As if bad dates, strange roommates and professors don’t createenough awkward social situations for college students, there’s alwaysthe almost-inevitable encounter with the “long arm of the law.”
That in mind, the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights hasreleased “What To Do If You’re Stopped By The Police,” a brieftutorial that deals the lowdown on the do’s and dont’s of dealingwith law enforcement.
“An interrogation by — or sometimes even a casual conversationwith — a police officer can be a nerve-wracking experience,” writesattorney C.L. Lindsay III. “But such an encounter doesn’t have toinstill such fear.”
The name of the game, according to Lindsay, is control — of bias,emotions and the situation. When dealing with the police, it’simportant to put aside opinions and not let emotions take over.
“As you’ve heard countless times on TV, your statements can, andwill, be used against you,” Lindsay writes. “You’re much more likelyto say something careless if you’re worked into a state of hysteriathan if you stay calm — and an encounter with the law is never atime for carelessness.”
Students are also encouraged to save their arguments, no matterhow simple or valid, for a judge. A dispute with an officer, howeversensible, lessens the likelihood of getting off with a warning ratherthan a ticket — or worse.
“Generally, cops don’t want to arrest you,” Lindsay said. “Theywant to let you off. There are exceptions, of course, but mostofficers aren’t out to get people or arrest people.”
What students should immediately do, however, is ask for a lawyer.Lindsay said police cannot lawfully question suspects once theyrequest representation.
Other pointers in the tutorial include what limits to impose on anofficer’s right to search your car or house — just because theyclaim to have a warrant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask to see it –as well as what information one should reveal about his or heridentity — a name, an address and nothing more.
Lindsay said that if students remember only one thing from thetutorial, it’s to keep their lips zipped.
“That’s the most important thing,” Lindsay said. “Keep your mouthshut. If you know you’ve done something wrong, just shut up.”
The Coalition for Student and Academic Rights is a nationalnetwork consisting of students, student groups, instructors andlawyers. It is dedicated to protecting the rights of students,educators and anyone associated with the academic community.
