There are some basic ways to avoid personal harm in situations with a police officer who has a gun drawn. Much of this advice involves common sense, but when there’s a gun pointed at you, it’s easy to panic and accidentally do something that could be misinterpreted as threatening. The safest approach is to follow the officer’s directions, remaining aware of your physical movements and maintaining a calm and respectful tone whenever possible.

Don’t flee from police

If the police approach you and speak to you, do not run, walk away or threaten them. This applies whether you believe you are innocent of wrongdoing or not. Regardless of your rights, running arouses suspicion and greatly increases the chance of a fatal misunderstanding.

• A common belief among police officers is that suspects do not run unless they have a reason to. Do not play into this belief by fleeing. The police are very likely to perceive you as a threat and chase you.
  • Fleeing in a high-crime or suspicious area does not in itself create a “reasonable suspicion” for police officers to stop you. However, police often use characteristics and known histories of an area when making a decision about pursuing a suspect, and this is supported by US law.
  • It is an unfortunate fact that in some cases, race plays a factor in police shootings. Joint analysis by the Washington Post and Bowling Green State University revealed that over three-quarters of the officers charged with fatal shootings in the United States since 2005 were white, while two-thirds of their victims were minorities and all but two of that number were Black. If you are an ethnic minority, you may be in greater danger of police shooting if you flee.
  • Whether or not you are guilty of something illegal, running from the police can be charged as a crime, such as evading arrest or obstruction of justice. In many US states, these crimes are felonies. Running from the police if you are guilty will only make your situation worse. On top of that, if you are not guilty of anything illegal, you will most likely end up with an unnecessary and avoidable arrest and prosecution. That is the last thing you want.

Avoid any sudden movements

No matter what you’re doing when contacted by the police, stop and remain still. At this point, any movement you make that is unexpected is one step closer to getting shot. Do not move toward the officer, either.

• If you’re in a car, don’t reach for anything. Officers are trained to notice when drivers are reaching for something, and they might assume you’re reaching for a weapon or hiding drugs.

Keep your hands visible

Do not make any sudden movements with your hands. Keep them plainly visible.

• If the officer makes a request that requires you to move your hands, such as asking to see identification, verbally confirm that you are complying with his or her request before making any movements.
  • For example, you could tell the officer “I am going to reach into my left back pocket to get my wallet so I can show you my ID.” Do not make any movements unless you have to in order to comply with a police request.

Do not touch, hit, or otherwise assault a police officer

This will almost certainly result in physical force used against you. Police officers are authorized to use deadly force to defend themselves or others from serious harm or threat. As one LAPD officer puts it, “initiating a physical confrontation is a sure recipe for getting hurt.”

• Assaulting or battering a police officer is a very serious crime.

Do what you’re told, and do it slowly

The officer will tell you exactly what he or she wants you to do. That typically includes putting your hands on the back of your head, walking backwards toward the sound of their voice, or lying down on the ground. Obey their orders, but do it at a slow enough pace that you don’t alarm them.

• Police have the right to stop and frisk or pat down suspects if they have “reasonable suspicion” that they are involved in illegal activity. Reasonable suspicion is very broadly defined. Racial and social biases may come into play, and it is very difficult to prove these. For example, over 90 percent of stop-and-frisk incidents in New York City between 2002-2011 were with Black or Latino individuals. If you are an ethnic minority, you may be more likely to be stopped and ordered to submit to frisking, even if you are not behaving suspiciously.
  • Do not assume that you will not be frisked simply because you have done nothing wrong. In New York City, for example, 9 out of 10 people who are stopped and frisked are innocent. It is safer for you not to resist.
  • Police officers are legally required to avoid “excessive force.” Thus, if you submit and do not resist, the officer must stop using force against you. While in reality this does not always happen, complying with an officer rather than resisting will improve your chances of remaining uninjured.

Let yourself be handcuffed

While that may be uncomfortable, struggling against the cuffs or trying to resist in any way is only going to result in further trouble. In many places, it is police protocol to place handcuffs on even the most cooperative of suspects.

• If you have an injury (such as a stiff or “frozen” shoulder or a recently broken shoulder), let the officer know before he or she tries to cuff you and ask politely if your hands can be cuffed in another way rather than behind your back.
  • It may seem unfair to allow this if you do not believe you have done anything wrong. Remain calm, submit to the cuffing, and ask for an attorney. You are far more likely to survive your police encounter this way.

Avoid talking more than necessary

At this point, you’ve either already broken the law and don’t need to make it worse on yourself, or you are the victim of a misunderstanding and need to cooperate to prevent an unfortunate accident. Be cooperative, but do not volunteer any information you are not explicitly asked for. If you are asked a direct question by police, you usually have the right not to answer. However, you should be aware that not answering could be perceived as hostile behavior.

• In the US and many other countries, you have a right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. You should never volunteer information, even if you do not believe yourself guilty of any wrongdoing. Doing so without an attorney present could conceivably cause you problems.
  • If you are foreign to the country and are not sure of your rights, answer questions politely and give only the barest details. If you do not speak the local language fluently, do not attempt to defend yourself verbally. You may accidentally say something that, when translated, incriminates you in some way.
  • An exception to this rule may be if the officer tells you to do something that involves moving. It’s good to tell him what you are doing, even if it seems obvious. It will keep the officer feeling safe and less likely to use a weapon.

Avoid using humor about the situation

Humor is very subjective, and there’s a chance that what you think is a joke could be interpreted as a serious threat by the police.

• Don’t make sarcastic or ironic remarks. The police will likely take anything you say at face value. Even “joking” remarks can be used against you in a criminal court.

Remain calm

It can be terrifying to be stopped by the police, but it’s vital that you remain calm and in control of yourself. If you must speak, do so in a level, clear voice.

• Do not yell, curse, scream, or use aggressive language. Do not call the officer names. Police officers perceive this as threatening behavior and may respond with force.

Be respectful

Police officers represent the law. Always use respectful, polite language when interacting with an officer. Call a police officer “sir,” “ma’am,” or “officer” when speaking to him or her. Even if the police officer is aggressive, maintain a level head and stay polite.

• Do not speak defensively or with hostility. For example, do not say things such as “What are you doing?” or “What’s your problem?” If you want to clarify your situation, ask a polite question, such as “How can I help you, officer?” or “What is the reason, officer?”

Refrain from making threats

For example, do not threaten to sue, take the officer’s badge, or retaliate. This will only make things worse for you.

Ask if you are being detained

You should use that exact language: “Am I being detained?” Police must tell you whether they are detaining you. If the officer tells you that you are not being detained, ask “Am I free to leave, officer?” Do not simply walk away. This could convince police that you have something to hide.

• If the officer says you cannot leave, you are being detained. You should ask for an attorney. You are entitled to an attorney whenever you are being detained by police.
  • If the officer does say you can leave, you should confirm that you will be leaving before doing so. For example, confirm your “intent to depart” by saying something like “If there is nothing else, I will be leaving now.” Then walk slowly away.

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From fist fights to identity theft, shopping on Black Friday brings about several safety risks all holiday shoppers should know about.

Years ago, a Black Friday shopping trip changed the lives of two families forever. For reasons still unknown, two mothers got into an argument which turned deadly. Witnesses reported violence erupted between the two women during a verbal confrontation inside a large toy retailer.

The altercation took a turn for the worse when two men involved in the incident pulled handguns and started chasing the other around the crowded store, scaring other shoppers and workers. Ultimately, the dispute resulted in the deaths of both men from gunfire – two families with their lives torn apart on the busiest shopping day of the year.

The first Black Friday, September 24, 1869, was not even about shopping. It marked a devastating crash of the United States Gold Market. Now, the day after Thanksgiving has turned into a day of frenzied, potentially dangerous, shopping for bargain hunters throughout the world. Finding the perfect gift at a great price can make the season memorable, but risking an injury, or worse, can ruin the holidays. While gun violence is an extreme example of the potential dangers facing Black Friday shoppers, dozens of well-wishing bargain hunters have been hurt by “retail-rage,” frenzied crowds and pepper-spray attacks over the past ten years.

Understanding the most common shopping injuries and knowing the essential Black Friday safety tips can ensure your holiday experience is one filled with joy. If you find yourself in an unfortunate incident, injured while shopping, understanding a retailer’s liability can help you take the next steps towards a healthy recovery. Put safety at the top of your holiday list this year, good health is one of the most valuable gifts you have.

Common Causes of Shopping Injuries & Black Friday Safety Tips To Prevent Them

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Every day, 25,000 people in the U.S. are injured in slip and fall accidents. With the massive influx of people into malls on Black Friday, the risk factor increases. Floors are slippery from rain, snow, ice and mud tracked in by the shoppers.  Shoppers drop things and leave them in the aisle where they land.  Items fall off of shelves.

Safety Tips: Wear sturdy shoes with soles that are not smooth or slick. Try not to rush just to keep up with the crowds. When you are rushed, frustrated or fatigued the chances of tripping and falling increase. Stay alert. Watch where you are going. Look out for debris. Do not let fatigue and frustration interfere with your concentration on your surroundings.

Pepper Spray Injuries

A woman shopping for an Xbox in Walmart used pepper spray aimed at other shoppers apparently to get them out of her way. At least 20 people were injured. They suffered from burning eyes, skin and throat, and had swollen faces. Some had to be transported to a hospital for medical care. The sprayer made it to the check-out stand and left, but she turned herself into police the next day. A fire captain referred to the act as “competitive shopping.”

Safety Tips: If you come into contact with pepper spray, try to stay calm. Do not rub the affected area. As tempting as it will be to rub your eyes, don’t do it! If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately. The spray is oil-based and rubbing will only make the burning sensation worse.  Although splashing your eyes with water will help, water won’t wash the chemical off of your skin. The intense burning sensation will last about 30 minutes.

Crowd Crush Injuries

Some shoppers camp in parking lots waiting for the store’s early morning opening hour. As the time approaches for the doors to open, crowds begin swelling and pushing, all trying to be as close to the open doors as possible. This can have devastating effects.

In a Long Island Walmart in 2008, a store worker was knocked to the floor near the entrance. Witnesses reported shoppers just trampled right over his limp body which lay motionless in the aisle. The crowd actually crushed him to death. A co-worker and witness was also knocked to the ground and thought he himself was going to die. He commented that the dead man was “bum-rushed by 200 people.” A woman who was eight months pregnant was also trampled and hospitalized for observation. Several other people were injured.

Safety Tips: Surviving a rushing crowd takes energy. Pay close attention to where you are and where the exits are. If you feel unsafe, try to find a way to ease yourself out of the crowd. If the crowd is blocking you so you cannot escape, make an effort to stay calm and don’t panic. If the crowd reaches stampede level, find a place where you can hide out instead of joining the rushing crowd. If there is a wall nearby, ease yourself to it and lean against it. Maintain your balance. If you feel yourself falling, reach out to someone who is close to you.

Liability of Stores For Black Friday Injuries

CNN refers to Black Friday as a “shopacalypse.” Store owners spend mega-bucks on advertising Black Friday sales and hire large numbers of temporary workers to make it through the day. They expect massive crowds. So, you ask, what is their liability for injuries suffered on their premises?

Under common law, the liability of property owners depended on whether the injured person was a(n):

• Trespasser: one who is on the property uninvited.
• Licensee: one who is on the property with the permission of the owner.
• Invitee: one who is on the property for the purpose of providing a benefit to the business owner.

When businesses invite people to their property for the purpose of spending money, the business owner owes the highest duty of care to the shopper.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for crowd management, particularly for events like Black Friday sales. Their Black Friday safety tips include:

• Hiring extra staff and security designed to compensate for the extra shoppers.
• Providing crowd control.
• Making certain no entrances or exits are blocked.
• Having a separate entrance for employees.
• Anticipating and planning for problems that come from increased pedestrian traffic in the store.

The store may not be able to protect you from being sucker-punched by another irate shopper, but it should have emergency treatment options available if such a thing should happen.

Put Safety at The Top Of Your Shopping List

With advertisements for Black Friday sales already underway, families throughout New York are planning their strategy to get the best deals and undoubtedly will begin lining up hours before the scheduled opening of a store. Those of us familiar with Black Friday know it can get pretty intense. If you plan to join the crowds on the busiest shopping day of the year, our best advice for you comes from the signature line in a 1980s television show, “Hills Street Blues” which proclaimed: “Let’s be careful out there.”

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Spring Break is practically universal for “let loose and go wild.” But while you’ve earned your right to have a fun, relaxing, and exciting week off from school, it’s important not to ruin it by throwing all caution to the wind. Before you head out for your vacation with friends, arm yourself with these 10 tips for ensuring a fun and safe break.

1. Embrace the buddy system.

When traveling with a group, it can be easy to lose track of each other here and there, especially in bustling spring break locations. Though it may seem juvenile, setting up a buddy system of sorts with your friends will help make sure you’re all accounted for at all times. Stick with at least one other person throughout your trip, whether you’re at a pool party, swimming in the ocean, or out at bars. Tempting as it may be to go off with a new friend or fling, it’s not worth it to risk your safety. Fight Back on Spring Break, an arm of Girls Fight Back advises on its website to “Come with your friends. Leave with your friends… We need to look out for each other and if you see someone not in your group in a potentially bad situation, look out for them too. Being an active bystander is the best way we can work together to end violence of all kinds.”

2. Protect your assets.

Make copies of your credit cards, ID, and passport (if traveling abroad), and keep one of each in the hotel safe at all times. Leave your flashy jewelry at home: Not only can it be tough to keep track of those things when traveling, but you also don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to yourself. Spring break destinations can be a pick-pocketer’s paradise, so be extra vigilant with your belongings. When you’re out and about, keep your money, camera, and ID as concealed as possible — make sure you have a purse that zips shut, and keep it on you at all times. If you want to be extra safe, consider something like this bra pouch for discreetly and securely carrying your hotel key, ID, and money, or a small lock for your backpack zipper.

3. Do your research.

Prior to your trip, read up on where you’re going and any destination-specific tips. Pre-arrange transportation from the airport, or research the safest and most reliable options for when you get there. “At the airport, always use approved taxi services,” notes Fight Back on Spring Break. “Ignore people who approach you offering rides.” Look online, and check with your hotel concierge, for key safety information once you’re there. Is public transportation safe? Are taxis reliable? Are there any neighborhoods you should avoid? Check for travel alerts and warnings from the government, and read up on common travel scams. The more information you have, the less likely you’ll be to end up in an unsafe situation.

4. Stay alert.

When you’re in an unfamiliar location, or out partying with hundreds of other spring breakers, it’s crucial to be alert and aware of yourself, your friends, and your surroundings. In general, stick to well-lit, well-populated areas, whether you’re sunning, partying, or getting from point A to point B. When you’re in a cab, Fight Back on Spring Break recommends following along with the navigation on your phone to make sure you’re going the right way and to the right place. And if you use Uber or Lyft, double check that the license plate of the car you’re getting into matches the one on your app, and the driver matches the photo. When you’re out, keep an eye on your friends, especially for signs that someone has had too much to drink, or that they might be getting too close for comfort with strangers. During the day and at night, keep an eye on your belongings and on the people around you — if anyone or anything makes you feel uncomfortable, relocate.

5. Keep your hotel room to yourself.

When checking in or out and about, avoid saying your hotel name or room number out loud. “No one outside of your group of friends needs to know your exact location,” Fight Back on Spring Break notes. If you and your friends want to hang out with other people, the American Safety Council recommends doing so in a well-populated place like the pool. And if those other people aren’t already guests of your hotel, don’t bring them onto the property — stick to public places like restaurants for your get-togethers. For added security, Fight Back on Spring Break recommends requesting a room higher than the first floor.

6. Drink wisely.

Always keep an eye on your drink, whether it’s alcoholic or not. Don’t put it down and turn away, don’t leave it on your table when you go to the bathroom, and don’t accept drinks from strangers — if it didn’t come directly from the clerk or a definitively sealed bottle or can, don’t drink it. And if you’re over 21, keep in mind that you can have fun without binge drinking, too. Know your limits when it comes to alcohol, and don’t feel like you need to “keep up” with anyone, or give in to the pressure of spring break boozing. Also consider delegating one member of the group to be sober each night so that there’s always someone with their wits about them to make sure everyone gets home safely.

7. Plan ahead.

Before you go out for the day or night, have a plan for where you’re going, how long you’ll be out, and how you’ll get back to the hotel. Make sure you and your friends are all on the same page, and agree on check-in times and meeting places in the event you get separated. The American Safety Council also recommends creating hand gestures or code words that you and your friends can use if you’re uncomfortable or need help. Ask your hotel concierge for a business card with the address and phone number — something especially helpful in a foreign country; if there’s a language barrier, show your taxi driver the card and he or she should be able to get you back.

8. Stay healthy.

We’re not talking about eating your vegetables. When you’re on a fun trip with friends, it can be easy to forget about simple safety precautions like sun care and hydration, but a nasty sunburn or sickness could ruin your whole trip. When you’re outside, whether sunning on a beach or exploring a city, don 100% UV protection sunglasses, make sure to wear sunscreen (the CDC recommends at least SPF 15), and reapply often, especially if you’re sweating or going in and out of the water. Take occasional breaks from the sun, especially in the middle of the day when it’s the most intense. Hydration is also key: Keep a water bottle on you at all times, and drink it constantly throughout the day and night. If at any point you feel faint or light-headed, seek shade and air conditioning (if possible), and again, drink more water.

9. Keep your guard up.

It’s easy to get swept up in the surreal, almost fantasy-like feeling of spring break, but it’s important to keep your wits about you and not put your trust in strangers. If you’re talking to someone who makes you at all uncomfortable, use any excuse you can to get away — even if it’s a lie. As the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network notes, “It’s better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse.” Many spring break destinations foster a hook-up culture, but know that you have every right to say no and get away from anyone who pressures you or makes you uncomfortable. Just because you’re flirting or dancing with someone does not give them the right to take it any further. “At Girls Fight Back, we define consent as giving permission for something to happen and that permission must be given freely and is never coerced,” the Fight Back on Spring Break website notes. “Consent must be given verbally. Silence NEVER equals consent…consent should be clear and that applies to all kinds of contact. If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a definite no.” And if you do choose to engage in any sexual activity, make sure it’s protected — and don’t depend on your partner to provide anything; if you plan to have sex on your trip, bring the necessary protection, i.e. condoms, with you.

10. Stay connected.

Keep your phone fully charged at all times, and carry a back-up charger in your bag just in case. Download an app like Witness that lets you discretely notify your emergency contacts if you find yourself in trouble. Provide someone at home with your hotel information and ways to reach you if your phone dies or you have bad service. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, RAINN suggests buying a pay-as-you-go phone, or contacting your cell provider to activate international coverage for the time you’re away. Though that’s typically an additional charge, it’s worth it to be connected. Remember that in foreign countries 9-1-1 won’t be available, so do some research on if there’s a similar service where you’re going and, if not, what steps you should take in an emergency.

Whatever your plans, we hope you have a fun and safe Spring Break.  If you found this information useful, please check out our blog for more articles like this.

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