What to do when stopped by police in Bellevue
Sep 20, 2016, 6:03 PM | Updated: Sep 21, 2016, 9:15 am
As news of violent, and deadly, interactions with police officers around the country continues, the Bellevue Police Department has produced its own video on how to act if you are ever stopped by police.
In the video, Officer Seth Tyler says that the most common reason for a police officer to stop someone in Bellevue is for a traffic infraction. He notes that the video only pertains to Bellevue police interaction and is not meant to be legal advice.
“Don’t argue with the officer,” Tyler says. “You may feel like you didn’t do anything wrong. The side of the road is not the place for a debate or an argument with the officer.”
That statement is followed with a clip of a frustrated driver interacting with a police officer — there are some bleeped out words.
Tyler also advises:
• Stay calm if you are stopped by police.
• If you have a weapon in your possession, tell the officer immediately. But DO NOT reach for that weapon.
And if you are stopped by police while walking:
• Do not argue, run, or resist — even if you believe you are innocent or police are violating your rights.
• Do not resist.
• Do not put your hands in your pockets.
Your rights when you are stopped by police:
• You have the right not to speak to the police officer.
• If you are stopped while driving, however, you must provide your name, birth date and drivers license.
• You have the right to film police activity as long as you are not interfering with the officers.
• You have the right to an attorney if you are arrested.
• You have the right to a phone call if you are arrested.
Your responsibilities when stopped by police:
• Stay calm.
• Do not resist or fight.
• Do not lie.
• Do file a complaint if you feel you have been treated unfairly, or if the officer was rude.
You can call 425-577-5656 or email bellevuepd@bellevuewa.gov to report a complaint.
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