from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Whether or not you have done something wrong, there is no reason to be shot by a police officer 
-- that is, unless you give them one. Here are some ways to avoid personal harm in situations with a police officer that has their gun drawn. A lot of this advice may seem like common sense,
but when there's a gun pointing at you, it's easy to panic and accidentally do something threatening.
-- that is, unless you give them one. Here are some ways to avoid personal harm in situations with a police officer that has their gun drawn. A lot of this advice may seem like common sense, but when there's a gun pointing at you, it's easy to panic and accidentally do something threatening. Steps 
- Never flee from police. If the police approach you and speak to you, do not run or even walk away. Regardless of your rights, doing this arouses suspicion and greatly increases the chance of a fatal misunderstanding. If you are innocent, you have nothing to gain by fleeing, but you should also avoid speaking to the police as much as possible as you are not required to by law and could get yourself into trouble. Even if you are guilty of a crime, fleeing will always make things worse.
- Avoid any sudden movements. No matter what you're doing, stop
in that position and try not to move. At this point, any movement you make that is unexpected is one step closer to getting shot...especially any movements you make with your hands.
- If you're in a car, don't reach for anything. An officer might assume you're reaching for a weapon or hiding drugs. For more details, see How to Act when the Police Pull You Over.
- Do what you're told, and do it slowly. The officer will tell you exactly what he or she wants you to do. That typically includes putting your hands on the back of your head, walking backwards toward the sound of their voice, or lying down on the ground. Obey their orders, but do it at a slow enough pace that you don't alarm them.
- Do not talk. At this point, you've either already broken the law and don't need to make it worse on yourself, or you are the victim of a misunderstanding and need to cooperate to prevent an unfortunate accident. Chances are good that if the officer has drawn their weapon, you will almost certainly be arrested, and there is not much you can say to stop that from happening. There will be plenty of time to talk once you are in cuffs and no longer considered a threat.
- An exception to this may be if the officer tells you to do something that involves moving, it's good to tell him what you are doing, even if it seems redundant. It will keep them feeling safe so they don't shoot you. For example:
- Officer: "Let me see your I.D." You: "It's in my glovebox/backseat/sock/etc. I'm going to reach down/over and get it for you, OK?" Then move slowly.
- Officer: "Lay down on the ground!" You: "I'm going to lay down on the ground, but I have a bad hip/back/knee, so I need to hold on to this pole/fence/wall to get on the ground."
- It is almost always in your best interest to remain silent. In most countries, you do not have to answer any questions unless you have a lawyer present, although beware - if you are not sure of your rights (being in a foreign country can affect this, or being in a country with a shaky human rights record) then it is best to answer questions politely and give only the bare details away. If you do not speak the local language fluently, however, do not attempt to defend yourself verbally; you may accidentally say something that, when translated, incriminates you in some way.
- An exception to this may be if the officer tells you to do something that involves moving, it's good to tell him what you are doing, even if it seems redundant. It will keep them feeling safe so they don't shoot you. For example:
- Let yourself be handcuffed. Yes, it may be uncomfortable, but retaliation or struggling is only going to result in serious injury. In many places, it is police protocol to place handcuffs on even the most cooperative of suspects.
Tips
Don't brandish a weapon. If you have got a gun or knife
in your pocket or waistband, leave it alone. Don't draw it, even to surrender it. The officer would much rather find it on his or her own than have you whip it out and wave it around. If you would prefer to surrender the weapon, clearly speak words to the effect of "I would like to turn over my weapon" and the officer will tell you what to do next.
- Should the circumstances force you to engage in combat with an armed suspect, disengage and retreat the moment the police arrive, or as soon after their arrival as you can. If at all possible, avoid attempting to render first aid until the fight is over. Also, don't touch any evidence that may have been left behind.
Warnings
- Never shine a laser pointer toward officers. This can very easily be mistaken for a laser sight, a modification commonly affixed to firearms to enhance a weapon's accuracy.
Related wikiHows
- How to Act when the Police Pull You Over
- How to Deal With Riot Control Agents
- How to Help a Friend Who Gets Arrested in the Middle of the Night
- How to Get a Job With a Criminal Record
- How to Fight a Traffic Ticket
- How to Avoid a Speeding Ticket
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Getting Shot by a Police Officer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
No comments:
Post a Comment