MXGM Self-Defence Manual

The 4 levels of Police Inquiry
In New York, there are 4 different levels of street encounters
with police. At each level, there is a different degree of police
interference with your freedom: Level 1 is the lowest, and
Level 4 is highest.
(1)Request for Information
A level 1 request for information is when cops ask you for basic
information like your name and address. Legally, cops need to have a
reasons before they can stop you, but that reason doesn’t have to be
suspicion of a crime.
(2)Common Law Right to inquiry
Level 2 inquiries generally include questions that are more detailed than
level 1 questions. Police need a “founded suspicion” that criminal activity is
going on.
Level 1: Request for Information
During a Level 1 request for information cops can ask things
like your name, address, and your reason for being where you
at that moment. Although cops have the right to answer you
other questions, you do not have to answer questions other than
name and where you live. You can refuse to answer other
questions.
Examples of level 1 questions…
Ø “What’s your name”
Ø “Where do you live”
Ø “What are you doing here”
(3)Stop and Frisk
Level 3 stop means not only can the cops ask you many more questions, but
at this point, you are not free to leave.
Ø Cops need reasonablesuspicion before they can stop you.
Ø Cops have reasonablesuspicion when they believed that you are
involved in criminal activity that has occurred, is occurring, or is
about to occur.
Ø Cops can only frisk you (pat you down) when they have
reasonable suspicion to believe you are armed and dangerous.
Tip: In level 1 and 2 stops you
are free to go at anytime. Always
ask, “Am I free to go” If they
yes, than you should leave,
IF not than ask why (you have
entered level 3)
(4)Arrest
For a level 3 stop to become a level 4 arrest, cops need probable cause.
Probable cause means that the cops are sure that you have committed a
crime.
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