Letters to Fear: How to Deal With Corrupt Police

In broken English, he said, “We need to keep you here for twenty-four hours.”

At a checkpoint in a small town in Northern Peru, I was faced with the prospect of being held for a full day. To make matters worse, I had no cell service and limited Spanish. Still, it was clear they intended to keep me and EX (my truck) at the police station for twenty-four hours. Unfortunately, the checkpoint was right in front of a small police station.

“Do I really need to stay here for twenty-four hours?” I asked. “Sí (Yes).” “Where can I park my truck? Can I sleep in it? If not, may I change into different clothes for the night?”

My violation? The tint on my windows. In Peru, you need a special document for dark window tint, which I wasn't informed of during the inspection at the border.

Many people haven't encountered truly malicious or corrupt cops. As a Black man in America, I've faced profiling, stop-and-frisk incidents, being thrown to the ground, detained for hours, harassment, and even having a gun pointed at me. The threat of death is in most routine interactions with law enforcement. Thankfully, my parents taught me early on how to navigate encounters with the police. Their lessons saved my life and many of my friends, and ultimately prepared me for travel.

As I mentioned, the officer said he would detain me for twenty-four hours. I replied, “Okay, can I sleep in my truck and cook?” My situation seemed dire, but it’s essential to remain patient; impatience can work against you, increasing the likelihood of a the threat of a longer detention and possibly a larger fine.

If you find yourself in a potentially corrupt police stop, remember that officers often prefer to target easy victims. Ask to pay the fine at the police station; this is usually when they will specify the amount and might accept payment immediately. If you do pay, always ask for a receipt to document the transaction; this could encourage the officer to let you off with just a warning. Many blogs suggest that police stations will not accept bribes, so if you're in violation, be prepared for a hefty fine if you go to the police station. 

Here are some strategies if you encounter a similar situation:

Do Your Research: Before traveling, conduct thorough research. Review travel advisories, explore blogs, and learn from expatriates in the area.

Acknowledge the Violation: If stopped, don’t deny the violation. Listen carefully and let the officer explain the situation.

Use Cameras: Having visible cameras mounted in your vehicle can help. Officers may notice the camera and choose to let you go. Avoid using handheld cameras, as they can escalate tensions. If asked to exit your vehicle, comply respectfully and without challenge, as pushing back can worsen the situation.

Stick to English: Many local officers struggle with English. Even if you speak Spanish, it’s wise to stick to English. They may give up trying to communicate if they find it too difficult, though be aware they might use tools like Google Translate.

Be Incredibly Polite: Let officers explain the situation multiple times, expressing your lack of understanding. This may frustrate them enough to let you go.

Practice Patience: As I experienced, when the officer threatened a twenty-four-hour hold, I calmly asked about sleeping in my truck and cooking. Your circumstances may be tough, but patience is crucial. If you seem anxious, the officer may use that against you, extending your detention and fine.

Inquire Abouts a Fine: If the situation becomes overwhelming, you can ask, “Is there a fine?” If you go this route, carry only a small amount of cash, making it clear that this is all you have. Limit the cash you carry when out and secure your varied amounts money and cards in different places on your person or in your vehicle. 

​By following these strategies, you can navigate challenging encounters with law enforcement more effectively.

Please share your strategies for navigating possible corruption. 

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