The other night, I was walking to a bar that is right behind my apartment complex. I noticed some police officers posted up, and I thought they were going to say something, but they didn't. When I got to the bar, I decided I didn't want to go in because of the crowd and the music they were playing, so I started walking back home. The cops were still there, and this time, they did say something. In fact, they made me stand there answering questions, ran my I.D., searched me from head to toe! Three cops had me surrounded with their flashlights in my face, harrasing me while I'm walking through my own neighborhood! Are they allowed to just randomly search you like that?
2007-09-18 09:51:46 · 20 answers · asked by Anthony R 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Yes, if in their opinion you were acting suspiciously... not saying you were, that's just the line that applies. Search is for their own safety, ID is considered legal by every court in the country, questioning is considered ok as long as you're not technically in custody (which is iffy, I know.)
2007-09-18 09:56:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Guess they where thinking you buy or sale something.Yes they def,can search you and ask for ID.But you can also refuse it,and go to the Station in there Ride.Where you could have failed a complaint .It is a good thing to me for the Police to do what they are doing ,but they are going over board with what they can do and doing as they please.Knowing what kind of Law ect. they would referee to,and we are clueless most of the time,except if we get a lawyer that cost us a arm and a leg.On the end they get away with it most of the time anyways,knowing this ,makes them just be more the way the are..So since you are ok and they are satisfyed ,just go on.....
2007-09-18 18:16:22 · answer #2 · answered by siggi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they have to have probable cause that you committed a crime. Now if you jay walked, you committed a crime. But they thought you were acting suspicious because you approached a bar but didn't go in, they can't stop you and search you. They have to have a reason. Now if a lot of people in that area are selling drugs and you acted like one of those guys, that could be a reason. But other than that, they can't search you without your consent.
2007-09-18 17:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is my opinion that they would have to have probable cause to search someone. However, you have to realize that a lot of police officers like the power trip and use and abuse it every chance they can.
If I were you, I would have gotten those officers names and filed a complaint. You can't stop the harrassment if you don't speak up. Just realize that if they want to they can come back at you for complaining. Sometimes cops are "above the law."
2007-09-18 16:59:03 · answer #4 · answered by Ana C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes
2007-09-18 17:01:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have probable cause..as it is suspicious that you were going to a bar but then decided not to when you saw the police...it probly wasnt completley nessicary but after 9-11 and the VA tech thing..cops have been getting alot of crap and a bad rep..theve stepped up alot and are not taking anychances anymore..they dont want to make any mistakes..
its alright dude..theyre just trying to help. i know your thinking:
"but im not a bad guy, whyd they search me"
well they dont know that, just making sure.
yeah your right its annoying...but its their job and im glad they do it..
(sometimes)
2007-09-18 16:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by leroy jenkins 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.when they saw u walk in the bar and then walk back out.it looked funny 2 them so they had the right 2 check u out.they didn't know what u were up 2 so they checked u out.just doing there jobs.
2007-09-18 17:09:31 · answer #7 · answered by kim d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they are not allowed to randomly search or inspect ID's on anyone. They must have probable cause. They would probably come up with some probable cause if you complained, but if it really bothers you, you can file a complaint.
2007-09-18 16:56:35 · answer #8 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How do they know it's your neighborhood looking at you? For all they know, you were just waiting for them to leave. They absolutely have the right to search you if they're looking for something in particular.
2007-09-18 16:59:39 · answer #9 · answered by Lex 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can. its called "reasonable suspicion". if they believe for any reason that you are doing anything out of the ordinary they have "reasonable suspicion" to either stop and/or search you. kind of like when they say for us to report any suspicious activity, they also have the right as officers of the law.
2007-09-18 16:59:02 · answer #10 · answered by mixman812 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋