Tips For Teens

If you're a teen & you become a victim of Police Harassment....

• Make sure the Officer is aware you know your rights. Don't be intimidated by his/her attitude or comments.
• Stay calm, Don't give the Officer a reason to arrest you, They are usually just looking for a reason.
• Advise the Officer that you want your parents contacted immediately. If you are under 18 your parents are responsible for you & have a right to know exactly what is happening.
• Ask questions, You have a right to know why you are being stopped. Officer's are frequently intimidated by questions concerning their authority, Often they will reconsider their actions & move on to another victim.
• If you feel your rights have been violated demand the Officer's name and badge number, Often they will hesitate, try and devert your attention or mumble their information, Make sure you are presistant, If the Officer refuses to give you that information call the town police department immediately after leaving. Ask to speak with the chief of police, if he or she is not available ask to speak with a shift supervisor.
• Refuse consent to search your vehicle, The Officer only wants to search your car because he is looking for something to charge you with. If he is ASKING your permission you have a right to say no. Regardless of his tone and attempt to make it look like you have no choice.

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-First of all, maintain your cool and don't show fear. Cops can smell fear, and they love to use it against you. -Be polite. I know it sucks pretending to be nice to a cop, but they're megalomaniacs, stroke their ego, call them "sir" and officer. It's degrading, but it might help out with your situation. -Do not demonstrate without expecting harassment and possibly violence from the police, I should hope this was obvious. -If you plan on lying about your name it's best not to have ID with you. -You don't have to talk to the police. Hang up on them. Don't let them in your house or office without a warrant (and ask to see it) -Cops may tell you you'll be in worse trouble if they don't talk to you. Don't listen to that, or any other ploys for that matter. Everything they say is a lie to get you to crack. -Don't give info, aside from name, birthdate, and address to them. -Don't answer questions during booking. Don't count on the right to call a lawyer, in fact, don't count on anything. If you can call a lawyer, do it immediately, or, if possible, your parents. They can get you out of a jam faster.