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The New York State Justice System And The Police Don't Always See Things The Same Way We Do.

Here are some things that you must know:

  1. The police have the right to stop you if you are hanging out during school time or they suspect you are a runaway.

  2. They have the right to ask for your name, age, and address, and

  3. The police cannot stop and question adults unless they have reasonable suspicion that they are involved in a crime; but for youth, because of #1 above, they can stop us without any criminal reason.

What you should do if you are stopped by a cop:

  1. REMAIN CALM!

  2. Always carry some type of ID, otherwise cops can put you through hell;

  3. Don't ask for, but MEMORIZE the cop's badge number, because asking for that will make them more likely to harrass you; and

  4. Give only your name, age, and address AND NO OTHER INFORMATION until you have a lawyer with you. Once you ask for a lawyer, police are not supposed to ask you anything else. Don't be fooled if the police say "they are going to let you go" or want to "make you a special deal." Don't let anyone, even your parents, pressure you into giving any more information without your lawyer there with you.

What you shouldn't do if you are stopped by a cop:

  1. Try not to curse or argue with the police, they may charge you with disorderly conduct or resisting arrest; and

  2. Body language is important, so try not to

  3. Roll your eyes

  4. Suck your teeth

  5. Cross your arms over your chest

  6. Smack on gum

  7. Make signs with your fingers

If you feel you have been treated wrong by a cop here are some things you must know in order to make a complaint:

  1. First, call the precinct where you were harrassed and complain directly to the captain. If other people are with you, have them make a complaint also. You can get the precinct phone number by calling (212) 374-5000.

  2. Call the Civilian Complaint Review Board at (212) 323-8750 (24 hours).

  3. Call the Complaint Desk, Internal Affairs Division at (718) 595-3319.

  4. Remember that we have to look out for each other. If you see a cop stopping anyone, STOP, WATCH AND LISTEN! Write down everything that happens, including badge numbers. Just your presence prevent cops from being violent.

For legal representation if you think you're treated illegally by the police call

The Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College
(718) 953-8400

For free legal information, check out the Legal Services Center at

The Door - A Center for Alternatives
121 Avenue of the Americas (121 Sixth Ave.)
(Entrance on Broome Street)
New York, New York 10013
(212) 941-9090 ext. 240

For free leadership training and support in improving

Your School, Neighborhood or City
call:
The Force at (718) 991-7640