Phoenix Copwatch Resources
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE
Think carefully about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.
Don’t get into an argument with the police.
Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
Keep your hands visible.
Don’t run. Don’t touch any police officer.
Don’t physically resist.
Don’t complain on the scene or tell the police they’re wrong or that you’re going to file a complaint.
Do not make any statements regarding the incident.
Ask for a lawyer immediately if arrested.
Remember officers’ badge & patrol car numbers.
Write down everything you remember.
Try to find witnesses & their names & phone numbers.
If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.
What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.
You must show your driver's license and registration when stopped in a car. Otherwise, you don't have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, with one important exception: The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained, and you can be arrested in Arizona and other states for refusing to give it. If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent, which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.
You don’t have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you DO consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ASK TO SEE IT.
Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police – you can be arrested for it.
IF STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING
1. It's not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer might make the police suspicious about you. If you are asked to identify yourself, see the statement above about giving your name.
2. Police may “pat-down” your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don’t physically resist, but make it clear that you don’t consent to any further search.
3. Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why.
4. Don’t bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.
IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR
1. Upon request, show them your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
2. If you’re given a ticket, you can be arrested for not signing it. You can always fight the case in court later.
3. If you’re suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver’s license may be suspended.
IF YOU’RE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION
1. You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Tell the police nothing except your name and address. Don’t give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
2. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. If you can’t pay for a lawyer, you have a right to a free one, and you should ask the police how the lawyer can be contacted. Don’t say anything without a lawyer.
3. You have the right to make a local phone call within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking: to a lawyer, a bail bond agent, a relative, or any other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer.
4. Sometimes you can be released without bail, or have bail lowered. Have your lawyer ask the judge about this possibility. You must be taken before the judge on the next court day after arrest.
5. Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.
IN YOUR HOME
1. If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don’t have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
2. However, in some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside, or when the police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.
3. If you are arrested, the police can search you and the area close by. If you are in a building, “close by” usually means just the room you are in.
Everyone, including minors, has the right to courteous and respectful police treatment. If you feel your rights have been violated, file a complaint with the police department.
This is not complete advice. Be sure to consult a lawyer.
Phoenix Copwatch
PO Box 68121
Phoenix AZ 85082
602-337-7188
phoenix_copwatch@yahoo.com
www.phoenixcopwatch.org
Information provided by the American Civil Liberties Union
www.aclu.org