<< Rampart: A violation of trust

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These are your rights

If police stop you in your car …

• Keep your hands on the steering wheel.

• Upon request, show them your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance.

• Do not open your trunk or car door. If you do, you’ve consented to a search of both your property and you.

• If you’re given a ticket, sign it, otherwise you can be arrested. You can fight the case in court later.

• If you’re suspected of drunk driving and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver’s license may be suspended.

• You don’t have to have your picture taken unless you are arrested and booked.

If police stop you …


• Be polite and respectful. Don’t argue.

• Remain silent. The less you say the better. Keep your hands visible.

• Show I.D. if detained. If you don’t, they can keep you up to three days to identify you.

• Never consent to a search. Don’t resist physically but do state loud and clear: "I do not consent to a search."

• Do not open your bag for them. If you do, you’re consenting to a search.

• Police may pat down your clothing if they suspect concealed weapons or drugs.

If police arrest you …


• Do not answer questions until you have a lawyer present. Say, "I choose to remain silent and I want to talk to my attorney."

• You may be handcuffed, searched, photographed and fingerprinted.

• Do not talk about your case to inmates in jail or anyone except your attorney.

• If you think your rights have been violated,
call the Policewatch Hotline: (213) 387-3325

Source: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)