How not to get arrested

Girls in short skirts and halter tops avoided my stare as they stumbled down the streets to the next bar. Some guys rolled their eyes as I passed. As we cruised down Kirkwood on a Friday night I received an unwanted vibe. Before I knew it red and blue lights encircled me. Minutes later the potent aroma of alcohol filled the car.\nOne evening I spent five and a half hours in a squad car. Fortunately, I was in front shadowing Blooomington Police Officer Christian Ebel-Orr. I watched intoxicated individuals walk the line on one of the busiest streets in Bloomington. I witnessed the aftermath of fights between some of Bloomington's finest. I sat in the Varsity Villas for 45 minutes as officers tried to find a suspect who broke a window. I recognized many names on the scanner. And basically I realized how ignorant people sometimes act when they abuse alcohol.\nAfter an adrenaline packed night I exited the squad car at 5:30 a.m. feeling like I had the law system figured out. So for those of you who typically end up breaking the law I have complied a list of do's and dont's when dealing with officers.\n1. Don't lie. "That would be the one piece of advice I would offer to the students of Indiana University. Don't lie to the police because most of the time we find out," Ebel-Orr said. When it comes to underage drinking, chances are you'll be ticketed for lying before receiving a penalty for the crime you actually committed. Contrary to popular belief, underage drinking is not their biggest concern. \n2. You can run but you can't hide. Don't try to get away. They know your name, your criminal record, the color of your underwear. The longer you wait to turn yourself in, the more officers want to make it their personal mission to hunt you down.\n3. Officers do not make exceptions for DUI's and trust me, the penalties aren't worth it. Use the brain you're paying so much to expand and call a cab or a friend. If an officer suspects you're drunk behind the wheel you won't get yourself out of this one. The legal limit is .08, approximately four beers. If you've been pulled over for a DUI don't ask an officer to take you home either. That's just stupid.\n4. Don't refuse a Breathalyzer. Court fees aren't worth it and your license is immediately revoked for 365 days.\n5. Don't fight in the bars. Technically bars are a public place so if police are lurking and you're fighting or breaking things you'll be cited for a common phrase found in the IUPD Blotter: public intoxication.\n6. If you see an officer and you're doing something wrong don't act suspicious. They have an amazing instinct to know you've committed a crime before they've even asked you your name. \n7. Be polite. If you are stuck in a situation involving an officer avoid confrontations at all costs. They're human beings too. You are still making a first impression on someone. Keep your mouth shut unless it's to answer questions politely. Use the phrase "yes sir." Chances are they'll cut you some small break and depending on the severity of the crime you'll need all the breaks you can get.\n 8. Don't speed Sunday through Thursday nights or during the day. These hours are relatively slow for officers. I'm assuming during these shifts they are looking for action and sometimes speeding is all they can find.\n 9. If you do get caught for speeding just be honest. Officers have seen and heard it all. Don't waste their time crying. Do apologize.\n10. Avoid late night runs to Steak and Shake. It's a popular 5 a.m. pick for the night shift officers. \nSo there you have it. Next time come in contact with an officer, keep these 10 things in mind.