What Works: When dealing with police, be nice but not naïve. Often, you are pulled over by police for a traffic stop just to look for any evidence of more serious crimes. When interacting with police, remember that what you say can, and will be used against you. Even simple questions by the police can be designed to trap you. For example, when an officer asks you if you know how fast you were going, if you say “yes,” and then say any number after the speed limit, then that will be used to show you knew you were speeding.  If you say “no,” then your statement will be used against you to show you had no idea how fast you were going. Then the judge has no choice but to accept the officer’s statement as truth.

What Works: If the police come to your door and ask to come in, politely say you’ve always been told never to let officers into your house unless you are in danger. They may tell you that they can just get a warrant. Again say no thank you. If you give consent to enter your home, officers may find illegal things you don’t even know are there, and evidence of crimes you don’t even know exist. And even if you invited them, you may still want to talk with them outside on the porch.