Friendly Reminder – Columbo says:

Don’t talk to the police until you get an attorney!

To protect yourself when speaking with the police, state that you want to remain silent, you want a lawyer, and you do not consent to any searches, and then calmly leave if you are free to do so. Always remain calm, don’t lie, and do not resist or interfere with the police. If your rights are violated, gather any available details, like badge numbers, and file a complaint with their agency.

Key phrases to use:

“I want to remain silent”

“I want to speak to a lawyer”

“I do not consent to a search”

“Am I free to leave?”

What to do during an interaction

Remain Calm: Keep your voice calm and avoid hostile or argumentative language.

Don’t Speak Unnecessarily: Do not provide explanations or stories; exercise your right to remain silent.

Do Not Consent to a Search: Politely refuse any request for a search of your person, car, or home by saying, “I do not consent to a search”.

Ask if You Can Leave: Ask, “Am I free to leave?” This determines if you are being detained or are under arrest. If the answer is yes, then leave calmly.

Ask for a Lawyer: If you are arrested or interrogated, ask for a lawyer immediately.
Record the Interaction: If possible, record the conversation and note down details, such as officer names or badge numbers.

What not to do

Don’t argue or resist

Do not argue with, run from, or resist the police.

Don’t lie: It is a criminal offense to knowingly lie to an officer.

Don’t agree to meet at the station: Police may say they want you to come to the station to “clear some things up,” but you should not do so without legal representation.

If you believe your rights have been violated:

Document everything

Write down all details you remember from the encounter, including badge numbers and car numbers.

Report the incident

File a complaint with the officer’s agency’s internal affairs division or a civilian oversight board.