Police Encounters, Know Your Rights, Flex Your Rights, 4th, four

Which is best to do in police encounters?

• Lie if you need to.

• Say as little as possible.

• Get friendly and chatty with the officer.

• Admit the truth.

Answer explanation

In police encounters, it's best to say as little as possible to avoid misunderstandings or self-incrimination. Being concise helps protect your rights while still being respectful.

When can the police search you or your car?

• Anytime they want.

• Never.

• Anytime you consent.

• All the time.

Answer explanation

The police can search you or your car anytime you consent. This means if you agree to a search, they are allowed to proceed. Without consent, they generally need probable cause or a warrant.

What should you probably say whenever the police ask to search you?

• Go ahead, I've nothing to hide.

• Go ahead, don't give them a reason to suspect you.

• You better not!
  I know my rights.

• I don't consent to ANY searches.

Answer explanation

The correct response is 'I don't consent to ANY searches.' This asserts your rights and protects you from unwarranted searches, as consent can be interpreted as permission.

Which of the following is probably best to say if an officer keeps asking you questions?

• My father's a lawyer.

  You better let me leave.

• Officer, am I under arrest or am I free to leave? I have nothing further to discuss.

• Just keep answering his questions politely and honestly.

Answer explanation

The best response is, 'Officer, am I under arrest or am I free to leave? I have nothing further to discuss.' This clearly asserts your rights and seeks clarification on your status without escalating the situation.

"I don't consent to any searches."

• Is dumb to say because they'll probably search you anyway.

• Is smart to say, whether or not they search you.

Answer explanation

Saying "I don't consent to any searches" is smart because it asserts your rights. Even if they search you anyway, you have made your position clear, which can be important for legal reasons.

Why should you say "officer, I know you are just doing your job?"

• Because it reinforces your 3rd Amendment rights.

• It's important if you go to court.

• Don't say it, ever.

• It makes what follows sound respectful.

Answer explanation

Saying "officer, I know you are just doing your job" shows respect and can help de-escalate the situation. It sets a positive tone for the interaction, making it more likely that the officer will respond respectfully in return.

Which of the following things should you never say to the police?

• "Officer, I know you are just doing your job but..."

• "I don't consent to any searches."

• "Are you detaining me or am I free to go."

• "I have nothing to hide, look if you want."

Answer explanation

Saying 'I have nothing to hide, look if you want' can imply consent to a search, which may lead to legal issues. It's better to assert your rights clearly instead.

Which is best to do should an officer knocks on your front door?

• Open it and let them in.

• Open it and politely answer their questions.

• Open it and step outside.

• Strap up and run out the back door.

Answer explanation

Opening the door and stepping outside allows for a safer interaction with the officer, ensuring you can communicate without the potential risks of being inside. It's important to engage respectfully and clearly.

Which is probably best to do should an officer ask you who you are while you're walking on the street?

• Say I have nothing to discuss and keep walking.

• Think up some good lies real quick and get ready for more.

• Run.

• Stop, face him and answer his questions politely and completely.

Answer explanation

The best response is to say you have nothing to discuss and keep walking. This approach respects your right to privacy and avoids escalating the situation, unlike engaging or running, which could raise suspicion.

What should you probably say to a cop who wants to search your house?

• Go ahead, I've nothing to hide.

• Officer, I know you are just doing your job, but I don't consent to ANY searches.

• Ask him why? See if he has a good reason. If he does, let him in.

• Try to talk him out of it.

Answer explanation

The correct response is to assert your rights. Saying, 'Officer, I know you are just doing your job, but I don't consent to ANY searches,' clearly communicates your refusal while respecting the officer's role.