Attorney Mendez on Citizen Rights during a Stop and Search

Leslie Mendez

Striking a balance between a police officer’s right to prevent and detect crime and a citizen’s right to freedom of movement and privacy has never been more important.  This morning, attorney-at-law Leslie Mendez made an appearance on Open Your Eyes where she addressed the topic ahead of the Easter holiday. In one of her responses, Mendez noted officers should be prepared to be respectful, even to difficult citizens.

Leslie Mendez, Attorney-at-law

“You do have a right to ask for the reason of the search and the police are supposed to be able to provide those to you. One of the things you need to keep in mind is that so long you are just asking these questions and not obstructing police’s capacity to do their work then you should be fine. There are things we can recommend about how to interact and engage with police, but it is strange to frame the question of what is the right way or wrong way to interact with police. The fact of the matter is, let’s say even if somebody is a little abrasive or disrespectful. I am not talking about physical violence here. I think nonetheless, if the police want to engage with citizens they have to be prepared to be respectful even to difficult citizen’s, right.”