"10 Rules Of Survival if Stopped By The Police” a short film
“We can say #BlackLivesMatter and #PoliceLivesMatter.” – Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas
There is a growing movement across the country represented by the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter that is driving awareness to the number of young Black men and women who are shot and killed during confrontations with police.
For many, the story of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Eric Garner and too many others, have become symbols of the larger social divides in America, exposing the harsh and complex realities of race, class and identity. And for many African-American families, to be Black is to be at an extraordinary risk (Federal data shows that, in recent years, young black males are 21 times more likely to be shot dead than their white counterparts1).
This led PBS station WFYI, in partnership with the SALT Project, Trinity United Church of Christ and Christian Theological Seminary to develop the short film: “Get Home Safely: 10 Rules of Survival.”
10 Rules Of Survival if Stopped By The Police
- Be polite and respectful when stopped by the police. Keep your mouth closed.
- Remember that your goal is to get home safely. If you feel that your rights have been violated, you and your parents have the right to file a formal complaint with your local police jurisdiction.
- Don’t, under any circumstance, get into an argument with the police.
- Always remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court.
- Keep your hands in plain sight and make sure the police can see your hands at all times.
- Avoid physical contact with the police. No sudden movements, and keep hands out of your pockets.
- Do not run, even if you are afraid of the police.
- Even if you believe that you are innocent, do not resist arrest.
- Don’t make any statements about the incident until you are able to meet with a lawyer or public defender.
- Stay calm and remain in control. Watch your words, body language and emotions.