Pedestrian Stop
A law enforcement officer stops you while you are on foot, also known as a "stop and frisk" or "Terry stop."
- 1.Stay calm and keep your hands visible
- 2.Immediately ask: "Am I being detained or am I free to go?"
- 3.If the officer says you are free to go, you may walk away calmly
- 4.If you are being detained, ask: "What is the reasonable suspicion for detaining me?"
- 5.In stop-and-identify states, provide your name if asked
- 6.Beyond your name (in applicable states), invoke your right to remain silent
- 7.If asked to consent to a pat-down or search, clearly say: "I do not consent to a search"
- 8.Do not physically resist a pat-down even if you believe it is unlawful
Your Rights
- ✓Right to ask if you are being detained or free to go
- ✓Right to remain silent (beyond identifying yourself in stop-and-identify states)
- ✓Right to refuse consent to a search
- ✓Right to record the encounter
- ✓The officer must have reasonable articulable suspicion to detain you
Key Phrases to Use
"Am I being detained or am I free to go?"
"What is the reasonable suspicion for this detention?"
"I do not consent to a search."
"I am invoking my right to remain silent."
"I am recording this encounter."
What Officers Cannot Do
Detain you indefinitely without probable cause to arrest
Search you beyond a pat-down without consent or probable cause
Stop you based solely on your race, ethnicity, or appearance
Use force beyond what is necessary
Demand to search your phone
Key Cases
Court rulings related to this situation.