Police Beat Archives (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you say I don't answer questions to a police officer? ›

In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions.

DO tell the police your name and basic identifying information. But nothing else. DO say “I want to remain silent” and “I want to talk to a lawyer.” They should stop questioning you after that.

Do not tell the police anything except your name. Anything else you say can and will be used against you. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. Within a reason- able amount of time after your arrest or booking you have the right to a phone call.

As you can probably surmise by now, law enforcement officers have no legal duty to tell the truth when asked if they are, in fact, the law. Unfortunately, however, most people erroneously believe that police officers must tell you who they are if asked and thus find themselves in a situation much like Badger's.

Right to refuse searches

You have the right to withhold consent and to protect your privacy. Only allow a search if the police have a warrant or if you are confident that you have nothing incriminating.

You have the right to remain silent. For example, you do not have to answer any questions about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, say so out loud.

When a police officer asks where you are coming from, they are looking for evidence to support the possibility that you have or are committing a crime or whether or not you are a threat to public safety. This creates a baseline that they will later write down in a police report.

DON'T give explanations, excuses, or stories. Say “I want to remain silent” and “I want to talk to a lawyer.” DON'T talk about your case on the phone. The police might be recording your phone calls (except those to your lawyer).

“Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?” This question initially seems normal; an officer of the law wants you to recognize the thing you did wrong. Unfortunately, this classic traffic stop opening is a trick question that's meant to catch drivers off guard before they have time to remember their fifth amendment rights.

How can I tell if I'm under surveillance? ›

Some of the most obvious signs you are being spied on include: Someone seems to always be “bumping into you” in public. As if they always know when and where to find you. During divorce or separation, your ex-partner knows more details than they should about your activities, finances, or other details.

How to Spot Undercover Police. Undercover cops usually have short, groomed hair and baggy clothes with lots of pockets. They may ask lots of personal questions to gain your trust or look out of place. Unmarked police cars tend to have municipal plates, multiple antennas, and tinted windows.

So if police stop you for questioning on the street, you may be able to refuse to answer their questions and walk away. If, however, the police officer has one of the following, you may have to answer their questions: Probable cause that you have committed, were involved in, or are about to commit a crime.

Cursing at police officers may be protected by the First Amendment, which protects the ability of citizens to criticize government officials — even offensively and excessively.

Answer: During a police interview, you must remain polite, calm, and aware of your rights. Avoid volunteering unnecessary information, speculating, lying, making self-incriminating statements, discussing the case with others, arguing, making jokes, and interrupting the officer.