You are a pedestrian and encounter a police officer, what do you do?

Question

Tired of being harassed by police on the road? What would you do to handle the situation?

Answer 1

If the police approach you, the contact will either be a consentual contact or a detention. The police cannot detain you unless they have some evidence to suspect you of a crime. You won't really know which type of stop it is when the police approach you. Either way, you should do the following:

1) "You have the right to remain silent" - use it. You need only provide the police with you name and date of birth, nothing more. Even simple questions, like "where are you going?" or "where do you live?" can lead to answers which can be twisted against you later in court.

2) Immediately ask the officer, "am I being detained?" If the answer is no, they you can, and should, walk away.

3) Keep you hands in the open where the officer can see them. Putting your hands in your pockets will likely result in a search of your body "for officer safety purposes."

4) If the officer asks you "do you have anything illegal on you?" Just say "no." You get no points with the cop or the judge for telling the truth.

If the cops approach you on the street and start talking to you, they are trying to accuse you of a crime. Be careful and shut up.

Answer 2

Hope you are in a cross walk or not breaking a law or hope you aren't dressed like someone who just committed a crime in your area. Harrassment is a terrible thing for the receiver. It is a shame that some policemen only see people when they are at their worst and it is hard for some of them to deal like normal people. And then there is the self preservation thing. There seem to be three types of policement-those that generally want to do some good in the community, those that can't get a better paying job with the education they have, and those that want the power of the uniform. You know who they are when you encounter them. Be careful and protect yourself at all times.

Answer 3

Well my advise to you is to take a look at yourself and ask "What am I doing to draw this attention"? There has to be a reason that your getting this sort of publicity. If you are uncertain then the next time you encounter the police just ask them. I'm sure they will be more than willing to give you an answer.

Answer 4

knowledgeable voters, confident. Drop outs, drug clientele, crooks, and spouse abusers no longer plenty. i detect it exciting you supply no specific occasion why you or your mom do no longer have faith the police. Asking a question of this nature with out validating your place is pointless. I do supply you credit for one factor... it is the 1st question (out of hundreds i've got considered) approximately no longer trusting the police that surely has respectable spelling and grammar. curiously you're knowledgeable.

Answer 5

The first part, I'd just say "hey". And seeing as I've never been harassed by the police, I couldn't answer #2. But, I guess if you look like a turd to them, they're going to give you the business.

Answer 6

If the officer has a reasonable reason for stopping you from "walking". Then you do not need to show them your ID. But if they do have a reason, then you are required to show it to them.

Answer 7

Try saying hello

Answer 8

never be alone. it is the best way to avoid harassment or false charges. nothing is foolproof though.

some of you have the mentality of those that blame rape victims instead of rapists

Answer 9

keep my hands in plain sight, so he won't pull his 9mm on me. if he ask for ID let him know that you don't have to show it to him. then keep walking on.

Nice to see your hard earned taxes at work huh?


EDIT: only "reasonable reason" for a cop to pull you over is for a traffic violation or if you are a minor disobeying the town curfew, if there is one.

Answer 10

If your sick of being harassed by the police... Stop doing illegal things.

Simple as that.