[Image description: There are eight infrographic images, from a group called Copwatch,each with a black background, white text, and a graphic/illustration in the corner.



First image: Heading reads “Am I Free To Go?” Then: This should be the first thing you ask a police officer if they approach you and start asking questions or talking to you. If an officer says YES, then calmly walk away. If they do not give you a YES or NO response, ask again until you get a clear answer. If the officer says no, you are being detained.

Second image: Heading reads “Detained?” Then: Being DETAINED means you are being held by an officer and no longer have the legal right to walk away. An officer should have a REASONABLE SUSPICION that you have committed, are committing, or will commit a crime. It CANNOT be based on profiling. The officer should ask: Your Name, address of residence, and will ask you for an ID. If you do not have an ID, tell the officer, but if you have one, tell the officer you are reaching into your pockets to get your ID, then hand it to them. Having an ID may help you avoid illegal arrest. If an officer asks for more than your name and address, you DO NOT have to answer. Just say “I AM GOING TO REMAIN SILENT.” And then remain silent.



Third Image: Heading reads: “Frisk,” then: When you’re detained, an officer may only legally FRISK you if they have REASONABLE SUSPICION you are armed and that they are in danger. A FRISK is a pat-down on the outside of your clothes and bag to see if you are armed AND if you pose a risk to the officer’s safety. FRISKS are limited, and an officer should NEVER go into your pockets or bag during a FRISK, and they can never tell you to empty your pockets to find evidence against you. You DO NOT have to consent to a FRISK. Say: “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THE SEARCH.” It may stop the officer, or it may not, but if you calmly and clearly say “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THE SEARCH” and the officer continues to FRISK you, this can come in handy later.

Fourth Image: Heading reads “Search,” then: A SEARCH is more invasive than a FRISK. A SEARCH involves going into your pockets, bag, or any closed container you are carrying, feeling the inside of your wristband, removing your hat and shoes, and if you are wearing a bra, to shake it out (NOT TO REMOVE THE BRA.) SEARCHES can ONLY happen when:

1. An officer has PROBABLE CAUSE (more than REASONABLE SUSPICION) that the SEARCH will reveal evidence that you have committed a crime, are armed, or are concealing contraband.

2. If you consent to a SEARCH

3. They have a WARRANT, or

4. You have been arrested

Remember to say, calmly and loud enough for people around the area to hear you: “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THE SEARCH.” If an officer has no legal justification for a SEARCH, saying this should stop them from searching you, but if they continue, using this can be helpful in court. NEVER empty out your pockets, because this is giving the officer consent to search you.

Fifth Image: Heading reads “Arrest,” then: Police may arrest you if they have PROBABLE CAUSE (hard evidence) that you committed a crime. You can give your name and address. Other than this, you have the legal right to remain silent. Say out loud: “I AM GOING TO REMAIN SILENT. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY.” DO NOT talk about anything that has to do with your arrest with anyone until you have an attorney present. DO NOT talk to the police or District Attorney, because they are trained to trick people and make people confess. DO NOT sign anything without an attorney present. You may be waiving your rights or confessing to a crime. You will be handcuffed, searched, fingerprinted, and photographed for most offenses. At the Precinct, you should be searched by an officer of the gender you identify as or request. IF this does not happen, the police MUST explain why in their command log.

Sixth Image: Heading reads “At Home,” then: Police should not be allowed to enter your home or place of business unless they have a WARRANT. There are a few exceptions like:

The police hear someone shouting for help

They believe drugs or other evidence is being destroyed

They are in pursuit of someone who has committed a serious offense, or

The house is a crime scene

A WARRANT is a legal piece of paper that allows police to enter your home. Officers should tell you they have a WARRANT and be able to present it to you. You can ask them to slide it under the door, or open the door just enough for them to slide the WARRANT through. The WARRANT should be signed by a judge have a recent date (no more than ten days ago, if the date is more than ten days ago, the WARRANT is invalid,) the correct address, and it should state what the police are looking for. If any of this is wrong, the WARRANT is invalid. You should tell the officer the WARRANT is invalid and you will not let them inside unless they can produce a valid WARRANT.

Seventh Image: Heading reads “LGBTQ,” then: People should NOT make homophobic or transphobic remarks based on your sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. You have a right to be referred to by the NAME, HONORIFICS, and PRONOUNS that reflect your gender identity (even if it does not match what is on your ID.) It is ILLEGAL for officers to search you to identify your gender. If this happens, REPORT IT. You should be placed in cells with the gender you identify as, even if it differs from what was assigned to you at birth. If you feel scared for your safety, you can ask to be treated as a SPECIAL CATEGORY PRISONER and transferred to a cell by yourself. Police should not handcuff you to rails, bars, or chains for a long period of time because you asked to be treated as a SPECIAL CATEGORY PRISONER.

Eighth Image: Heading reads “Copwatch,” then: Did you know you have the legal right to observe and document police activity? You have the right to watch and record police activity, as long as you are at a reasonable distance and are not interfering. This is called COPWATCH. Copwatch is when from various communities gather to watch the cops in small groups. We record any police misconduct, and many times, our presence alone helps to de-escalate situations from getting worse. You can copwatch in teams or by yourself, however it is more than recommended that you are with a trained group. For more information on COPWATCH, or if you want to build a formal team in your area, contact info@peoplesjustice.org End image description.]