Know your rights: Interacting with police
Students may interact with police during a traffic stop, at a demonstration or in other situations on or off campus. Knowing what you can say, what you can decline and when to ask for an attorney can help you navigate these interactions.
Student Legal Services can help you understand your rights and what to do during an interaction with police. In any situation, stay calm, listen carefully and avoid physically resisting or interfering with an officer. If you believe your rights were violated, you can address the issue afterward with help from an attorney.
Here are three situations where you may interact with police and tips from our attorneys to help you know your rights.
If you’re pulled over while driving
If a police vehicle is behind you with its lights or siren on, slow down, use your turn signal and pull over as soon as you can safely do so. Keep your hands where the officer can see them, such as on the steering wheel.
During a traffic stop:
- Provide your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance when required.
- If an officer commands you to get out of your vehicle, follow the command.
- Except for questions about your identity, you can assert your right to remain silent by clearly saying, “I do not wish to answer any questions.”
- You can ask for an attorney by clearly saying, “I want an attorney.”
- You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle. If you do not consent, clearly say, “I do not consent to a search.”
- If you are unsure whether the interaction is over, ask, “Am I free to leave?”
Even if you believe an officer’s command or search is improper, do not physically resist or interfere. You can talk with an attorney afterward about what happened.
If you’re participating in a demonstration
Peaceful demonstrations and other forms of expression are protected by the First Amendment, including on the CU Boulder campus. If you participate in a demonstration where police are present, stay aware of instructions from officers and know what rights you can exercise.
Keep these tips in mind:
- In Colorado, you have the right to record police officers performing their duties. You may also audio record police conversations if you are near and visible to them.
- If police ask who you are, provide your real name and birthdate and show identification if you have it.
- Listen carefully to determine whether an officer is making a request or giving a command. If an officer gives you a command, follow it. You can challenge an officer’s actions later if needed.
- If you are unsure whether you are required to stay, ask, “Am I free to leave?”
- If you are detained or arrested, remain calm and do not physically resist.
- You can assert your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
Planning or attending a demonstration?
The Student Engagement Response Team (SERT) helps students understand campus policies, potential impacts to CU Boulder’s academic mission and the Student Code of Conduct when planning events such as demonstrations. Contact the Dean of Students Office to learn more.
If police stop you in public
Police may approach and speak with you without detaining you. If you aren’t sure whether you have to stay, ask, “Am I free to leave?” If the officer says yes, you can walk away.
If an officer stops you, remember:
- Provide your identifying information if asked. Under Colorado law, an officer who reasonably suspects that a person has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime may stop that person and request identifying information.
- Except for questions about your identity, you can clearly assert your right to remain silent.
- You can ask for an attorney by saying, “I want an attorney.”
- You do not have to consent to a search of your person or belongings. If you do not consent, say so clearly.
- Under certain circumstances, an officer may perform a brief pat-down of your clothing if they reasonably suspect you may have a weapon and pose a safety risk.
- If police conduct a search despite your objection, do not physically interfere. Clearly stating that you do not consent can preserve your ability to challenge the search later.
These rights can depend on the circumstances of an encounter. If you have questions about an interaction with police or believe your rights may have been violated, Student Legal Services can help you understand your options.
Get legal help from Student Legal Services
Student Legal Services helps CU Boulder students resolve or minimize legal situations so they can focus on school. High-quality legal services are available for a fraction of the cost of a private attorney to CU Boulder students who pay student activity fees.
For advice about a specific situation, schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services or contact the office:
- UMC 311
- 303-492-6813
For more general guidance, review tips for interacting with police in Colorado.