Know Your Rights During
Police Encounters

Your Protections

• ✅ Your person, house, papers, and effects from unreasonable searches
• ✅ Requires warrants to be based on probable cause
• ✅ Your right to refuse consent to searches in most situations

Key Phrases to Use

✅ What to Say

• • "I am exercising my right to remain silent"
• • "I want to speak with an attorney"
• • "I do not wish to answer questions"

❌ What NOT to Say

• • Don't admit to any wrongdoing
• • Don't volunteer information
• • Don't lie or provide false information
• • Don't argue or become confrontational

Guidelines

• 📹 You generally have the right to record police in public
• 📏 Keep a reasonable distance and don't interfere
• 🗣️ Announce that you are recording if asked
• 📋 Know your state's specific recording laws

Best Practices

• 🎬 Start recording before the interaction if possible
• 📱 Keep your phone visible and steady
• 🎤 Narrate key details (time, location, badge numbers)
• ☁️ Upload or backup recordings immediately

You MUST:

• • Provide driver's license, registration, and insurance
• • Follow lawful orders (step out if requested)
• • Remain calm and respectful

You DON'T Have To:

• • Answer questions beyond identification
• • Consent to vehicle searches
• • Allow searches of closed containers

Stop and Identify Laws

~24 states require you to provide your name if lawfully detained (per Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District, 2004)

Recording Laws

11 states require two-party consent for audio recording

Passenger Rights

Rights of passengers vary significantly by jurisdiction

Concealed Carry

Disclosure requirements vary — some states require immediate notification