The UTD Mercury

Media Credit: Jason Levine UTD Police Sgt. Rick Bauer answers a question about rights as a citizen from biology junior Richard Rubio (right). After a shift one night, Rubio was pulled over and the police officer found a bat in the back of his car, he said. The officer handcuffed Rubio and put him in the squad car while the officer waited for back up. Three officers thoroughly searched his car and let him go without a ticket, but confiscated the bat to destroy.

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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