FILM TEACHES STUDENTS WHAT TO DO WHEN 'BUSTED'

10/20/04 - Students for Sensible Drug Policy viewed the film Busted:
Citizens Guide to Surviving Police Encounters last night in the University
of Rhode Island's Memorial Union.

The movie was intended to be a guide for students to handle police
encounters calmly and appropriately. It was a 45-minute piece, narrated by
the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union from
1978-2001, Ira Glasser, and provided useful tips for anyone who may be
involved in a high-pressure police encounter.

The three most important lines to remember during a police encounter,
according the film, are "Officer, am I free to go," "Officer, I don't
consent to any searches," and "Officer, I want to speak with a lawyer."

"By knowing and exercising your rights, you become a better citizen,"
Glasser said in the video. "Under the Bill of Rights, you are protected by
the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments."

The movie focused on three main parts: how to handle an encounter when
pulled over in a car, when out in public, and when in someone's home. For
each part there was a corresponding humorous yet informative film clip.

The first clip covered what to do when being pulled over by a police
officer. The main character, Darrell, first exercised the wrong way to
handle an encounter, then went back and explained how to handle it
correctly. Some important tips expressed in the clip were to keeps hands in
open view at all times, not to consent to any search unless the officer
sees paraphernalia in open view, and if asked to step out of the car, close
the door so that the officer does not have the chance to search the vehicle
without consent.

"Officer, I don't consent to any searches," the character said.

According to the film, unless the officer is given consent to a search, the
search is considered illegal. Once an officer is given permission to look
through a vehicle, anything found in that vehicle can be held as evidence.

"Lawyers may file motions to suppress any evidence that is found during an
illegal search," Glasser said in the movie, adding that in a court of law,
any evidence that is filed to suppress will more then likely be thrown out.

The film then covered how to handle a police encounter when out in public.
The first point focused on was that a citizen does not have to show a
police officer his/her identification in certain states (information on
individual state policies can be found at www.flexyourrights.org). The clip
also informed students that no matter what the circumstance, it is never a
good idea to talk back to an officer. If refusal is necessary, however, it
is better to resist verbally than physically. Any physical contact can
result in assaulting a police officer.

The segment also stated that officers, with probable cause, are entitled to
perform a pat down on the outside of clothing to check for any threatening
weapons. However, a citizen should never run from an officer.

"Do not run from a police officer," said Glasser in the film. "In some
cases, people have been shot at for running."

The final skit explained how to handle a police run-in when officers arrive
at a residential home. The film stated that a person's home is entitled to
maximum protection from searches, which is why it is important to be aware
of constitutionally protected rights.

It was mentioned that under any circumstances, residents should never
invite officers into their homes unless they have a search warrant. When a
police officer is allowed inside a home, they are given consent to a
search. The film also notes to never lie to an officer; it is better to
just not respond. When the police knock on the door, even during a party,
the resident should go outside to speak to them, and shut the door behind them.

In the movie, Glasser also informed viewers of some search rule exceptions,
including airport personnel, when crossing a border, and private security
guards. According to the film, these are times when consent to a search is
given at all times.

After the movie, a question and answer session took place where viewers
were able to ask Dan Rosenkrantz, president of SSDP, any questions they had
that the movie might not have answered.

"By a show of hands, it appears that about 50 percent of people do not know
their rights and cops will search you unless you assert those rights,"
Rosenkrantz said.

Audience member Tim Majoros said he "thought [the film] was very
informative. I think everyone should see it."

Majoros continued, "I'm disgusted with the law enforcement in the United
States of America."

Another member, Sabrina Strawn said, "I appreciate the information. The
clarification of the video was very strong. SSDP rocks and would appreciate
more members who are interested in drug reform."

Audience member Randy Stevenson said, "It was mostly new information. It
gives the information I did know more of a form and is more easily
understandable now."

The overall turnout of the event was 65 people.

"I thought it was an excellent turnout," said Rosenkrantz. "One viewing of
this film isn't enough to prepare for police encounters though. It is a
high pressure and possibly stressful situation and even if you know your
rights, you may forget to assert them."

He added, "Knowing and using your rights properly may be one of the most
important moments of your life."

Vice President Micah Daigle said, "SSDP is always committed to defending
the rights and privileges of students on this campus. I am confident that a
few of the people that attended tonight will use this information in the
future."