Getting hassled by campus police is a common experience for students across the country, but just because you’ve had a few too many to drink or you smoked some illicit materials earlier doesn’t mean your night has to end sitting in the back of a police cruiser, wondering what you’re going to tell Mom and Dad.

First off, I am not a lawyer, and this isn’t legal advice. Law is a complex subject that takes years of study to fully understand. The following are simply suggestions for interacting with police should they stop you while driving or walking.

The truth is, you don’t have to talk to the police, even campus police. If they remember, they tell you so when they read your Miranda rights, but that’s usually when you’re already getting detained.

If you keep up with the police beat in The Echo, then you’d know that many UCA students could have avoided spending a night at the county jail with this knowledge. 

If a law enforcement officer stops you while you’re walking or driving, they probably aren’t just saying hello.

You should never answer any of their questions, even if they sound innocuous. Friendliness is almost always an evidence-gathering tactic; telling them you just came from a dangerous street could be considered probable cause.

The first thing you should do is ask if you’re free to go. 

If they say yes, carry on. If you are not being detained or are under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave the area. 

If they say no and that you aren’t allowed to leave, ask why you’re being detained. They are required by the law to give a reason for detaining you. 

If you do find yourself arrested, immediately request a lawyer and tell the officer you’re invoking the Fifth Amendment. It’s possible to comply with the officer’s requests without incriminating yourself.

Say nothing else until you’re provided an attorney or can call one. Seriously. 

Your lawyer — which the state will provide if you can’t afford it — will thank you, and they’ll have a much easier time defending you in court. 

Make sure to stay polite and remain calm, but confident when interacting with an officer. It can be a terrifying experience, but you have rights. 

Remain silent, but comply with their directions. 

An officer might say they could cut you a deal for honesty, or that everyone involved is going to get charged if someone doesn’t confess. Don’t trust them — it’s not illegal for officers to lie to you, so don’t act surprised if they do.

Never, under any circumstances, consent to a search of your property. You never know what unruly guests have left. Even if an officer says they have to, it’s vital to verbally express that you don’t consent to a search.

If you think your rights have been violated, it could be beneficial to get the names and badge numbers of the officers at the time of the incident. 

Afterward, file a complaint with the police department and contact the American Civil Liberties Union about the possibility of taking legal action.

If you think your rights have been violated, there’s always The Echo. Our email, [email protected], is always open.