What police should not tell?

While police can employ certain deceptive tactics, there are specific things they generally should not say or do to ensure an individual's constitutional rights are protected and that due process is followed.

What things do cops not want you to know?

Police officers often don't want people to know they can use deception, you have the right to remain silent and refuse searches (without a warrant), you can record them in public, and they might use "trick" questions or pretextual stops to build cases. Key rights include invoking the 5th Amendment ("I want to remain silent"), demanding a lawyer, and refusing consent for searches of your person, car, or phone unless a warrant is present.
 

Is it illegal to say shut up to a cop?

No, telling a cop to "shut up" isn't inherently illegal as it's generally protected speech under the First Amendment, but it's risky because officers might interpret it as disorderly conduct, resisting, or creating a disturbance, leading to arrest, even if charges later get dropped. While Supreme Court precedent (like City of Houston v. Hill) protects verbal criticism, officers can arrest for actions that incite immediate violence (fighting words) or true threats, or if the speech escalates to obstructing, so be aware of local laws and the officer's discretion. 

What is unprofessional behavior for police?

Sexual Assault: Engaging in inappropriate or illegal sexual conduct while on duty. Drinking on Duty: Performing duties under the influence of alcohol, impairing judgment. Lying Under Oath: Providing false testimony in legal proceedings. Theft: Stealing property while on or off duty.

Can I refuse to give my name to a police officer?

Unlike some states, California does not have a general "stop and identify" statute. This means you are generally not obligated to provide identification to a police officer simply because they ask for it. However, there are situations where refusing to provide information may lead to legal consequences.

5 Things You Should NEVER Say To Police When Pulled Over

Can I legally cuss out a cop?

No, cursing at a cop isn't automatically illegal due to First Amendment free speech, but it can become a crime if it crosses into "fighting words," threats, incitement, or physically obstructs their duties, potentially leading to charges like disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, or disturbing the peace, depending on state laws and the specific context. While you have the right to criticize officers, actions like making physical gestures or being disruptive can remove that protection, making it legally risky, though often not advisable. 

What is a police code 148?

Penal Code Section 148(a) PC defines the California crime of resisting or obstructing a police officer or emergency medical technician in their performance of their duties, which is most commonly known as “resisting arrest.”

What does 12 mean for cops?

For cops, "12" is slang for law enforcement, often used in urban areas to warn others of police presence, likely originating from the police radio code 10-12 ("visitors/civilians present") shortened over time, or potentially from the show Adam-12. It signifies "the cops are here," acting as a quick alert in street culture, similar to how "5-0" or "the feds" are used. 

What is illegal for cops to do?

Use bribes to obtain testimony or evidence. Coerce or threaten a subject to force a confession. Violate your civil rights. Commit acts of police brutality.

Can I legally flip off a cop?

Giving the finger is protected under your First Amendment right to freedom of speech, and you can't be arrested for it. If a police officer violates your rights after you give them the middle finger, you can file a lawsuit against the cop in question.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

The most common hand signal street cops will use between themselves is displaying four fingers (Code 4) which means they don't need any help.

Can you ignore a cop talking to you?

The Fundamental Right to Remain Silent

One of the most important rights afforded to you, under both the U.S. Constitution and California law, is the right to remain silent. This right is not limited to situations in which you are under arrest.

What is the trick question police ask?

Cops ask trick questions like "Do you know why I pulled you over?" or "Have you been drinking?" to get you to admit guilt or create probable cause for further action (like a DUI or search) by getting you to offer explanations or confirm wrongdoing, often through leading questions that make any "yes" or "no" answer problematic, prompting you to politely state you'd rather not answer and ask for a lawyer. Key strategies involve using leading questions, making you feel comfortable (small talk), or pretending to be an ally to lower defenses. 

Can you be handcuffed without being told why?

For instance, if the police handcuff you but do not question you, Miranda warnings are not necessary. Also, if the police question you while you are free to leave—because they have not detained you or significantly restricted your freedom of movement—they do not have to read your Miranda warnings.

What is the most common complaint against police?

What Are the Most Common Complaints Against Police?

• Physical Assault. Physical assault is common in instances where police officers use excessive force when making arrests or investigating a crime. ...
• Wrongful Arrests. ...
• Unlawful Search and Seizure. ...
• Witness Tampering and Intimidation. ...
• Planted Evidence. ...
• Sexual Misconduct.

Is calling a cop a pig illegal?

No, calling a cop a "pig" is generally not illegal in the U.S. because it's considered protected speech under the First Amendment, but it's a bad idea because it can lead to arrest for other offenses like disorderly conduct or obstructing duty if done in a way that creates a disturbance, threatens violence, or interferes with an officer's work, even if the insult itself isn't the crime. While you have the right to criticize police, context matters, and actions or words that incite immediate fights or block an officer's duties can result in charges, though Supreme Court rulings limit such arrests. 

What is 10/4 in police code?

In police code, 10-4 (or X4) means "Message received," "Acknowledged," or "Okay," serving as a quick confirmation that an officer understands a transmission, and it's one of the most famous "Ten Codes" used for concise radio communication. While widely recognized, codes can vary by agency, with some moving to "plain language" for better inter-agency communication, though 10-4 remains a staple for "affirmative" or "understood". 

Why are cops called 50?

Cops are called "5-0" (Five-Oh) because of the popular TV show Hawaii Five-O, which referred to Hawaii being the 50th state; the show's success made the nickname for police, particularly plainclothes detectives, widely adopted slang, though some also associate it with older police cars with 5.0L engines.
 

What does 501 mean in police?

501. Drunk driving – felony (great bodily injury or death)

What does OIS mean in police terms?

In law enforcement, OIS stands for "Officer-Involved Shooting," referring to any incident where a police officer discharges a firearm at a person, whether the person is hit (hit shooting) or missed (non-hit shooting), requiring thorough investigation for criminal culpability and policy compliance. These are high-profile events that trigger specific internal reviews and sometimes independent investigations, focusing on accountability and community transparency. 

What does 10.7 mean in police code?

Police officer retirement (North America)

Often when an officer retires, a call to dispatch is made. The officer gives a 10-7 code (Out of service) and then a 10-42 code (ending tour of duty).

Can I refuse to show my ID in California?

In California, you generally do not have to show identification to police unless you are lawfully detained or under arrest. </strong> If you are driving, you must provide your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you are not driving and not being detained, you may lawfully refuse to provide ID.

What does PC 664 187 mean?

California Penal Code Section 664/187 – Attempted Murder

The crime of “attempted murder” is covered under California Penal Code Section 664/187. In general terms, if you attempt to kill someone, but they don't die, then you will be facing a violent crime charge of attempted murder.