Here is some simple advice that we have that can help you in situations with the Po-po :

Do’s and Don’ts DO:

- Stay chill

Getting mad will only give the cop more power in the situation.

- Know your Rights

Showing a cop you know your rights and how to use them can throw them off their game. Sometimes this will make them back down, but other times it can get their back up, so be ready. Stay calm and keep repeating your rights to them either way. Check the “Rights” section to learn more.

- Get the name of the officer, badge number and/or squad car number.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly by the cops, try to remember their name, badge number or square car number. You can ask the cops their names and they must answer. If they don’t, try to remember the squad car number written on the side of the car (ex: 11-5 means Station 11, car 5). This information will be useful if you decide to make a complaint. Get in touch with Project X if you need support or help making a complaint.

- Take pictures if you see the cops being abusive

IF YOU FEEL THAT IT IS SAFE FOR YOU TO DO SO, take discreet pics with your cell phone camera or whatever. This will help document police abuse which is really important. Watch yourself though, if a cop is psycho enough to beat someone then they could get really mad at you for taking pics of it. There is also a law that requires you to be a certain distance from an arrest so be sure to keep some distance. You are welcome to send those photos to the crew at Project X.

- Talk it out afterwards

Talk to someone about what happened, whether it be your friends, parents, someone from Project X or someone else you trust. When the police do something that we know isn’t right(especially when we experience violence), it can really make us angry, resentful and isolated. Talking is essential in feeling better, and it helps us realize that we are defiantly not alone in this. Just because the cops want to dish it out doesn’t mean that we have to live with it.

- Come do a Testimonial with Project X!

In response to ALWAYS hearing about young people getting harassed by the cops, we are videotaping people’s stories and posting it up on youtube. We all need to know what’s going on and to support each other when it comes to the cops being racist and nasty so come and anonymously tell your story. Plus, it’s time that the po-po understands that we are watching.

DON’T:

- Don’t shoot your mouth off at a cop. o Swearing and yelling at them will only get them more worked up. It also gives them more power to be able to bust you for something, whether you did something or not. Remember you have the right to remain silent and you can tell them that.

- Don’t touch the cop, his car or his dog

Touching any of the above things can land you with assualt on police officer which is a very serious crime. We have heard many times before that individuals get beaten by the police and then charged with assault on police! This isn’t cool but happens often. Try and stay calm and keep your hands by your side.

- Don’t agree to an illegal search. Saying NO doesn’t mean you have something to hide.

You must be under arrest to be able to be searched by cops. The only situation where cops can search someone before arresting them is if they have “reasonable grounds to believe” that a person has a firearm or drugs on them. “Reasonable grounds to believe” is a very vague statement and gives the cops room to make improper searches. If this is happening let the cops know you don’t agree with being searched and that they are abusing their power. Try to remember their name, badge number or squad car number.

-Don’t go to areas that cops target youth without checking what’s in your pockets.

Cops target youth, especially youth that aren’t white. So if you don’t want tickets and/or a criminal record, watch what’s in your pockets and where you go. For example, there are always cops at the metro, so maybe leave your ounce at home. Or if you can’t live without smoking at the metro, then find out what the charges are for possession of certain amounts and distribution so that you know what the consequences of your actions are. At the end of the day, no one wants to have a record for having fun so just check yourself before you leave the house.

-Don’t show any Id if you’re the passenger in a car that gets stopped by the cops.

Just say no (e.g. Am I being under arrest? if not! I know my rights! I don’t have to show you my id, Cuz, I’m not the one driving) and remain silent until they’re done with their verification of the driver of the car. You don’t have to show your id if you aren’t the driver of the car that is being stopped by the police for verification and(or) infraction either for car lights that don’t work, burning a red light, not doing a stop sign etc, …The police officer is only set to ask the driver of the vehicle about license registration, car papers etc.. At the same time you should remain silent to avoid any tension also to avoid giving them a reason to charge you and ask for your id by stating “obstruction to a police officer while on duty”.