Know your rights: interacting with police

Student Government and UTD Police hosted the second annual Know Your Rights Day event Nov. 6 in the Conference Center.

UTD Police Sgt. Rick Bauer answered students' questions about police encounters and safety. Attendees watched a video about citizens' rights around police and how to handle common legal situations like traffic stops.

Tips collected from event materials:

• Be courteous and don't argue. The UTD police are real police.
• Be careful of questions you answer without an attorney present.
• Ask for a warrant if an officer requests to search your home or car.
• Answer the door if the police knock. It'll save you trouble later.
• Present ID when asked by an officer.
• You can to refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, but know it might result in your license being revoked.

The UTD Police offer a free Rape Aggression Defense class for women who want to learn how to protect themselves against attackers. To sign up, go to www.utdallas.edu/police/rad.html.

Police also offer complimentary assistance for students locked out of their cars and an escort service for students walking on campus. Both are available 24/7 by calling 972-883-2331.

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