Know Your Rights

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The Harrisonburg Police Department strives for every encounter with our citizens to be professional and pleasant.  We also welcome the opportunity to engage in conversation with citizens of our community.  As we continue to maintain and build partnerships and relationships with our community we also want citizens to understand some basic fundamental rights they have when encountering law enforcement.

Know Your Rights
You have the right to remain silent.  If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.

You have the right to refuse consent to a search of yourself, your car, or your home.

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

If an officer approaches you on a consensual encounter you are not obligated to stay and talk with the officer.

If an officer approaches you for an investigative stop, you may ask if  you are free to leave.  If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away.  If you are not free to leave, the officer should explain why.

Conozca Sus Derechos
Usted tiene el derecho a permanecer en silencio. Si desea ejercer ese derecho dígalo en voz alta.

Usted tiene el derecho de negarse a dar su consentimiento a un registro personal, a su automóvil, o a su casa.

Independientemente de su estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía, usted tiene derechos constitucionales.

Si se le acerca un agente de policía por un encuentro consensual usted no está obligado a quedarse para hablar con el agente.

Si se le acerca un agente de policía por una parada investigatoria, usted puede preguntarle si está libre para irse. Si el agente dice que sí, aléjese de manera tranquila y en silencio.  Si usted no está libre para irse, el agente debe explicar por qué.