How African Americans Can Avoid Being a Victim of Police Harassment and Brutality

Across America there have been common complaints about police misconduct. People have complained about being unlawfully stopped by the police when diving or when walking. People have complained about false accusations made by the police which has lead to unlawful arrests. People have also complained about beatings and shootings done by the police which has often led to deaths.

Black people have been the primary victims and objects of this treatment. They are taking steps to change this treatment through law suit, protests, and expressing the problem through the media, and by attempting to get protective legislation passed. However, very little progress to change the mistreatment on black people by the police has been made. It appears to be a cold fact of nature that police harassment and brutality on black people is something that cannot be stopped. So black people must develop ways to avoid being victimized by the police.

What To Do When Stopped by Police

When stopped by the police, remember to do the following:

- Give a nonthreatening appearance to public and bystanders.
- Keep hands in view.
- Do not stand close to the police. When he or she steps forward take one or two steps back.
- Talk to the police in a voice loud enough for the public to hear so others will know what is going on.
- Do not frown at the police nor look angry. Maintain your focus on the situation. Ask the police to explain his reason for stopping you, and ask him what evidence did he have to use to make the decision to stop you.
- Get the police's name and badge number. Report all encounters with the police in writing to the police department.
- Find out from the police department is whether the reason for you being stopped by the police is in fact real.
- Do follow up calls and appearances to the police department, speaking to a superior to inquire about the status of your complaint.
- Every time you are stopped by the police document it in writing and file a complaint in the police department. connect a pattern of harassment, using your documentation and complaints in the police department. Then bring in the federal justice department or file a law suit.

What To Do When The Police Comes To Your House

When the police comes to your house and asks you to step outside, do not do it. Talk to them at the door. Before opening the door to them. Talk to them through the door telling them you are going to call 911. Call 911 and report to them that the police is at your door. 911 calls are recorded and therefore make good evidence if any thing happens. If the police asks to come inside do not let them in. When talking to the police talk in a loud voice so neighbors or anyone outside can hear. Get the officer's name and badge number, and document in writing the police coming to your home.
Find out whether there is a real call made to the police concerning you. Sometimes there is not, and sometime someone not related to the police may just be trying to cause trouble for you.

If being stopped by the police and the police coming to your home continues, file harassment complaint or law suit so you can obtain the information about who is actually calling the police on you. It is common policy in police departments that they do not reveal the person who called them on you. However, when there is a formal complaint or lawsuit this information has to be released under the Freedom Of Information Act.

Be Careful About The Company You Keep

People with whom one associates can bring trouble with the police. If you know or suspect friends or relatives are involved in gang and or drug activities, cut off all communication and ties with them. Socializing with them can bring attention from the police to yourself. When such friends and relatives get caught by the police, out of fear they may include your name in their criminal activities even though you may be innocent. If you suspect any of your acquaintances may be involved in drugs or any other criminal activities do not ride in their cars nor visit their homes. If they are suddenly busted by the police you do not want to be around. Many innocent people get arrested just because they were present during a raid or bust.

Avoid Going Out At Night

During the day time the police is basically reserve in their behavior. However, at night they can become more violent and threatening. In fact many of the police brutality incidents on black people occur at night. To protect oneself a black person should avoid nightly non job related activities such as:

- Loitering alone or in groups.
- Shopping at night.
- Going for drives (cruising through the hood).
- Sleeping in cars if traveling long distances.
- Avoid going to bars and stripper clubs, places where plain clothes police officers frequent.

When going out on dates or out on evening outings with friends and or family, go out early and try to return home no later than 9:30 PM in the evening. Remember that the later a black person is out, such as pass midnight and the wee hours of the morning, the most likely he or she will be subject to brutal harassment and violence from the police.

Black people must come to realize that the attitude of the police towards them will not change. Because of this cold fact, black people must take practical steps to protect themselves and their families.