We Care About You
No one expects to encounter law enforcement at work. When it happens, it can be frightening, confusing, and fast-moving. Whether officers arrive with warrants, subpoenas, or urgent demands, emotions can escalate quickly, and that’s when people get hurt.
As lawyers, we care deeply about your legal rights. But we care just as much about your physical safety. Those two concerns are not always the same in the moment. This post explains the difference and how to protect both.
Your Legal Rights Matter, But Timing Matters Too
In the United States, individuals and businesses have constitutional and statutory rights when law enforcement enters the workplace. These rights include:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to ask for a warrant
- The right to consult an attorney
- The right to refuse consent to searches in many situations
These rights are real and important, but enforcement of these rights comes after a violation. They are often enforced in court, through motions, hearings, or civil actions. Keep this in mind: it is very difficult for the law to adequately vindicate a severe physical injury or death. Lawyers and judges, no matter how good they are, simply cannot reverse time.
Safety First: What You Should Do in the Moment
When law enforcement arrives unexpectedly:
- Stay calm and still. Sudden movements, raised voices, or attempts to intervene physically can escalate risk.
- Do not argue on the scene. The workplace is not the forum to debate constitutional law.
- Designate one point of contact. If possible, a manager or HR representative should interact with officers.
- Do not obstruct. Courts exist to address misconduct after the fact.
- Observe and document – later.
What You Can Say (Safely)
- “I am not resisting.”
- “I do not consent, but I will not interfere.”
- “I would like to speak with a lawyer.”
What Not to Do – Even If You’re Right
- Don’t block officers
- Don’t grab documents or devices
- Don’t demand explanations aggressively
- Don’t instruct others to resist
After the Encounter: This Is Where Lawyers Help
Once the situation has de-escalated:
- Call your attorney immediately
- Preserve documents and footage
- Write down everything you remember
- Avoid casual discussions about the incident
A Final Word
You should never have to choose between your rights and your safety, but real life doesn’t always give us ideal conditions.
The priority in any law-enforcement encounter is to stay alive and uninjured. Legal remedies exist for misconduct. Physical harm cannot be undone.
We care about you. Please stay safe.
And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
