Rights forums scheduled Copwatch to educate public on dealing with law agencies Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic Oct. 6, 2004 12:00 AM A citizens watchdog group that focuses on Valley police is holding three "know-your-rights" forums during October. Phoenix Copwatch has been operating in the area since 1998 and is part of a larger chain of Copwatch organizations in eight other states. The three seminars aim to educate the public about legal rights when dealing with police and government agencies. Speakers include Suzanne Sanchez, Maricopa County public defender, and Eleanor Eisenberg of the Arizona Civil Liberties Union. "I'll be talking about what you do when you come in contact with the police," Sanchez said, who has been a county public defender for 14 years. "Probably the No. 1 mistake clients I see have made before they get to me or another attorney is confessing. If they would just know how to avoid doing that, they wouldn't get convicted." Drawing from her experience as a lawyer, Sanchez believes younger people, especially under 25, are especially vulnerable to making "major" mistakes when dealing with the police, she said. "The younger the accused person is, the bigger the problem is, the less life experiences, that's where the most things went wrong," Sanchez said. She will also discuss physical protective measures. There is no cost to attend the Know-Your-Rights forums. For more information call (602) 330-3929 or go to www.phoenixcopwatch.org. Here is the schedule: Tonight at 7; Arizona State University main campus Memorial Union Building, Turquoise Room on the second floor. Suzanne Sanchez, Maricopa County public defender, will speak. Tuesday, 5 p.m.; Gentle Strength Co-operative, Activities Room. 234 W. University Ave., Tempe. Eleanor Eisenberg, AzCLU spokeswoman, will speak. Oct. 23, 1 p.m.; Dobson Ranch Mesa Public Library, meeting room. 2425 S. Dobson Road. Suzanne Sanchez, Maricopa County public defender, will speak.