive response or angering the robber.
Sudden actions might trigger a reactionary response or cause the robber to strike you.
one person who lived it
Lock pets in separate rooms during police encounters to prevent them from being shot if officers feel threatened.
Animals are unpredictable and may be perceived as a threat by police.
one person who lived it
Keep work communications strictly neutral and avoid discussing personal, political, or religious topics with coworkers.
Coworkers may betray you if it benefits them, and non-neutral topics carry risk.
- Some argue that avoiding all non-neutral conversation makes one appear aloof or 'stuck up'.
one person who lived it
do not look at your watch or wrist when a police officer asks if you have been using drugs recently, as checking the time can signal impairment
looking at an empty wrist is interpreted by some as a sign that you are high because most people do not wear watches
one person who lived it
Install a high-quality dashcam with sound recording, GPS, wide-angle view, and large storage capacity.
Such a camera can pay for itself by helping win contested tickets, and visible cameras deter misconduct as officers value recorded evidence.
one person who lived it
If you are concealed carrying a weapon, do not disclose it to an officer unless explicitly asked.
Volunteering this information can make officers jumpy.
one person who lived it
State that you wish to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions beyond legally required identification.
Interactions can feel like you are guilty until proven innocent and vulnerable to sentencing for minor issues.
one person who lived it
Do not expect undercover police officers to identify themselves as law enforcement.
Identifying themselves would defeat the purpose of being undercover.
one person who lived it
Include basic sketches and baseline measurements from known reference points in crash documentation.
Sketches help visualize the collision narrative, and measurements from fixed objects (like utility poles) accurately document skid marks and vehicle rest locations.
one person who lived it
Avoid making jokes or banter with police officers.
Officers may misinterpret humor as disrespect and escalate the situation.
one person who lived it
Comply with police instructions and remain silent, even if you believe the situation is unjust or you are innocent.
Physical safety is prioritized over asserting freedom on the street; disputes belong in court.
2 people, independently
Casually mention having a family member who is a police officer to deter potential attackers in sketchy situations.
People may self-regulate through misconception.
one person who lived it
Understand that injustice and inequality are often treated as acceptable social norms in America.
one person who lived it