Frequently Asked Questions

No. The book opens by recognizing that most officers work hard to keep people safe and treat them fairly. It also reminds young readers that officers face real danger and want to go home safely to their families too. Throughout the book, officers are shown as professionals doing a difficult job. The goal is to help every encounter stay calm, which protects the young person and the officer.

That line is part of the MAKIN’ IT HOME chorus, which is also a song. It’s written in the voice young people actually use, because a message only sticks if kids will repeat it. “PoPo” is meant as a familiar, everyday nickname, not an insult. The point of the line is respect: the police are out there doing their job, so be aware, be ready, and be in control of yourself. Everywhere else, including the rules themselves, the book refers to officers with respect and asks young readers to do the same.

No. The parent guide specifically encourages families to have these conversations without making children afraid. A child who knows what to expect and what to do is more confident and less likely to panic. Preparation replaces fear.

It focuses on the one thing a young person can control in the moment: their own words and actions. That’s not a claim about who is responsible for what happens. It’s practical preparation, the same way we teach children to wear a seatbelt even though other drivers should drive safely. The book is honest that no set of rules can guarantee safety, and it never suggests that a child who is harmed is to blame.

It teaches calm cooperation in the moment and respect for the rule of law. That includes knowing your rights. Young readers learn how to politely say they wish to remain silent and want a lawyer. Disagreements belong in a courtroom with an attorney, not on the roadside. That’s how both safety and rights are protected. (See “Know Your Rights” and “After the Encounter” below.)

The line reads: “Obey each command given. If you’re fatherless, this may feel strange.” It isn’t a judgment of any child or any family. Many children are raised by strong single mothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and foster parents who do an incredible job. The line speaks honestly to one young reader’s experience. If you haven’t grown up taking direction from a man in authority, being given firm commands by an officer you don’t know can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even like a challenge. The book names that feeling so a young person can recognize it and stay in control anyway. As the next page says, “Obedience isn’t weakness. It’s how you walk away unscathed.” It’s a message of strength, not shame.

Because many families in these communities have long felt the need for “The Talk,” and this book gives them a tool for it. But the ten rules apply to every young person, of every background, in every community. Any child who someday drives a car, walks home at night, or is with friends when an officer approaches can benefit from them.

Being respectful and knowing your rights go together. During a police encounter, you can:

• Stay calm and keep your hands visible. Your rights are best protected when everyone stays safe.
• Ask, “Officer, am I free to go?” If the answer is yes, calmly walk away. If not, stay put and stay calm.
• Say, “I wish to remain silent.” You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been or what you’ve done. Say it clearly and politely, out loud. Simply staying quiet without saying it may not be enough to protect the right.
• Say, “I want a lawyer.” Then stop talking about the situation until you have one.
• Say, “I do not consent to a search.” Say it calmly, and never physically resist. If an officer searches anyway, your lawyer can address it later.
• Show your license, registration, and insurance if you’re driving. Drivers are required to provide these. Tell the officer where they are and ask before you reach for them.
• Give your name when the law requires it. Rules on identification vary by state, so learn yours.
• Ask for a parent or guardian if you’re a minor.
• Know your state’s rules on recording. In many places, you may record police in public as long as you don’t interfere. But never make sudden movements to grab your phone. If someone else is present, let them record.

The rule of thumb: don’t argue on the street. Your lawyer can argue in court.

This information is general and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state. Talk with a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

Making it home is the first goal. Once you’re safe:

• Tell a parent or trusted adult right away, even if everything went fine. Talking it through helps.
• Write down what you remember while it’s fresh: the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number, plus the date, time, location, and what was said.
• Note any witnesses and how to reach them.
• Get medical care if you were hurt, and take photos of any injuries.
• Save any video or photos, and hold off on posting details online until you’ve talked with a parent or attorney.
• If you believe you were treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the police department or your local civilian review board, or talk with a lawyer. These are the proper, lawful ways to be heard.
• If the officer was professional and respectful, say so. Many departments welcome compliments, and recognizing good policing helps build trust.
• Take care of your feelings. It’s normal to feel scared, angry, or shaken afterward. Talk with family, a counselor, a pastor, or someone you trust.

It’s written for families to read together. Younger children can learn the MAKIN’ IT HOME memory phrase and the basic ideas, and teens can talk through the real situations they may face as new drivers and young adults. The book also has a companion song and online games that reinforce the lessons.

Parents, grandparents, and guardians. Teachers and school counselors. Churches, youth programs, and community organizations. Law-enforcement and community outreach programs. Anyone who wants young people to make it home.