With several recent fatal incidents involving police, it's important that citizens know their rights when coming face-to-face with an officer.

Between the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in Staten Island, it's clear that mistreatment, distrust and fear between the police and the people can be a recipe for disaster.

NYPD Detective Chuck Berkley says it's important for people to comply when approached by police. Berkley says choosing to take matters into your own hands can quickly turn a routine stop into a chaotic confrontation.

Anyone stopped by an officer should wait until after the encounter to ask why they were stopped. Bystanders are allowed to video tape another person's encounter with police, as well as use vulgar language while they video tape if they want.

Police are no longer allowed to arrest a person for obstruction of governmental administration or disorderly conduct.

If a person feels an officer is straying away from certain NYPD policies, they can fight back with a write up. It is important to first ask for the officer's name, badge number and precinct.

If the officer refuses this information, you should jot down the date, time and location of the incident, as well as the details on their vehicle. From there, you can file a civilian complaint.