“Control, only what you can control…”
-Anonymous
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 30, 2023) – Traffic stops can be routine for most in this country, yet sometimes for young black men, they can often present a terrifying situation. Knowing how to protect yourself during a traffic stop is essential in order to avoid, as much as possible, any potential harm or mistreatment by law enforcement officials. With the right tactics, young black men can remain calm and assert their rights in order to ensure, as best as possible, that the interaction goes smoothly and safely.
The first step in protecting one’s self during a traffic stop is knowing your constitutional rights. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to refuse bodily searches and the right to refuse consent for searches of your vehicle or belongings. It is important to remember these rights and use them if necessary and asserting them calmly, will let officers know that you are knowledgeable about your rights and less likely to be subjected to mistreatment.
It is also important to remain as calm as possible throughout the process. Even if you feel that officers are treating you unfairly, it is best not to show aggression or raise your voice. Keeping your voice level, and respectful, will go a long way towards creating an atmosphere where both parties are able to have an amicable conversation without any unfortunate incident.
It is also important that young black men document every interaction with law enforcement if at all possible. Recording via audio or video, of the encounter, can help protect against false accusations of criminal activity or misconduct by either party during the interaction. Additionally, if mistreatment does ensue, it is important that these accounts be reported immediately so that proper authorities can take action against wrongdoers in a timely manner.
In conclusion, knowing how to protect yourself during a traffic stop is essential for young black men who may be particularly vulnerable to negative encounters with law enforcement officers due to systemic racism within our justice system. By understanding one’s constitutional rights, remaining calm and documenting interactions with police, whenever possible, young black men have the tools they need in order to reduce their risk of harm when interacting with law enforcement officials on traffic stops or otherwise.