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Rose City Copwatch |
Your Rights and the Police(for use in Portland OR) [download a printable version of this page] When you're stopped: stay calm, keep your hands visible, be careful what you say. If you want to leave, ask: "Am I free to go?" If you are not driving, you do not have to carry I.D. You do not have to identify yourself, but if you refuse, police may take you into custody. It is not a crime to be without I.D. If you are driving, you must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you are suspected of drinking and refuse to take a breath test, your license may be suspended. If police want to search you, they may pat you down to check for weapons. Make it clear you do not consent to any further search. Just say, "I do not consent to a search." If they say they have a search warrant, ask to see it. If they are searching your home or your car with "probable cause," make it clear you do not consent to a search. If you are arrested, you do not have to answer any questions, other than identifying yourself. Don't offer excuses or explanations. Anything you say can be used against you. Just say, "I don't want to answer any questions. I want to talk to a lawyer." If you are Copwatching, let officers know you don't intend to interfere with the arrest. (Say, "I am here to observe. I do not intend to interfere.") This means staying ten feet or more away from the action and not trying to distract the officers' or the arrestee's attention. If you are the victim of police misconduct, get the names of all officer involved and supervisors' names if possible. Get names and numbers of any witnesses. If you are the victim of police misuse of force, document injuries right away. You may wish to pursue any number of routes, from filing a complaint with the Independent Police Review Division to filing a lawsuit. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS:
[download a printable version of this page] More InformationOther, more general Know Your Rights cards and pamphlets that you can print out, study, and carry with you are available from the following national organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union publishes an English-language "bustcard" entitled What to Do If You're Stopped by the Police, and longer Know Your Rights pamphlets in several languages: The National Lawyer's Guild provides Know Your Rights Pamphlets in several languages: |
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