I am posting it in the Newbie Board as most of the veterans know this stuff. I know of to many people that have done real damage to their lives by not knowing how to deal with the police and how to utilize their rights in a way that keeps them from making things worse.

First things first, an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Screening for client and providers is essential. There is plenty of posts on that so I will be short on the subject. Ladies get and check references, or get real information like employment and check it. Guys see well reviewed ladies. VIP is cheaper than one bad experience. It is a whole lot cheaper than getting busted. Screening will greatly reduce the odds of being busted.

Next should that fail you need to be prepared. It is good to be prepared even if you are not doing anything illegal, but it is vital if you are. Have some money set aside so you can make bail and pay the lawyer if needed. Do you research and find a lawyer and bail bondsmen and have their number on you or better yet memorize them. You do not want to do this research in a time of desperation. One last thing know your rights. They are your only protection in a police encounter. Do not learn them after you wave them. It is best to be prepared.

But what do you do when the time comes?

First and most important, STFU! You have the right to remain silent, use it. Nothing good can come from opening your mouth. Everything that could possible be used against you will be used against you in a court of law.

You are far more likely to talk your way into a jail cell then out of one. And do not believe the cops threats or promises to help. Cops can and do lie to get you to incriminate yourself. Cops can't make binding deals only the DA's office can do that. Just shut up.

Here is a two part video on why you should shut up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08fZQWjDVKE

Second remain calm, be polite, and show respect. Cops have a hard job that can be dangerous. If you are scared, run, panicked, or angry it could make the cops nervous or angry. This can lead to bad situations. Never run, touch a cop, or resist this will cause things to escalate. Don't lie top a cop, that too can make things real bad for you in a hurry.  Just politely execute your rights and things will go better for you.

Third, you do have the right to verbally refuse searches. It is wise to do so. If they have a warrant or probable cause they will sill preform the search anyway but it is still wise to state your objections. It may stop the search or it may help you in court.

Fourth, It is a good idea to as for a lawyer even if you are not yet under arrest. IF you are arrested call that lawyer up as soon as possible. There is a reason you need to have that number handy, you do not want to deal with this alone. You will need help.

Fifth, Find out if you are being detained. A simple way to do this is ask if you are free to go. If you are free to go, go.

This four part video explains it better then I can on how to handle a police encounter better then I did:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmrbNLt7Om8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKPutNg88bA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REJ2RsLp1Kk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUv3A4hscc0

I found this video useful as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA

I am not a lawyer. I am just posting this as I know of too many good people in this hobby that mishandled a police encounter and things didn't go well for them.

Do you know how many reviews is a good baseline so you can feel comfortable with a provider and not risk running into LE? Or what would you suggest.

First the LE risk is never ever zero. Always remember that. A good baseline as far as to saying safe is a minimum three quality reviews. What is a quality review? It is a review done by someone with a good reputation, with a history of reviews, and that seems to grade fairly or from someone you know and trust. 100 reviews from unknowns with few or no reviews means little as reviews can be faked. I never go on just reviews though.

Here is how I screen:

Second I Check she have reviews here or other sites, if she does read them. If not as a newbie you should stay away. Then look at who wrote the reviews. I focus on what I conciser quality reviews as defined above. I do not trust ever review or aliased reviews.

Third, I contact some of her clients that have reviewed her see what they have to say.

Fourth I check the internet for information. I run the photos through tineye.com to see if they are stolen. I Google her phone number and email to see if any red flags come up. Check her ad history is she new to the seen if so be a bit more careful. Does she advertise else where or have a website if so read them.

Fifth, I check with my a few trusted friends that are in the hobby. Some of these friends are providers. I also check with my wife.

Then and only then do you make an appointment. I am not done screening. I am always looking to make sure everything feels right. And remember always use your big head and if something seems off run.