The Bronx Defenders : Fast Help : Dealing With the Police

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Dealing With the Police

If You're Stopped By The Police:

Say that you want a lawyer and don't say anything else until your lawyer is present.
You only have to tell them your name and address.
If you're under 16, ask them to contact a parent or guardian as soon as possible.
Remember that the police get nervous when they can't see your hands.
If they ask to search you or your property, say that you do not consent, but do not resist.

The police took my property! How do I get it back?

The property office is in the basement of the Criminal Court. To recover the property taken from you by the police, present your pink property receipt with the voucher number on it to a Property Clerk. If you do not have a property receipt, call the precinct that arrested you, talk to the property officer and ask for your voucher number. It takes a few days for your property to get to Criminal Court, so call the Property Clerk before going in. The Property Clerk's telephone number is (718) 590-2806. You can also pick up your property at the precinct of your arrest, but you can only recover cash from the Property Clerk in Criminal Court. Bring two forms of I.D. to recover your property. Do NOT discuss your case with anyone from the police department or the District Attorney's office when recovering your property. If your car has been impounded, you must go to the help center to locate your car. The address for the help center is: 1400 Williamsbridge Road (between Westchester and Roberts)

I want to file a complaint against the police!

If you think that you have been the victim of police misconduct, you should contact New York City Police Watch, and/or the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board. If your case is still open, contact your lawyer before taking action. If you want to file a lawsuit for civil damages, you will need a civil lawyer. The Bronx Defenders has such a lawyer on staff. You may consult with him for free. New York City Police Watch Civilian Complaint Review Board is on 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10012. Call (800) 341-CCRB for the 24-hour hotline or (212) 614-6454 to reach the office, open from 8:30 AM until 7:30 PM, 7 days a week.

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