As recent allegations of police misconduct hover over departments throughout the region, the Carbondale chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union hosted a forum, "A Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters" on Thursday night.

The forum, which was included clips of a video and five speakers, took place in the Lesar Law School building as part of the ACLU's biannual meeting. Besides the forum, the group also voted on new officers, approving Lenny Gross as the incoming president.

McNeil was charged with criminal trespass and resisting police. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.

Melodi Green, a third-year law student and president of the Black Law Students Association, said she was unaware of the situation surrounding McNeil's arrest until recently. She said the forum was an opportunity for students to learn.

"I always try to hear about community issues, especially those affecting African American students," Green said before the forum. She said people, especially minorities, need to be educated on their rights.

The video clips, which included a young man getting pulled over, showed the differences in what asserting your right to deny police requested searches.

William Schroeder, an SIU Law professor specializing in criminal law, said that because police hold an overwhelming amount of power, they tend to scare people. He said "you never have to consent to a search," adding that regardless of what police say, they are never on your side.

Todd Sigler, the university police chief, said regardless of certain situations or stereotypes about police officers, "We're not all that bad." He suggested being attentive, following orders and not making sudden movements during traffic stops to avoid the potential for problems.

He also passed out pamphlets on what to do if stopped by the police, which are available at the Carbondale Police Department and the University Department of Public Safety.

Online: http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2007/10/18/local/21876043.txt.