Some things you SHOULD know. I was with someone in their car VERY recently (my friend was the operator and I was a passenger). The cop checked her license and then began asking personal question which NO COP has a right to do, and surely not EXPECT someone to be what I call commonly misinformed about their rights and easily offer-up info. I commented that it was not any of his business or job to ask personal questions (like where you are coming from or going to, etc) and I asked my friend to not answer the questions. The cop was instantly put-off by my interjection and he asked me to produce an ID... which was NOT going to happen. So I informed him of my 4th amendment rights and what probable cause is, and then I volunteered my name only and told him he could check that for any outstanding wants or warrants, but that was all he would get from me and it was because I was feeling generous. I didnt get cocky or aggressive with him but he seemed ready to go there with me at any moment - it was a little tense of a situation and my friend was clearly getting nervous by the way the encounter was going. I was friendly and informed him that I admire good police work and at the same time I have zero tolerance for illegal procedure in our paid civil servants. It was cool. He wasnt happy to happen upon a person who knew the law, but I think he also knew he didnt want to see me in a courtroom either, so he courteously finished the verification of the driver and he made a comment that I skated a fine line. I smiled and said Thats what good skaters do, and I have real respect for real law, and Im glad you didnt do anything to make the Salem force look bad. He gave a brief chuckle and bid us a good evening and left. That was the PERFECT outcome for all involved and now my friend is nervous having me in the car – so she actually drives MUCH more carefully when Im with her now! LOL! It seemed to work well in ALL directions - hopefully that cop will go home and look over the Bill of Rights now! :) *This would have likely had a MUCH different outcome if we had been in our neighboring metro city of Roanoke, but MY reactions would have been the same – even knowing I would be much more likely to have had a angry, aggressive and abusive cop all over me! Which is okay, because if it doesnt start SOMEWHERE it will surely go NOWHERE. People need to KNOW what their rights are and NOT be fearful of those who are paid by us to enforce laws – not abuse us or infringe on our rights. People who arent breaking any real laws should NEVER feel anxiety or a sense of fearfulness when approached by cops, but that is how EVERYONE is these days. What we have surrendered over the years is our knowledge of our rights & the duties of policemen, and our spines & self-respect.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 15:26:43 +0000
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