Know Your Rights with Police
What you can and cannot do in a police encounter
Knowing your rights in a police encounter can protect you. These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status or where you were born.
Practical next steps
You have the right to remain silent — always use it
The Fifth Amendment gives you the right not to answer questions from police. Say: 'I am exercising my right to remain silent.' This applies to everyone — citizens, non-citizens, adults, and minors.
You have the right to refuse a search (in most cases)
If police ask to search you, your bag, or car: 'I do not consent to a search.' Police CAN search without consent with a warrant, in plain view, or with probable cause for arrest.
If stopped on the street
Stay calm. Keep hands visible. Say 'I don't answer questions without a lawyer.' You don't have to provide ID simply because police ask in Pennsylvania (unlike some other states).
If stopped while driving
Pull over safely. Provide your driver's license, registration, and insurance — you are legally required to do this. You can still decline to answer other questions.
If arrested
Say: 'I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney.' Then stop talking. Do not explain or argue.
Never physically resist — even an unlawful arrest
Assert your rights verbally, then challenge the encounter later in court with a lawyer.
Document the encounter if you can
You have the right to record police in public places in Pennsylvania. Keep your phone visible and don't interfere with their actions.
Report misconduct and seek help afterward
Write down everything immediately. Contact Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs. Contact the ACLU of PA, Defender Association, or Community Legal Services for free legal help.
Resource starting points
- Know Your Rights (ACLU National)
Plain-language guide to rights in police encounters.
Organizations featured in this guide
- ACLU of Pennsylvania
Civil rights legal information and advocacy — free know-your-rights resources and referrals for encounters with police.
- Defender Association of Philadelphia
Free public defense including advice on rights violations during police encounters.
- Community Legal Services
Free civil legal help for low-income Philadelphians including police misconduct issues.
- Amistad Law Project
Community legal services focused on civil rights, criminal justice reform, and police accountability.
Helpful things to know
Stay calm — it's the most powerful thing you can do
Staying calm and speaking clearly protects you better than anything else.
Know who to call afterward
ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215-592-1513. Defender Association: 215-568-3190. Community Legal Services: 215-981-3700.
Common questions
Do I have to give police my name?
In Pennsylvania, you are NOT required to show ID simply because police ask, unless you've been lawfully arrested. When in doubt, say 'I don't answer questions without a lawyer.'
What if I'm a minor?
The same constitutional rights apply. Additionally, minors have the right to have a parent present before being questioned by police.