Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly. Here we describe what the law requires and also offer strategies for handling the police encounter that may help reduce the risk of violence or death.
To be clear -- the burden of de-escalation doesn't fall on the person being stopped, it falls on police employees.
You have the right to remain alive and to have your rights respected by police, who are government employees and are supposed to uphold the Constitution. This advice, however, reflects reality: we cannot assume police employees will make decisions that protect people's safety. Additionally, any effort to reduce risk is not a guarantee of safety. There are situations where people have done everything they can to put a police employee at ease, yet still ended up being injured or killed by police.
Learn more below, or download and print our Know Your Rights guide.
Scenarios
If you've been stopped by police in public
1. How to minimize risk of police violence
• Stay calm. Don’t run, resist, or obstruct the officers. Do not lie or give false documents. Keep your hands where the police can see them.
2. Your rights
• You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. (In some states, you may be required to provide your name if asked to identify yourself.)
• You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. Refusing consent may not stop the officer from carrying out the search against your will, but can help preserve your rights in any later legal proceeding.
• If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer if you can't afford one.
• You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports as well as for people on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)
3. What to do if you are arrested or detained
• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
4. If you believe your rights were violated
• Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
• If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
• File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Under a Connecticut statewide policy, you have the right to file an anonymous complaint, but some police departments have made that difficult or have created internal policies that treat anonymous complaints less seriously. If you experience issues filing a complaint, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
5. What you can do if you think you’re witnessing police abuse or brutality
• Stand at a safe distance and, if possible, use your phone to record video of what is happening. As long as you do not interfere with what the officers are doing and do not stand close enough to obstruct their movements, you have the right to observe and record events that are plainly visible in public spaces.
• Do not try to hide the fact that you are recording. Police officers do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when performing their jobs, but the people they are interacting with may have privacy rights that would require you to notify them of the recording.
• Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, and they may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances. If an officer orders you to stop recording or orders you to hand over your phone, you should politely but firmly tell the officer that you do not consent to doing so, and remind the officer that taking photographs or video is your right under the First Amendment. Be aware that some officers may arrest you for refusing to comply even though their orders are illegal. The arrest would be unlawful, but you will need to weigh the personal risks of arrest against the value of continuing to record.
• Whether or not you are able to record everything, make sure to write down everything you remember, including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, how many officers were present and what their names were, any use of weapons (including weapons such as Tasers or batons), and any injuries suffered by the person stopped. If you are able to speak to the person stopped by police after the police leave, they may find your contact information helpful in case they decide to file a complaint or pursue a lawsuit against the officers.
6. Additional resources
• If you need more information, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
If you've been pulled over by police
1. How to minimize risk of police violence
• Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.
• Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel. If you’re in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard.
• Upon request, show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
• Avoid making sudden movements, and keep your hands where the officer can see them.
2. Your rights
• Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent.
• If you’re a passenger, you can ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, silently leave.
• Under Connecticut law, police must provide every person they pull over, whether they issue that person a traffic ticket or not, with a racial profiling prohibition project card. If you have been pulled over by police, you have the right to complete and return that card to the agency listed, regardless of whether you have received a traffic ticket.
3. What to do if you are arrested or detained
• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
4. If you believe your rights were violated
• Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
• If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
• File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Under a Connecticut statewide policy, you have the right to file an anonymous complaint, but some police departments have made that difficult or have created internal policies that treat anonymous complaints less seriously. If you experience issues filing a complaint, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
5. What you can do if you think you’re witnessing police abuse or brutality
• Stand at a safe distance and, if possible, use your phone to record video of what is happening. As long as you do not interfere with what the officers are doing and do not stand close enough to obstruct their movements, you have the right to observe and record events that are plainly visible in public spaces.
• Do not try to hide the fact that you are recording. Police officers do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when performing their jobs, but the people they are interacting with may have privacy rights that would require you to notify them of the recording. In many states (see here) you must affirmatively make people aware that you are recording them.
• Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, and they may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances. If an officer orders you to stop recording or orders you to hand over your phone, you should politely but firmly tell the officer that you do not consent to doing so, and remind the officer that taking photographs or video is your right under the First Amendment. Be aware that some officers may arrest you for refusing to comply even though their orders are illegal. The arrest would be unlawful, but you will need to weigh the personal risks of arrest against the value of continuing to record.
• Whether or not you are able to record everything, make sure to write down everything you remember, including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, how many officers were present and what their names were, any use of weapons (including weapons such as Tasers or batons), and any injuries suffered by the person stopped. If you are able to speak to the person stopped by police after the police leave, they may find your contact information helpful in case they decide to file a complaint or pursue a lawsuit against the officers.
6. Additional resources
• If you need more information, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
If the police are at your door
1. Your rights and how to minimize risk
• You do not have to let them in unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
• Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window so you can inspect it. A search warrant allows police to enter the address listed on the warrant, but officers can only search the areas and for the items listed.
• Even if officers have a warrant, you have the right to remain silent. If you choose to speak to the officers, step outside and close the door.
2. When your rights have been violated
• Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
• File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Under a Connecticut statewide policy, you have the right to file an anonymous complaint, but some police departments have made that difficult or have created internal policies that treat anonymous complaints less seriously. If you experience issues filing a complaint, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
3. How to be a responsible bystander
• If you are a guest inside the house and end up answering the door, you should make clear to the police that you are a guest and do not have the authority to let them inside without the homeowner’s permission.
If you've been arrested by the police
1. How to minimize risk
• Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair.
2. How to prepare for possible arrest
• Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.
3. Your rights
• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. Don't say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• You have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
4. When your rights have been violated
• Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
• File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.
5. What you can do if you think you’re witnessing police abuse or brutality
• Stand at a safe distance and, if possible, use your phone to record video of what is happening. As long as you do not interfere with what the officers are doing and do not stand close enough to obstruct their movements, you have the right to observe and record events that are plainly visible in public spaces.
• Do not try to hide the fact that you are recording. Police officers do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when performing their jobs, but the people they are interacting with may have privacy rights that would require you to notify them of the recording.
• Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, and they may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances. If an officer orders you to stop recording or orders you to hand over your phone, you should politely but firmly tell the officer that you do not consent to doing so, and remind the officer that taking photographs or video is your right under the First Amendment and Connecticut state law. Be aware that some officers may arrest you for refusing to comply even though their orders are illegal. The arrest would be unlawful, but you will need to weigh the personal risks of arrest against the value of continuing to record.
• Whether or not you are able to record everything, make sure to write down everything you remember, including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, how many officers were present and what their names were, any use of weapons (including weapons such as Tasers or batons), and any injuries suffered by the person stopped. If you are able to speak to the person stopped by police after the police leave, they may find your contact information helpful in case they decide to file a complaint or pursue a lawsuit against the officers.
6. Additional resources
• If you need more information, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
The police violated your rights
• When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
• Get contact information for witnesses.
• If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
• File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Under Connecticut state law, all police agencies must have publicly available forms for people to fill out complaints.
• If you need more information, contact the ACLU of Connecticut.
FAQs
Can you tell a police officer I don't answer questions? ›
You always have the constitutional right to remain silent if a police officer questions you. You do not have to answer a police officer's questions, even if you are being detained or arrested or even if you are already in jail.
Do you have to show your ID in Connecticut? ›Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. Avoid making sudden movements, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent.
What amendment allows you to not answer police questions? ›Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions from law enforcers.
Do you have to provide ID to police in Connecticut? ›Connecticut is not a “stop-and-identify” state. That means if the police come up to you on the street and ask for your ID, you have the right to say no. You may be required to give the police your name. However, your driver's license or other state ID gives them a lot more information.
Can you say no to the police? ›You should not lie to the police, but you do not have to answer their questions. You can simply say “no comment” or walk away. If the police ask to interview you as a witness for a legal case, you don't have to say yes.
Why would the police call me and not leave a message? ›Yes police officers will do that, and the reason they will do that is because they want to confront you with something however they do not want to know ahead of time what it is about so that you can formulate an excuse, or draft up an intelligent answer.
Can you walk around without ID? ›In the US, is there a law requiring you to carry an ID when you are out walking, i.e. not driving or buying anything, just walking down the street? No, there is no such law. If you're just going for a walk, you don't need ID of any kind.
Can you smile in Connecticut ID photo? ›Whether you are getting a driver's license photo or a passport photo, you will be asked not to smile. Here is why: You can have a bit of a smile on your face so you do not look grumpy, but don't flash a big, toothy grin. It isn't necessary, and you will be asked to pose again to have another photo taken.
Do police have no obligation to protect? ›The U.S. Supreme Court has also ruled that police have no specific obligation to protect. In its 1989 decision in DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services, the justices ruled that a social services department had no duty to protect a young boy from his abusive father.
What is the 14th amendment for police? ›No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
What is your 4th Amendment right? ›
The Constitution, through the Fourth Amendment, protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. The Fourth Amendment, however, is not a guarantee against all searches and seizures, but only those that are deemed unreasonable under the law.
What can't the police do according to the Fifth Amendment? ›The Fifth Amendment says the government can't force someone to provide testimonial evidence against himself in a criminal case. Because custodial interrogations by police are inherently coercive, the Supreme Court requires officers in those circumstances to tell the suspect about that Fifth Amendment right.
What is the CT police Accountability Bill? ›Current law exempts the State Police and any State Police training school or program from the requirement that police officers serving for more than one year be certified by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).
Are DUI checkpoints legal in CT? ›Are DUI checkpoints legal in the state of Connecticut? Yes, checkpoints can legally be set up, stop cars, and result in DUI arrests for drivers. However, you do have rights at these checkpoints and you can take advantage of these rights to protect yourself. Learn more on this page and contact us for further assistance.
What documents are required for a state ID in Connecticut? ›One primary form of identification: US birth certificate (original long form with stamp) or passport and One secondary form of identification: out-of-state ID or driver's license, military ID, gun permit, court order with full name, marriage certificate, certified school transcript, social security card, DOC ...
Can you walk away from a police officer? ›Can I Walk Away From a Police Officer? Unless a police officer has probable cause to make an arrest, reasonable suspicion to conduct a stop and frisk, or a warrant, a person generally has the legal right to walk away from the officer.
Do cops have to say yes if you ask them if their a cop? ›When police officers are working undercover, they are legally allowed to lie about anything, including their identity. So, if a person asks an undercover police officer whether he is a cop, he or she can lie and say they are not a cop.
Can you be disrespectful to police? ›To be clear, there isn't a law that specifically forbids yelling, swearing or otherwise being rude to a law enforcement officer – as long as you're not threatening to harm them or someone else. This is protected speech under the First Amendment.
Can you ignore a cop talking to you? ›You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.
How long can police listen to your phone calls? ›A judge's order authorizing a wiretap is only valid for 10 days, starting with the authorization date. Without an extension, the police are supposed to end surveillance of your phone after the 30-day or 10-day period, whichever comes first.
Can cops tap your text messages? ›
If the law enforcement officers go to your cell service provider or Google, they can access information on your text messages and emails if they have a court order. If the police have a subpoena, they can access emails that date back as far as 180 days, whether they are opened or unopened.
Are you legally required to carry ID in the US? ›So if police ever ask you to show ID during your travels, it's natural to feel violated. In a free society, citizens who are minding their own business are not obligated to “show their papers” to police. In fact, in the United States there's no law requiring citizens to carry identification of any kind.
Where can you travel without ID? ›You may still fly on US domestic flights, provided that you go through additional identity and security screening at the TSA security checkpoint. So the bottom line is yes, you can fly domestically without a driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID if either was lost or stolen.
How can I travel home without ID? ›Building a strong case to fly without an ID
A credit card, a business card with your photo on it, mail or prescription medication with your name and address on the label, voter registration or even a library card can build a stronger argument for you during the identification verification process.
A REAL ID is verified by a gold star in the top right corner of your license or ID card. Non-verified IDs don't have a gold star. Note: Per the REAL ID Modernization Act and DMV policy, individuals are no longer required to provide documentation of their Social Security Number when applying for a REAL ID.
What are the security features of the CT driver's license? ›Secure design comprised of iconic Connecticut symbols, intricate lines and patterns. Header color and text clearly indicates license type. Large primary portrait with smaller ghost portrait. Veteran designation.
How do I get a temporary license in CT? ›All Connecticut residents get a temporary paper credential (TPC) in an in-person appointment. Your driver's license or ID card arrives in the mail within 20 business days of this appointment.
Do police officers swear to protect and serve? ›"As a Law Enforcement Officer, I do solemnly swear that my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all ...
What is the motto of the police? ›“To Protect and to Serve” became the official motto of the Police Academy, and it was kept constantly before the officers in training as the aim and purpose of their profession.
What is qualified immunity for police officers? ›Qualified immunity is a judicially created legal doctrine that protects government officials performing. discretionary duties from civil liability in cases involving the deprivation of statutory or constitutional. rights.
What is the 10th Amendment? ›
The Tenth Amendment says that the Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution. If it isn't listed, it belongs to the states or to the people.
What is the 9th Amendment? ›The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
What is the 8th Amendment? ›Eighth Amendment Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
The Seventh Amendment requires civil jury trials only in federal courts. This Amendment is unusual. The U.S. Supreme Court has required states to protect almost every other right in the Bill of Rights, such as the right to criminal jury trial, but the Court has not required states to hold civil jury trials.
What rights does the Sixth Amendment protect? ›In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be ...
What's the 3rd Amendment right? ›No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
What rights are protected by Amendment 5? ›In criminal cases, the Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to a grand jury, forbids “double jeopardy,” and protects against self-incrimination.
Can you plead the fifth to police? ›You have a 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination. This means you don't have to say anything to law enforcement that may incriminate you. You can stay silent or tell the officer that you are not going to answer any questions.
Which right is not protected under the 5th Amendment? ›The Grand Jury Clause of the Fifth Amendment does not protect those serving in the armed forces, whether during wartime or peacetime. Members of the state militia called up to serve with federal forces are not protected under the clause either.
Can you record a police officer in CT? ›You have the right to videotape and audiotape police officers performing official duties in public. That means you can record an officer during a traffic stop, during an interrogation, or while he or she is making an arrest. You can record people protesting or giving speeches in public.
Do you have to give your name to police in CT? ›
Connecticut is not a “stop-and-identify” state. That means if the police come up to you on the street and ask for your ID, you have the right to say no. You may be required to give the police your name. However, your driver's license or other state ID gives them a lot more information.
What is Connecticut public Act 21 33? ›(b) A person is guilty of enticing a juvenile to commit a criminal act if such person is twenty-three years of age or older and knowingly causes, encourages, solicits, recruits, intimidates or coerces a person under eighteen years of age to commit or participate in the commission of a criminal act.
Am I obligated to answer police questions? ›Do I have to answer questions asked by law enforcement officers? No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail.
Do you have to answer questions during a police interrogation? ›Even if you've been arrested, you can refuse to answer police questions. In this case, police officers must provide you with a Miranda warning before questioning you and remind you of your right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer.
What happens if someone calls the police on you and you leave? ›Regardless of why you left, officers generally will look for you if they have an idea of where you are and it is close. They will often search the immediate geographic vicinity of a crime scene, as they do not want to leave only to have someone return, and reengage an alleged victim or have evidence destroyed.
What rights do you have when stopped by police in PA? ›If the officer feels, after talking to you, that you have committed a crime and places you under arrest, he or she will inform you that, you have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you in court; you have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before you answer any questions and ...