Reasons why you should not speak to the police

A law professor released a book after a lecture he gave went viral warning people away from talking to the police, ever. Many people are tricked by the false narrative that police are there to find the truth. Not all police take that neutral approach to a criminal investigation. A lot of investigating officers question people to locate the perpetrator, not to eliminate innocent witnesses or bystanders. As a result, many innocent people accidentally implicate themselves.

The professor argues that the criminal justice system is more focused on arresting and convicting people, so it is stacked against anyone who speaks to the police. The professor warns anyone who is ever talking to the police only to give them your name and a curt explanation of what you are doing (you are legally obligated to answer those questions) but to volunteer no additional information.

The professor cites a recent Supreme Court case, which allows prosecutors to submit to the jury a person asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination as evidence that that person is guilty. The professor argues that allowing prosecutors to take this position undermines the very purpose of the law, to protect innocent people and prevent the government from forcing people to testify against themselves.

Due to this law, the professor argues, you should never share anything with the police ? including that you are asserting your Fifth Amendment rights. Just refuse to respond except that you would like to speak to an attorney.

Some detractors argue that his book is merely a blueprint for criminals to avoid justice. But the professor counters that career criminals already understand the game. That more innocent people are trapped by police interrogation tactics than career criminals because they are wise to the police tricks.

If you were arrested for a felony, then you should refrain from sharing anything with the police or anyone else in your holding cell. You should only speak to your defense attorney when he arrives. A defense lawyer can freely listen to you and will not share your thoughts.