THE POLICE TRY TO TALK TO A CHILD WITHOUT A PARENT. WHAT SHOULD THE CHILD SAY?

Reduce Risk

Stay calm.

Stay in control.

Don’t resist. Don’t obstruct. DON’T RUN.

Keep your hands visible. 

Ask before making any movements.

Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent. 

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. 

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself.

Ask for your parent/guardian and a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

The Script

1. I want to remain silent.
2. Please contact my parent/guardian. 
3. I do not consent to me or my, phone, or my belongings being searched.
4. Am I free to leave?
5. Am I under arrest? If no, calmly walk away. 
6. If I am being arrested, I request a lawyer and I do not consent to you questioning me outside of my parent or lawyer’s presence.

*If you are arrested, always ask for a lawyer. Even if your parent says you do not need one, you tell the police that you want a lawyer. Be firm about this. Do not let the police trick you into thinking a lawyer is not needed if your parent is present.

*If the police question you at school, do not let a teacher or a school official convince you to talk to the police. Tell the police and the school official that you wish to remain silent and not answer any questions without your parent and a lawyer present.