10 Ways to Outfox Cops That Are Abusing Their Powers to Trick You

[BridgeTheGap]

What few people understand, but police know all too well, is that your constitutional rights only apply if you understand and assert them.
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As a 33-year law enforcement veteran and former training commander with the Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department, I know how easy it is to intimidate citizens into answering incriminating questions or letting me search through their belongings. This reality might make things easier for police looking to make an easy arrest, but it doesn't always serve the interests of justice. That's why I believe all citizens should understand how to protect their constitutional rights and make smart decisions when dealing with officers of the law.

Unfortunately, this important information has remained largely unavailable to the public, despite growing concerns about police misconduct and the excesses of the war on drugs. For this reason, I agreed to serve as a technical consultant for the important new film, 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. The 40-minute docudrama aims to educate the public about basic legal and practical survival strategies for handling even the scariest police encounters. It was produced by the civil liberties group Flex Your Rights and is narrated by former federal judge and acclaimed Baltimore trial lawyer William "Billy" Murphy, Jr.

The opening scene portrays Darren, a young black man getting pulled over. He's driving home from college. This is the fifth time he's been pulled over in a year. Frustrated and scared, Darren immediately breaks Rule #1: Always Be Calm & Cool. Mouthing off to the officer, Darren aggressively exits the car and slams the door. The officer overreacts, dropping Darren with a taser shot to his chest.

http://www.alternet.org/rights/148860

[IdaBriggs]

1. Wow! GOOD information!

Thank you for posting! :) Best, Ida

[wo ooo]

2. the worst mistake you can make

is spouting off with that "i know my rights" speech

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

7. That would be rule #2: Remain silent. -nt

[safeinOhio]

3. Drives them nuts

when you remain silent.


My ex, a cop, gave me a shirt that said "you have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be misquoted and used against you."

[groovedaddy]

4. #2 is extremely important and probably what brings most people down - KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Plenty of attorney friends have told me same thing. The only thing to say: If you're going to question me, I want an attorney present.

[Esscena]

5. Thanks for the post.

:thumbsup:

[stopschoolpaddling]

6. What advice would you give to the student

who's been ordered to BEND OVER?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUBFh2Arrq8

[RSillsbee]

8. All you need to know about police interactions

Officer,are you detaining me?

Officer, am I free to leave?

Officer, I would like to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions or making any statement.

Officer, I do not consent to any searches

[NikRik]

9. This stuff will work with suburban cops however

when it comes to many of our large cities the police have so much power over the streets that they will beat you down and then write a false report stating you where uncoperative and aggressive two or three of them will billy club the hell of of ya then add a litte tasering just for fun.If you have nothing to hide just let them search your car or whatever. When your done dealing with the idiots just say thank you and leave and be happy they did not put some drugs in your car and charge you with possesion! I grew up in Chicago and when I was younger we all knew the last thing you did to a Chicago cop was be a smart ass,if you acted like one you have no idea depending on the cop what you might be in for.Now hopfully things have changed by now ? I always am respectfull and polite to police and they seem to respond to that much better then spouting off about your rights !
NikRik

[Shagbark Hickory]

10. True fact.

There are corrupt cops, not just in big cities of course, they are also in small towns.
I am very wary of cops.
They never seem to want to do anything to help me when I call them and they have abused their power with me when I was younger.

[Name removed]

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[dotymed]

12. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way.

I used to be a functioning alcoholic with an authority complex. I was very cocky when confronted and not afraid to fight. After many run-ins with the law and my smart ass attitude (usually, after they "get your number", it doesn't matter how you respond), I had to move to stay out of more jail time. (The old change of geography that is popular among alcoholics)
Anyway, I suffered many beat downs by the police and and watched them lie their asses off in court. After a lot of intermittent jail time (to me). I finally learned (operant conditioning) to "uncle tom" my way around these power hungry, lying assholes. It has not always been successful because some of them are too arrogant for me shuffle for. Even, at age 40, I was charged (originally as a felony) with "intimidation of a police officer", because I would not allow an unbearably obnoxious cop to handcuff me, "for my protection", while he questioned me about a Union Strike that was very controversial in the small town I had fled to. I did tell him that if he wanted to remove his badge....
Todays police officers seem to be even worse than the ones I grew up with. Most do not believe we have any rights except the ones they want to give us.
I have never been convicted of a felony and I was only charged with one, once. Still, after 25 years, all of those "youthful indiscretions" (if I were wealthy) still haunt me in trying to find a job. The same as the financial problems that have accompanied my progressive health problems. Allowing potential employers to run a credit check as basis for employment, is beyond serfdom. With our modern computers, we can never change in the eyes of TPTB.

[jahlove17]

13. Police

The police are certainly not my favorite people, most of the time.