BACK TO BASICS!

FLEX YOUR RIGHTS VIDEO (its funny but loaded with info!)


KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
1. The right to remain SILENT! the 5th Amend. to the US Constitution give every person the right to not answer questions asked by a police officer or government agent. only a judge can order you to answer a question, and still plead the 5th amend.

2. The right to be free from "Unreasonable Searches and Seizures." The 4th Amend is supposed to protect your privacy. Without a warrant, police or government agents may not search your home or office without your consent, and you have the right to refuse to let them in. They can enter and search without a warrant in an "emergency". New laws(like the PATRIOT ACT) have expanded the government's authority to conduct surveillance. It is possible that your email, phone, cell, and conversations in your home office, car, or meeting place are being recorded without your knowledge.

3. The right to advocate for change. The 1st amend to the US constitution protects the rights of groups and individuals who advocate changes in laws, government practices, and even the form of government. However, the INS can target non-citizens for deportation, for 1st Amend activities.

4. What if police stop me on the street? ASK IF YOU ARE FREE TO GO! If they say "yes" WALK AWAY! IF they say "no" you are being "detained." They do have the right to frisk you. DO NOT CONSENT TO ANY FURTHER SEARCH!

5. What if they do have a warrant? DEMAND TO SEE IT. The warrant must detail the places to be searched and people or things to be seized. If they take something, make sure its listed on the warrant. TAKE NOTES!

6. If I am under 18, what rights do I have? YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! You do not have to talk to police, probation officers, or school officials. You have the RIGHT TO BE POLITICALLY ACTIVE at your school, as long as you do not disrupt class. Your locker and backpack can be searched without a warrant, if they suspect you are involved in criminal activity or have a weapon. DO NOT CONSENT! But if you physically resist, you can be charged with a crime.

7. What if I am treated badly? You have the right to demand the name of the officer. Remember his name and badge number. Write everything down as soon as you can. Take photos of injuries, and try to find witnesses.

compiled from www.nlg.org

COPWATCH 101:

1. MAKE YOUR PRESENCE KNOWN. Stand a reasonable distance from the incident, but close enough to see clearly. Remain calm and watch everything. If an officer approaches, simply say you are there to be a witness. They cannot make you leave unless they determine you are "interfering."

2. TAKE NOTES. write down, take pictures or video if possible. Some people may not want to be photographed and you should respect that but a police officer cannot refuse to be photographed! DO YOUR BEST TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING.

3. Follow through. exchange info with the victim if possible-at least their name. Follow up with them-you may have to track them down or go to the magistrate's office. Let them know that you are a witness and are willing to testify against the officer. GO PUBLIC! with the consent from the victim. publicize any photos or information you have about the officer and the incident.

SUPPORT:
OCT 22 Coalition, http://october22.org/index.html