“Yeah, ’cause if they confiscate your phone, you know it’s not going public,” Todd says. “Sandra Bland’s videos didn’t get out for years.”

“It took ten years for video to go public to prove that BART cop lied about Oscar Grant,” Demarcus says.

“Filming is powerful. The app makes it fast, so you don’t have to think about filming, then getting deleted. What other scenarios do you have?” I ask the group.

“What about in your car?” Todd says. “Music bumping, you’re stopped, and your wallet’s in your pocket or something?”

“As you pull over, turn off your music. Don’t reach. Ever. Keep your wallet in your drink console. ID and insurance inside. Hands out in front, ten and two on the steering wheel. If a gun’s drawn, only move your hands to put them on top of the dashboard. Say ‘Yes, sir. No, sir. Officer.’ The deference brings down their alarm. So you can move on to having a conversation. Always ask the officer for permission if you’re reaching for something. If they look jumpy, don’t move until they’re calm.”

“That sounds like a sucka move. We know a lot of this,” Demarcus says.

“Good. Now, do you know how to do it when you’re late for something and you’re being targeted? Can you control your anger? If so, that’s good. Because then you can memorize their name and badge number. Confirm their number and never consent to a search. State their name and badge number, and request an attorney if they plan to arrest you.”

I put them in groups and ask them what they believe police are allowed to do. Then review.

“They can ask for name, address, date of birth. That’s it. If they believe you have a weapon, they can give you a pat down. Trust this will likely happen. If you resist, the force they use will likely be harder. State you don’t consent to a search, but allow the pat down and confirm you do not have a concealed weapon. Don’t argue.”

Then I dive into what causes escalations and offer some de-escalation tactics, mostly using language that demonstrates that they know the law if they’re interacting with police.

“What about if you are arrested?” I say. “Any of you know what to do?”

“Right to shut the fuck up,” Demarcus says.

“Yes.” I shake my head. “You have the right to remain silent. You also can ask what you’re being arrested for. If you are taken in, who would your first call be?”

“My lawyer,” Cuddy says.

“Yes. You have the right to an attorney; ask for one. But you probably don’t have lawyers on retainer. Who can you call to work on that for you?”

Demarcus raises his hand. “My sister. Ain’t no way I’m calling my parents.”