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FFS Requests: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police


The subject matter and layout for the last FFS Request were taken to quite nicely since yesterday. Thanks for all the messages, peeps!

In return, I present to you two gifts: One, a cute lil' picture I drew of all you wonderful FFS fans:
                            
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And 2, a quick follow-up FFS from the same organizations that brought you the first police encounters video: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police, as hosted/narrated this time by former Defense Attorney and District Judge Billy Murphy.

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10 Rules has a bit better production value than its predecessor, and starts off as Murphy addresses a room full of individuals on the fact that citizens don't get to choose what type of cop is gonna show up to deal with them.

Turns out each of these people were victims of unwarranted altercations or accusations, due to ignorance of their own rights or simply not expecting that being what they figured was polite and dutiful could end up getting them thrown in jail.




robo_robo_cop.gif  SCENARIO 1:

Darren is pissed at the fact Highway Patrol seems to "harass" him constantly. He outlines a situation the other night in which he got fed up with another pull-over by police.

His horrible attitude caused him to have a fit inside his car and mouth off to the cop, which resulted in him getting cuffed. The Officer asked if he was carrying any Tech-9's in the trunk, seeing as how a lot of gang members drive down this section of road.

Insisting he search the vehicle, Darren said "yes" in order to avoid further trouble. The cop ripped apart everything inside and in the trunk, just to give Darren a ticket, tell him to "get his shit outta his road", and drive away.

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RESULT:

Murphy understands the frustration that comes with being profiled, although he reminds us that it is impossible to prove. Darren's attitude, his temper, ego, and body language were his downfall. Although it's hard to respect someone that is out of order with you, reacting in anger to a cop will put them even more on the offensive.

1. Always be calm and cool.

2. You have the right to remain silent.

3. You have the right to refuse searches.

4. Don't get tricked.

5. Determine if you're free to go.

6. Don't expose yourself.

Murphy states that orders an Officer gives you, such as to open your window, get out of your car, etc., should always be followed. Yet cops have the legal
o.k. to lie to you as well, and not let you know you have the right to refuse. So when it comes to threats, personal information, or questions regarding searches, the fist 5 rules are important.

Don't fall into any traps they set, lose your temper, consent to searches, or show you want a confrontation. Asking if you're "free to go" when such shit starts will show you have no idea anything's wrong, and that the encounter is involuntary. You definitely don't want to end up like this:





All of this may miff the cops, but they'll be well aware you're knowing of your rights. Also, consenting to any search, even if innocent, will result in damages not later covered financially.

The biggest problem with searches is that people are tricked into consenting to them. Regardless of what happens in the end, following these rules will pretty much ensure your lawyer can get you off the hook later in court, if things don't work out o.k. at the time.

Murphy goes into detail on common sense practices that can also ensure you're not chosen by cops for profiling. If you don't drive around in a smoke-filled car with anti-police stickers on the bumper, you'll obviously find yourself getting pulled over a lot less.




robo_robo_cop.gif  SCENARIO 2:

A young Hispanic man talks about how the police in his neighborhood don't respect anybody. One day he was just leaving his building in order to head to work, when an undercover vehicle suddenly zoomed up.

Two cops got out, threw him over the car, and started frisking him for weapons and drugs. They asked him repeated questions on whether he knew the building was a known drug area, why he was there, where he was going, who he was on the phone with, etc.

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Turns out the guy lived in the building, doesn't do drugs, had just called his girlfriend, and was on his way to his job. But they of course, didn't listen to him. They went through his cell phone, took his hat, and began dictating to him on where he should be walking and when.



RESULT:

Murphy tells us this is another form of profiling. This type usually occurs in poor or minority-heavy neighborhoods, and in this guy's case, the search was indeed illegal.

Police need reasonable suspicion to detain a person; although that suspicion requires less evidence than probable cause, it still requires Officers have a significant reason for doing so. Such as noticing:

- a person who fits a description of a wanted perpetrator

- a person who drops something when seeing Police.

- a person who runs when seeing Police.

You must remain calm and assert your rights from the start. A short frisk in some cases may be necessary just to ensure the safety of everyone involved. But Murphy reminds us, NEVER go into your own pockets when asked, to remove anything. Doing so is the same as consenting to a search, which you have the right not to do - this is another trick.

7. Don't ever run.

Of course, running is very bad, because that alone shows guilt, and will automatically give cops the probable cause they need to take further action.
On that note, remember NEVER to even touch an Officer. Doing so can quickly get you tasered or beaten.

8. Never touch a cop.

Any time you are being interrogated, put under arrest, or harassed, it is important to remember not to get tricked. Instead of snitching, admitting, taking proposed "deals", lying, or anything of the sort - state you will remain silent and/or want to speak with an attorney. As Murphy points out, these two phrases are your best bet at avoiding everything. They are the "magic" words.

Also, simply asking for a lawyer doesn't mean the cops may stop bothering you. But as long as you stick with those two phrases, chances are likely you probably won't even NEED a lawyer.

As far as being questioned by authorities on the street? There is no law requiring someone to carry an I.D. unless they're driving. However, depending on your area, you may be required to give your name.

Either way, the best way to determine if a cop is bullshitting you about why he wishes to detain or question you out of nowhere, is to ask if you're "free to go". If there's a reason for it, then they can arrest you. Otherwise, it's a good idea to give your name but assert the fact you're not required to carry an I.D.

Now the Hispanic guy is pissed off at having been searched, which is why Murphy brings up the next rule:

9. Report misconduct; be a good witness.

It's important to remember that reporting means paying attention to detail. Getting together with witnesses or neighbors to go over what you remember. Record every recollection on your phone or paper. Have someone take a photo of you at your WORST condition following the incident. Get copies of hospital records.

And above all, NEVER ask the cop/cops in question what their badge number is, or that you're going to report them - what if they're committing brutality? Or if they're really off their rocker? Doing such a thing will only provoke them for sure.




robo_robo_cop.gif  SCENARIO 3:

Now we have a sweet little old lady, Ms. Stewart, who asks if it's legal for police to knock on doors, asking to do "routine" searches. Murphy tells us it may be common, but unfortunately, this woman learned the hard way why it's imperative you must deny them this opportunity.

Ms. Stewart was just watching her daytime TV programs when two cops showed up at the door, explaining that a lot of gang-related activity has been going on in the area, and would she mind if they did a quick check around the house to look for guns and whatnot?

Of course, Ms. Stewart is flabbergasted, since wtf would cops be doing thinking her household is a hiding spot for guns and ammo? Laughing off the idea, she tells them to "go ahead".

Everything was all nice and polite, until one of the cops finds a bag of tweedz underneath the couch cushion... Now they turn into assholes, accusing her of knowing full well what it is, how she has no control over her own home, etc.

Ms. Stewart honestly had no idea what it was or how it could've gotten there, unless it was stashed by one of the neighborhood kids she often has over for treats and home-cooked meals.

It makes no difference to the cops, who place her under arrest. What's worse, is that her subsidized building has a zero-tolerance policy, and because of this whole thing, she may find herself losing her home.

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RESULT:

Murphy goes over one of the most important rules regarding police visits to your home:

10. You don't have to let them in.

4th Amendment requires police to acquire a search warrant ANY time they wish to come into your home - even if they have probable cause to believe you may be involved in some criminal activity, unless there's an immediate threat or undeniable proof something's going on inside at that moment, all you have to say is:

- I can't let you in without a warrant.

You can also simply decline to answer the door. Cops can't just bust in if no one's home.


So there ya have it regarding the 10 rules. Murphy tries to wrap up his meeting, but everyone in the room raises their hand with more questions. Sure, there are MANY facets to the law that are complicated and confusing, but the first step in going over the basic rules may ensure your most basic rights are understood and followed. It may spare you a shitload of unnecessary trouble.


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www.FlexYourRights.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmrbNLt7Om8

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