How to Deal with Cops: Q&A with Steve Silverman of Flex Your Rights

[MrGodTheFather]

The only crime listed in the constitution is "Treason".

[RyanJ504]

The lawyer sounds like Terrance Howard.

[akmrmike]

We don't have constitutional rights, The constitution limits government. Are you a People or a citizen?

[SAMFlSHER40l7]

The police are there to do their job and protect society, but they are not supposed to unreasonably search people without evidence getting in pants or searching their car and possibly damaging any property in your car and won't be liable because you agreed to the search.

[MountainManAaron]

I just said " I don't consent to searches " to an officer yesterday. within the next 2 seconds he had my hands behind my back being handcuffed



[zdrux]

@MountainManAaron That's fine, he'll have to say why he handcuffed you in court. At which point you can say you did not consent to a search.

[RED3OM3ER]

smells fresh! lol luv liberty f police fema camp douch bags!!!

[doobersmanster]

The problem with the Police force today is that they are being trained as a Para-Military organizations instead of caring servants of the people that actually care about the people they serve..always refuse searches..these Police agencies are out of control and don't prosecute thier own and that cause dis-trust..and fear..and fear leads to horrible consequences..us against them attitude of the policeis going to lead to more fear..RIP Pastor Kreach...Spokane Wash Search pastor Kreach.

[FoxeoGames]

@doobersmanster Nearly everything you just said is absolutely untrue. Para-military? Only the academy structure, which disappears after you graduate from it. Only SWAT and equivalent teams perform any military-like behavior.

They don't care about the people? That's your opinion, and it's subjective.

They don't prosecute their own? What planet do you live on where in America police prosecute anything? The police cannot prosecute ANYONE for ANYTHING!

[FoxeoGames]

@doobersmanster And please, don't go into all the complete bullshit of listing popularized incidents as if they are the norm. The media only shows you what is controversial, whatever riles you up and gets you to keep watching.

The news is entertainment. Officers doing their job properly is not entertaining, so they only show you the bad, and then you get the very mistaken impression that the bad is "all there is," or even a "significant portion." All bullshit

[tonymarie1984]

why was that hot chick smoken weed alone

[bobbypeek2]

Cops should change their slogan from "to serve and protect" to "tax and bully"

[DumPlum7]

Three Cops Watched this and clicked the dislike button.

[Configurez]

@DumPlum7 4(=

[Dr1Canuckchuck]

We all have to ask ourselves; why do we submit to Police's commands? If the honest answer is because you don't know what the consequences will be if you refuse, that in itself is a frightening state to find yourself in and the best reason to learn how to refuse lawfully.

[Bayngan]

These guys' are doing a great service to the people!

[bathingape915]

i hate cops!!!!!!

[zeroboarder95]

if you are under the age of 18, could you still say that you don't consent to searches or can i not because im a minor?

[glanemann]

@zeroboarder95 That's like asking if someone under 18 is an American Citizen. Hell yeah you can say no.

[zeroboarder95]

@glanemann thanks for the reply but most police officers dont seem to listen to what kids have to say

[ronaldneil]

DVD: "Don't Talk to Police" is now available for a dollar or two from.

onedollardvdproject (com)

Get a stack and give a friend some friendly advice about dealing with law enforcement.

[WOLVESVIDS]

steve silverman is a hero

[spojax]

YUBUOY

Spokane Valley, WA

We want to help improve the quality of life for all people with one plant. We are about Trust, Hemp, and the Community. Simply put!

YUBUOY FREEDOM 2011

[blogegog]

It seems weird that in a 10 minute video they couldn't come up with a list of do's and don'ts when dealing with the police. You know, like say that you don't consent to a search, say 'am I being detained or am I free to go', etc.

Perhaps Reason can reshoot this interview and fill it with useful information instead of... whatever it is that I just watched?

[blogegog]

My friend told me that the best way to deal with cops is to say, "You won't take me alive, copper!", and then point your finger like a gun and yell "Bang! Bang bang!"

He was a good friend. I miss him.

[operationnorthwoodz]

FYR = FTP

[corenothing]

I like the argument of not wasting police time and resources by letting them search you when you know you've got nothing - just to prove something.

[BirkinG1rl]

BESTBUY and COSCO are breaking the law when they ask customers to look at your reciept and bag to see what you purchased. They have NO RIGHT TO ASK YOU THAT.

[SonShocker]

@BirkinG1rl Actually i'm pretty sure they aren't breaking the law for asking to look at it, but its different if they take it by force to check it.

[goose1077]

@BirkinG1rl They are not the government. They can search your bags on their property. You always have the right to refuse search if you agree to leave though. They also have the right to not let you back in the store if you refuse. 

[Hal337]

OLD NEWS. The constitution is voided in an Atlanta court.

ppjg (dot) wordpress (dot) com/2011/01/25/supreme-court-l­andmark-decision-means-constit­ution-is-void/

You have no rights.

[SharkDude1]

But what about police Dogs/K9? In my state (california) if you refuse a search of a car, the police bring in a k9 unit, and then the dog searches your car. If the dog sniffs out something (gun, pot seed, or anything else the dog is trained to find), then the cops themselfs have 'probable cause', and then they can enter a car and find the item the dog alerted on, and arrest the driver. Arn't the k9's also police? If I say no, then that should mean No dog eaither.

[ArmitageX]

@SharkDude1 I agree. Really though, the dog doesn't need to find anything as the handler can easily make it react with verbal/non-verbal ques. The best thing to do is not give them any reasons to pull you over or to think you might have something on you. Check out the movie "Never Get Busted Again." It was made by a former narcotics officer where he talks about all these subjects.

[canofsand]

@ArmitageX So... it's all some grand conspiracy. The cops are out to get you... cuz you're TOTALLY innocent... yet you recommend a video about how to hide your illegal stash (of whatever) from the cops.

[ArmitageX]

@canofsand Yeah man, that's exactly what I said. Oh wait, no its not. I was simply pointing out that if a cop wants to search you, he can find a way. I recommended the video because there's a lot of info on what cops look for to pull people over. I don't do drugs if that's what you're implying but I do believe that should be a personal choice. Are you some kind of troll or something?

[canofsand]

@ArmitageX What, exactly, did I say you said that you did not? You obviously implied the cop can get the dog to act like it found something when it didn't - and I'm supposed to believe you weren't implying that cops do that? Or if they do, it's not a conspiracy even though it pretty much meets the criteria for that term? Then, you recommend a video that gives tips for getting away with hiding things from the police - yet of course YOU would NEVER do that. Benefit of the doubt is strained, here.

[ArmitageX]

@canofsand I never said it was a "grand conspiracy" or even implied that. There are however cases of cops being over zealous, racist, or mad with power. Abuse happens everywhere and I'm just citing a good source of information on how to prevent yourself from even being put in that situation. And yes, I am absolutely implying cops can make their dogs react. I'm not saying that every cop does though but there are a few bad apples. Like I said, the video isn't just about hiding your stash.

[canofsand]

@ArmitageX Oh, yes, the video isn't "just" about hiding your stash. Good save! It's not "just" there to help people break the law. Sure, that's the major draw, the reason it was produced in the first place, and the major reason people point to it, but yeah, I'm sure it's not 100% about that. It probably helps you do other things, both legal and illegal.

[ArmitageX]

@canofsand It's not a "save" its a fact. My recommendation was to show that kind of things cops look for when pulling people over. I think the video even talks about cops making their dogs react. If there's a better source of insight into the mind of a cop I don't know it. What people do with the information is their own business. Judging by your comment history though I'd say you're just trolling and I'm done feeding you.

[canofsand]

@ArmitageX I was going to let you have the last word, but saying I'm trolling is just flat out wrong. My posts were entirely legitimate and I still find it highly questionable that anyone would ever recommend "Never Get Busted Again" (it's so blatant what the thing's about, and it even says "again" assuming you've been busted before) to anyone. (Now you can have the last word again if you really need it, assuming you don't bring something new up that ought to be addressed.)

[SykoDaveMC]

Sure am glad you know my educational background. Anything else you want to tell me about my life history, work history or in general, being you know me so well and/or have it all figured out.

You are a weak minded individual and probably a pussy LEO too!

Doubtful you are an LEO though, more likely a wannabe mall cop, huh Blart?

Hahaha. I laugh at people such as yourself, so judgmental,based on a few comments. You could never, NEVER, walk a foot in my boots!!!

Run along now, it's recess time.

[SykoDaveMC]

Again Skippy, you don't control me or the situation and I said it how I it is. You got the fucking point, didn't you? RETARD!

Now go put on your helmet and hurry to the bus stop.

[blurglide]

The real question is, when you refuse to be searched, how do you not make the cop suspicious and harass you.

[BlueRonin44]

@blurglide It's difficult, but the key is to stand your ground. If the cop has to ask, then he has no probable cause. If they search anyway and you get arrested, then any evidence recovered in that search will likely be thrown out of court. You can also file a complaint with the department and contact your local media.

[krypekeeper]

I have my medical license and i dont do anything else so fuck the (local) police

lol

[mcap52]

I'm really freaking tired of all the whiners crying about how horrible the police are. Do you realize how many police roam our streets in this country? Of course there will be some who stretch the rules,but it is a VERY SMALL MINORITY.

IF YOU AREN'T DOING ANYTHING WRONG,AND DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ILLEGAL..... THEN WHAT IS THE PROBLEM???

[smkymcnugget420]

@mcap52 YOUR A MORON.

[abeismain]

police aren't going to change anytime soon, too bad.

[loszhor]

Good video! Bad cops make life difficult for good cops and law abiding citizens alike.

[Jmoneymar07]

@JBSauce that is harsh. 

[BayAreaOpenCarry]

Fantastic!

[meloveanna]

these dvds are on every corner store shelf in the ghetto!

[MrSafetymeeting]

You better kiss their ass or they might shoot you. I've tried not consenting to searches, several times. They still end up searching and they will definitely put a dog in your car.

[franksinclair1]

@MrSafetymeeting The thing to remember when dealing with cops, especially a-hole cops (and there's a lot of them out there, unfortunately) is to call their bluff, because 95% of the time, when they threaten to arrest you, or bring in the dogs, or even tow your car, all they're doing is bluffing. They'll try to intimidate you into consenting, but keep your cool and hold your ground. Eventually they will blink.

[MrSafetymeeting]

@franksinclair1 In my experience, they always bring the dogs when I refuse a search. Fortunately I stopped having this problem when I got older. I still live the exact same lifestyle but , they don't bother me anymore. I'm sure that would change if I moved south. When I was sixteen, I was stopped and searched EVERY weekend and one night it happened 3 times. My license plate bulb burned out. The judge may drop charges based on illegal searches so always refuse.

[chevydriver1123]

Government Thugs dont want to help you, they only want to make your life a living hell and then some. The sad part is that those who expose government thuggery are viewed as communists, weak on crime, etc. The mentality that government thugs are always right is bigger than people think.

[big10bill]

I consented once to a search in a traffic stop and the cop took my brand new shotgun, never fired, not loaded, in a box in my trunk. Took me 3 weeks to get it back. The explanation was to "make sure that my partner and I were safe during the stop and then to assure that it was legal for me to possess the weapon".

I had to fill out paperwork and continually call the NPD and finally, the officer's superiors as I found out that he still was keeping the gun in his own trunk. Noblesville, IN.

[MarcusCMarcellus]

All cops, all human beings, racially profile. If we had more racial profiling, we'd all be safer and less harassed or humiliated by the government, e.g. TSA, etc.

[VegasBilgeRat]

@MarcusCMarcellus i would go as far to say, to NOT profile would be irresponsible for a police officer.

[meloveanna]

@VegasBilgeRat agreed

[franksinclair1]

@VegasBilgeRat Profiling is illegal and cops who do it are a stain on their profession. Constitutional rights - in this case, the right to ask a police officer for their name and badge number, as well as asking why you're being detained - are the best weapons against this kind of cop thuggery.

[spojax]

@franksinclair1.....

When this happens to people .Witnesses help to change cops words more respectful. Cops should have videos on duty....like a cam in the badge?

[ArtStone]

Can I ask "are you recording this conversation?". Can the police lie when they answer the question? If they acknowledge recording, can they destroy the recording if they choose?

[Vald1971]

I don't hate cops , but they are a gang too.

[Panpiper]

It gets all the more worrisome when you realize that cops searching you might not be recognized by you as being cops. I once had to deal with an undercover cop asking to see the contents of my harddrive. I was not aware at the time that it was a cop, only figuring it out after he left due to an error he made. Fortunately my natural paranoia kicked in and I did not consent to his search requests despite his persistence. I have no idea what might be findable on my system.

[jakey20022]

cops will do anything to cover up a mistake made by another officer. They are a joke period...

[hussco33]

Only their name, and the words "No" or "I don't know" to lawenforcement officers of any kind, for any reason. NO MATTER what evidence they confront you with., The only words that should come out of a person's mouth is No! or I don't know! and in somecases, Am I free to go! NO MORE, NO LESS! Now more than ever it is important people know their rights, and excerise them to the fullest! Say what you mean! Mean what you say! And be done with it be done with it! Your kid's future depends on it.

[ZombieX13]

The problem with policing starts in the academy. The Constitution isn't taught but only referenced to in specifics cases where case law has been created on how to get around the Bill of Rights. Secondarily, the method for hiring police officers is the same as hiring any moron for a government job. Actually educate police trainees and do away with the arbitrary and all too often corrupt hiring methods and you will fix policing issues.

[snewso]

When i told them they couldn't search they brought out a K9.

[cbinflux]

If you don't consent, plan on being there a long while, and then seeing a drug sniffing dog which will 'hit' on anything and everything.

70% failure rates are normal.

[AtheistPatriot1]

When the revolution starts cops will be the first to go. Just like in Egypt.

[Jimmietrash]

@AtheistPatriot1 revolution...or the zombies ;)

[ghuegel]

You should deal with the police like you're a black man in Jim Crow south. Maybe calling the cop "massah" is going a little too far, but all else is appropriate: don't make eye contact, keep your arms at your sides, slouch, talk in a weak defeated voice, apologize constantly.

You might feel bad acting like that, but it's better than getting in an argument with a gorilla.

[shoNuuff]

@ghuegel I fail to realize how such a racist suggestion like that could ever be a better way to deal with police. Im not gonna act like a pussy wupped dog with no guts. I will speak to him and treat him/.her much like I would like to be treated; with respect. Lowering your posture to athority actually makes it worst because it puts them in a position of more power than they already have.

It's better to act like you got a brain and just assert your rights calm and cool and don't get mad. Yet.

[ghuegel]

@shoNuuff I don't see how it's racist to assume that cops tend to be power-mad assholes desperate to assert their authority. If you act like they've succeeded in bullying you, they go away. Ideally, interactions with cops are brief and end with us going our separate ways. Challenging their authority only makes them more aggressive, like gorillas.

I wouldn't suggest volunteering info or giving in to searches; just feigning subservience.

[fanadfilms]

@ghuegel Are you insane?

[phun4011]

i had an officer come into my house due to a friend who they said made sucide a threat and they wanted to ask me if i knew where he was, i am 18 and 3 other them came into my house and asked me to sit at the kitchen table. when i refused and said id rather stand( in a calm manner) he raised his voice almost to a yell and demanded that i sit, is this wrong of him?

[fanadfilms]

@phun4011 Indeed it is. In fact, at that point, they are guests in your house. You may demand they leave.

[shoNuuff]

@phun4011 You give up your right of refusal to search your house if you let them in in the first place. All matters could have been handled outside the house without the police entry. IF you let them in it's almost like saying they can search your house which means they are in control. This means they can even detain you until the search is over.

For a police to legally enter your house without concent they must have true resonable cause or warrent. There is no other way. they can't guess.

[Nokhoida]

Time to exercise our right to DISCOOOO!

[SykoDaveMC]

Forgot to mention, it was a simple noise complaint call.

I also saw her do the same thing @ another call, in the same episode.

[SykoDaveMC]

Just watched an episode of "Campus P.D.", from 2011, where a female officer in OH, threatened to arrest & actually did arrest a home owner/renter that closed the door behind them and refused to open it back up for her. She claimed for her safety, she wanted to know who or what was going on behind the door while she was standing there.

[BlueRonin44]

@SykoDaveMC Well you have to remember that a college police department may be different, and there may be housing contracts signed by the students that remove an expectation of privacy. But even if that's not the case, if an officer feels a person is in immediate distress (being stabbed, for example) then they can enter a private dwelling under the pretense of rendering aid.

[SykoDaveMC]

@BlueRonin44

I never stated it was a college LEO and it in fact was a city LEO. I guess you missed the part that I stated, it was for a minor noise complaint. It also was not a campus dorm, but an off campus house, in both cases, involving the same female LEO.

[BlueRonin44]

@SykoDaveMC Well, also consider that what's on TV is always edited for content as well as to make it look more exciting than it already is. Never take TV seriously.

[SykoDaveMC]

@BlueRonin44

Are you on meds? If not, you should be and if so, give me your psychiatrist's number, so I can call and have him adjust your dosage!

So, I guess we should never take any news, live t.v. or anything we ever see on television seriously....Mmmmmkay Skippy, if you say so.

[BlueRonin44]

@SykoDaveMC You have to attack me personally with insults because you don't have a counter argument.

Are you saying you believe EVERYTHING you see on TV? If so, I'm not that one that needs medication... Skippy.

[SykoDaveMC]

@BlueRonin44

Did I say EVERYTHING? NO!

I know how t.v. and editing are done. You SKIPPY, try to put your simple-minded reasoning into an equation, to make it okay by you & your thinking. Step away from the keyboard and out into the real world, with real experiences and you would know exactly what I am referencing and talking about.

FACTS are just that, FACTS! You made an incorrect ASSUMPTION.

Arguing with you on the internet, is like winning an argument with a RETARD. You're a Winner alright!

[BlueRonin44]

@SykoDaveMC HAHAHAHAHA! You're trying to say "Arguing on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics: Even if you win, you're still retarded." But apparently you're too stupid to get it right.

You hang in there, sunshine. You're effing special. HAHAHAHA

[SykoDaveMC]

@BlueRonin44

Apparently, you SKIPPY got the fukin point and guess what, you proved it too. Another keyboard ramboette.

[BlueRonin44]

@SykoDaveMC HAHAHA. You're a joke. If I'd have known you were this uneducated, I wouldn't have bothered.

[IloveJesusYesId0]

They sound like they are talking about a crime syndicate.

[IloveJesusYesId0]

3:38 Do cops not have to learn English?

[JETZcorp]

There's one good thing about the police in America. A lot of them drive kick-ass Dodge Chargers.

[OakMntDB]

@JETZcorp birmingham cops have chargers, a porsche, tahoes and broncos.... and even a humvee and corvette not too far from where i live.

[jimmyzeno57]

USA A PIG STATE.

[mathers3000]

finally something good from reason.tv Bravo

[MustBeFiend]

its sad that we have to protect ourselves from the very people who are supposedly "protect and serve". fucking corrupt

[furyofbongos]

@MustBeFiend - You got it. I would add that police are simply a branch of government -- they are the iron fist the legislators. They could stop police abuse overnight if they simply wanted to, but they obviously don't. They like the sense of power they provide. Government steals from us via taxation and they have the gall to say their enforcers are our "protectors".

Welcome to the matrix.

[420Honey]

@furyofbongos - No sh*t. They work for the city/government. The city budget runs their business. This is pretty much common sense. Youre as sharp as a houseplant.

[Jmoneymar07]

How to deal with cops if you are black? I am most positive this only applies to white people and asians.

[JBSauce]

@Jmoneymar07 Very true. An old high school friend is a big guy, like Biggie Smalls. He drives a decent Cadillac. When they pulled him over, he fit the description of someone else who committed a crime in the area. They had four cruisers on his ass, cuffed, and on the curb. Bear in mind that this guy does neurological research, but they treated him like a criminal anyway, just because he's black.

[stxrobstar]

Sounds like the old saying; "Never invite a vampire into your home."

[dink65]

@stxrobstar - Yeah, but Vampires are cool. Cops aren't.

[kubaniski]

this is the first time i've ever seen a oriental cop 

[YouAreHereIAmNot]

Who else wants to punch the ginger goatee cop?

[Obamination2001]

@YouAreHereIAmNot You do realize that he was only an actor, don't you?

[YouAreHereIAmNot]

@Obamination2001 Oh yes, but don't you just want to punch him in the face? I'm guessing......no?

[musterion]

I think a good followup to this would be how to incorporate a videos camera or a audio recorder into your interaction with the police.

[jwka2001]

Fucking cops

[LibertyDownUnder]

Cops aren't a problem for me

Can you make a video about how deal with the tax office?

[TheASEmaster]

@LibertyDownUnder LMAO! Yeah really, tell me bout it

[WorBlux]

@LibertyDownUnder

Check out the marcstevens3 channel.

[FatherTime89]

@LibertyDownUnder The IRS? Sorry but they have powers no mere mortal could understand.

[kev3d]

@LibertyDownUnder Let me and Paul Hogan know if any good advice comes up.

[whoo689]

Cops are not also this corrupt in OTHER democracies where people actually have a lot more power to get the things done they want (rather than our broken system), are they? I mean, a cop just IGNORING an innocent civilian's rights and making it A-OK for him to ignore them or make it seem like he has no rights and must do all the cop says sounds pretty fucking insidious to me. To protect and serve? More like to screw over everyone else just to get a few bad guys...

[kamikazee55]

Ever single cop in this country could justifiably be murdered. They steal from you, then believe they have the right to fuck you. Just know that if you go out and kill a cop today, God wouldn't consider it a sin. They are worse than rapists.

[fanadfilms]

@kamikazee55 Wow, you obviously did not watch that video. If you have that attitude, you'll end up getting yourself and maybe someone else killed or arrested. Grow a brain and watch that again.

[kamikazee55]

@fanadfilms The video talks about how to practically deal with cops. From a moral standpoint, all cops deserve to be killed.

[fanadfilms]

@kamikazee55 You're insane.

[yojimbo81]

@kamikazee55 Even ReasonTV videos get trolls =(

[depro9]

Good luck actually filing a police misconduct report. They will intimidate you, harass you, detain or even you lock you up if you just ask for the form a lot of the times.

[kmg501]

How about the outright murder of citizens by para-military police forces as sponsored by a out of control national govt?

h t t p : / / tinyurl . com /state-sponsored-murder

[TreachMarkets]

This guy is a true hero! I sent that video to a childhood friend who is now a cop, and he admitted that in the academy they were trained on how to get people to waive their constitutional rights. Every second of an encounter with a police officer is fraught with danger, unfortunately, and that is based on information I received from an actual officer. They are pros, and they will arrest anyone who gives them an opportunity. Ignorance or the moral high ground doesn't get you off the hook.

[RoundenBrown]

You're stupid enough to have pot in your ride in the first place. Keep that shit at home and smoke it, man. ;-)

[Panpiper]

@RoundenBrown 'You' may be someone who never touches drugs, but are you absolutely certain that no one who has ever been in your car has ever had drugs in their possession (and that includes the garage maintenance guy)? A little flake of someone else's marijuana that has slipped into a seat is enough for them to ruin your life.

[machineguntongue]

Lol. Disco! A fresh 80's intro.

And next, the 7 1/2 Floor.

[richardcadbury]

The video they published in 2003 was in the back of my mind during my police encounter. I don't have a crystal ball about how things might otherwise have gone but I think it saved me from some bad stuff. :)

[FatherTime89]

Any reason why disco music starts playing at the beginning?

[squirreljester2]

@FatherTime89 Is there really ever a bad reason to play disco music?

[SuperAtheist]

@FatherTime89 because standing up for your rights is groovy!



[krypekeeper]

@FatherTime89 DISCO DISCO!, GOOD GOOD!

[theshaggyshow]

I vote Conservative,,, and I will tell you... most cops are power trippin' garbage

[PilgrimLad]

@theshaggyshow I think you assume all cops are conservative. They are not. More and more are becoming liberal because they are life long union members.

[theshaggyshow]

@PilgrimLad I don't assume shit buddy - don't assume you can do my thinking for me, I deal in nothing but facts- we have a cop in San Antonio who has gotten in trouble SEVENTEEN TIMES and he won't get fired - because of the damn police union - union's are garbage now, and so is most of society - a bunch of spoiled liberal kids that think they are owed something, even though they haven't worked for it

[HaleFire7]

Well said sir