Black Citizen’s Guide To Police Confrontation | News One

Black Citizen’s Guide To Police Confrontation | News One

Police brutality has plagued our community ever since anyone with a gun or a Billy club has ever been allowed to use physical force against another person under the guise of “to protect and serve.”

There are many hardworking, good policeman, who have dedicated their lives (and often sacrificed them) to keep law and order in our communities. The job is impossible to understand or sympathize with if you’ve never done it, and is largely under-paid and under-appreciated.

However, this does not excuse the decades-long reality that African-Americans have suffered under the hands of the police in ways that are racist and unfair, and our poor relationship with the police, if not improved, will continue to impede our progress both as a community and as a people.

To that, with much thanks given to the work of the ACLU, here is our BLACK CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO POLICE CONFRONTATION. (Perhaps those young women in Seattle, if they followed these steps would have avoided such an ugly outcome.)

1. Think carefully about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.

2.Don’t get into an argument with the police.

3. Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.

4. Keep your hands where the police can see them.

5. Don’t run. Don’t touch any police officer.

6. Don’t resist even if you believe you are innocent.

7. Don’t complain on the scene or tell the police they’re wrong or that you’re going to file a complaint.

8. Do not make any statements regarding the incident.

9. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

10. Remember officers’ badge & patrol car numbers.

11. Write down everything you remember ASAP.

12. Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.

13. If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.

14. If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with police department’s internal affairs division or civilian board, or call the ACLU hotline, 1-877-634-5454.

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. More...