Three amendments. Plain language. A few words to remember when it matters.
U.S. constitutional rightsRead. Remember. Practice.
Your essential three
Tap each card for context
1stAmendment
Record police
Document public duties from a lawful location without interfering.
Words to remember
“I am recording. I am not interfering.”
Understand this right
Keep a safe distance and leave room for officers to work. Recording rules and restrictions vary by location.
In Glik v. Cunniffe, the First Circuit recognized a First Amendment right to openly record police performing their duties in public. Applicable restrictions and legal protections depend on location and circumstances.
Protect the record. Record openly. Audio and privacy rules may differ. Keep the original unedited and make a backup. Officers cannot lawfully erase your recordings. Taking a phone and searching its contents are different: a content search generally requires a warrant, subject to exceptions. Do not physically resist; document objections and speak with a lawyer.
A pat-down is different. Police may frisk outer clothing when they reasonably suspect you are armed and dangerous. State your objection without physically resisting.
5thAmendment
Remain silent
State your choice clearly. Ask for a lawyer when questioned in custody.
Words to remember
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
Understand this right
Identification requirements can still apply. Drivers may need to provide required documents.
Miranda warnings generally apply to custodial interrogation, not every interaction with police.
If detained or arrested: ask for counsel promptly: “I want a lawyer.” Avoid explanations or signing documents before legal advice. Calls to others may be monitored.
During an encounter
Choose your situation
These reminders may reduce risk but cannot guarantee safety. De-escalation requirements vary by agency and jurisdiction.
Stopped in public or in a car
Ask whether you may leave. If permitted, leave calmly; otherwise stay. A passenger can ask too.
State your choice. Preserve the encounter. Say clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” You generally do not have to answer investigative questions such as where you are coming from or going. Provide identification or driving documents when legally required; remaining silent does not excuse ignoring lawful orders.
When safe and lawful, use Lukhoo to record without interfering. Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements to operate your phone. Preserve the original recording so an attorney can review what happened.
Lukhoo can help document what happened, but a recording does not automatically prove anyone right. Recordings can support or contradict an account, may be incomplete, and cannot guarantee a legal outcome.
At a traffic stop: pull over safely, switch off the engine, turn on the interior light and keep hands on the wheel. Drivers: provide required driving documents when requested. Passengers: keep your hands visible; identification requirements depend on local law and the circumstances. You can exercise your right to remain silent instead of answering optional questions. Do not give false information or present false documents.
Police at your door
Speak through the closed door. Ask officers to show the warrant and check the judge’s signature, the person or address identified, and what it authorizes. Consent or emergency circumstances may permit entry without a warrant. Do not physically obstruct officers. You may remain silent during a search.
State your choice. Say clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” Identification requirements may still apply.
Use Lukhoo when safe and lawful. If your phone is safely accessible, record the encounter without opening the door just to obtain footage. Avoid sudden movements or interference. Recording does not prevent a lawful entry or search.
Afterward: when safe, check that the incident video is available in Lukhoo, preserve the original, and use the incident’s attorney-contact options if you want legal help. An upload or attorney response is not guaranteed.
Arrest or a possible rights violation
Do not resist arrest. Say clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Appointed counsel may be available if you cannot afford one.
Preserve what you safely can. Use Lukhoo only when safe and lawful. Do not reach for, struggle over, or physically resist surrendering a phone to keep recording. An arrest or device interruption can stop capture or uploads; do not assume Lukhoo has saved everything.
As soon as practical, note officers’ names, badge numbers, witnesses and what happened. Seek care for injuries, preserve documentation and discuss complaints or legal options with a lawyer.
Review the record in Lukhoo. When safe and able, open the incident, check the saved video and any available transcript, and preserve the original files. Use the incident’s attorney-contact options to seek a review. A recording can help establish what happened; it does not guarantee proof of misconduct or a legal outcome.
A question. A decision. A moment worth remembering.
Practice before an encounter—not a live emergency guide. This activity does not record, upload or contact anyone. Progress lasts only while this page stays open. Border, immigration and school encounters may have different rules.
General U.S. legal information, not individual legal advice. Rules depend on your location and circumstances. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and do not physically resist. Use Lukhoo only when safe and lawful. Check saved evidence afterward; recording, uploads and attorney responses are not guaranteed. Lukhoo is not a substitute for a lawyer or emergency services.