Don’t talk to the Cops

/ Katybeth

Don’t talk to the Cops. . .

The following video provides excellent advice for all of us, but I think it’s an especially important video to watch and talk about with our teens.  These days, the consequences of our children’s or their friends actions are real; laws are tough, justice can be swift, and punishments are harsh.

It goes without saying that we want our children to obey the law, tell the truth, and cooperate with law enforcement officials. However, when and if trouble strikes, our children should be instructed to say absolutely nothing. Whether they’re being accused or questioned by a school official or a police officer, this is a good rule of thumb to apply.

“I want my parents,” should be the only words that come from their mouths. Think about it. Do you really want the teen who had to be told five times to unload the dishwasher to be involved in a conversation with the police without you present? Parents also need to keep their mouths shut tight until they can speak to a lawyer with their child.

The advice in the video may be especially hard – but maybe even more important to follow – when we truly believe our child is innocent.

Take the Fifth. It is a tough world out there and what you say can and will be held against you.

*Update: I was told last night by an “officer of the court” that our children should not even ask to call their parents. The police must call a minors parents-or they can make the call with their “one phone call.”  It’s easy for the police to intimidate a teen with the idea of calling their parents  perhaps suggesting  if they just tell the police what happened there might not be a reason to worry  their parents or for them to ever  find out.

 

 

19 thoughts on “Don’t talk to the Cops”

  1. I promise to watch the videos over the weekend, but based on what you wrote, I have to tell you that I support your position and I want to say thank you for this post.

    As the mom of teens, I have told them many things to do and not do, but this is one that I had not even thought about and it is truly a very important one.

    Thanks, KB. Hugs, Diane

  2. I will share this with my family. Not out of fear but out of good judgement. If you are telling the truth or if you are lying…you still need to slow down and look at your options. Going forward with good choices.

    Thanks for sharing

  3. What I am learning in my studies of commerce is that silence is acquiescence and is in dishonor, as is arguing. The two honorable ways to act is to agree, which will not serve you or to conditionally accept the policeman’s offer by asKING questions. After more than 5 decades on this planet I am just learning how to do this. This opens doors that you never knew existed before. Remember, nothing is at it appears……. I am teaching my son how to ask the questions.

  4. Great post and important information. Its hard–I know we both have friends that are cops. Good cops. It a balance to find away to make sure our kids respect the officer and the law and at the same time realize its very important to protect yourself.
    The officer is doing his job and so we must do our job-teach our kids to behave responsibility, take responsibility when they don’t and to trust us as their advocate in these situations and to shut up.

  6. Thanks for sharing this..it would never occurred to me to tell my kid something like this which is probably a good thing because I would have suggested complete cooperation. Wow, I had no idea!

    Thanks
    K

  7. Keeping your mouth shut can do you a favor in many situations. I like the line that nobody has ever talked themselves out of an arrest. Awesome video.

    Thanks.

  9. My sister is an attorney and she could not agree more with the video. Don’t resist arrest, be polite, but refuse to say anything without an attorney. Use the rights the constitution granted you.

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