Know Your Rights Training
Our Know Your Rights Training equips community members with the tools to understand and assert their constitutional rights. Through interactive workshops and real-world scenarios, participants gain the confidence to navigate encounters with law enforcement safely and respectfully. By spreading knowledge, we empower communities to reduce harm and protect their freedoms.
🔟 Steps to Know Your Rights
1. Stay Cool
When interacting with law enforcement, remain calm and composed. Keep your hands visible at all times and avoid sudden movements that could be misinterpreted. Staying respectful and steady can prevent the situation from escalating.
2. Ask the Question
Politely ask, “Am I free to go?” This makes it clear whether the officer is detaining you or not. If the answer is yes, leave the situation calmly and without confrontation.
3. Use Your Right to Silence
You are not required to answer questions beyond providing your name in certain states. Clearly state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” This protects you from saying something that could be used against you.
4. Do Not Consent
You have the right to refuse searches of your person, car, or home. If an officer asks, firmly but politely say, “I do not consent to a search.” Unless they have a warrant or probable cause, they cannot proceed.
5. Document the Encounter
If safe to do so, record the interaction or take notes immediately after. Write down the officer’s name, badge number, time, and location. Documentation provides a record if your rights are violated.
6. Lawyer Up
If detained or arrested, say, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” Do not answer any further questions until your attorney is present. This ensures you are legally protected during questioning.
7. Don’t Resist
Never physically resist an officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Resistance can escalate the situation and lead to additional charges. Protect yourself by remaining nonviolent and letting your lawyer challenge misconduct later.
8. Know the Levels
Understand the difference between a stop, a detention, and an arrest. A stop is brief questioning, detention means you’re not free to go, and an arrest means you are taken into custody with probable cause. Knowing these distinctions helps you assert your rights more effectively.
9. Youth Rights
If you are under 18, you have the right to ask for a parent or guardian to be present. You also have the right to consult with a lawyer before answering any questions. Do not waive these rights, even under pressure.
10. Follow Up
After the encounter, write down everything you remember in detail. If you believe your rights were violated, contact a lawyer or local legal aid group as soon as possible. Following up ensures accountability and strengthens your legal protection.