I think the police were wrong here?

Question

Me and my brother were sitting on our own property smoking some nice dominican cigars when two sheriff patrol cars pull up and come out. Make us put our hands up, had to drop my cigars which was ruined. WTF they make us do that for we didn't even do anything and they made us put our hands up? They had no respect, taunted us and **** for example "Put your hands up or I'll ******* shock your ***" as he pointed a tazer at us. and "What they **** are you guys doing?" Gdamn pigs, wtf did they think we were doing? We were minding our own business, having a relaxing cigard ON OUR OWN PROPERTY. I think they had no reason to react like they did.

We were armed with knives and they bitched to us about that and how its bad and stuff. We were out there late at 3 am we wanted protection, and so what? We're on our property there's no reason for them to give us lip about that.

my brother is 20, i was 18, and as far as we knew there was no cause for them to do this. if someone called it in or something, we didn't know, and aren't they supposed to inform us? they never told us why we were being searched and interrogated. we did NOTHING to provoke the police or to give them reason to come poking around. there were two cars, i don't know if this is a regular patrol or what.

Were they wrong in their actions is the issue, did you guys even read it and infer a question?

danielle, i had a very neutral opinion about police until tonight. its hard to have a good outlook on them after they mistreat you. i'm not saying you don't understand or anything, but if you were me last night, you'd call them the same thing

I made no sudden movements or anything to suggest aggresiveness, nothing suspicious other than being out late. Still on my property sitting down so if they think that's suspicious, whatever.

When they drew their tazers and crap we didn't give them any lip or act stupid, nothing resistance-like. I've told you the story truthfully.

I'd like to get more though now that you mention it, so maybe if there's a way to call the statioin and ask about that night and see if they can release some information. I mean don't I have a right to know why they did that stuff?

Answer 1

Your right about the police not having probable cause, unless you are under age, then there is no need for probable cause,even on your own property. Federal Law states that it is a violation of underage smoking laws for a miner; age less then 18 years to be smoking in public or in a privet building. But if you are of legal age to smoke then the police over stepped their bounds as server's of the laws in which they are sworn to up-hold. They not only violated your rights as tax-paying citizens they also violated rules of conduct prescribed by the state in-which you live in. as well as rules of conduct put forth by the tax-payers of this country. You may have the right to file a law suit against the officers that abused their legal status as police officers and miss-represented the department in-which they are employed. Seek out a lawyer that deals in violations of civil rights.

Good Luck To
You.

Answer 2

I also agree with the person who said there is something missing to from this story.

But perhaps it was mistaken identity? I had a similar thing happen to me, tho no where near as bad a you. And I admit at least for the police in this area it gave me a rather new outlook on cops. I still highly respect them very much, but I could have done without the scare they gave me in my own home. 2 cops got the wrong house, came to my door. I invited them in, then the female officer went nuts on me accusing me of everything under the sun. She played "bad cop" quite well while her male partner was at least attempting "good cop". I've never been in trouble with the law a day in my life....haven't even had a speeding ticket lol. But I thought for sure they were going to arrest my mom & I....and I didn't even understand why. All I knew is that they came into my house initially very polite, then the female officer was bullying me big time. I was quite frankly scared to death & was worried my elderly mom was gonna have a heart attack. All cuz they looked us up in the phone book (we found this out later, they told us this) and got the wrong house.

Regardless of whether or not the cops in your case had a valid reason for being there.....if it's true about how they talked to & threatened you I don't think that was very professional, I think it could have been handled a little bit better.

Did they perhaps get the feeling you were resisting them? I've seen some police cuff someone, not intending to arrest them but just for safety reasons until they figure out whats going on. But if someone resists that I don't think they like that very much ;)

Answer 3

If it was 3 in the morning maybe they thought you were outside smoking other non-legal things too.
Yes they were in the wrong for treating you the way they did and could have gone about it in a better manner.. but at the same time when you refer to them as "gdamn pigs" I can't help but think you have your mind made up about the police and I'm pretty sure you probably do not treat most police men you come in contact with -with respect.

Let by gones be by gones. If it happens again call the police station and see what was up- if a noise complaint was called or whatnot.. but you probably should not mention pigs or bacon to them while on the phone.

Answer 4

No, they aren't required to tell you that someone called on you. Is it the right thing/smart thing to do? Yes. After I jack someone up, I tell them why I did it and make sure they know why I did what I did. If it ends in an arrest or just a warning.

I pulled a guy over the other night. He stopped at a gas station and got out. I asked for his license/reg/insurance. He turned back to the car (as is needed to get the stuff) but he reached under the car seat cover and started manipulating something. I instantly planted my pistol into the back of his head and pinned him in the car. Needless to say he was freaked out.

Well, this guy had his wallet stuffed in there. After I was done with the business at hand I explained that his actions to me, looked as though he was going for a hidden weapon. I asked if he understood why I had to react like I did. He totally understood my perspective and where I was coming from. He said "After you explained it to me, I guess I would have done the same thing."

A simple explanation from the officers would have cleared things up a little with you yes?

Answer 5

First of all, they may have had a report of some non legal smoking going on. And if the caller advised them that you were CCW (notice carrying concealed WEAPON, doesn't always indicate GUN) there would have been at least 2 officers show up, for their own safety. Also, for their own safety they would have told you to put your hands up first thing so that you wouldn't have the chance to get to the knife. The complainant could've chosen to remain annonymous, therefore your right to know who complained is no longer as there technically is no complainant, just a tip.

Answer 6

There is definitely something missing from this story. You may not be aware of whatever it is, but the story is not even close to complete. If 2 sheriff's cars arrived together, this was definitely NOT a routine patrol. They can for a specific reason. Without knowing that reason, we can't evaluate their behavior.

Answer 7

There is something you're not telling us, buddy. There are 2 sides to every story, and you are only telling us yours. I'm sure the police had every reason to check you out. Get over it.

Answer 8

Whats the issue?

Answer 9

they did not do anything wrong. in fact they did what they should have. if i was patrolling at 3am and saw two people sitting outside,i would stop and check them out.it is not normal behavior to be sitting outside at 3am

Answer 10

So, what is the question?