The Michigan Children’s Law Center (MCLC), which provides legal services to children in the Wayne County Juvenile Court, sponsored its third presentation of “What to Do When Stopped by the Police” on Tuesday, April 5, at Detroit Collegiate Preparatory High School at Northwestern High School in Detroit. The presentation was planned, facilitated and organized by MCLC attorney Robyn L. McCoy. The program enables law enforcement officials, prosecutors and defense attorneys to interact with youth and residents in the community.
“It is essential to educate everyone about what is and is not the proper way to engage with the police, while protecting lives and safeguarding everyone’s rights,” said McCoy.
The panelists for the presentation were Wayne County Juvenile Court Referee Raeigen Evans, Detroit Police Detective Brian Fountain and Criminal Defense Attorney Larry Polk. The welcome was given by the High School Principal Kenyuano Jones. Remarks were given by Executive Director of the Michigan Children’s Law Center Fred Gruber. The panelists were then introduced by Assistant Director of MCLC Lynda McGhee. McCoy and MCLC attorney Jessica Frisina moderated the panel discussion with the 600 high school students who were present.
Fountain offered the following practical advice for the high school students:
1. Ask your friends if they have guns, drugs or warrants before you get in the car with them.
2. Turn the dome light on at night in the car.
3. Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
4. Stay in the car unless otherwise directed.
5. Roll tinted windows down.
6. Always address the officer with respect, i.e., “Yes, officer. No, officer.”
7. Don’t make any sudden moves.
Polk told the students how valuable they are.
“Your fight with the police is in the courtroom,” he stressed. “It isn’t on the street.” He stressed the importance of the kids getting home to their parents safely.
The full presentation and responses to the high students’ questions will soon be available on youtube under “savinglives2015.”
- Posted May 24, 2016
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Attorney discussed police stops with high schoolers
headlines Oakland County
- Annual Dinner & Meeting
- FORCE Team arrests six in prolific auto theft ring
- Michigan allocates $12 million to support community-based organizations in advancing environmental and climate justice
- Oakland County and SMART launch pilot program providing free transit for veterans and dependents
- Supreme Court sides with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
headlines National
- More lawyers—and clients—want to learn about sustainable development practices
- Top artificial intelligence insurance tips for lawyers
- Lawyer charged with illegally transmitting Michigan data after 2020 election
- Viral video shows former Rikers Island inmate as she learns she passed bar exam on first try
- How Sullivan & Cromwell is scrutinizing potential new hires after campus protests
- No separate hearing required when police seize cars loaned to drivers accused of drug crimes, SCOTUS rules