Tips for Talking to the Police

Tips for Talking to the Police


The police want to search my server, my personal computer, or my phone. What do I do now?

Don’t consent to a search.

• Say “No,” and tell the police to come back with a warrant.

• If you voluntarily agree to a search, they don’t need a warrant to enter your house or search your computer.

Ask to see a search warrant.

• If the police say they have a warrant, you have a right to see it.

• Make sure they are only searching the areas the warrant authorizes them to search.

You can stay silent.

• You don’t have to say a word to the police or help their search.

• You don’t have to give your encryption keys or passwords to the police.

• If you decide to talk to the police, tell them the truth — lying to the police is a crime.

• Once the police are searching your home or computer, don’t interfere or obstruct their search.

Talk to a lawyer.

• If the police want to search your home, your business, or your electronic devices — or even just talk to you — you should talk to a lawyer before any search or discussion with the police, if possible.

• A lawyer can help you deal with the police, and may be able to help you get back any electronic devices the police took from you while searching.