On Co-operating with cops

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<h1>On Co-operating with cops</h1>

<h2>Your Rights & The Police</h2>
What you say to the police is important.  What you say can be used against you and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you speak disrespectfully to a police officer.  You do not have to answer a police officer's questions, but you must show your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance when stopped while driving a car.  In other situations, you cannot be legally arrested for refusing to identify yourself to a police officer.  You do not have to give your 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 warrant, ask to see it.  Do not interfere or obstruct the police, even if they begin an illegal search - you can be arrested for it.  File a complaint later if you feel your rights have been violated.

<h2>If You Are Stopped By The Police</h2>
<ol>
<li>You may remain silent.  You do not have to answer any questions, give your name, age or address, or show any ID unless you are operating a car or are in a place where liquor is served.  However, it is advisable to provide only basic information, such as name, age or address.
<li>Ask if you are under arrest.  If so, ask why.  If you are not under arrest, you should be free to leave.  Never run from a police officer.
<li>Do not physically resist.  The police may frisk you for weapons by patting the outside of your clothing, but nothing more.  Make it clear that you do not agree to any search.  However, if searched, do not resist.  File a complaint later.
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<h2>If You Are Stopped In You Car</h2>
<ol>
<li>Show your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance upon request.  Your car can be searched without a warrant so long as the police have probable cause.  To protect yourself later, make it clear that you did not consent to a search.
<li>If you are given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested.  You can always fight the case in court later.
<li>If you are suspected of drunk driving and refuse a breath test, your license can be suspended.
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<h2>If You Are Arrested</h2>
<ol>
<li>Whether or not you are guilty, go with the officer.  You can make your defense in court.
<li>You have the right to remain silent; use it.  Tell the police nothing except your name, age and address.  Don't give explanations or stories or try to excuse your conduct.
<li>Ask to talk to a lawyer at once.  You can do so by phone right after being taken into custody.  If you are arrested for a jailable offense and you can't pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one.  Don't talk to the police until your lawyer is present.
<li>If the police say they have a warrant, ask to see it.  Whether or not the police have a warrant to search you or your property, you can protect your rights by making it clear that you do not agree to any search.  Do not physically resist.
<li>The Police must give you a receipt for everything taken from you, including your wallet and its contents, clothes and any packages you were carrying when arrested.
<li>You may be released with or without bail following booking.  If not, you have the right to go into courts and see a judge the next court day after arrest.  Demand this right.  When you appear before the judge, ask for an attorney.
<li>Don't make any decisions in your case until you have talked to your lawyer.  American Civil Liberties Union of Washington; 206-624-2180.
</ol>

<h2>What To Do If Someone Else Is Busted</h2>
<ol>
<li>Do not interfere, don't stand too close.  You can be arrested if you interfere with or harass the police.
<li>Ask the detainee for a phone number you can call for them.  Ask this first, in case you don't have time to ask anything else.
<li>Ask the detainee for their name.  Write this information down and make the call as soon as possible.
</ol>

<h2>The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution</h2>
"The right of the People to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or things to be seized."

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