Lynchburg Police Department helps citizens “Know Your Rights”

• Informational meeting gives citizens guidance on how to act in situations like vehicular wreck and traffic stops routines.
• Members of the Lynchburg Police Department say they strive for a good relationship with their community.

More than 50 people gathered in the Miller Center Tuesday, Oct. 17 for an informational meeting hosted by the Lynchburg Police Department to learn about civilian rights when interacting with police officers.

The “Know Your Rights” meeting informed members of the community about police interactions through skits led by the LPD and volunteers, videos and slideshow presentations.

The mission of the LPD is to build community by protecting and serving the public with honor, courage and fairness for all, according to the City of Lynchburg’s website.

Lynchburg police officers explained traffic stop routines, how to handle a vehicular wreck and how to file a complaint, concluding by answering any questions from the audience.

Lynchburg’s Sgt. J.J Rater said in every situation even the seemingly minuscule movements are for the safety of the community member and the officer.

“We do make mistakes,” Rater said. “We fail. Just remember, we’re human. Every movement and action a police officer makes has a purpose.”

Rater said it is never an officer’s intention to harm or create a negative interaction with a person in the community, but in some cases the officer’s actions are misinterpreted.

“It is your civic duty as a member of the Lynchburg community to voice your opinion,” Rater said. “If you feel as though you have been wronged, we want to know.”

General complaints or commendations for an LPD employee can be done by visiting the police department at 905 Church Street or electronically through email.

Officer Rose said members of the community also have the right to ask questions during a traffic stop if further information is required.

“The Lynchburg Police Department will give you information right off the bat, because that is our policy,” Rose said. “We will tell you our name and why we pulled you over.”

Rose said the officer will tell you the information you need, but will also give the community member a chance to give their perspective.

“You have the right to tell your side of the story, and that also helps us,” Rose said. “But keep in mind to keep it brief because you’re on the roadside, and it isn’t safe.”

Ross said the community is usually unaware of their rights, and these meetings are a way to connect with people and inform them of police interactions.

“If you see something, say something,” Rose said. “Just remember, you have the right to know and you have the right to ask.”

Micky Ferguson, youth works chairperson with the NAACP Lynchburg branch, said many communities do not meet with their members to inform them, but Lynchburg is a caring city and each member matters.

“I think it’s important, because when you don’t know you don’t know, but we’re having the opportunity to learn their practices and what our amendments are,” Ferguson said. “Lynchburg is fortunate enough to have a police department that wants to work with the community, and I think that in itself is a blessing.”

The Lynchburg Police Department non-emergency telephone number is 434-847-1602, and the emergency telephone number is 911.