Here’s a bit of news I know I know I’m very late to the party on, but I think it’s still worth mentioning for those who remain unaware (’cause it’s great): After doing a little soul-searching and winding up an ardent supporter of marijuana legalization, a former narcotics officer named Barry Cooper now produces videos informing drug users how to avoid arrest, and has actually partnered with investors to conduct sting operations against police forces breaking the law in their investigations.

You don’t have to buy his videos to become informed about your rights and the proper manner in which to handle law officers. Nor do you have to be a pot-smoker to benefit from that information. Publicly available films like “Busted: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters” are short and well worth watching, giving you a step-by-step guide to the common traffic stop and other unfortunate occasions.