4 Police Scare Tactics to Be Aware Of

Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure, Even If it’s From the Police

If you watch the news or have access to a smartphone, you have likely seen what’s going on across the nation. We’re not talking about COVID-19.

For weeks, there have been protests across countless states in response to the unjust murders of people of color, primarily black people, and police brutality. Thus, there is no better time than now to discuss the coercive tactics police officers can utilize to put you behind bars or get a confession.

Threats: An officer may threaten to arrest you or claim that “backup is on the way” to pressure and intimidate you. Let’s say you got pulled over on suspicion of drug possession, and an officer wants to search your vehicle without a warrant. You have a right to say “no,” but that doesn’t always sit well with the police.

As a result, they may point a gun at you and make you step out of your vehicle. While holding you at gunpoint, their fellow officers may search your vehicle and obtain the drugs, giving them probable cause to arrest you.

Physical Harm: Police brutality is among the most common, yet disturbing, methods used to accomplish a goal. A relevant example is the protests that are occurring across America right now. While one of the goals is to spread awareness about police brutality, police are using physical harm on protestors, even the most peaceful ones.

Rubber bullets, tear gas, tasers, kicking, pushing, punching and other tactics can be used by the police so they can achieve their goals. In this example, officers’ goals may be to deter protestors, enhance public safety or express disagreement with protestors’ ideals.

Lying/Deception: Police officers often tell people that if the truth is told, no one will get in trouble. That’s a lie. They may tell you that they have the evidence needed to convict you of a crime, or that a witness already identified you as a primary suspect. Officers may even go as far as saying that you will go to jail if you don’t confess. These are common lies police say, but don’t believe what you hear.

Psychological abuse: Officers may deprive you of basic necessities. If you’re held in custody for questioning, officers may not give you food or water. They may crank up the room temperature or cool it down to an uncomfortable degree until you can’t take it anymore. If you want to use the bathroom, they may deny your request until you give them the information they want to hear.

Don’t let these coercive tactics affect you to the point where you only comply with the police because you feel trapped and pressured. You may self-incriminate yourself with your words and actions, therefore it’s in your best interests to have an attorney by your side every step of the way. As soon as you’re arrested, we urge you not to speak to the police, no matter how threatening and intimidating they may be.

Hold your ground, remain silent, and contact The Clark Law Firm at (817) 435-4970 immediately. Your freedom depends on it.