Why do people think that they can argue with the Cops and possibly win?

Question

Especially when being pulled over for a minor traffic violation. It's far better to just keep your cool, show them your license, registration and insurance and be done with it. I'd say 9 times out of 10 if you keep your cool, you'll avoid a citation. But ya gotta keep your mouth shut! ( ^ _ ^ )

Especially when being pulled over for a minor traffic violation. It's far better to just keep your cool, show them your license, registration and insurance and be done with it. I'd say 9 times out of 10 if you keep your cool, you'll avoid a citation. But ya gotta keep your mouth shut! ( ^ _ ^ )

Crap why did that post twice? ( o _ 0 )
I'm sorry about that. Freakin' slow server!

Answer 1

I am in law enforcement and people do argue sometimes. I think most people argue when they don't understand what is going on or why they are being detained or arrested or investigated. This could be partially the officers fault. people panic when their freedom starts slipping away. The officer should explain what is happening the best they can. On the other hand officers have a scary job so giving a suspect too much information can jeopardize officer safety. As for the arguing its not always a bad thing in the right setting "court". As for my answer, people can and do win arguments with cops as long as they go about it the right way.

Answer 2

Beats me, I've found that the higher the alcohol content the higher the argumentative factor. And BMW's are like roses, but the pricks are inside of the Beemers.

P.S. to Shannon, there is a rule of thumb that some Officers follow in that defective people drive defective cars. And the only way to find out if you are the exception is to stop and check.

Answer 3

People do not give cops enough credit. I have no idea what people the feel they can accomplish by arguing. If they feel that a citation or ticket is off basis then go to cout to prove their innocence. Cops have many other important issues to deal with than listening to crap arguments. people want to be secure and safe, but then want preferential treatment when they get caught in the wrong.

Answer 4

Attitude IS everything.

If I stop someone for something like speeding, if they are honest, polite and do not have a bad record, they usual get a warning or at most a "failure to carry insurance card" ticket that cost a whopping $7.50!

If they are nasty and rude.... its a full boat ticket. And that ticket will be at least $160.00 for speeding.

To me, and most every officer I know, traffic law enforcement is about educating the public on the problem of what ever law they are breaking... not on generating expensive tickets.

So, you are right.... if you want to ensure that you get full police service... be nasty.

Answer 5

I never argue with them. If I get pulled over I'll refer to the officer as sir/ma'am. I'm always respectful. If I was speeding I'll admit it. I've been pulled over plenty of times but I've only had one speeding ticket.

To Shannon B - that cop may have been attracted to you and was just being a 'pig' (as in male pig)

Answer 6

If you argue, get upset, I suggest you don't do it with the Police Officer. Be polite, cooperate, do what your asked to do. By chance, the officer may give you the "least", meaning a warning. Argue and fight with the officer, then you may get arrested. You have the right to appear in court, and argue the "violation" to the Judge. Either agree with the violation or fight it in court. The police are just doing their job.

Answer 7

Probably because they are mentally unstable.. haha... when it is you versus the police, the police will almost always win on the street. When the matter gets taken to court, then you might win... but you cant run from the police.... unless you are on Americas Most Wanted.

Answer 8

Who knows .. I dont argue with them , there is no point to it ! ..

You might like the new show on Court tv called "Inside American Jail" .. it's exactually what you asked .. Stupid people fighting with the cops for no reason .. it does make for good tv though !

The show airs Thursday Nights at 8pm est.

Answer 9

i am on dail up and my question got posted twice also, many wanted to make light of that rather than respond to my question. i just awarded them my 'wet blanket' award.

people argue because they are angry they got caught and most people today don't take personal responsibility for their actions. as the other poster stated, usually alcohol or drugs are involved with impair their thinking.

while paying a traffic fine at our local police station, i saw a sign that made me laugh at my self. it read:

"please don't complain to me that you got caught, just remember all the times you didn't."

it put it into prospective for me...

Answer 10

Because they (the people getting pulled over) are convinced they're brilliant.

One of the first things one of my professors said in law school was never, ever to do this (especially not to say we're law students) because it just makes the officer madder.