Stopped by the Cops and Don't Know Your Rights?
Whip Out the ACLU's Wallet-Size "Bust Card."
When can the police enter your home without a
search warrant? Can the police stop your car and peek
into the glove compartment? What are your rights when
you are arrested and taken to a police station? How
should you handle the police when stopped?
As part of its continuing mission to educate the
public on their rights, the American Civil Liberties
Union has created a "bust card" to inform citizens
about what to do (or say) when confronted by
the police.
The wallet-sized card, which anyone can download
free of charge from the ACLU's website (http://archive.aclu.org),
is an abbreviated manual of what every citizen should
know in case they are stopped by the police for
questioning, pulled over by the road, searched, or
arrested.
The recommendations range from useful reminders
("Write down everything you remember") to
lesser-known, but important rules ("You can't
legally be arrested for refusing to identify yourself
to a police officer"). The card will be
accompanied by a special online collection on police
practices that will highlight ACLU cases on police
brutality, government statistics, and links to other
resources.
A similar card was widely distributed by the ACLU
in California, especially after the Rodney King riots.
(One card-holder there reported that he pulled out
his card when confronted by a police officer, only to
have the officer reach into his wallet and pull out a
copy of his own!)
"Everyone benefits from learning their rights,"
said Ira Glasser, the ACLU's executive director.
"Problems with the police often arise when there is
confusion on either side. If we don't understand our
own rights and responsibilities, then our relationship
with the police becomes a one-way street".
Don't delay; your rights are at stake, including
your ability to drive.
Click here to find a lawyer in your area that can
help save your license and your freedom. CLICK HERE
to download a copy of the "bust card" (.PDF "Adobe Portable Document Format"), or
simply point your web browser to the ACLU's website
(http://archive.aclu.org) and click on the virtual card.
After the image file is downloaded, just print the
file on paper, cut and fold, and stick in your wallet,
purse or glove compartment.
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