Can a deputy ask the names of people you know in an area and can he fol low you after the stop?

Question

I was being watched by a deputy as I crossed the highway to drive down a county road. The road is not a busy road. I was doing nothing wrong at the time. About ten minutes up the road I noticed he was behind me with his lights on. He said I was speeding and
gave me a ticket. During which time he rudely asked me who I know in the area and why was I driving down that road. After he let me go he followed me to the location I was going and drove slowly by a couple of times until he could see that I was out of my car and in the house. I feel I did nothing wrong to warrant his rudeness, as
he claimed I was 7 mph over the speed limit, which by the way is not posted on this road. I feel I was harrassed by this deputy. I am only a teenager, was alone at the time going to take pictures for my art project.

Answer 1

He was doing his job, get over it. By rudely you mean he was calling you names, threatening you, or yelling at you? Or did he just, authoritatively, ask you what is your business was driving down this road (that he has probably driven down a hundred times and he knows your car does not belong there). There is a difference. Wouldn't you want him to do that if it was the deserted country road your family lived on?? I know that is what I would want him to do. For all he knows you could be a murderer, thief, or a rapist. Stop being so sensitive, apparently he was not out to get you otherwise you would be in jail now.

Answer 2

Depends on the state you are in, but most states are similar regarding this issue, because the US Constitution deals a lot with this particular issue.

First of all, it's tough being a teenager. Young folks commit most of the crimes, so cops generally look disfavorably at young folks.

If you were speeding, the ticket is appropriate. I don't know what state you are in, but you should consider looking to see if there is a law that had a default speed limit if there is no posted speed limit. Maybe you can fight it? But maybe the cop was within his rights.

While you are getting a ticket, the cop has the right to ask you questions. The questions will generally be what you are doing int he area and who you are doing those things with. However, the 5th Amendment to the Constitution also gives you the right not to answer.

Of course, if you don't answer, the cop might try to drum up some other charge and you might end up getting more speed tacked onto your ticket . . . or worse. Of course, if a person is drunk, the cop can always say you were drunk and in public and unable to care for yourself and can then take you in. A good friend of mine who is also an ex-cop told me numerous stories about cops and one in particular stands out. My friend was arresting someone. The guy asked why he was being arrested. My friends response was to ask "Are you asking what you are being charged with or why you are being arrest?" The guy was being charged with being drunk and in public. He was being arrested, because he flunked the "attitude test." The fact is that cops have more power than we do. It sucks. It's unfair. It's wrong. But they have guns and can arrest us and have the power to use force. We don't! And if they lie on the stand (and some cops, but not all, do lie on the stand in court), the cops will be believed and we, as mere mortals, won't be (unless we have video or something like it to refute what the cops say). As a teenager, a judge or jury would believe you even less than the average person. It's unfair, but that's life.

What about him following you? He has the right to follow you. You are on a public road. You are looking suspicious to him. He pulled you over for speeding, but he let you go. The cop couldn't pull you over again (unless you committed another crime), but he can follow you. He has the right to be on the public road with you (and even some places that are private property).

If the cop is just doing it to harass you day after day, that's another issue, but what you describe is not harassment. If he pulled you over because you were black or some other race, that would be another issue as well. But what you describe is completely within normal parameters.

Cops are rude, too. I've suffered that myself. Rudeness is another thing altogether. It won't get them drummed off the force, but it may elicit a short lecture from a superior. Call the agency and file a complaint about his rudeness. Cops should be professional and polite.

Answer 3

Yes and yes. Sorry he's only doing his job.
If you were on an old country road there are only so many houses along it I'm sure. He was looking out for the people that pay his salary. The type of area you are talking about is prime target for someone looking to break into a house or someone just out joyriding with a bottle.

Answer 4

I had a similar situation. I think he was just doing his job. However I think certain officers take joy in excessively asserting their authority. They get right to the line of harassment and then back down slowly. As for the comment about the road my family lives on. Well we all carry or own legal registered guns and would rather not deal with law enforcement. If I can't protect myself and my family then I must be a CLINTON.....

Answer 5

Yep he can do that! Asking who you know could show him if you area lurking the area or casing a house to break in somewhere. As far as following you.....you were on public road!

Answer 6

Welcome to small town America.

Sorry this happened and yes it is harassment. With so much going on these days this good old boy mentality still exists. Our towns one time part time cop is no better, unless of course he knows you....
If you brought this up somewhere the cop would just say you looked suspicious, and there had been some bad goings on with the teens around there....probable cause.

Answer 7

He can ask you just about anything he wants. You can also refuse to answer. Works both ways.

Answer 8

He may question you if there is a need, but to foillow you afterwards, you may have a case for police harassment.

Answer 9

I wish that guy patroled my neighborhood. Stop your crying.

Answer 10

He sure can. If you feel you were harassed, talk to his superior or file complaint.