Police brutality is an issue that many Americans – especially racial and ethnic minorities – might have dealt with at some point in their life. While there is no denying the fact that a vast majority of cops are decent people, there are some who tend to be overly aggressive and confrontational while dealing with civilians.

Any police brutality attorney in Miami will tell you that an encounter with an aggressive cop is something that can happen to anyone, at any time. So, it is important to be aware of your rights and know what to do if you ever find yourself in such a situation.

Below are five tips that can help you deal with aggressive and confrontational cops.

1. Stay Calm

Ask any Miami police brutality attorney and they will tell you that getting stopped by a cop does not mean that you will be arrested or charged with a crime. So, do not panic and try to stay calm.

2. Follow the Instructions

Listen carefully to what the cop tells you and obey their instructions. More importantly, do not try to do anything that you are not told to do.

For instance, do not try to reach into your pocket or rummage through the dashboard looking for your license and registration, just because you think the cop might ask you for it. It can easily be mistaken for suspicious behavior, which in turn can escalate the situation. So, keep your hands where the cop can clearly see them and do what you are told to, only when you are told to.

If you’re not sure, ask the officer for more instructions. Any decent cop will happily tell you what you can and can’t do.

3. Do Not Exhibit Any Signs of Aggression

This is undoubtedly the most important thing you need to keep in mind while dealing with an aggressive cop. Do not, for any reason, exhibit any sign of non-compliance or aggression. If the cops perceive you as a deadly threat, they might not hesitate to use force. Data shows that so far in 2020, over 500 civilians have been shot by the police.

While the odds an officer would use deadly force are very low, behaving in an aggressive manner is the last thing you want to do in such a situation, as officers may use physical force to de-escalate what they perceive to be a dangerous situation.

These include:

  • Staring aggressively at the cop.
  • Raising your voice or yelling at the cop.
  • Trying to stand too close to the cop in an imposing manner.
  • Reaching into your pocket or waistband.
  • Walking or running away.

4. Don’t Say More than You Have to

Any experienced police brutality attorney in Miami will tell you that you are not required to answer a cop’s questions, assuming they are questions that could potentially incriminate you. The 5th amendment gives you the right to remain silent while being questioned by a cop. So, tell the cop that you will talk only in the presence of your criminal defense attorney.

If the officer, on the other hand, if you’re detained and the officer asks for your name or any biographical information, you must provide this information to the officer, otherwise, you may be obstructing the officer’s investigation.

5. What If You’re Armed?

Do not tell the cop that you have a firearm on you or in your vehicle unless they specifically ask you for it. Randomly blurting out that you have a firearm could be perceived as a threat by the cop.

If the cop asks you to show your firearm, tell them where your firearm is, and allow them to disarm you. If you’re a concealed carry holder and lawfully carrying the firearm, most officers will not be alarmed.

How a Miami Police Brutality Attorney Can Help You

If, despite following the aforementioned tips, you are subjected to excessive force or if your constitutional rights are violated in any way, you can take legal action against the cops with the help of an experienced police brutality attorney in Miami.

Chad Piotrowski is one of the most accomplished criminal defense lawyers in Miami with a track record of successfully defending the rights of victims of police brutality. From bringing a civil liability lawsuit against the at-fault cops to defending you against trumped-up or exaggerated charges, Piotrowski will fight for you passionately and make sure you get justice.

If you or any of your family members have been subjected to police brutality and in need of legal assistance, call experienced Miami police brutality lawyer Chad Piotrowski today at 305-930-8645 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment.