Illegal to follow a police car?

Question

Okay, this is going to be a strange question, and I know it's not the smartest or the most productive thing to do.. just humor me here:

Is there anything illegal involved in following a police car around the city? Suppose you're bored, or just doing a documentary, or supposedly practicing your right as a citizen to just drive on a public road or keep an eye on the authorities (make up a reason). Can a police officer legally order a citizen to not follow his patrol vehicle around town?

Cgiv76, your points are well taken, but I'm not really asking whether it's a wise thing to do. I suppose there are occasions when a police car takes on the role of an emergency vehicle, but assume for the sake of the question that nothing of the sort is going on. It's not clear what sort of danger a driver is putting himself into by following another vehicle unless there were some high speed chase involved (in which case, this question just becomes irrelevant).

But neither is my question, "Will it tick the cop off?" I know it will be an annoyance, but hey... I've had a cop once follow me around town before, and I suppose they have their reasons, but if the roles were reversed (the citizen becomes the "follower"), how would that be an obstruction of justice?

Really, it is a stupid question, I'm just curious.

Heh... in other words, I know it's a stupid question, but if you're unable to answer a stupid question, that's fine too. =]

Answer 1

Not a dumb question. I doubt that it's illegal to follow a police car in it's usual course of business. The vast majority of our work is in public view. Of course if the police car was running emergency traffic that would exclude you. Or if the officer was responding to any other call and felt that you were impeding or obstructing the response your presence wouldn't be welcome.
As a cop, I would immediately take issue with anyone following my car...mainly from an officer safety point of view. I would probably conduct a stop of YOUR car and see why your most important thing to do is follow me. Once I have determined that your "mission" is harmless, I probably wouldn't care. I might even give you one of our "Junior Police" badges to wear while you're following me around (LOL).
You'd probably find yourself bored for the most part. A lot of an officer's day is administrative, taking reports of crimes that have already occurred, fender benders, talking to people in the community...etc. The Code-3 calls are unpredictable.
If you really want to do this, my suggestion would be to let the officer know in advance what you're doing and why. And don't be surprised if you're not received with open arms.
Good luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I have been following cops for about 5 months now. Certain cops in particular, guys with bad rap sheets and who are pending suspensions. I just want to get these crooked *** cops caught. I'm a black man who is fed up with the justice system so I'm taking action. I have served many years in the military so keeping a low profile is something I was trained and excel at. I would never do anything to harm the cops, but I have followed a couple of the guys home.(wasn't my intent they went home while on duty) I understand not all cops are bad, but that also applies for any race that is being discriminated or stereotyped on. I look at it like this, if your the type to stereotype or discriminate then I'm going to do the same. So that's means all cops are murders and crooked, and if your a white man and u do the same then I'm going to say you're all pedophiles. I started this because of the war in the U.S between cops and unarmed. Plus a judge told me "y would I believe u over my officer. "

Answer 4

No, there is nothing explicitly illegal about following a car around the city. However, if the officer determines that your following him is obstructing or deterring him from his normal duties, then yes, you could even be arrested. Just don't do it, unless you have checked with the agency first. Otherwise, you're just inviting trouble.

Answer 5

It's not illegal, but....
You will get a ticket:
if your brake lights are not working properly,
if you fail to signal at a proper distance from the intersection,
if you follow too closely,
if your headlights are not properly aimed,
if you cross over the yellow line,
if you don't dim your high beams,
if your sunglasses reflect too much light into the eyes of oncoming traffic,
if your tires are under-inflated or tread-worn,
if your brakes squeak,
if you are burning oil,
if your muffler is too loud,
or any of 1000 other things cops can write tickets for but usually don't.

Answer 6

Interesting case of stalking. Purposely putting yourself in danger, by following an emergency vehicle. Exercising your right as a citizen. You know, I was going to answer this question, but every time I read it, the dumber it gets.

Answer 7

A ride-along would be more practical; that way you're not wasting gas.

Answer 8

Not if you're part of a funeral procession.

Answer 9

How does it feel when the shoe is on the other foot? Just saying....

Answer 10

YES!
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