Know Your Rights! Broken Windows Policing

KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS!
BROKEN WINDOWS POLICING
means
MORE YOUTH OF COLOR STOPPED
AND HARRASSED BY THE POLICE
IF YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN
HARRASSED BY THE POLICE, CONTACT US!
INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence incite.dnvr@gmail.com
Colorado Progressive Coalition Police Brutality Hotline: 303‐654‐4109
or toll‐free 1‐866‐329‐0908

What is Broken Windows Policing?

Broken Windows Policing is an aggressive policing strategy that is being implemented
in this neighborhood. It means that police stop and ticket residents here for crimes like
jaywalking, overgrown weeds, and loitering, which would usually not be heavily
pursued. Youth of color are particularly singled out for tickets, stops, or arrests.

Because Broken Windows Policing is not enacted in wealthy, white areas, this is
essentially racial profiling by neighborhood!

If an incident involving the police occurs:

• Ask the officer for his/her card, and/or name.
• Look for or ask which police District the officer is assigned to.
• Remember it and write it down as soon as possible.
• If the badge and name are not in full view, make note of the physical description of the officers..
• Make note of the number of officers present.
• Make note of any witnesses.
• Take note of where you are.
• Take note of when (date, time of day) the incident occurred.

A L W A Y S WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!
Police harassment does not keep our communities safe!
Work with us on alternatives.

Broken windows policing does nothing to resolve the root causes of crime such as poverty, addiction, lack of affordable housing and healthcare, lack of social development programs, and substandard educational systems. Gang violence is a symptom of larger social & economic issues.
We need more programs and jobs for our youth – not more criminalization and incarceration.
An initiative of the Fix Broken Policing Campaign 2008

Know your rights! If you are stopped by police

REMAIN CALM

DO NOT reach into your pockets.
ASK why you are being stopped.
DO NOT become loud.
DO NOT make any sudden moves.

An officer can stop anyone based on “reasonable suspicion” and require proof of ID. You are not required to answer questions about your actions.
Remember: Depending upon the circumstances, the officer may think he/she has
reasonable suspicion to stop you or he/she might use any excuse to harass you.
If you are pulled over in your car

• A Police Officer can ask you to pull over at any time. You will be asked for your driver's license and registration. If she/he asks for this information, you MUST comply.
• If you are stopped ‐ pull over and sit tight.
• If you are stopped at night ‐ turn on your interior dome light.
• Place your hands on the steering wheel.
• Produce your identification when asked.

Things to keep in mind
Keep some legitimate form of identification on you at all times You have the right of silence. Use it! You have the right to know why you are being arrested.

You always have the right for legal representation. Never speak without a witness being present.

When the police knock at your door
• If the police knock at your door and ask to come in, you do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they have a warrant, ask to see it.
• IF THEY HAVE AN ARREST WARRANT, CHECK the name to make sure they have the right person.
• IF THEY HAVE A SEARCH WARRANT, make sure it is for your specific address. LOOK to see what is listed on the warrant to be searched for in your home.

IF the warrant is proper, you must allow them in.
IF the police do not have a warrant you may let them in. BUT you do not have to let them in. Try to settle the issue at the door. If they do insist over your objections, then be
careful to:
• FIRST, Ask for a police badge.
• SECOND, Ask them what their purpose is in coming into your house.
• THIRD, If you object, make sure you tell them you do not consent to any search of your home.
• FOURTH, Write down the names, badge numbers, physical description of the officers and the date and time.

IF you are not sure that they are really police officers ask for the name of the highest ranking officer present at your door and a phone number where his identity can be verified.

Call his/her command number, and even 911 so that a record can be established.

IF the police take any of your property, that is not held for evidence, contact the Property Release Office at DPD Police HQ Rm 104 720‐913‐6589. After 30 days your property
will be destroyed or sold.

The police may also search without a warrant whenever they have arrested a person. They may search his person and the area close by where the arrest was made. They may also search after consent is given, so if you object, be sure to make it clear that you do not agree to any kind of search.

They may also search when there is an emergency (for example, someone screaming for help inside your home) or when they are chasing you or someone else into your
home. This is called the EMERGENCY EXCEPTION.

Source: 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care
http://100blacksinlawenforcement.org/tips.html