Safety

Carnival Safety Tips

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

It is that time of year again: Carnival!  Carnival is in full swing around the world from Antigua to Toronto to London.  On Saturday, August 3, 2019 Toronto will host its 52nd annual Caribana festival.  Caribana is a huge Caribbean celebration that millions of people from across the globe converge on the city to enjoy.  Carnival is a time to let loose, have fun, dance, dance, and dance.  It is also a time to be mindful of safety.  I have partnered with Cupid’s Sting, a non-profit interpersonal violence reduction program to bring you some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable time during whatever Carnival celebration you plan to attend.

Carnival Safety Tips

  1. Travel in groups and with people you know.
  2. Know your route (Google is your friend).
  3. Be aware of your surroundings.
  4. Always let someone know where you will be.
  5. Designate a meet-up spot in case you are separated from your friends.
  6. Purchase your own drinks.
  7. Don’t leave drinks unattended.
  8. Use a car service such as Uber or Lyft if you will be drinking.
  9. Carry an extra battery pack for your cell phone.
  10. Wear comfy shoes.
  11. If you are someplace where you do not feel safe or comfortable, leave.
  12. If you are a victim of theft or assault, let the authorities know.  Never be embarrassed or scared as you have the right to be safe.

Just some simple safety reminders as you fete.  Enjoy the bacchanal!

Be safe,

L.J.

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Learn more about Cupid’s Sting Non-Profit at @cupidssting (Facebook), @cupidssting (Instagram), and @Cupids_Sting (Twitter)

What to do when stopped by the police

~ Laurie Samuel ~ 2 Comments
www.haltonpolice.ca
http://www.haltonpolice.ca

With the highly publicized incidents of police shootings over the past couple of years, many people have questions about exactly they must act when they encounter the police.  There are basic rights everyone has, however it must be recognized that each interaction may unfold differently.

The general rule of thumb is to keep calm and obey the directions of the police. Bad feelings and issues may be sorted out later but you cannot take back a life if an interaction with the police escalates to the point of deadly force.

Common questions:

Q1: Can a police officer stop me if I’m walking down the street?

A1: It is within your right to refuse to speak to or stop for the police. However, if an officer believes that you are behaving suspiciously, they have the authority to detain you for the purposes of an investigation.

Q2: If I am stopped by the police, do they have to read me my rights before I answer any questions?

A2: No.  If you are being placed under arrest, the police are required to read you your Miranda Rights.  They are not required to read you your rights during traffic stops or encounters on the street.

Q3: Do the police have the right to search me?

A3: It depends on the circumstances.  If the police reasonably believe that you may have been involved in a crime, this gives them probable cause to legally search you.  If a police officer asks permission to search you or your property (ex. a vehicle) and you give permission, then that is considered voluntary consent to search.  The police may also search you or your property if they have a warrant.

Q4: May I record a police encounter?

A4: This varies by jurisdiction. In the District of Columbia, it is legal to record police officers carrying out their duties in public as long as it does not interfere with official police business.

Q5: If a police officer orders me to get out of my vehicle, do I have to comply?

A5: Yes.  The police have the right to ask you and any passengers to get out of your vehicle. If you believe they violated your rights, remain calm during the interaction and follow-up later at the closest police station and file a formal complaint with a police supervisor.

Be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

References

Flyouth.  (2005).  SE youth and the police [Pamphlet]. Washington, DC: Facilitating Leadership in Youth.

Grisham, L. & Hargro, T.  (2015, July 24).  Your rights during police encounters. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/07/22/rights-during-police-encounters/30539255