THE POLICE WANT ME TO COME TO TALK TO THEM. WHAT DO I 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. 

Upon Request, show police your identification.

Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent. 

You do not have to answer any questions.

You do not have to go anywhere to talk to them or answer any questions.  

Exercise your right to remain silent.

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your property, including your cell phone.

You do not have to give the police any of your property for their investigation.

Tell the police you will not speak to them without a lawyer present.

The Script

1. I will not be meeting you anywhere to answer any questions. 
2. I do not agree to speak to you without a lawyer present.
3. I am exercising my right to remain silent. 
4. I do not agree to turn over any of my property to you.
5. Please stop calling me/coming to my home (or please leave my home).  
6. Am I under arrest? 
7. If I am being arrested, I am exercising my right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately.

*Don’t be tricked into coming to the station to “clear up something.” If you are not under arrest or being lawfully detained, you do not have to voluntarily go to the police station to answer any questions. Remember, police officers are always trying to find evidence to justify an  arrest. If they had the evidence, they wouldn’t need to talk to you. Don’t make their job easier.