Encounters with Police: A Black Man's Guide to Survival

This book provides advice to African American boys and men on how to survive encounters with police as well as providing ideas on how to think about interaction with police to lower the chances of escalation.

Encounters with Police also provides information on legal and administrative rights citizens have to redress police misconduct so no hostilities occur at the time of encounter.

Ultimately, this book provides practical step-by-step guidelines on how to respond to police when pulled over for traffic stops and when stopped for questioning outside of traffic encounters. Eric Broyles is an attorney and Adrian Jackson is a police officer.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: We Wrote this Book for You 
This book is intended to provide a practical guide for black men and boys on how to react when they encounter police in any setting in order to keep the interaction peaceful so that everyone leaves the encounter safely. 

Chapter 2: Mistrust between African-American Men and Police 
Statistics about African-Americans relationship with law enforcement, and the effect a long history of encounters with police that makes it difficult to view police in a favorable light. 

Chapter 3: Police are Human Beings 
Before we get into the practical steps to survive a police encounter, we need to spend a moment to talk about police. The first thing that we want to stress to every reader is that police officers are human beings. 

Chapter 4: Bad Police Exist and They can be Punished 
When you encounter an abusive police officer or a bully with a badge, do not respond in the moment. Just remember to comply now and contest later. 

Chapter 5: Traffic Encounters 
In traffic stops, remain calm and polite and be transparent. 

Chapter 6: Terry Stop Encounters 
When detained or questioned by police, recognize that the police have limited information, and remember to keep calm and do not make any sudden moves for any reason 

Chapter 7: Cost, Promise, & Pain 
Remember our history and our ability to overcome challenges based on race.