Police in New York: What's The Stance?

For the most part, the police shouldn’t bother you. There isn’t a military presence on the streets, the police you’ll encounter will likely be tied to the state department (NYPD). The city, like the rest of America, has a history of police brutality and racial profiling that has been called out on national level. While travellers are not likely to be targeted, people of color who are visiting should still be mindful. You have the right to silence in NYC if questioned, many suggest avoiding talking back as this can escalate the situation. The ACLU has put together a handy guide covering rights when engaging with law enforcement which you can access here.

If you're planning to visit New York City, check out our local guides to discover the best places to go.