Phone: 1-888-572-7775

www.bleausa.org
405 Tarrytown Rd # 1318
White Plains, NY 10607

Blacks in Law Enforcement
Of America
As Black Law Enforcement
Professionals our mission is
to uphold the laws of New
York State. However, as natu-
ral leaders it is our moral,
ethical and human duty to
reach and teach our families
and youth by providing in-
creased involvement and sup-
port to them, thereby enrich-
ing their lives and enhancing
our community.
Blacks in Law Enforcement
of America
Tel: 1-888-572-7775
The New York Chapter of the Blacks
in Law Enforcement of America
mission is to uphold the laws of the
State of New York. However, as
natural leaders it is our moral, ethical
and human duty to reach and teach
our families and youth by providing
increased involvement and support to
them, thereby enriching their lives
and enhancing our community.

How to Survive
Police
Confrontation?
A Citizens Plan For
Action!
Blacks In Law
Enforcement For
Community Uplift

Chances are that the officer is going to write out a ticket for a traffic
violation. Be careful how you protest. A simple traffic violation may
start costing you a fortune in fines for other violations.

If you think that the ticket is incorrect:

Make your complaint at the Traffic Court; do not argue with the
police officer.







Most of the problems you may encounter with the police can be
avoided. Remember, they think they have reason (probable cause) to
stop you and ask questions. There are many factors that the police
may take into consideration when they decide to stop you. Every
situation is different and the officer may consider the following fac-
tors:

If you are hanging around with people under police investigation.

You are near an area where a crime has just been reported.

The police believe you are in possession of stolen property.

Someone else has identified you to the police.







Sometimes the manner in which the police question you may in-
volve not respecting YOUR RIGHTS. Sometimes you may overreact
to the questions and create an even more serious situation.

Sometimes when a police officer has overstepped his authority and
violated someones rights he will try to cover-up his mistakes by
arresting you. Typically you would be charged with Disorderly
Conduct, Resisting Arrest or Obstruction of Governmental Opera-
tions







The BLEA exists to help law enforcement agencies to be sensitive to
the needs and concerns of minorities, women, and the poor. This
pamphlet is meant to provide you with information to help you
determine if your rights have been violated by the police. You
should not use this pamphlet as a legal document. If you feel your
rights have been violated, you should seek legal counsel immediate-
ly.





These are very simple questions that can be easily answered by al-
most everyone. But when a police officer is involved, it these ques-
tions and the answers that you provide are very important and can
cause a lot of problems both for the officer and for YOU.

Most times, there is a reason for the officer to question you -- even if
it may not seem so at the time. The officer may be investigating a
complaint in the neighborhood or following up on a radio call con-
cerning a crime committed in the area. For these reasons, the police
officer may question you. If you are asked these questions by a po-
lice officer:

Answer all the questions and always be sure to carry identification
with you.





If you are driving a vehicle, the police can ask you to pull over at
any time. The best thing to do in this situation is to:

Pull over and follow the directions of the officer.

You will probably be asked to produce your driver's license and
registration of the vehicle. This you must do if asked.


If you are stopped at night:

Turn on your dome light

Make sure your hands are in view of the police officer

Stay calm; show the officer that nothing is wrong

Having your lights on and keeping your hands on the steering
wheel will usually put the officer's mind at ease.

Again, to avoid arrest:

Remain calm!

As a citizen of the United States you are protected by the Constitu-
tion. If you feel your rights have been violated you must have a
Plan of Action for resolution.

Citizens Plan of Action

If you believe that you are being stopped for no good reason:

Do not debate the issue on the street



Take a deep breath and follow your Plan of Action

Step 1: Take notes on the following:
Time and day and location of incident
Witnesses (name and addresses)
Officers name or Badge & car number
Violation

Step 2: Contact the Police Department or the local Citizens Com-
plaint Review Board if your city or town has one. Keep a log (time,
date and names) of people contacted about your complaint.

It is always good idea to contact local organizations (NAACP, Urban
League, ACLU, NBPA) organizations like these can always assist
you. They will keep your compliant on file and monitor the outcome
of your complaint.

Step 3: If you can afford legal counsel do so. It is always good to
send correspondence from legal representation. Sometimes it helps
to speed up the process of the investigation into your complaint.

Step 4: Notify your elected officials. Send letters to your Mayor, City
Counsel, Legislators, Senators, State Attorney General. Keep records
of all correspondence.

Step 5: Make your complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice
under the "Police Misconduct Provision" This law makes it unlaw-
ful for State or local law enforcement officers to engage in a pattern
or practice of conduct that deprives persons of rights protected by
the Constitution or laws of the United States.






It Could Happen To You
What is your name?
Where do you live?
Do you have identification?
If You Are Stopped By The
Police While in Your Car ?
If You Are Stopped By The Police
On The Street

Know your Rights!!!