Blog — L.J. Samuel

Christmas Picture The holiday season brings a lot of excitement. Between the shopping, Christmas parties, and family gatherings, it is easy to get distracted. Throw alcohol into the mix and it is easy to see how one may let their guard down as they are out and about. Slow down and pay attention to what is going on around you. We can all play a bigger part in reducing victimization and looking less attractive to criminals on the street.

Holiday personal safety tips:

Pay attention to your surroundings.
Walk in well-lit areas.
Scan the street and make a mental note of what and who you see.
Stick to familiar areas.
NEVER walk down the street talking on your cell phone (or listening to music on headphones).
Try to walk with others as there is strength in numbers.
Let friends and loved ones know where you will be.
If you are drinking, ensure that you have a sober friend with you.
If you’re out shopping, try to carry packages in one hand so you have a free hand.
If you’re scared, ask a security officer to walk you to your car. It is ok to ask for help and to put authorities on alert.

Criminals are looking for vulnerabilities. The minute you let your guard down they will pounce. Pay attention and reduce the distractions so that you can get home safe and enjoy all the fun the holidays have to offer.

As always, be safe,

L.J. Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#personalsafety #safetytips #victimization #victim #crimeprevention #selfdefense #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #holidays #ljsamuel #deardiary

With the highly publicized incidents of police shootings over the past couple of years, many people have questions about exactly they must act when they encounter the police. There are basic rights everyone has, however it must be recognized that each interaction may unfold differently.

The general rule of thumb is to keep calm and obey the directions of the police. Bad feelings and issues may be sorted out later but you cannot take back a life if an interaction with the police escalates to the point of deadly force.

Common questions:

Q1: Can a police officer stop me if I’m walking down the street?

A1: It is within your right to refuse to speak to or stop for the police. However, if an officer believes that you are behaving suspiciously, they have the authority to detain you for the purposes of an investigation.

Q2: If I am stopped by the police, do they have to read me my rights before I answer any questions?

A2: No. If you are being placed under arrest, the police are required to read you your Miranda Rights. They are not required to read you your rights during traffic stops or encounters on the street.

Q3: Do the police have the right to search me?

A3: It depends on the circumstances. If the police reasonably believe that you may have been involved in a crime, this gives them probable cause to legally search you. If a police officer asks permission to search you or your property (ex. a vehicle) and you give permission, then that is considered voluntary consent to search. The police may also search you or your property if they have a warrant.

Q4: May I record a police encounter?

A4: This varies by jurisdiction. In the District of Columbia, it is legal to record police officers carrying out their duties in public as long as it does not interfere with official police business.

Q5: If a police officer orders me to get out of my vehicle, do I have to comply?

A5: Yes. The police have the right to ask you and any passengers to get out of your vehicle. If you believe they violated your rights, remain calm during the interaction and follow-up later at the closest police station and file a formal complaint with a police supervisor.

Be safe,

L.J. Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

References

Flyouth. (2005). SE youth and the police [Pamphlet]. Washington, DC: Facilitating Leadership in Youth.

Grisham, L. & Hargro, T. (2015, July 24). Your rights during police encounters. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/07/22/rights-during-police-encounters/30539255