It was a dark realization for me about some of the ways that America is corrupt despite branding/veneer of beautiful things like freedom, prosperity, christianity.<p>IMO A just nation who wanted to live out those^^ values would limit the rights of police (who are not judge or jury), and do the following:<p>1. Anything said before a lawyer is present is inadmissable<p>2. The officer's word is not considered superior to the defendent's<p>3. There are strictly enforced rights police must uphold until you're proven guilty. This includes basic comfort (think food, water, temperature regulation, sleep, access to daylight, contact with support people/friends/family)<p>4. You have a right to know exactly where you're fitting into an investigation, if you're the subject or a witness (and your role cannot change or if it does then all prior investigation is inadmissable evidence)<p>5. Police are not allowed to lie, or otherwise be deceptive<p>6. Police are liable for negative impacts they cause, including loss of work, loss of opportunity, disruptions of family etc. Acquittal should begin the process of recompense for losses.<p>I think in attempts to be "tough on crime" or "back the blue" America has lost it's sense of right and wrong / morality.
The thing where the cops are allowed to lie to people in the USA in order to get confessions out of them is so wild to me.<p>There's a section in here about that: "Presentations of False Evidence"<p>"At times, American police will overcome a suspect’s denials by presenting supposedly incontrovertible evidence of guilt (e.g., a fingerprint, eyewitness identification, or failed polygraph)—even if that evidence does not exist. [...]
In much of the world, police are not permitted to deceive suspects in this way."
1. Remain calm. do not escalate the encouter. Police are often violent, and are substance abusers. Being right will not keep you alive.
2. You have the right to remain silent, use it.
3. You have a right to a lawyer, use it.
4. You have the right to refuse searches. Tell them “I do not consent to searches” it may nto stop them but it helps your case.
5. Understand that police cany legally lie to you. See #2
6. Ask if you are free to go or it you are being detained.
7. Record the encounter or take notes. You might need that later.
8. Dont let them in your home. Do not even crack the door without a judicial warrant.