Navigating Police Encounters: A Former Officer's Guide to Staying Safe
HOW DO I SURVIVE THIS? - Part1
As a society, we've witnessed countless headlines about police encounters gone wrong. But what if there were ways that could help prevent you or a loved one from becoming that next heart wrenching story?
As we begin Season 3 of DCP’s "Say Their Name" podcast, we begin with a special series called How Do I Survive This? In our first discussion we dive deep into the world of police interactions with Dr. Reynaldo A. Evangelista, a former Baltimore police officer, turned academic and law enforcement trainer, specializing in preparing the next generation of officers.
Dr. Evangelista's unique journey from aspiring priest to law enforcement officer offers an eye opening perspective on navigating police encounters. Even though we understand that we are not in complete control of these situations, his insights shed light on how police officers are trained, and what resources are available to us in order to legally protect ourselves without potentially giving the officer an opportunity to negatively escalate the situation.
The Unexpected Path to Policing
Dr. Evangelista's story begins not with a childhood dream of becoming an officer, but with a surprising twist of fate that you can hear in our full-length conversation. But ultimately his background in ministry and education brought a unique perspective to policing—one that emphasized empathy and understanding. And because of that approach he was able to leave law enforcement with key insights that can help you survive your next police encounter. Here are some tips he provided:
1. Technology is Your Ally - In today's digital age, your smartphone can be the best way to provide crucial evidence and accountability during any interaction with law enforcement - Learn how to do this while decreasing the chance of escalating the situation.
2. Visibility and Communication are Crucial - When pulled over, narrate your actions and keep your hands visible - Learn how this can help de-escalate potential tension and misunderstandings.
3. Know Your Rights, But Stay Calm - While it's essential to know your rights, remain calm and comply with lawful orders - Learn how and when to address situations where you believe your rights have been violated.
4. The Power of Silence - Remember the Miranda warning? It's not just a TV trope, it's your constitutional right - Learn how remaining silent can help protect you from future legal issues.
5. Request a Supervisor - As soon as you get pulled over, call 911 and request a supervisor - Learn how this surprising advice can be the most important tip of all.
What We Learned About Surviving Police Encounters
As you've heard in past episodes of "Say Their Name", even when you do some or all of these things, it does not mean you'll always be able to prevent a negative encounter. But by approaching these encounters with knowledge and composure, while also being activists and advocates pushing for police accountability and legislative changes, we can work towards a future where "Say Their Name" becomes a celebration of positive change rather than a memorial.
Ready to dive deeper into this crucial topic? Listen to the full episode for more invaluable in-depth insights from Dr. Reynaldo A. Evangelista. And remember, until truth and justice are obtained, we will always Say Their Name.