Protect Your Rights in the USA

For many Ukrainians who have recently made California their home, interactions with law enforcement can still be unfamiliar. Different procedures, expectations, laws, and cultural norms can make even relatively ordinary situations confusing—especially when people are unsure about their rights or how they are expected to respond.

To help bridge this knowledge gap, Ukrainian American House hosted “Protect Your Rights in the USA,” a practical community workshop with representatives of the Roseville Police Department.

The event brought together members of the Ukrainian community for an open and highly interactive conversation with Detective Andrew Grinder of the Roseville Police Department and two representatives of the patrol division.

Rather than focusing only on general information, the discussion addressed situations people may actually encounter in everyday life.

Participants learned when to call 911 and when to use non-emergency services, what information to provide when requesting police assistance, what to expect during a traffic stop, how to communicate with an officer, and how to respond if law enforcement comes to their home.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to discuss individual rights and responsibilities when interacting with police in California and, importantly, how people can put that knowledge into practice in real-life situations.

A Conversation the Community Needed

The level of engagement throughout the event demonstrated just how important this topic is for our community.

Participants came with many questions and real-life scenarios they wanted to better understand. Community members actively engaged with the officers, asked detailed questions, and sought clarification about situations that can often cause uncertainty—particularly for people who are still learning how American institutions and public services operate.

For newcomers, knowing that they have rights is only the first step. Understanding how to exercise and protect those rights, how to communicate with law enforcement, and what actions to take in a stressful or unfamiliar situation can make a meaningful difference.

“We are deeply grateful to the Roseville Police Department, and especially to Detective Andrew Grinder, for the opportunity to serve our Ukrainian community here in the Sacramento region by making this essential information accessible. For many newly arrived Ukrainians, interactions with law enforcement and the 911 system remain unfamiliar and sometimes difficult to navigate. It is important not only to know your rights, but to understand how to exercise and protect them in real-life situations—including when interacting with police or requesting emergency assistance. This conversation gave our community practical knowledge that can help people feel more informed, prepared, and confident when those situations arise.”

— Denys Nakonechnyi, CEO, Ukrainian American House

Creating Access Through Partnership

Ukrainian American House sincerely thanks the Roseville Police Department, Detective Andrew Grinder, and the participating patrol officers for dedicating their time to our community, answering questions, explaining law enforcement procedures, and helping participants better understand how to respond appropriately in different situations while protecting their rights.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, Anthem Blue Cross and CDSS, whose support helped make this event possible and expand access to this valuable information for the Ukrainian community.

Partnerships between community organizations, public agencies, and supporting organizations allow us to create programs that respond directly to the real needs of newcomers and help families navigate life in the United States with greater knowledge and confidence.

From Information to Empowerment

The impact of this workshop goes beyond a single evening.

When people understand their rights, know where to turn for help, understand how emergency services work, and feel more comfortable communicating with local law enforcement, they are better equipped to protect themselves, support their families, and participate confidently in their communities.

The tremendous interest and number of questions we received during the event showed us that conversations like this matter.

At Ukrainian American House, we will continue working to connect the Ukrainian community with trusted professionals, public institutions, and practical resources that make the process of building a new life in the United States more informed, secure, and empowering.

Knowledge creates confidence. Understanding your rights creates preparedness. And open communication builds stronger communities.

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