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Friday, August 19, 2016

Know your rights: Panel outlines what civilians should do in police encounter

LANDOVER, Md. — What are the proper procedures that civilians should follow during an encounter with police?

For many people, these procedures are not always clear, and they’re not widely taught, which is why Maryland state Sen. Victor Ramirez hosted a “Know Your Rights” forum this week at Eastern Community Church in Landover, Maryland.

The forum’s panelists included Carlos Acosta, inspector general for Prince George’s County police; Eric Broyles, attorney and author of “Encounters With Police: A Black Man’s Guide to Survival”; Prince George’s County police Capt. Jason Fisher; Glenn Ivey, former Prince George’s County State’s Attorney; and David Rocah from the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland.

Some of the advice they gave to those who might have encounters with police officers included:

  • Comply now, contest later
  • Always file a complaint if you think you were mistreated by an officer
  • File that complaint within a year starting from the time of the incident
  • Turn the lights on inside the car and roll down the windows if you’re pulled over while driving
  • To end the encounter, ask: “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”
  • Record your encounter — it’s your right 
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is news ? we need a statement from a committee to know this ? 1st of all, don't break the law. 2nd, if you point a gun at a officer and you're shot dead, oh well, that does not entitle your neighborhood to free tv's.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Comply or Die. very easy to figure out. This is what my grandpa said they also did in Germany, and he lived to 99 years old.

Anonymous said...

Yes, really, if your Black Life Mattered to you, you would do as you are told by the police!

Anonymous said...

Everyone else has followed those rules for years with no problems. Some are just slow learner's and/or are too arrogant and stupid to act civil

Anonymous said...

Never roll down your window! Crack it enough to where you can hear the officer!

Anonymous said...

You have no idea who is on the other side of that window and you have no idea what type of day they have had. You have no idea if they are pissed at their at their wife/husband or boss. Bottom line.....there are too many unknowns to give you any idea what this meeting will turn out to be. Best idea.....don't go out after dark and don't get stopped.