We try to be on our best behavior most of the time, but no one is an angel. At some point, you might have to deal with the police. As collegiettes™ we should do our best to avoid these undesirable situations, but it’s important to know your rights and use them to protect yourself while being mature and respectful. Here are a few sticky situations that you may find yourself in, and what other girls across the country learned from run-ins with the fuzz. Use these tips and you’ll learn how to come out clean next time you’re almost caught red-handed!
1. You get caught with weed.
If you are caught with marijuana, the penalties differ by state. In California, it may result in a small fine, while in Texas you could be looking at jail time and a drug rehab program. Don’t forget—you have the right to remain silent. If you get caught and you choose to speak, do not lie to the police. Also, you can choose not to speak until you have a lawyer present. What you don’t say won’t hurt you. If you feel uncomfortable answering questions or conversing with the police, you don’t have to. Just tell them that you are exercising your right to remain silent and will not speak to them without a lawyer present.
If you get pulled over, and you have any kind of illegal substance in your vehicle, you can refuse a search of your car as long as the police do not have a warrant. If they ask to come inside and take a look around, it is your Fourth Amendment right to refuse an unwarranted search. Don’t be rude about it. Just say politely and respectfully that you do not give them permission to enter.
2. Your party is busted for noise violations.
You’re having a party at your house. You’re getting your groove on, drinking with your friends, and celebrating the end of another long week.
Suddenly, you hear several loud knocks at the door.
“Open up. This is the police.”
This is a situation no one wants to be in. When it happened to Emerson College student Jessica, she learned that it’s best not to argue with the police.
“I had a party at my apartment on Veterans Day, and the neighbors called the cops, who showed up at around midnight,” Jessica says. “They were very rude, insisting that they had been at my apartment last weekend, which they had not.”
Then Jessica began to complain about her neighbors having parties every weekend and getting off scot-free. The cop told her that she could get in trouble for more than just a noise violation. “He just kept saying ‘I can arrest you for underage drinking, I’m being the good guy.’ I just wanted him to leave so I didn’t react anymore.”
When her roommate tried to argue with the police, they threatened to give her a larger fine or arrest her. They ended up with a $50 fine for noise violation.
“I learned to tell my neighbors before I throw a party, and to be on the lookout for cop cars outside,” Jessica says.
It’s always a good idea to alert your building if you are having a party so they’re not inconvenienced when their ceiling thumps from your bass.
When the police knock on your door, gain command of your party. Turn off the music and quiet down your friends. This shows them that you still have control of the situation and that no one is in immediate danger. Then, when you talk to them, go outside and close the door behind you. Always be respectful and speak calmly. You are a responsible adult, no need to get unruly!
Also, make sure no one goes outside with a beer—it’s illegal to drink outside in many states. And make sure no one underage is smuggling drinks in their purse—if the police stop them you could get in trouble for providing alcohol to minors! Don’t forget, it’s not just the noise that’s your responsibility, it’s making sure your party obeys alcohol laws.
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3. Sex in public:
Whether you like the thrill of getting caught, or if you’ve been sexiled by your roommate, some of us resort to going in public for our “alone time.”
Emerson College student Billie* had a similar problem in high school. She and her boyfriend would often drive to a baseball field in the woods to spend time together.
“Apparently, it was also a big spot for teenage drinking, so one night the police came,” Billie* says.
Then, they shined the lights inside of the car and saw that no one was there. When they started to drive away, they noticed Billie* and her boyfriend in a sleeping bag.
“One of them walked over and asked what we were doing. I was shaking and didn’t really speak. My boyfriend told him that we were lying down. He demanded that we stand up. I wasn’t wearing any clothes at the time. I tried to get up with the sleeping bag around me. He saw my boyfriend was in his boxers, so he told him to get up and get dressed. The cop then made me get up and get dressed in front of him. He was shining his flashlight on me and staring at me. [My boyfriend] was yelling but the cop told him that if he didn’t shut up he would be arrested,” Billie* says.
In this situation, you should respectfully ask the police for some privacy while you get dressed. They are not always polite or understanding, so it’s important to speak up when you feel uncomfortable. Tell them that you understand that they are just doing their job, but you will not allow them to watch you as you get dressed. Billie* learned these lessons the hard way.
“I learned that being naked in public is probably a bad idea at all times,” Billie* says. “If I was in the situation again I would probably have spoken up and asked him to stop watching me. I also probably wouldn’t get caught in a similar situation.”
In general, dealing with the police is all about respect. Don’t get upset, keep your cool, and be honest, and you can stay out of hot water—or at least in as little hot water as possible. So next time you see those flashing red and blue lights coming your way, stay calm, remember your rights and remember HC’s advice, and you’ll be able to keep the law on your side!
Sources:
http://www.associatedcontent.
http://www.thesunchronicle.
Billie*, Emerson College student
Jessica, Emerson College student