Guidelines For Talking With Law Enforcement Officers

Hi everyone,

I hope this list will provide help to those who are involved in open air ministry, as to how to interact with law enforcement officers.

Guidelines For Talking With Law Enforcement Officers

• Study your legal rights and any local laws relating to your activities.
• Have a good Christian lawyer. I suggest Thomas More Law Center, Center For Religious Expression, or Alliance Defending Freedom. Our family ministry uses Center For Religious Expression for legal help related to free speech issues. We are very blessed by their work.
• If a confrontation from law enforcement occurs, assert your rights, and be bold, yet respectful. Never raise your voice to an officer.
• Carry with you local laws relating to street preaching and free speech. If you have ever had trouble with law enforcement in the past and have any information from lawyers regarding what activities are allowed, take that information with you.
• If you think you may have trouble with law enforcement in a certain location, put your lawyer's phone number as a contact in your phone so that you have quick access to legal help.
• When you know you have the right to engage in your activities, defend that right. If you think that you may be in the wrong, comply with the officer's request and contact a lawyer to obtain information about the situation and what activities are allowed.
• If the police arrive always take either video or audio recording of all communication if possible. This may prove helpful in the future if any legal action ensues. Recording all activities on the street can be useful but if that is not an option for you make sure you record at least any interaction with law enforcement.
• Have a list of “Questions for police officers” ready to use if the need arises. Below is a list of sample questions:

“What is your name and rank in the police department?”

(This can be helpful in the future so that you know who you talked to.)

“What law am I breaking?”

(If you are not breaking a law then law enforcement has no authority to tell you to stop your activities.)

“Is there a way I can continue my activities while obeying the law?”

(If you can make a minor adjustment and continue your activities, you can do so, you can always contact a lawyer later.)

“Will I be arrested or cited if I do not comply with your requests?”

(If this answer is “no” then feel free to continue your preaching. Police can make suggestions but if those do not carry the force of law then they are merely suggestions.)

“What is the best way for my lawyers to contact you?”

• Always ask the officer questions so that you can fully understand what is being said and what is being asked of you.
• If you believe that your rights are being taken away and are planning to take legal action against the officer, tell them so. Say something like, “Sir/Ma'am I believe you are unjustly infringing on my Constitutional rights and I will seek legal action against you.”
• If you have trouble with an officer acting unjustly, consider contacting the chief of police or other supervisors to explain the issue with which you are dealing. I have had success with this in the past. When an officer acted unjustly, I contacted the police department and they started an internal investigation and we were able to avoid going to court. Yet the officer was still held accountable for his actions. This approach may not work but you can always try.

With love in the Lord,
Virginia