October 2014
Since September 11, 2001, there have been numerous incidents involving law enforcement severely injuring or killing civilians. The vast majority of these victims have been black, brown or disabled.
The majority of the officers have been white.
Most recently the incident that has made national headlines regarding this sort of incident involved unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
According to eye witnesses Brown had his hands up in an attempt to surrender to police when he was shot to death. Rather than rehashing that story here these are a few simple guidelines that if adhered to could save some lives and some families some heartache.
We all can agree that police have too much power and often literally get away with murder.
That is the first thing to keep in mind.
The first thing you should do when stopped by the police is ask if you are being arrested or detained if the answer is no don't say another word and leave immediately.
Second you should come to terms with the fact that you may go to jail whether or not you broke a law eventually they will have to let you out unless you cant bail out bail is always based on flight risk so if you attempt to run when first encountered that makes you a high flight risk don't do it!
Don't get angry or at least don't show signs of it.
Don't accuse them of being racist or picking on you for any reason there is a good chance that that is true but there is no point in antagonizing somebody who is picking on you and has the ability to beat you, take away your freedom or kill you.
Be as co-operative as possible by giving them your real name and social security. You are not required to tell them anything else and don't. The only other thing you should tell them is “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent at this time.” If you start talking again, even if they offer you something like a chair, or about the ballgame last night, you have to tell them again that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent.
Please keep in mind the moment the police approach you, you are technically under arrest. Anything you do like run, pull away from them, or even argue with them can be considered resisting arrest.
As unfair as it may seem the police can arrest you and hold you up to 72 hours {3days} without filing any charges so don't resist arrest!
If you feel like they do anything inappropriate you can report it later. Check what the rules are where you are at the time, but just try to maintain your cool at all times.
Most importantly don't do anything that would draw their attention to you to begin with if you can help it.
If you do survive Thank God or whoever or whatever you believe in!
If you don't believe in something maybe you should reconsider!