Know Your Rights: Police Encounters
Last updated: July 19, 2016 11:30 am
Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly.
Here we describe what the law requires and also offer strategies for handling police encounters. Open the menus below to know your rights when interacting with police.
Your Rights
- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
- You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
- If you are not under arrest, ask if you are free to leave. If you may leave, do so calmly.
- You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
- Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.
Your Responsibilities
- Do stay calm and be polite.
- Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
- Do not lie or give false documents.
- Do remember the details of the encounter.
- Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.
Other Resources
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, go to aclu.org/deafrights for an ASL video on deaf rights and policing.
- If you are an immigrant, go here for additional information about immigration and policing.
- Know your rights on the go: Download our Know Your Rights Wallet Card and a printable, foldable, booklet in English and Spanish.
Open the menus below to know your rights in specific situations.
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