475. Arrest and Trials

If ever you are arrested by the police or military in a "civilised" country remember and remind them too that you have the right to remain silent, that you have redress under the law in cases of wrongful arrest and cases of defamation, and that they can only hold you for a limited time without charging you. Ask for your solicitor and until he arrives, you are better off remaining totally silent, keep schtum (omerta).

Do not reply to remarks, comments, suggestions etc., that are designed to lull you into a trap by sounding innocent or inoffensive.

Offensive remarks are designed to provoke you into saying something unwise or self-incriminating or to rising in anger. Do not answer any questions that are clearly just a fishing expedition.

Do not volunteer any information or opinions.

If you ask a question and they say "You tell me." stay silent.

When they stray off the point stay silent.

Do not give them anything to twist or turn. Anything that is not a straight answer (Yes or No) is only giving them a handle on you.

Remember they will try to push all your buttons by making insulting remarks about you, your parents, your wife or girlfriend, your children, your dog even. Do not let them provoke you. They will try to make you feel guilty about the "disgrace" and how your parents will feel. It is all hogwash. Don't fall for it.

164. Being Nice & Being Polite.

Being nice out of fear doesn't work, ever. Be nice and be polite because that's who you are and only for that reason. A common thing to happen is that people of a lower order of development often mistake your good manners for weakness and then try to take advantage of you. The first line of your defense is to be aware of this phenomenon and be alert for the signs that you are about to be taken advantage of. The second line is to be polite but firm. The third is to state your position bluntly, without grace or favour and be willing to fight for your rights. Very often you will need to let people know that you are not to be trifled with by using such expressions as "Do you think I should have my solicitor present ?" or "I am not sure who's right here perhaps we should call the police don't you think ?" Always refer these matters to the next level up.