What to do When Approached by Law Enforcement

[LaurenceArnold]

 Instructions for Contact with Government Agents
or Representatives of Law Enforcement
by
Brother Laurence Arnold




Often people make the mistake when dealing with government agents or representatives of law enforcement.  Adhering to these simply guidelines will help you when approached by law enforcement or other government entities.

   
• Be polite and courteous at ALL TIMES!
  
• Request positive identification from the agent or officer.  Prior to any discussion, make notation of the agent's, or officer's, badge number ( if applicable), agency's address, and phone number. Also record the name and phone number of the agent's, or officer's, supervisor.  If you are not certain of the identity of the agent or officer, take a moment to contact his, or hers, office or supervisor before continuing with the interview.
  
• Ask for a statement, verbal or written ( preferably written), from the agent or officer that explains the scope of the interview and the reason why you are being contacted.
  
• Express your willingness to cooperate, but, request that the agent or officer schedule an appointment at a more convenient time.
  
• Request that a future meeting be held at the agent's or officer's office, NEVER AT YOUR RESIDENCE OR PLACE OF BUSINESS!
  
• Make no statement without first consulting with the National Coordinator, or the Pontifex Maximus, and consult an attorney or solicitor for legal advice.
  
• Sign NO papers without the advice of the National Coordinator, Pontifex Maximus, or legal counsel.
  
• NEVER consent to any voluntary search of your person, vehicle, or residence until you first consult legal advice.  ( In the United States, law enforcement does have the right to make what is known as a safety search.  It is a general pat-down for weapons or quick looky-loo at your vehicle or residence to ensure the agent's or officer's safety.  This was ruled to not be a violation of a person's civil rights by the United States Supreme Court.  I would highly recommend all members go to the ACLU website for further information on searches.)
  
• Unless you have been advised that you are under arrest, you may terminate an interview, or voluntary search, at any time.

If you are arrested, choose your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately before any interrogation begins, this is because any statements you make can be used against you in a court of law.


REMEMBER: People create 90% of their own problems by making statements before seeking the advice of legal counsel.


KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!