What To Do If You're Stopped By Authorities
IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING
IF YOU WERE WRONGLY STOPPED
- Stay calm. Cooperate with the Officer(s) - don't run, argue or interfere with the police, even if you believe your rights are being violated.
- If you are uncomfortable with the situation you can request the Officer call a second Officer to the scene.
- You can ask why you are being stopped. If you are arrested you have the right to know why.
- Keep your hands where the police can see them.
- If stopped in your vehicle: stop in a safe place, turn off your car, turn on your interior light (if dark outside), open your window part way, place your hands on the steering wheel.
- Provide correct personal information. If you were driving, upon the Officer's request show your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
- When the police are done questioning you, leave calmly without making any verbal comments.
IF YOU WERE WRONGLY STOPPED
- Be sure to get the Officer's name, badge number and/or car number (the 3-digit number or last 3 digits of 5-digit number are all you need).
- DO NOT challenge the potential misconduct during the stop; remain silent.
- Take notes as soon as possible as to what happened, noting the location, date and time.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- File a written complaint with the OPA (Office of Professional Accountability). This can be done in a variety of ways. For details go to the following link or call 206.684.8797: http://www.seattle.gov/opa/how-to-file-a-complaint
- Please notify us of the event at sscpc@southcpc.org. We request that you notify us of the stop even if you decide not to file a complaint. Your personal information will be kept confidential.