If you are present with your friend when they are arrested, don't panic. It's normal to feel scared, angry, and uncertain, but getting upset will make things worse for everyone. Here are some ways to be helpful if your friend is arrested or ultimately incarcerated.

Find Out What's Going On

An arrest ordeal may be a blur of police lights, handcuffs, and high emotions. During all this, you can help your friend who's being arrested by getting as much information as you can. Try to find out the reason for the arrest. Speak calmly and respectfully with the officers, and don't yell or be rude. They're human too. It may turn out your friend is only being questioned and not arrested. Make sure your friend formally asks the police if they are under arrest or not and whether they are free to go. If the police don't have a reason for the arrest, they may let him or her go or only hold them for questioning for a short time.

Next, try to find out the name of the charge so you know what your friend is accused of. You can look it up later in the penal code to find out more details when you have time. Finally, ask the arresting officers which jail or police station they are taking your friend to. Don't try to stop them or talk them out of the arrest or you could be arrested for obstructing the police.

Get The Ball Rolling

Once in booking, you won't see your friend. He or she will be informed of the charges, have their personal items stored away, be fingerprinted, and be given an opportunity to make one phone call. You can help by calling their family if possible and letting them know what is going on. Your friend's family might have better resources than you and know of an attorney and bail bondsman. This might be an option if you cannot afford bail for your friend. For additional info on posting bail, contact a bail bondsman in your area.

Remain Their Friend

If your friend ends up spending time in jail, it's important to remain their friend and give them support during their incarceration. One way to show your support and friendship is by visiting your friend while they are in jail. Contact the jail first and find out the rules. For example, you may arrive only during certain hours, and might have to dress a certain way. Knowing the rules will prepare you for what to expect. You will probably be searched and only allowed to bring certain items. Also, there might be video monitoring and limited physical contact.

Don't be alarmed if your friend behaves angrily. They are having a daunting experience, and are naturally having a difficult time adjusting to their new life. Try to understand how they are feeling and listen to what they have to say.

Send Them Things

No, you can't send a cake with a key conveniently baked inside. However, there are plenty of approved items that will help your friend feel more human during their stay in jail. Most people find that reading tops their list of past times while in jail. Books are inexpensive, do not require batteries, and can create a mental distraction for hours. You can send books from a best-seller list or send your friend some of their favorite books from their home. Magazines and newspapers are good alternatives, especially because they let your friend know what's going on in the outside world.

Finally, consider sending your friend small amounts of money or phone cards for making phone calls. Calling collect can be expensive, and this will allow them to call their family and other friends. Some prisons have a commissary where inmates can purchase items like shampoo and other luxuries.

Share