At Reserve The Blue, we believe that empowering the community with knowledge is key to creating safer and more transparent interactions with law enforcement. The "Know Your Rights" page is designed to inform you about your rights when interacting with police officers, ensuring that you can protect yourself and understand the legal framework that governs these encounters.

Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement

1. Right to Remain Silent
   You have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. You are not obligated to answer questions about your identity or whereabouts unless under specific circumstances (such as when you are being arrested or if the officer has reasonable suspicion).

   • Relevant Amendment: Fifth Amendment (Protection against self-incrimination)

2. Right to Refuse a Search
   In most cases, police cannot search your property, vehicle, or personal belongings without your consent or a warrant. You can politely refuse to allow the search unless there is probable cause or an emergency situation.

   • Relevant Amendment: Fourth Amendment (Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures)

3. Right to Know Why You Are Being Stopped
   If an officer stops you, you have the right to know why you are being detained or questioned. If you are not being arrested or cited, you may have the right to leave.

   • Relevant Amendment: Fourth Amendment (Right to be free from unreasonable seizures and detentions)

4. Right to an Attorney
   If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. You do not have to answer questions without your attorney present.

   • Relevant Amendment: Sixth Amendment (Right to counsel)

5. Right to be Free from Discrimination
   All individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or nationality, have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully by law enforcement. Racial profiling and discriminatory behavior are against the law.

   • Relevant Amendment: Fourteenth Amendment (Equal protection under the law)

How to Protect Your Rights

• Stay Calm and Polite: While it’s important to know your rights, remaining calm and respectful during interactions with the police is crucial. Avoid escalating the situation by remaining polite and cooperative.

• Record the Encounter (If Possible): If you feel your rights are being violated, you have the right to record the interaction with your phone (where permitted by law). It’s helpful to document the event in case there is a dispute later.

• Ask for a Supervisor: If you believe you are being treated unfairly or your rights are being violated, you can politely ask to speak with a supervisor.

Get Your Know Your Rights Card with a $25 Donation

Support Your Rights and Make a Difference

By making a $25 annual donation to Reserve The Blue, you can help support our ongoing efforts to promote police accountability, community engagement, and individual rights. As a thank you for your support, you’ll receive a Know Your Rights card to carry with you during interactions with law enforcement.

The Know Your Rights card is a simple but powerful tool that reminds you of your constitutional rights and empowers you to assert your rights when engaging with police officers.

Why Get a Know Your Rights Card?

The Know Your Rights card includes vital information on:

• Right to Remain Silent

• Right to Refuse a Search

• Right to Know Why You Are Being Stopped

• Right to an Attorney

• Right to Be Free from Discrimination

It’s a reminder for both you and law enforcement of your rights, helping to create safer and more respectful interactions.

How to Get Your Card

Make a $25 annual donation to Reserve The Blue, and we’ll send you your Know Your Rights card as part of your membership.

Your donation not only supports important programs like this but also helps ensure the protection of individual rights and the strengthening of law enforcement accountability across communities.

Donate Now and Receive Your Know Your Rights Card

What to Do if You Feel Your Rights Are Violated

• Document Everything: Write down details of the encounter, including the officer’s badge number, the time and location, and any other witnesses who were present.

• File a Complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the local police department’s internal affairs division, or reach out to organizations that specialize in civil rights.

• Seek Legal Advice: Contact an attorney to discuss your situation and get legal counsel on how to proceed if your rights were violated.

Additional Resources

• Know Your Rights Toolkit: Download our free toolkit, which includes guides and resources to help you better understand your rights during police encounters.

• Legal Assistance: Here are some resources and organizations that can offer legal help if you believe your rights have been violated:

  • If you have questions about your rights or need assistance during an encounter with law enforcement, you can reach out to these organizations for guidance:

    • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
      Website: www.aclu.org
      National Office Phone: 212-549-2500

    • U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division
      Website: www.justice.gov/crt
      Phone: 1-800-514-0301

    • Federal Public Defender’s Office
      Website: www.fd.org
      Phone: Find local office here

    • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
      Website: www.naacp.org
      Phone: 410-580-5777

    • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
      Website: www.dhs.gov/civil-rights
      Phone: 1-888-313-2090

    • Local Legal Aid Services
      Find free or low-cost legal assistance at www.lsc.gov.

Know Your Rights