In America...many black men are in FEAR of the cop, the COP is the one with the gun. The COP is the one with the lawful right to "shoot to kill". When being stopped, make no sudden movements. Cops address people as SIR and MA'AM. Return the same respect. Know your rights. Even if you are wrongfully detained, searched, or arrested...stay calm, let your lawyer or the judge sort it out. At least you live and are not shot in 'self defense' by the officer.
I am white and a retired deputy sheriff and I feel the same way for the same reasons.
Fear can be a protection and keep one alive.
I know when the police stop me, they are looking at me just like they look at anybody else even a black men.
I see their hand by their gun.
When I went to the police accademy that is how they taught me to be.
I was taught to draw my gun any second.
I was taught to stand in front of the mirror and practice drawing my gun.
And that was back in the 80's.
If I am stopped, I dont make any sudden moves.
If the police want something out of my glove compartment or wallet.
I go real slow and talk to them and tell them what I am doing in slow motion.
They say you are supposed to keep your registration in the vehicle.
But I keep mine in my wallet.
That way I can have my wallet out before the cop gets to me with no sudden moves.
I would put wallet on the dash before the cop gets to the car.
Then pick it up when he tells me to.
And there is less threat finding something in a wallet than probing and pulling things out of a glove compartment.
Try not to give the police any reason to stop you.
They are looking for reasons, no matter what color or sex you are.
Do not weave or cross the lane line. That is probable cause. The cause would be dui.
Make sure all your lights and blinkers are working, defective equipment is a reason to be stopped.
When I was young before I became a sheriff, I was head strong and demanded my rights.
I would not carry a wallet or ID while out in public.
This is america, I didnt have to and I am white.
Well, I got thrown against a squad car with 10 cops for demanding my rights.
It is what it is.
Dealing with the police is a process, a procedure.
I don't like it. I try to avoid it.
But from time to time it happens.
It is best to keep calm, cool and comply.
I don't really see a viable alternative.