OKC Police Offer Advice For Encounters With Officers

Oklahoma City police have a new approach to help you and them with encounters on the streets.

The department just started distributing “Interacting with Oklahoma City police” pamphlets.

“We are basically trying to get some information to the basic public on what their rights are and what the officers rights and responsibilities are when they are trying to do their jobs,” said Major Dexter Nelson, who began writing the pamphlets nearly two years ago.

Police said the literature will be passed out to churches, schools and businesses.

The pamphlets advise people to not run from police or lie to officers if you encounter them, among other advice.

It also points out that you have the right to not answer any questions from officers, but may draw their suspicions if you don't answer.

”The way the climate is going with this country, police are not as well respected as they were in the past,” Major Nelson explained. He said that adds to more destructive and deadly encounters with officer.

“It's critically important for the community and particularly African Americans to know how to help that encounter go smoothly,” said Dr. Lee Cooper, the pastor of Prospect Baptist Church. Dr. Cooper said he will be handing the pamphlets out to his congregation.

Authorities said 20,000 pamphlets have already been passed out and 30,000 more are being printed. Police said 10,000 of them will be in Spanish.