HOW TO ACT IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

I’m a TPD officer of more than 3 years, and I will post this only once, so it would be helpful if someone copied and reposted it for me, because it will be flagged. I am posting from a public accessible computer so it cannot be traced to me. The phone's a throwaway.

We are “encouraged” to create as much revenue as possible. We are told in report to issue citations for speeding if we get you on laser even one mile over the speed limit, no grace any longer. And if you are close we will issue citations saying you were over the limit unless you ask to see the speed-reading and then we will issue a warning, so ask.

We are required to put as much information in our reports to get you for added charges on DUI arrests. We are pushed to add and falsify charges in our reports. If you don’t have more than one charge in your report for DUI arrests we are harassed by our commanders.

We are ordered to lead you in the direction of a blood test v Breathalyzer because one judge is throwing them out still. The blood test will add about .02 of a point to the reading, taking you, in some cases from a DUI to an extreme DUI and adding more of a case against you, added higher fines and jail time.

We are instructed to be as friendly as possible and lull you into revealing information that you may not or shouldn’t give. The roadside sobriety tests are voluntary but we’re “encouraged” to not inform you of that.

We are told that the increase in added fines and arrests look good in our personnel file and it’s highly considered for advancement. Even adding assault on a police officer if you are disrespectful in anyway, it’s called the “lean and bump” we bump into you and you get charged with assault.

The goal is to have as many charges on you when you go to court so they might not get you on everything but they will get you on something. As well as have enough charges to make you look as bad as we can to win favor against you in a jury trial.

None of this is in writing, none of this can be proved. It doesn’t matter. If we win, nothing happens to us. If we lose, nothing happens to us. You are on your own out there. I don’t like the way things are going. But we can’t move our family out of Tucson because our house is underwater. I moved my family out here from another part of the country. We thought it would be a better environment for kids and family life and it has turned into a nightmare.

I can’t live with being commanded to be the cleanest dirtiest players out there any longer. These “suggestions” come all the way from the DA’s office in PHX. A few of the other officers I work with feel the same way I do, but most of them are going too far and actually like the loss of restrictions. The jokes and unbelievable comments I here are beyond conduct unbecoming. SB1070 is just the start. I wish I could do something but I’m only one cop.

The above video is the correct way to handle a traffic stop. After the jump, I’ve posted several very informative videos about dealing with police, including the complete video that this excerpt was taken from, called “BUSTED: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters“.

If you get pulled over, just remain calm and remember your rights. Keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. Police officers in some states have the legal right to search your car if they say they “smell” drug smoke. This is a very obvious loophole, but one you have to deal with since it is the law.

When he requests them, show the officer your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Try to remember the officers’ badge number and patrol car numbers, although not in an obvious or confrontational manner. For instance, don’t immediately ask for his name or badge number, just be mindful of it. Police WILL try to intimidate you, and they WILL make you wait. Maintain your composure, don’t show fear, and be polite. The police officer will most likely ask you if you know why he pulled you over. Say as little as possible, and never admit to speeding or try to guess why you were pulled over; just say no.

Never get into an argument with the police. You cannot win an argument with a police officer. Also remember that anything you say or do can be used against you, so I have to reiterate… say as little as possible. In some cases, police can search your car without a warrant based on “probable cause”. Make it clear that you do not consent to a search so you’re legally protected later on. It’s not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search. Remember that, NEVER consent to a search.

Refusing a search DOESN’T mean you’re guilty. The age old argument: “Well sonny, honest people don’t have anything to hide” is complete nonsense. That argument has been debunked many times over. Don’t let that line influence you.

At the bottom of this post, I’ve posted several very informative videos. The first two are from a talk given by James Duane, a lawyer and law professor, and the third is the complete Flex Your Rights video on how to handle a police stop.

Unfortunately, police enjoy a monopoly on protection. They’re the only game in town, so they aren’t pressured by the forces of the free market to make their customers happy. Police can generally act however they want and do whatever they please and we have to keep paying them to protect us. It’s an unfortunate situation, but until we live in a world with competing police services, where we can choose protection companies like we choose our cell phone provider, then we have to deal with it. So remember your rights, and don’t give in to police intimidation.

DON'T TALK TO COPS PART 1

DON'T TALK TO COPS PART 2



THE CITIZENS' GUIDE TO POLICE ENCOUNTERS PART 3

The first part from the police officer I found on some site. I thought it was postable just as a reminder that the police are very rarely our friends any more. The days of Norman Rockwell are over, boys and girls.

The officer, was actually a real life cop called Officer William Obanhein, of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He showed up in popular culture awhile later as “Officer Obie” from Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant. Officer Obies are gone now replaced by a whole different kind of cop with a whole new set of rules. Now he would not take the kid for a soda, the child would end up in juvie and the parents charged with neglect and then the kid would finally wind up in foster care. No more malt shops either.

So, not being American, but having heard so many stories, seen so many shorts, I really do not know how much of the "What to do if..." videos are guaranteed any longer. Also the laws have changed so much. But you never know any more. I have heard of people being taken in for nothing almost. So, there has to be good to glean from here.

I have been through lots of stuff before, and I found what was there is just good common sense.