Locked Containers Are Your Best Friend
When driving to / from Gathering, always place ALL paraphernalia & substances in a locked container (combination or key lock). Locked containers CAN NOT BE OPENED without a search warrant. Even if the police search your car, locked containers are exempt from being forced open and searched. Regardless of what an officer says, you DO NOT need to open any locked containers for them. They CAN NOT legally force the container open without a search warrant.
Know Your Rights
With Gathering coming up it’s important to know your rights when the police stop your vehicle (in the USA):
My Rights
- Silence.
- I can say “NO” if the police ask permission to search me or my things. Saying “NO” does not mean I have something to hide.
- I can leave (along with my vehicle and passengers) unless I am being detained or arrested.
- If I am being detained or arrested I have the right to know why, and to speak privately to a lawyer without delay – even if I can’t afford to pay.
- I can only be strip-searched in private by officers of the same sex.
- I have a right to know a police officer’s name and badge number.
- I can report a police officer who abuses me, swears at me, or violates my rights.
- If asked to step out of my vehicle, I will lock the doors behind me. Unlocked vehicles can be considered “abandoned,” and searched without a warrant.
- I have the right to record any and all interactions with the police. These records can prove vital in the event of the police engaging me unlawfully.
TIP: Never aggressively interact with an officer, or shout “I know my rights!” Instead, show the officer you know you know your rights by remaining calm, and asserting your rights in a direct and plain manner. Don’t let them amp you up. Take your time. Breathe.
Statement
“Officer, if I am under arrest or being detained, please tell me so. If I am free to go, please tell me so. If I am not free to go, please tell me why. I wish to exercise all my legal rights, including my right to silence, and my right to speak to a lawyer before I say anything to you. I do not consent to be searched. I wish to be released without delay. Please do not ask me questions, because I will not willingly talk to you until I speak to a lawyer. Thank you for respecting my rights.”
Other Thoughts
- Police stop cars with out-of-state plates more often
- Don’t carry weight. Heavily loaded cars are stopped more often.
- Record EVERYTHING, even if you have to set your phone down: keep recording!
- Keep your hands at 10 & 2 on the steering wheel
- Announce every movement you’re about to do before you do it, and ensure the officer says “OKAY” to acknowledge they heard you