Flex Your Rights: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police By Steven Silverman & Scott Morgan

Creative Commons License, Flex Your Rights Fdt., 2009

FADE IN: I/E CAR - NIGHT Over opening credits: DARREN, 20s, black, drives on highway in clean nondescript car, raps to lyrics on radio. The shriek of a police siren and flashing lights startle Darren, drowning out the music. He sighs and grimaces. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY Darren sits in the front row of a meeting room filled with people. A projector shines on screen. The slide reads "10 Rules for Dealing With Police." BILLY MURPHY walks to the front of the room. BILLY Good evening, my friends. For those of you who dont know me, Im Billy Murphy, and were gonna talk about how to deal with police. Ive been a judge, but Im best known as a criminal defense lawyer. I know how the law works, and I know that for many people the law sometimes doesnt work. But Im gonna show you how to make the law work for you. Billy paces. BILLY I see how the choices my clients make have a massive impact on the outcomes of their police encounters. This is true even if, and perhaps especially if, youve done nothing wrong. Billy pauses. BILLY There are lots of good police out there doing what needs to be done. And I dont need to tell you there are also a few too many cops who dont respect the basic rights of innocent people. But you dont get to choose who youre dealing with, and even the nicest cop will use (MORE) (CONTINUED)

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BILLY (contd) your mistakes against you. Thats precisely why every citizen, every one of you, must possess the tools to confidently assert your rights if you have to. Billy pauses. BILLY Show of hands, whos here because either you, a friend or family member has been on the business end of a bad police encounter? Nearly everyone raises a hand. Audience murmurs shock. BILLY Then youre in the right place. Show and tell. Whos got a story they want to share with the class? Darren raises his hand. BILLY Whats your story? DARREN I got hassled by highway patrol the other day. BILLY Tell us about that. DARREN Yeah. I/E CAR - NIGHT Darren drives on highway, raps to song lyrics. DARREN (V.O.) I was driving home from school. And out of nowhere.... The shriek of a police siren and flashing lights startle Darren, drowning out the music. He sighs and grimaces. Screaming profanities (drowned out by siren), he pulls to the shoulder, turns the car off, and places his hands on steering wheel.

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DARREN (V.O.) I was ready to explode. This was, like, the fourth time this year Ive been pulled over for nothing. EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY OFFICER WHITMORE, white, male, 40s, athletic exits the police car and approaches Darren who puts the window all the way down. WHITMORE License and registration, please. DARREN Yeah, I know the drill. WHITMORE Excuse me? Darren, agitated, rips registration out of glove box, pulls license from wallet, hands Whitmore items one at a time. DARREN License. Registration. WHITMORE (glances at license) No need for the attitude, bro. Im looking out for your safety and everyone else on this road. DARREN (mutters) Bullshit. WHITMORE OK, step out of the car for me. Darren throws the car door open, slams it behind him. Throwing his hands out fitfully, he stares down Whitmore. DARREN Whats up, man!? What did I do!? WHITMORE Put your hands against the car. Darren complies. In single maneuver, Whitmore slaps handcuffs on Darrens right wrist, twisting his arm behind his back. He kicks Darrens legs open, pressing his face into the car hood.

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DARREN Aaargh! What are you doing!? I didnt do anything! I didnt do anything! Whitmore releases his hold and frisks Darren. WHITMORE Youve got a bad attitude. I pulled you because you were swerving between lanes. Thats all. DARREN That hurts! Too tight! WHITMORE Youre fine, bro. Heres the deal. You dont speak unless I ask questions. Understand? DARREN Yeah. WHITMORE If you cooperate, youll make things much easier on yourself. That means you gotta be completely straight with me. Understand? DARREN I understand. WHITMORE Where you coming from? DARREN College. Im driving home from college. WHITMORE College. Good. So then youre not who Im looking for, huh? DARREN No. I dont know who... WHITMORE Cause, heres the thing: Weve had some problems with gangs moving guns down this highway. Youre not packing Tec-Nines in there, are you?

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DARREN (incredulous) No. No, Sir. WHITMORE Dont mind if I take a look then? DARREN Nah. Go ahead. WHITMORE Darren, please sit down right there for me. Darren awkwardly sits. Whitmore opens the door and fishes through the upholstery. DARREN (V.O.) When that cop was done roughing me up, he made me sit there like a dog while he ripped up my car. Whitmore opens the trunk, unzips a large suitcase, digs into it, and dumps its contents. Darren shakes his head in disgust. DARREN (V.O.) I got nothing to hide, but thats disrespectful. Concluding the search, Whitmore shuts the trunk. WHITMORE Hang in there, bro. Youre doing good. Whitmore gets back into his car and calls on the radio. DARREN (V.O.) I sat there forever while he hung out in his car. Whitmore exits car and approaches Darren. WHITMORE Alright. Get up. Darren stands up. Whitmore removes the cuffs. Darren rubs his sore wrists. WHITMORE Darren, I appreciate your cooperation. Heres your ticket. (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: WHITMORE (contd) Take care of that ASAP. Drive home safe. Darren looks at ticket, nearly in tears. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY DARREN That cop profiled me. Its ridiculous. I go to school; Im not a gun trafficker. BILLY I know how you feel, man. Thats exactly why were here. Audience murmurs in agreement. BILLY Its certainly possible you were profiled, but its practically impossible to prove. You never know for sure whats going on in an officers head. Slide advances to Rule #1: Be Calm & Cool BILLY I hate to say it, but from what I hear it sounds like you broke the first rule of dealing with police: Always be calm and cool. Audience murmurs sympathetically. AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 Hold up, are you saying that he deserved to get treated like that? BILLY No. What Im saying is a police encounter is absolutely the worst time and place to vent your frustrations about police. Darren nods his head in shamed agreement. BILLY Getting stopped by police is always frustrating and scary. But you couldve played it much smarter by being calm and cool.

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EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Officer Whitmore approaches car. BILLY (V.O.) As soon as you opened your mouth, you failed the attitude test. WHITMORE Can I see your license and registration, please. DARREN Yeah, I know the drill. BILLY (V.O.) Your attitude only got worse. WHITMORE (glances at license) No need for the attitude, son. Im looking out for your safety and everyone else on this road. DARREN (mutters) Bullshit. BILLY (V.O.) Dont ever talk back, raise your voice, or use profanity with a police officer! Being hostile with police is stupid and dangerous. You cant win that game. TEXT: Dont Talk Back INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Police have a dangerous job. Even the most professional officers might become aggressive if they feel threatened or their authority is challenged.

8. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Darren exits car, frustrated. BILLY (V.O.) Always control your words, the tone of your voice, and your body language. TEXT: Control Body Language Darren mouths off to Whitmore. BILLY (V.O.) If youre visibly scared and angry its easy for an officer to get scared and angry too. Things could have turned out way worse than they did. Whitmore tasers Darren. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Can you think of another way you couldve greeted that officer? EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Whitmore approaches Darrens parked car. DARREN Good afternoon, Officer. Hows it going? BILLY (V.O.) Better. Calm and cool. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 Wait, wait, whats with all this politeness talk. They dont respect us, why should we respect them? AUDIENCE MEMBER #2 For real! Audience murmurs.

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BILLY Listen, this isnt just about respect. Its about common sense. If you let your ego take control during a police encounter, youll regret it every time. Audience Member #1 listens attentively. BILLY Following the rules doesnt guarantee police will respect your rights. But they can keep you from digging yourself into a deeper hole. (pause) Lets talk about what our rights are in the first place. Slide advances to photo of Bill of Rights. BILLY This is the Bill of Rights. These are the first ten amendments that were added to the U.S. Constitution after it was ratified in 1789. These rights are protected under federal law, which means everything were talking about today applies in all 50 states. Slide highlights 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments. BILLY There are three amendments in particular that protect your rights during police encounters. FULL SCREEN: FOURTH AMENDMENT TEXT BILLY (V.O.) The Fourth Amendment states that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated... Slide advances to Fifth Amendment text. BILLY Well talk more about searches in a moment. (CONTINUED)

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FULL SCREEN: FIFTH AMENDMENT TEXT BILLY (V.O.) The Fifth Amendment states that no person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. AUDIENCE MEMBER #3 Thats what they mean when they say take the fifth. BILLY Yep. During a police encounter, the smartest way to take the fifth is to just keep your mouth shut, because you always have the right to remain silent. Slide advances to Rule #2: You Have the Right to Remain Silent. BILLY Well talk in a minute about how this works. Slide advances to Sixth Amendment text. FULL SCREEN: SIXTH AMENDMENT TEXT BILLY (V.O.) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. BILLY So, if police interrogate or arrest you, asking for a lawyer is a good way to assert your right to remain silent. AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 Lawyer up! BILLY Thats right. BILLY Regardless of what youve seen on TV, police dont usually have to (MORE) (CONTINUED)

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BILLY (contd) read you your rights, even if youre arrested. So its up to you to understand the law and make smart choices. Billy paces and stops for effect. BILLY Darren, do you see any ways you couldve handled yourself better? DARREN Yeah, I do. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Darren pulls over, turns off car, and places hands on wheel. BILLY (V.O.) Good start. If police flag you down, pull over immediately, turn off your car, and place your hands on the wheel. Police like to see your hands for their own safety -so wait until they request your paperwork before reaching for it. At night, its also a good idea to turn on the interior light, so the officer can see youre not armed. SERIES OF BULLETS: Pull Over Immediately; Turn Off Car; Show Your Hands; Turn on Interior Light Officer Whitmore approaches car. Darren opens window part-way. DARREN Good evening, Officer. Hows it going? WHITMORE Did you know you were swerving between lanes? DARREN No, Officer. WHITMORE Lets see your license and registration.

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DARREN Sure. Darren slowly opens the glove box, retrieves the registration, takes the license from his wallet, and hands the documents to Whitmore, who glances at the license and peers into the car. WHITMORE Darren, weve had some problems with gangs moving guns down this highway. Youre not packing any Tec-Nines in there, are you? DARREN No, sir. WHITMORE I didnt think so. Mind if I have a look? DARREN Officer, I know youre just doing your job. I dont have any guns or whatever, but I dont consent to searches. TEXT: I Dont Consent to Searches BILLY (V.O.) Perfect! INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Rule #3: You have the right to refuse searches. This comes directly from the 4th Amendment. Slide advances to Rule #3: You Have the Right to Refuse Searches Slide adds text "I dont consent to searches." BILLY For your 4th Amendment protection to legally apply, you must be prepared to clearly state your refusal under pressure. Everyone repeat after me: I dont consent to searches.

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AUDIENCE & BILLY I dont consent to searches. BILLY The officer cant hear you. Say it again. AUDIENCE & BILLY I dont consent to searches! BILLY Better. One more time... EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT DARREN (REPEAT) Officer, I know youre just doing your job. I dont have any guns or whatever, but I dont consent to searches. WHITMORE You a law student or something? They stare at each other. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY DARREN So if I show that I know the rules, he might think Im a law student or I got big legal connections. BILLY Perhaps... EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Darren is mouthing off to Whitmore. BILLY (V.O.) But dont get carried away by saying stuff like... Darren mouthing off, lip syncs to Billys voiceover. BILLY (V.O.) I know my rights, Mother[bleep]! Get outta my face, [bleep]! Im gonna sue your ass!

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INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Never tell the officer you know your rights. Show the officer you know your rights by asserting them calmly. Slide advances to "Be Calm & Cool". EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT WHITMORE You seem nervous. Is there something in the car I need to know about? DARREN No, Sir. WHITMORE OK. Please step out of the vehicle. Darren closes the window, slowly exists the vehicle, and closes the door behind him BILLY Police may legally order you out of your vehicle, so you should comply. WHITMORE Listen, you got two choices: You make things better or you make things worse for yourself. You cooperate with me, everything will go easy for you. Understand? INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Beware that police may legally lie to you. So never let false threats or promises trick you into waiving your rights. Slide advances to "Rule #4: Dont Get Tricked!"

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EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT WHITMORE If you dont help me, Im gonna call up a K-9 unit. Those dogs are gonna rip your car up and find what youre hiding. Whats it gonna be? Whitmore face-to-face with Darren. BILLY (V.O.) Refusing a search request is not evidence of guilt and does not give the officer the legal right to search or detain you. Dont get tricked! TEXT: Refusal NOT Evidence of Guilt; Dont Get Tricked! INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Unless youre detained or arrested, you may terminate the encounter anytime. But dont wait for the officer to dismiss you. Ask if youre free to go. TEXT: Rule #5: Determine if Youre Free To Go EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT WHITMORE Those dogs are gonna rip your car up and find what youre hiding. Whats it gonna be? DARREN Officer, are you detaining me, or am I free to go? TEXT: Are you detaining me, or am I free to go? BILLY (V.O.) Good. This line can help withdraw you from an encounter. Saying you want to leave establishes that the encounter is not voluntary, which could help you later if you end up in court.

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INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY Slide text reads "Are you detaining me, or am I free to go?" BILLY Lets practice that line. Everyone repeat after me: Are you detaining me, or am I free to go. BILLY & AUDIENCE Are you detaining me, or am I free to go? BILLY Good. One more time... EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT DARREN (REPEAT) Officer, are you detaining me, or am I free to go? WHITMORE OK, you wanna play it like that. Well take this to the next level. Stay right there. Whitmore walks to squad car. BILLY (V.O.) Asserting your rights wont make police love you, but it might make them extra cautious about violating your rights. TEXT: 5 minutes later Whitmore exits car, and walks towards Darren. WHITMORE Darren, heres your ticket. Take care of that ASAP. Drive safely, and dont let me pull you over again. DARREN Thank you, Officer. Darren gets back in car, pulls away slowly, and signals before pulling into traffic.

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INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY DARREN I understand refusing a search doesnt make me guilty. But if Im doing nothing wrong, why shouldnt I just let the police search me and get it done with? BILLY Darren, you have the right to let police search you. You also have the right to refuse -- the choice is yours. But there are some reasons to think carefully about this. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Whitmore searches inside Darrens car and dumps suitcase. BILLY (V.O.) The officer isnt your butler. Searches can get real messy. Whitmore carelessly opens bag, a laptop computer slides out, shattering on the asphalt. BILLY (V.O.) If they damage anything, you might not be compensated because you agreed to the search. I/E CAR - NIGHT TWO WHITE GUYS sit in Darrens car, puffing a blunt. One puts the blunt out in an ashtray and closes it. BILLY (V.O.) Besides, you never know for sure what a careless person might have left in your car at some point. LATER Whitmore searches Darrens car, opens the ashtray and picks out blunt roach.

18. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Whitmore holds the roach in front of Darrens face. BILLY (V.O.) If police find any illegal items after you consent to a search request, you can be arrested even if you had nothing to do with it. TEXT: Illegal Items + Consent = Arrest Whitmore handcuffs Darren. WHITMORE You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law... Police car door slams shut with Darren inside. INT. POLICE STATION - DAY SERIES OF SHOTS: Darren mug shot; Darren fingerprinted; Darren on police phone; jail door slams on Darren. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Whitmore searches inside Darrens car and dumps suitcase. BILLY (V.O.) Consenting to a search request automatically makes the search legal in the eyes of the law. And the 4th Amendment doesnt require officers to tell you about your right to refuse. TEXT (BLINKING RED): Consent = Legal Search Whitmore, stands by car window, speaks with Darren. BILLY (V.O.) So if youre pulled over, dont try to figure out whether or not the officer has probable cause to legally search you. You always have the right to refuse searches. TEXT: You Have the Right to Refuse Searches

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INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Now dont all of you jump up at once saying police will just search you anyway. AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 But theyre gonna search us anyway! BILLY Youre right. Sometimes they will. But saying no isnt just about stopping the search. It might stop the search, or it might not. EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Whitmore searches inside Darrens car and dumps suitcase. BILLY (V.O.) The point is that refusing the search could help you later if you end up in court. If police search you without consent, your lawyer can challenge it. TEXT: If police search you without consent, your lawyer can challenge it. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY As your attorney, Id be much more likely to win your case if you said "no" to the search. DARREN So if I dont consent when are police allowed to search my car? You said they need probable cause, but whats that mean? BILLY Probable cause means police must have clear facts or evidence to believe youre involved in criminal activity. In other words, an officers hunch without evidence of illegal activity is not enough to search or arrest you.

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TEXT: Probable Cause Requires Facts. I/E CAR - NIGHT BILLY (V.O.) But it doesnt take much. SERIES OF SHOTS: Empty baggies on car floorboard; pile of purses with security tags; empty spray paint cans SERIES OF BULLETS: Empty Baggies: Evidence, Illicit Drugs; Tagged Merchandise: Evidence, Theft; Spray Paint Cans: Evidence, Vandalism INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Most avoidable police searches happen not because police have probable cause. They happen because people get tricked or intimidated into consenting. AUDIENCE MEMBER #3 I dont consent to searches! Audience laughs. BILLY Id ride with this guy! DARREN So an expired registration isnt probable cause to search my car? BILLY No. Its not! But you still gotta be careful. Courts are eager to uphold police searches, so something suspicious about you or your car could be considered probable cause. Advance slide shows photos of eccentric-looking people and vehicles. BILLY Im not the kind of guy to tell you how you should express yourself, but if youre riding like that, at least make sure your vehicle is (MORE) (CONTINUED)

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BILLY (contd) compliant with your states laws. Expressing yourself is one thing... Advance slide show photos of people engaged in bad behavior. BILLY But exposing yourself to police by being a public nuisance is ignorant. Rule #6: Dont Expose Yourself! BILLY INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY THOMAS, 19, Latino, hip-hop gear, stands. THOMAS Mr. Murphy, I appreciate youre here talking about constitutional rights and all, but in my hood police dont care about anyones rights. They do whatever they want. BILLY Tell us more. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Thomas exits front of building talking on phone IN SPANISH. THOMAS (V.O.) The other day I was leaving my building on my way to work. THOMAS Im on my way right now, there in 30 minutes. No! late. My shift starts at Check the schedule. Ill time. See you soon. Ill be Im not 5 today. be on

An unmarked patrol car pulls in front of Thomas. Two white plain-clothes officers, GILMORE, 30s, athletic, and GOLDSBERRY, 20s athletic, jump out flashing undercover badges.

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GILMORE You. Let me see your hands. Put em on the car. Thomas complies as Gilmore frisks him. GILMORE Spread em. Wheres the dope? Give it up. THOMAS I got nothing. GILMORE Let me see your pockets. Pull em out. Thomas places keys, phone, and wallet on car hood. GILMORE Your ID? Thomas hands ID to Gilmore who passes it to Goldsberry. GILMORE Run that, please. (to Thomas) Show me your hat. Thomas reveals underside of hat; a WITNESS, 20s, male, black, watches at safe distance holding video phone; Goldsberry runs ID in car. GILMORE I seen you come out of there. Thats a known drug spot. THOMAS Thats my home. Thats where I live. GILMORE You go to school? Are you working? THOMAS I work at a restaurant. Thats where Im going. GOLDSBERRY Hes clean.

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GILMORE For now. Grab your stuff. I appreciate your cooperation. Stay outta trouble. The cops get back in the car and leave. Thomas is stunned. THOMAS (V.O.) That wasnt the first time that happened to me... INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY THOMAS Probably wont be the last. Thats just the way they do it round here. BILLY Show of hands. How many of you have dealt with a similar stop and frisk? Nearly every man and a few women raise their hands. The audience murmurs in shock. BILLY Im not surprised. In cities across the country these stop-n-frisks are occurring at record rates, especially in low-income communities of color. They happen so frequently, they seem perfectly normal to you. THOMAS Yeah they do. BILLY This might be common, but that doesnt make it right. In fact, it sounds like those cops searched you illegally. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY The officers jump out flashing undercover badges. GILMORE You. Let me see your hands. Put em on the car. (CONTINUED)

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Thomas complies as Gilmore frisks him. BILLY (V.O.) If police have reasonable suspicion to believe youre involved in a crime, theyre legally allowed to detain you for a short period of time. TEXT: Reasonable Suspicion --> Detention INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Reasonable suspicion requires less evidence than probable cause, but it basically means the officer has some specific reason to believe youre up to something. I/E UNMARKED CAR - DAY Two white males loiter on a street corner. A call comes into radio for two suspects fitting their exact description. BILLY (V.O.) For example, police can legally stop someone who matches the description of a criminal suspect... Two white males shake hands. Spotting police, both toss baggies into bushes and walk away in opposite directions. BILLY (V.O.) ...a suspect who drops a suspicious object after seeing the police... White males spot police, and run in opposite directions. SPLIT SCREEN IMAGES: Officers chase, tackle, punch, taser, and handcuff both white males. BILLY (V.O.) ...or someone who runs away after seeing the police. Dont ever run from the police. Theyll run you down, and make you regret it. TEXT: Rule #7: Dont Run!

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INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY If you see police approaching, be calm and assert your rights if need be. But dont run. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore frisks Thomas against police car. BILLY (V.O.) If they have reasonable suspicion to detain you, police may pat down the outside of your clothing to check for weapons, but only if they have a basis for suspecting youre armed. Gilmore reaches into Thomas pockets. BILLY (V.O.) If they feel a hard item that might be a weapon, police may pull out the item to check it out. Thomas opens his pockets. BILLY (V.O.) Police may ask you to show them whats in your pockets. Remember, you dont have to do it. Emptying your pockets is the same as consenting to a search, and you always have the right to refuse. SERIES OF BULLETS: Dont Get Tricked!; You Have the Right to Refuse Searches INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY In your case, there appeared to be no basis to justify their stop and frisk. THOMAS It happened so fast. It was over before I knew it. What could I have done different?

26. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore frisks Thomas against police car. BILLY (V.O.) You dont have lots of immediate options here. If police detain and frisk you, you have the right to clearly state your refusal to consent to the search. THOMAS Officer, Im not resisting, but I do not consent to this search. TEXT: I dont consent to searches. BILLY (V.O.) But you should only verbally refuse. Never physically resist. SERIES OF BULLETS: Verbally Refuse Consent; NEVER Physically Resist Thomas smacks Gilmores hand. BILLY (V.O.) Just touching a cop could get you tasered or beaten. You could also get charged with felony assault. TEXT: Rule #8: Never Touch a Cop! SERIES OF SHOTS: Gilmore tasers Thomas; Goldsberry swings club at Thomass midsection; Thomas handcuffed; police car door slams on Thomas. INT. POLICE STATION - DAY SERIES OF SHOTS: Thomas mug shot; Thomas fingerprinted; Thomas on police phone; jail door slams on Thomas. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore frisks Thomas against police car, Goldsberry spots and picks up dimebag of marijuana on ground nearby. BILLY (V.O.) Sometimes people get arrested for merely standing near others with marijuana or if marijuana is found on the ground. (CONTINUED)

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Gilmore handcuffs Thomas and questions him outside of car. BILLY (V.O.) Police may try to get you to snitch on yourself or on others. But remember that police may legally lie to you, so dont get tricked into waiving your rights. TEXT: Dont Get Tricked! Gilmore waves bag of marijuana in front of Thomas. GOLDSBERRY We know you bought this weed. That means youre part of a drug conspiracy. You give up the supplier or else youll be charged as an accessory to drug trafficking. THOMAS Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. TEXT: Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY Slide appears reading "Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer." BILLY Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. If youre being interrogated or youre under arrest, these magic words are your best legal protection. Theyre kinda like a legal condom! Say em with me. BILLY & AUDIENCE Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY GILMORE I saw you drop this, man. Just admit its yours. Its a slap on the wrist. You make things (MORE) (CONTINUED)

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GILMORE (contd) difficult for me and Ill charge you with possession and evidence tampering. Thats a felony. BILLY (V.O.) Dont get tricked! You know what to say. TEXT: Dont Get Tricked! INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY AUDIENCE Officer, Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. BILLY If police pressure you to snitch, you need a lawyer. Use the magic words. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY THOMAS Officer, Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. TEXT: Im going to remain silent. Id like to see a lawyer. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY But remember: just because you ask for a lawyer doesnt mean they have to stop questioning you. If you keep talking, your words might still be used against you. So shut your mouth until your see a lawyer. Advance slide to "Rule #2: You Have the Right to Remain Silent". AUDIENCE MEMBER #3 But when do you actually get a lawyer? BILLY That depends. If youve kept your mouth shut you might not even need (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: BILLY (contd) one. But if youre arrested and charged with a crime you need help. If you cant afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you. (pause) The point is that you cant talk your way out of a police interrogation without a lawyer. Thats a big mistake. Almost anything you say to police can and will be used against you in court. AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 What if police try to get you to sign a confession or something? BILLY (V.O.) Dont sign anything without a lawyer! And dont rely on police to explain what it says. Read it for yourself. Usually, the only document thats safe to sign is a promise to appear in court. THOMAS What if police just come up to me asking for ID? EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore and Goldsberry, on foot, approach Thomas. GILMORE Lets see some ID. Thomas reaches for wallet, hands ID to Gilmore. BILLY (V.O.) Carrying an ID is required when youre driving, but theres otherwise no law requiring you to carry ID. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY But in some states police can require you to give your name if they have reasonable suspicion to believe youre involved in criminal activity.

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AUDIENCE MEMBER #1 How do you know if police have reasonable suspicion? EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore and Goldsberry, approach Thomas, flash badges. BILLY (V.O.) Remember, police need reasonable suspicion to detain you. So one way to tell if they have reasonable suspicion is to ask if youre free to go. TEXT: Reasonable Suspicion --> Detention; Determine if Youre Free to Go GILMORE Lets see some ID. THOMAS Excuse me, officer. Are you detaining me, or am I free to go? TEXT: Are you detaining me officer, or am I free to go? GILMORE I just wanna talk for a second. Whats your name? THOMAS Are you detaining me, or am I free to go? GILMORE Youre not being detained... Thomas turns his back to the officers and slowly walks away. THOMAS Officer, I promise Im clean. Dont have time to chat now. Gotta go. GOLDSBERRY Whats your rush, Man? Thomas keeps walking.

31. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY THOMAS What if they dont let me go? BILLY Then youre being detained, because the officer thinks theres some reason to suspect you of a crime. EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore handcuffs Thomas. BILLY (V.O.) In that situation you could be arrested if you refuse to reveal your identity. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY Technically, police cant make you identify yourself anytime they want. But on the street, withholding your identity frequently leads to a detention or even an arrest. (pause) If your goal is to just get the encounter over with, then identifying yourself might be your best option. But if youre prepared to fight things out in court, you can flex your rights by refusing to cooperate with random ID requests. TEXT: Learn More about ID Laws at www.FlexYourRights.org THOMAS You say those police broke the rules searching me like that. What am I supposed to do now? Call the cops on them? Audience snickers. BILLY Listen, fighting back against police misconduct aint easy. But it gets easier if you know your rights. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

32.

THOMAS What do I do? File a complaint? Does anybody even read those? BILLY Oh, they read em for sure. Theres lots of bad cops who are off the streets because they got too many complaints. And many cities pay out millions of dollars a year to settle lawsuits from victims of severe police misconduct. THOMAS So you think I could get a million dollars? BILLY Slow down, son. Winning a lawsuit against the cops is never easy. But reporting police misconduct isnt about money, its about protecting yourself and your community from future abuse. Slide advances to Rule #9: Report Misconduct: Be a Good Witness BILLY Heres what you need to know about reporting misconduct. BULLET: Pay Attention to Detail EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY Gilmore frisks Thomas against police car. BILLY (V.O.) During the encounter, pay close attention to details. Remember the order of events. Remember as much as you can about the officers. What did they look like? What were their names? And any other important details? SERIES OF SHOTS: closeup of officers faces; closeup of cruisers ID;

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

33.

BILLY (V.O.) Remember the exact words the officer says. Gilmore frisks Thomas. GILMORE Spread em. Wheres the dope? Give it up. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY As soon as you can, write down everything you remember. BULLET: Immediately Write Down Everything EXT. APT. BLDG. - DAY The cops drive away. Thomas uses his phone to record his thoughts. BILLY (V.O.) Use whatever device you can to collect your thoughts. The longer you wait the less youll remember. Witness shows Thomas video phone footage. BILLY (V.O.) And try to find other witnesses if you can. Youll need this evidence later. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY If there was any physical abuse, photograph any injuries you have. And make copies of relevant hospital records. Slides show photos of police brutality victims. BILLY If youre thinking about responding to a police misconduct incident, go to FlexYourRights.org to learn more about your options. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

34.

SHOT: Show FlexYourRights.org homepage. BILLY Dont be discouraged just because youve heard about police abusing their power and getting away with it. Now that you know your rights youve got more power to demand accountability. KAREN, 60s, black, raises her hand. BILY Yes. Maam. KAREN Mr. Murphy, is it legal for police to just go around knocking on peoples doors asking to search? BILLY Unfortunately, yes. Did something happen? KAREN This was last Saturday afternoon. INT. APT. - DAY Karen sits reading in her apartment. KAREN (V.O.) I was just relaxing at home after a long week. Knock at door. KAREN Who is it!? SMITH (O.C.) Police Department. Karen pauses, puts book down, walks towards door, cracks open door as far as chain allows. Sees smiling face of OFFICER SMITH, 30s black, pretty. SMITH Good afternoon, Maam. Im Officer Smith. Whats your name?

(CONTINUED)

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35.

KAREN Im Karen Stewart. Everything ok? How can I help you? SMITH Everythings fine, Ms. Stewart. Do you mind if I come in for a moment? KAREN One second. Karen unlocks the chain, opens door. Smith, with clipboard, enters with OFFICER JONES, 30s, white, athletic. SMITH Me and Officer Jones here are introducing ourselves to the tenants as part of a new home safety program. Were available if you need any help. Officer Smith hands Karen her card. SMITH Mrs. Stewart, are you here alone? KAREN Yes. My granddaughter lives here, but shes at school. SMITH Im sure you know thereve been some gang-related shootings in the neighborhood. KAREN Uh huh. SMITH Were trying to do something to get the guns off the streets, and were asking folks to help out. KAREN Of course. How can I help? SMITH If you dont mind well take a quick look around to make sure theres no guns in your home you might not know about...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

36.

KAREN (interrupts) I got no guns in here! Go ahead! SMITH Great. Just sign this form for me please. I appreciate your cooperation. SERIES OF SHOTS: Officers search apartment. Jones pinches a small bag of marijuana from underneath the couch cushions. JONES Uh-oh! Whats this? Wanna tell me about this marijuana in your couch? Karen shakes her head in shock. KAREN What is that? JONES Dont play dumb. You know what it is. KAREN Thats not mine! I dont know. I cook for some of the kids in the building, maybe someone left it here by mistake? I dont know. JONES You oughta pay closer attention to whats going on in your home. SMITH Mrs. Stewart, I appreciate your cooperation. I hate to do this. Please put your hands behind your back. Youre under arrest. KAREN Under arrest!? Why are you arresting me. I know nothing about that. No! Stop! You dont have to do this! Smith cuffs Karen. SMITH Ms. Stewart, Im taking you to the station. You can tell your story to the judge.

37.

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY SERIES OF SHOTS: Karens mug shut; Karen gets fingerprinted; Karen on police phone; jail door slams on Karen. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY KAREN The worst part is Im in public housing, and theres a zero-tolerance rule. Im now fighting the eviction order. BILLY Did you all here that, folks? Remember that the next time someone tells you nobody ever gets in trouble for weed! KAREN Its my fault. I shouldnt have let them inside. BILLY See. This is how they get you. Police come knocking at your door saying Hey there, weve got a new safety program...can we search your home? Hell no! You dont have to let them in! Slide advances to Rule #10: You Dont Have to Let Them In. BILLY Even if police have probable cause, the 4th Amendment requires them to get a signed warrant from a judge to enter and search your home. Unless theres a serious emergency, they cant come in. INT. APT. - DAY Karen unlocks chain. Opens door to police. BILLY (V.O.) But they dont need a warrant if you invite them in. TEXT: You Dont Have to Let Them In

38. KAREN - POV Looks through peephole, sees police, takes door keys off a hook, and puts keys in pocket. She takes a deep breath, opens door, and walks into hallway. BILLY (V.O.) When the officers came knocking, Karen couldve talked to them outside and closed the door behind her. INT. APT. HALLWAY - DAY Karen stands in hallway with officers, closes door behind her, which clicks locked. TEXT: Go Outside; Close Door Behind You KAREN Good afternoon, Officers. How can I help you? INT. APT. - DAY Karen opens the door with the chain locked. BILLY (V.O.) The chain lock works fine too. KAREN Good afternoon, Officers. How can I help you? SMITH Hi, Maam. Do you mind if we come in for a moment? KAREN Do you have a warrant? Whats this about? SMITH No. My name is Officer Smith. This is Officer Jones. Smith hands her card through door crack. SMITH Were introducing ourselves to the tenants as part of a new home safety program. Mind if we come in? (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

39.

KAREN No thank you, Officers. I cant let you in without a warrant. TEXT: I cant let you in without a warrant. BILLY (V.O.) Again. KAREN (REPEAT) I cant let you in without a warrant. TEXT: I cant let you in without a warrant. SMITH Well, thats your decision, Maam. But this is just a public safety visit. Were not here to get anyone in trouble. KAREN I understand, but I would need to see a warrant before letting you folks inside. SMITH Ok, Maam. Well, you have my card if you need anything. Have a nice day. KAREN Take care. Karen closes door, locks chain. BILLY (V.O.) If police come to your door and you dont need their help, you may simply decline to answer the door. Because you dont have to let them in. TEXT: You Dont Have to Let Them In KAREN - POV Looks through peephole, sees police.

40.

INT. LIVING ROOM Karen ignores knocking, shakes her head, and walks away from door. INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY BILLY We covered a lot today, but weve only scratched the surface. If you want to learn more about the 10 rules for dealing with police, visit the Flex Your Rights website. TEXT: www.FlexYourRights.org BILLY Any more questions? Nearly every hand goes up. FADE OUT: