- Silence-You can refuse to talk to the police or answer their questions. You must give your name, birth date, and address, or show them your ID. YOU DO
NOT have to say anything else. - You can say NO if police ask to search any of your things.
- You can leave unless you are being arrested or detained.
- You have the right to know why you are being detained, and to speak privately to a lawyer - even if you can't pay.
- You can only be strip-searched in private, and only by someone of the same sex.
- You have the right to know the officer 's badge numbers.
- You can report an officer who abuses me,swears at me, or violates your rights.
EXAMPLE:
Officer, If I am under arrest or being detained, please tell me so... if I am free to go, please tell me so. If I am not free to go, please tell me why... I wish to exercise all my legal rights, including my right to silence and my right to speak to a lawyer... Thank you for respecting my rights.
Every situation is different. Use courtesy, and common sense.
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