For the first time, an educational campaign is announced to inform on the dangers of fighting, fleeing, or otherwise refusing to comply with the lawful orders of police officers. The National Police Association campaign “Comply Now, Complain Later” public service announcement urges the public to assist in the reduction of officer use of force by complying with lawful orders.

According to the National Police Association, “the use of forces is always ugly. Nobody likes it, especially the police. Nobody knows how it will turn out. The message of the PSA is asking the public to help police by not escalating, not attacking, not fleeing, and not trying to disarm an officer. Whether it is getting asked a question, getting a citation, or getting arrested, don’t confront, don’t resist, and don’t flee.” If someone feels an officer has improperly treated him or her, the time to seek a legal resolution is after the encounter with the law enforcement officer has concluded.

Resisting arrest, fleeing, or attempting to disarm a police officer places both the police and the member of the public in danger. Comply now. Complain later. Keep everybody safe.