Jackson Free Press

In these strange times, chances are good that you'll be stopped at a JPD roadblock set on enforcing Mayor Frank Melton's state of emergency, especially if you frequent West Jackson. When you see those blue lights and the police dogs snarling on their leashes, what should you do? More to the point, what can the police do to you?

If you are stopped by a police officer, always remember the following:

Maintain your calm and don't argue with the police officer. Watch your body language. Keep your hands where they can be seen.

Do not resist.

If you are unfortunate enough to be bludgeoned by the police for no good reason, make sure you seek medical attention first, but also take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.

You probably know from TV and movies that anything you say to a police officer can be used against you. (This is doubly true if you decide to mouth-off to the officer. Keep your attitude in check. Otherwise, you may find yourself photographing injuries, as mentioned above.) If stopped by a police officer, you are required to show your driver's license and registration. Other than that, you are not required to answer any questions. There is only one exception to this. Refusal to tell your name can lead to arrest. Remember your Miranda Rights. You do have the right to remain silent-—even if the police insist you tell them what they want to hear.

True or False: You can call your lawyer, but the police have a right to stand there and listen. False. The police may not listen to calls made from a client to his or her attorney.

Did you know that unless there is a warrant signed by a judge, you do not have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house? If you do give your consent, the police may get away with searching you later in court, even if they did not have cause.

Above all else, if you are arrested, do not tell the police anything other than your name and address. No excuses or explanations. Save those for court.

Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP have raised concerns that Melton's raids may unfairly target minorities. This is called racial profiling. Racial profiling takes place when any person is searched by the police based not on probable cause but simply on their race.

The ACLU is also concerned with due process, illegal searches and police brutality under the Melton administration. Due process rights include the right to counsel, the right to a fair and speedy trial and the right to know charges if detained. Searches done without warrants and battery are both unconstitutional.

"The police are watching us, but who's watching them?" Nsombi Lambright, Executive Director of the ACLU of Mississippi, asked in a statement that objected to aspects of Melton's police tactics. The ACLU, the NAACP and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement offer legal education and assistance where they can. In the end, though, protecting your rights is up to you.

The ACLU and the NAACP will be conducting "Know Your Rights" meetings in local communities to ensure that all citizens know what to do in case they are treated unlawfully in any way. You cannot protect your rights if you do not know what they are. You cannot protect yourself if you do not protect your rights. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

For more information, contact the ACLU at 601-355-6464.

Previous Comments

ID

66641

Comment

Good information! I have beeen stopped several times by JPD Roadblocks. This is such a waste of time as people are trying to leave work. A real pi$$ off is a stop during the lunch hour. This is racial profiling at its best. How long, Lord? How long?

Author

justjess

Date

2006-07-10T16:00:46-06:00

ID

66642

Comment

If you are pulled over and find yourself uttering these words at anytime: "Take these cuffs off , I swear, i'll whip you up and down this block PIG". It may be too late, to beg your way out of that ticket.

Author

JAC

Date

2006-07-10T16:54:42-06:00