Tips on Staying Out of Harm’s Way

Posted on May 19, 2008
Filed Under Felonies, Laws, Los Angeles, News, Tips, misdemeanor |

There have been a number of reports of late detailing how police officers have shot and killed, or otherwise harmed people who were not necessarily intending on harming anyone.

In Long Beach, the community is furious at the killing of a man who suffered from schizophrenia, but who neighbors claimed was otherwise harmless.

In Orange County, the Sheriff’s department is facing many challenges as various department members are facing federal corruption charges and even some of the jail deputies are facing charges as well.

In Queens, NY, Sean Bell was shot at 50 times by officers who claimed he was acting strangely and someone claimed he had a pistol.

In most of these cases, the police claimed that the individual shot was acting strangely, behaving in a manner which was threatening or something other “ambiguous” comment.  Here are some tips on how to deal with circumstances where the police could cause you harm:

1. Listen and Obey - If an officer tells you to put your hands up, get on the ground, or something of that nature, obey their command immediately.  Chances are the officer is very emotional and even if they’re overreacting, listening will get you out alive.

2. Be Honest - If you have a weapon, let the officer know without threatening them.  Don’t yell “I have a gun!”  Rather, if you’re asked speak calmly and say something like, “There’s a weapon in my pocket and I will not use it.” Be clear, enunciate, don’t be threatening and you will decrease your chances of being harmed.

3. Live to Fight Another Day - You may feel the officer is acting completely wrong, you may feel the officer(s) are racist, or acting illegally, but they have the badge.  If you comply with their demands, they’ll have nothing against you in court.  Plus, if you’re attorney knows there’s nothing negative in the police report, it makes it easier for him/her to defend you.  If however the police report says you hit them, kicked them, shouted obscenities or something like that, they jury/judge will be biased against you.

4. Resisting Arrest is Not the Best Idea - Resisting arrest charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, one has massive jail time.  Choose your actions wisely and this will give you and your attorney the best chance for the smallest and least painful penalty possible.

Written by Joe M

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