A few days back, a close friend of mine has an encounter with the police. In his neighbourhood, a particular crime was perpetrated and the police came in and rounded up every young guy in that vicinity and it was really a hell of an experience. They had to pass through literal hell before they regained their freedom. Obviously, in his neighbourhood, it will be easier to fall into the hands of cops and be maltreated than being harassed by an armed rogue.
From the experience my friend shared with me on his encounter with the cops, I will drop a few tips you can get handy with when you have any cause to engage with the police so that you can still walk out with your life - which is the ultimate purpose. The truth is, if you live in the place I grew up, you would have had at least an encounter with the cops. Yes! You can be concluded as a criminal by mere looking at your face, so the only option will be to prove your innocence.
So let us get to how to engage, what to do and what not to do when interacting with the cops. Remember, you have to have in mind that the ultimate goal is to stay alive, so try to have that in mind and do not do what will lead to "stray bullet."
Firstly, whatever happens, do not disrespect the cop, especially when you do not have any help in sight. This may get him angry and he may act irrationally against you. For the sake of your life, maintain your respect and if possible, try to massage the ego of the officer in charge.
Secondly, remember that you can make your points without raising your voice and without applying force. Remember that he is the one with the gun and your life may just be at the mercy of your attitude at the moment. Know where to claim right and where to maintain your calmness. In this part of the world, some cops are only looking for the slightest opportunity to label you a criminal, so you should be aware of that and prevent all loopholes.
Try to avoid all appearance of crime. For example, some places have ethics and etiquette that is guiding it, try to obey that. It is easier to rescue you when you are innocent than when you are found with something incriminating. Even the way you dress, the way you talk and your attitude should be able to maintain a level of calmness. Remember, before you answer a question when a cop is interrogating you, you have to give it a thought. A careless statement may spell doom for you. So say only what you know and what is right.
Thirdly, beware of your body movement, especially your hands. Some people have been shot because the cops thought they were reaching out for a gun, whereas it may just be an identity card or some other things. So to avoid a scenario like this, always try to keep your hands where the eyes of the cops will be overseeing them. If you have any reason to retrieve something from your bag or from your pocket, let the cop know and tell them what you are reaching in to collect.
For example, a simple "hey sir, would you mind if I reach out and retrieve my ID card for your perusal?" can save you from catastrophe. More so, always try to have an ID card or any form of identification with you at all times, this may be your saviour in the day you will be faced with the cops.
Finally, when they come with an arrest, even if you are innocent, try not to resist the arrest. You can get across to your people or a lawyer or a help from the station, but resisting arrest could make the cop to become physical with you. To stay alive, try not to give the cops the reasons to shoot you.
Thanks for reading
"hey sir, would you mind if I reach out and retrieve my ID card for your perusal?" Nigerian police no sabi this language o. And one more thing, as far as Nigeria is concerned, they are cops, they are not police, they are slaves!
Hahahhah. I dey tells u baba. But on our own part, we have to do our best and hope for a positive result.
Thanks bro
Thank you Boss 💙❤️