1. Knowing Your Rights
1a. The Right to Remain Silent:
- You have the right to remain silent. This means you don’t have to answer any questions beyond providing your basic identification information.
- Politely assert your right to remain silent by saying something like, “I wish to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
1b. The Right to Refuse Searches:
- You have the right to refuse a search if law enforcement doesn’t have a warrant.
- You can say, “I do not consent to a search.” It’s important to communicate this clearly and calmly.
1c. The Right to Legal Representation:
- You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning.
- If you are taken into custody, you can say, “I want a lawyer.” This indicates that you won’t answer any questions without legal representation.
1d. The Right to Know Why You’re Being Detained:
- You have the right to ask the reason for your detention.
- You can respectfully ask, “Am I free to leave?” If the answer is yes, you can calmly and safely walk away.
1e. The Right to Remain Free from Unlawful Arrest:
- You have the right to be free from unlawful arrest.
- If you believe your arrest is unjust, you can state, “I am not resisting arrest, but I do not consent to this arrest.”
1f. The Right to Record:
- In many places, you have the right to record police interactions as long as you do not interfere with their duties.
- You can say, “I am recording this interaction for my own safety.”
2. Stay Calm and Composed:
Despite the stress, strive to stay calm. Keep your movements slow and deliberate. Avoid sudden gestures, and maintain a respectful tone. This approach can contribute to a more controlled interaction.
3. Be Mindful of Your Body Language:
Ensure your hands are visible, preferably on the steering wheel or in a non-threatening position. Non-aggressive body language can help minimize tension and create a safer environment.
4. Choose Your Words Carefully:
Be respectful but assertive. You can exercise your rights by saying phrases like “I want to remain silent” or “Am I free to leave?” Remember, you have the right to control the direction of the conversation.
5. Seek Support:
Reach out to a trusted friend or family member if you feel uneasy or unsafe. Having someone aware of the situation can provide support and assistance if needed.
6. Debrief and Prioritize Self-Care:
After any encounter, take the time to debrief with someone you trust. Processing the experience is important. Engage in self-care to address any emotional toll the interaction may have taken.
This presentation was originally delivered by our Executive Director, Cayden Brown, at Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp in Detroit on April 13, 2024. Presented alongside our Board member and attorney, Nicole Martin, it introduced young participants to the practical steps of asserting their rights during police encounters. What you see here has been adapted from the live session for online viewing—edited for length and formatting—while preserving the substance of the original message on youth legal empowerment and system access.