How to survive police encounters.

Hello, I am a 2 police body camera operator and I worked in the central United States for the majority of my career. I have been police body camera operator for 2 years and I have an associates degree in forensic science. In my time working as a police body camera operator, I have compiled a list of ways to survive police encounters<br><br>1. Authorities are entitled to do their job without interference. Answer questions and respond to commands without interference. <br><br>2. Be prepared to defend yourself at all times. I've seen multiple cases of police brutality since I've worked with the department. The most notable being a women who was pulled over for speeding. She was acting erratically and was threatening suicide. When she was sent outside she layed down on the ground. An officer told her to put her hands behind her back. She did not put her hands behind her back. The officer then tased her. She did not stop resisting arrest. Finally the officer grabbed a taser and jabbed it into her neck repeatedly while she screamed. It turns out she was bipolar and was experiencing a manic episode. She had no weapons on her. <br><br>1. Avoid taking anything from your pockets during the encounter. This is often viewed as a threat. <br><br>2. Do not lie to the police. This can lead to more charges depending on state laws.<br><br>3. Do not resist arrest. This can lead to additional charges. If Authorities are acting violently towards you, be prepared to use self defense.<br><br>4. Always record the encounter. If you are pulled over, this can be as simple as putting your phone on record. If you have not been notified you are under arrest, the police cannot confiscate your phone.<br><br>5. Do not run. Running can be viewed as a threat. <br><br>6. Be respectful. Authorities have a dangerous job and it is important to be respectful of their time and livelihood. <br><br>7. Do not make sudden movements and always keep your hands visible.<br><br>8. Do not make any jokes. Authorities are trained to be ready to react at all times. Making a joke about something like shooting a police officer can be viewed as a real threat.<br><br>9. Always know your rights. The most important right to know is that police officers do not have the right to enter your house without a warrant or your consent. Do not give the police your consent to enter your house.<br><br>10. Do not argue the validity of the stop. On the scene, Authorities have the highest authority during the encounter. Arguing the validity of the encounter can be viewed as interfering with an investigation and can lead to additional charges<br><br>11. If there is a body camera, be mindful that you are being recorded. Saying you plan to sue the department or asking for an officers badge number can be viewed as a threat. <br><br>12. Do not threaten to sue the department. This is often viewed as a threat.<br><br>13. Be ready to provide ID. This is often state and local laws, but failing to produce ID can lead to arrest and additional charges<br><br>14. Know your local laws. Knowing your local laws is important to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to arrest. <br><br>15. Be ready to cooperate with the police. This will make the encounter much less painful.<br><br>16. Do not refuse to provide information. Refusing to provide information can lead to additional charges and lead to arrest.<br><br>17. If you have a mental illness or disabilities, tell the police during the encounter. If you cannot communicate your mental illness or disability verbally, always carry a note that explains your illness. A women with down syndrome was beaten and tasered several times by local authorities because she was not able to communicate her disability. She did not have any weapons and was not acting threateningly. <br><br>18. Do not threaten to harm yourself or others. This is often viewed as a real threat. If you are having thoughts of suicide, let the police know. By law, they are required to get you medical attention.<br><br>19. Do not reach into your pockets or bags. This is often viewed as a threat. <br><br>20. Stay calm. Authorities are often much more aggressive when someone is irate during an encounter.<br><br>If an encounter goes wrong, speak to a supervisor and file a report. Do not make threats towards the department or its employees. Making threats is often viewed as a real threat. Authorities are people just like you and they are doing their job to the best of their ability. Thank you for reading.<br><br>Edit. Thank you guys for the gold. I appreciate it