During An Encounter

*Keep your cool during an encounter with police. Yelling or resisting do not help the situation. Make a lasting difference by filing a complaint later.

*You have the right to remain silent if you so wish.

*Stay alert; look out for details, including the officer’s name and badge number.

*Be truthful. Do not lie to an officer, but do not give out
self-incriminating information (i.e. your citizenship status, being on probation) if you are not required to.

*Keep your hands visible. Do not make sudden movements - officers may think you are reaching for a weapon.

*Ask the officer if you are under arrest and if so, why. If you are not under arrest,you are free to leave.

*If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. This can be used as proof when filing a complaint.

If You Feel That Your Rights Have Been Violated

Never be afraid to file a complaint against an officer! Filing a complaint is a basic right – police officers should be held accountable by the people they serve. Use of excessive force, physical harm. property damage, and rude behavior are reasons to file a complaint. There is no statute of limitation – you can wait as long as you want to file a complaint; however, we advise you to file as soon as possible.

*Write down your version of the incident. Recall all the details – Where did the incident take place? What was the dialogue? What were you accused of?

*Make sure to document the incident through photographs and evidence.

*If there were witnesses, get their contact information.

*You may want to consider filing a complaint with the Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB) a nine-member agency that oversees police conduct. The board members are volunteers and Oakland residents.

Filing A Complaint

Contact the Citizens’ Police Review Board:

*Call (510)-238-3159 to speak with an investigator.

*Download a complaint form at www.bit.ly/CPRBComplaint Fax it to (510)-238-7084 or mail it to:

Citizens’ Police Review Board

1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 11th floor

Oakland, CA 94612

*After your complaint is filed, it will be reviewed and investigated by the CPRB. You can remain anonymous.

For more information visit the CPRB’s site: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/ CityAdministration/d/CPRB/index.htm

Who We Are

This guide was created by the Oakland Youth Policy Builders (OYPB), a group working to improve the relationship between Oakland youth and the police. The program is a product of People United For A Better Life In Oakland (PUEBLO) and Concerned Black Men of Oakland.  The group’s work is based on a survey of 700 public high school students in Oakland, which can be found at www.bit.ly/PUEBLOSurvey

Contact us:

oypb2012@gmail.com

PUEBLO: (510)-535-2525 

Sources:

*Know Your Rights: What To Do If You’re Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI *Respect: A Handbook Created by the Youth & Police of the City of Seattle

Created by Kim & Gloria “Jack” Mejia-Cuellar  // Summer 2012

Download a printable version of the pamphlet!

Know Your Rights Pamphlet – Page 1

Know Your Rights Pamphlet – Page 2

We are writing to let you know of our upcoming event at Rainbow Park on Seminary and International!

http://action.ellabakercenter.org/site/Calendar?id=101361&view=Detail

The Ella Baker Center is hosting the annual Throw Down for the Town, and for this event we’ll be holding informational and improv. skits about exercising your rights while still keeping yourself safe during a police confrontation or encounter.  It will take place from 10am-1PM.  If you are interested in volunteering or in acting (or simply want more information) please email us at oypb2012@gmail.com.

See you there!

In Solidarity,

Oakland Youth Policy Builders

Read about the presentation on April 21.

We made a survey and want you to take it…  We cannot do it without community input!
Click Here for OYPB Survey!  <——–Click here for online survey

OYPB Survey Printable Version <——–Click here for printable survey

Watch the video here, starting at 2:13:00.

2/2/2012