The police in my neighborhood stop all black males they see on the street and search them. Isn't this illegal and unconstitutional? Can anything be done?

You can make sure that everyone knows about this practice, especially the media. You should also contact the various public action groups that concentrate on civil rights violations. If they attempt to search you object. Do it politely but loud enough to attract attention. Simply walking down the street does not give rise to legal grounds to search an individual, nor even what is known as a "Terry Stop". There must be reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to justify any type of search.

Some police approach individuals hoping to find something on them. Then they claim that because the individual acted funny they had to pat them down for their own protection, because he might have a weapon. If you are approached call attention to yourself allowing witnesses to observe whether or not the police have any reason to accost you in the first place. Remember, always object to any search and let people know you are objecting to the search. If you consent, you probably won't have a defense. Do not however, make the mistake of offering any physical resistence.


(Updated August 30, 2007)