It is probably the first legal advice I ever received. In law school, the teachers told us if the police say do this or do that, do it. Do not argue your rights with the police on the street, they emphasized. On the street, you do what the police officers say. Period. If the police violate your rights, you can file a complaint later. But, on the street, you do what they say.

So, it may not be popular to say this, but I feel that Sterling Brown was in the wrong when he refused police officer direction to remove his hands from his pockets. See NBC news report. Mr. Brown’s response to being told to take his hands out of his pockets was, “Hold on. I’ve got stuff in my hands.” The situation quickly escalated after he told the police to “hold on.” When the police tell you to do something, you need to do it. Police have a target on their back. They have to control the situation.

I am sure the Milwaukee police could have handled this situation better. But, when law enforcement says take your hands out of your pockets, you have no choice.

Way back when, when I was in my twenties. I was passing through “Fleasville,” also known as Leesville, Louisiana, heading to my then home, Alexandria. I was passing through about midnight. The police stopped me for some reason. Out of habit, I slipped my hands in my pockets without thinking. Immediately, those small town police officer shouted for me to remove my hands from my pockets. The urgency in their tone was clear. As quick as I could, I removed my hands. To me, it was no big deal. My hands can rest wherever.  But, to the police, it was a potential threat to their lives. Just do what they say. To you, it is no big deal. To the police, it is about life or death.