For people affected by police violence

Even if the police can effectively do whatever they want, here are some ideas of what you can do if you are stopped by the police:  
  • Ask for the reason and legal basis for the police stop. 
  • Ask for the name of the police officers. Try to memorize characteristics of the police officers.
  • Remember not to touch the police officers under any circumstances.
  • You only need to give the police your name, date of birth, birth place, address and nationality. Nothing else. You have the right to refuse to make any further statement and we recommend that you do so. 
  • You have the right to refuse to make a statement and to object to a police measure. To do this, you can simply say: “I refuse to give a statement” or “I object to the measure” or “I do not agree with it”. 
  • If you object to a measure, demand that the police notes that in their protocol.
  • Remember that if you do not answer to a question or a demand from the police, this can be taken as consent. It is therefore best to object to all measures or refuse to make a statement.
  • Do not sign anything from the police! If something is taken from you, ask for a written record.
  • Write down everything the police say and do. If you are unable to write a protocol during the stop, make one immediately after the control:
  • When and where? (place and time)
  • What? (actions, statements, behavior of the police)
  • Who? (name and description of the police officers, license plate number of the police vehicle)
  • Who else? (contact details of witnesses)
  • Seek support from people around you. Make them aware of your situation. For example: State loudly, that you’re being stopped
     and don’t want to.
  • If there are witnesses, ask if they want to be official witnesses of the police stop.
  • If people have recorded videos, ask for the videos.
  • If you have been physically injured, document all your injuries and visit a doctor immediately. Have all your injuries recorded by the doctor.
  • Seek support from friends and acquaintances. Coming into contact with the police can be very stressful psychologically.
Have you been stopped by the police and need support? Give us a call: +49 177 96 87 04 8

We look out for each other!