op-ed Tips when encountered with the police

Author: Jenna Levine

There has been much rumor and miscommunication regarding the Oct. 26 VACA Halloween party police incident involving alumna Emilie McDonald and me. I do not wish here to separate rumor from fact but only to suggest that I was wrong and unhelpful when I interjected myself into the situation. Sensitive to my friend, I intended only to be supportive, but my action interrupted the officers in their line of duty, causing more trouble than good.

Furthermore, I would like to suggest that anyone who has read The Campus articles written by Scott Greene and Dean Atyia disregard what was written about my case and any of my quotes included in the Greene article.

Instead, I ask you to recognize these helpful suggestions provided by the American Civil Liberties Union. Their Web site, www.aclu.org offers more specific information on how to behave when in contact with the police. This information would have been beneficial to me on the evening of the 26th, thus I really encourage you to read this material so that you can be prepared in the event of a police encounter. Of course, acting respectfully is advisable when dealing with anyone in any situation.

Think carefully about your words, movement, body language and emotions.

Don't get into an argument with the police.

Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.

Keep your hands where the police can see them.

Don't run. Don't touch any police officer.

Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent.

Don't complain on the scene or tell the police they're wrong or that you're going to file a complaint.

Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

Remember officers' badge and patrol car numbers.

Write down everything you remember ASAP.

Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.

If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.

If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with the police department's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.

What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.

You must show your driver's license and registration when stopped in a car. Otherwise, you don't have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, with one important exception. The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to give it. If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent, which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.

You don't have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you DO consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ASK TO SEE IT.

Do not interfere with or obstruct the police - you can be arrested for it.

Jenna Levine '07 is from Chicago, Ill.