bucs90
Gold Member
- Feb 25, 2010
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Gotta be fair and acknowledge when a group I disagree with gets it right. Rabidly anti cop group "Cop Block" made a video of 5 Must Do things when encountering cops. And they're right.
FIRST....although Cop Block and myself have very drastically different views on law enforcement. ..I gotta commend them for one thing they say, regarding police ID (#2 below). They say "Police departments dont commit acts of wrongdoing, individuals do". Absolutely right. An individual...who happens to be a cop...may decide to violate his oath. Not his department or patch or peers.
Anyway...here they are:
1- Video. Sure. Cops do it. So can you. Any cop who tries to stop video recording without a legitimate public safety concern is wrong. Just remember...cops dont have to allow you into their personal space. Video from a reasonable distance.
2- Get their name and badge number. If you get a ticket...its on the ticket already. But ask for ID. Thats your right...because there ARE dangerous criminals impersonating cops. Be sure your cop...is really a cop. "Sir..can I have your name and badge number to ensure you really are law enforcement? ".
3- Ask..."Am I being detained?" If not...you ARE free to leave. If you are...you are not. Terry vs Ohio SCOTUS ruling says you can be "detained" even if you havent committed a crime...but circumstances around you raise a reasonable suspicion for the cop to investigate. ..and hopefully confirm your innocence!
**Cop Block is also to be commended...for saying stay calm. Dont lose your cool.
4- Dont answer questions. Cop Block says dont answer any questions. Thats a 5th amendment right. So..they recommend it. I dont...unless you're guilty haha. But...it is the cops job to make a case and get evidence. Not yours to provide it. You have the right to refuse questions.
5- Do not consent to searches. Also your right. They may have probable cause to search or frisk (weapons only). But yes..you do not have to consent.
AND...they never say to physically resist arrest. For a bunch of cop haters...they got this one right. Know your rights. Dont lose your temper. Dont fight. Know its an individual. .not a department. ...who commits wrongs.
Good place to start.