Resist the Police State
This government’s system of laws exists to maintain the dominance of those in power, and the police are its armed enforcers. If you doubt this for a minute, look at who are the selective targets of local laws: People who are homeless, young, poor, black or brown, dissenters. On a global scale, look at who dies and who gets rich from our wars and other man-made disasters.
For 250 years in this country, the government and their enforcers have consistently fought against people working for liberation: Indigenous resistance, land reformers, slave revolts, abolitionists, labor organizers and workers, free-speech advocates, women’s and civil rights workers, anti-war and anti-globalization protesters, and recently, animal rights and environmental activists.
Your relationship with the police is at heart adversarial. While there may be cops with hearts of gold, the job of all police is to arrest and prosecute you. As such, it is almost never in your best interest to cooperate with the police.
Keeping yourself safe and resisting the police state comes down to these simple principles:
- Non-cooperation: If you talk with the police, you willl likely unintentionally hurt yourself, your friends, or others.Do not consent to searches: Never give law enforcement the okay to examine your pockets, car, backpack, or home.
- Remain silent: Use the magic words and then remain silent.
- Talk to a lawyer: Never take advice from the police, they may try to trick and mislead you.
- Use trust and intuition: Without being paranoid, work only with people with whom you have a history of trust.
- Mutual Support: Support those who are dealing with cops and courts. Don’t leave people isolated - instead, show strength in numbers.
Rights During a Police Encounter
In a police encounter these rules will help protect your civil rights and improve your chances of driving or walking away safely. From here on out, we are talking about your “rights” guaranteed by law. Though in our view, what you can do and what you can do legally are two different things. Hopefully, these are tools you will find useful in your toolbox of resistance.
All of these rights also apply to minors and non-citizens.
Stay Cool & Politely Assertive
Police are well armed and often unpredictable, so remaining cool and calm will keep you safe. Treat them with the caution with which you would treat any dangerous, unpredictable, armed person.
Be polite and yet assertive to ensure that your rights aren’t trampled on. Some officers may come on heavy if you are not absolutely submissive, but standing up for your rights will keep you safe in the long run, in court when it really matters.
Determine Whether You Can Leave
You don’t have to talk to the police. As soon as an officer approaches you, ask the officer, “Am I free to go?” If you get an answer other than a definitive “No,” gather your stuff and leave without another word.
You have the right to end an encounter with a police officer unless you are being detained or arrested. Don’t waste time trying to determine your status. Test whether you are free to go, and then go. If you aren’t free to go, the officer will make it perfectly clear.
Use the Magic Words
If you are detained or arrested, use the magic words:
“I’m going to remain silent. I would like to see a lawyer.”
Do not talk to police. Wait to talk to a lawyer who is representing you. Even casual small talk can come back to haunt you. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you.
Cops have numerous tricks to get you to talk. They can and do use fear, solitude, isolation, lies, advice, playing you against others, and even kindness to get you to cooperate. Don’t be fooled. If you need to say anything, repeat the magic words.
Keep in mind the credo: If no one talks, everyone walks. Regardless of what you are told by an investigating officer, you have nothing to gain by talking to the police… and everything to lose.
Police officers will often tell you that your cooperation will make things easier for you, and many people hope to be let off easy if they are honest and direct with the police. The only thing it makes easier is the officer’s job. Do not let the threat of arrest scare you into admitting guilt. Better to spend a night in jail, than years in prison. Ask to speak with a lawyer, and remain silent.
Refuse to Consent to Searches
Officers seeking evidence will often try to get you to allow them to search your belongings, your car, or your home. Refuse to consent to a search, with the phrase:
“I do not consent to a search.”
Usually, a search request will come in the form of an ambiguous statement, such as, “I’m going to ask you to empty your pockets.” Answer such requests unambiguously. Repeat as many times as necessary.
You are under no obligation to allow a search. The only reason an officer asks your permission is because he doesn’t have enough evidence to search without your consent.
Always keep any private items that you don’t want others to see
out of sight. Legally speaking, police do not need consent or a warrant
to confiscate any illegal items that are in plain view.
Police officers are not required to inform you of your rights before asking you to consent to a search. If the officer searches you in spite of your objection, do not physically resist. Your attorney can argue to have evidence thrown out of court.
You are not obligated to identifying yourself (except when driving) in most states. Officers will often tell you otherwise.
Where to Go For More Help
If you feel your rights are being violated, hold tight until you can talk to a lawyer. If you don’t have your own lawyer the court will appoint the public defender to defend you. For more information about your rights, law education, and what to do if your rights were violated, check out:
Bay Area Legal Resource NetworkThere may also be legal help in your community that will specifically help you if you are a senior, low-income, homeless, or an noncitizen. Ask around in your community.
legal.resource.network@gmail.com
Offers legal training
Midnight Special Law Collective
midnightspecial.net
Though disbanded, has lots of legal information on their website
National Lawyers Guild
www.nlg.org/sf 415-285-5067
The local office of a nationwide network of lawyers fighting for First Amendment issues
ACLU of Northern California
www.aclunc.org 415-621-2493
Local office of the powerful American Civil Liberties Union
Download Fliers
Download the PDF poster and handbill. We encourage you to hang the poster next to the toilet in your home where we know it will get read.(tabloid size, 11 x 17, single-sided)
(letter size, 8½ x 11, half-sheet, double-sided)
Know Your Rights Poster
