How I feel about cops

[Casper]

Classic lectures, Karen! I remember the first time I saw those videos, and was genuinely impressed at how frank and helpful the cop was (huh...there's a first!). When even the cop is saying "no, don't talk to us", you KNOW something's up. Those lectures should be included in every driving/riding school curriculum.

The problem is, that as kids, we're all taught "cops are your friends. Trust them and be honest with them". Then we grow up and find out that that's not necessarily the case. The problem is that some people discover this too late.

I have to spread some rep around first, but there will be more coming your way for those vids, Karen.

[Terp84Alum]

Cops are pretty worthless. Only about 1% are there for the right reason and doing it right. The other 99% are little dick cowards who probably got their asses kicked their entire life and are using the "badge" as their toughness. These 99% will also run from danger and never prevent or solve a crime. These the the perpetual traffic guys and gals who get their rocks off handing out traffic tickets. I really don't think we need cops at all. Most of them really just get in the way.

[karen]

Thanks Casper. I remembered some more 'just for fun' tidbits of info:

This has surprised some:
DUI Checkpoints. Org DUI Checkpoints/Sobriety Checkpoints and Roadblocks

DUI Checkpoints

Sobriety checkpoints, or DUI roadblocks, are temporary installations used by law enforcement to catch drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. This approach was modeled on the success of roadside safety checks and license and registration inspections.

At a sobriety checkpoint, officers either stop every vehicle or use a specific pattern to stop certain cars on a public road to investigate if drivers are impaired. These checkpoints are often set up late at night or early in the morning, when the highest percentage of drunk drivers is on the road.

The officer may ask to search your car. This means they do not have legal grounds to search your car, and you may refuse this request.

If you are ordered out of your vehicle, lock the door behind you. If you are asked to perform a field sobriety test, you may refuse. These are the tests where you are required to walk in a straight line, touch your nose or recite the alphabet. If you refuse to take these tests, the officer will have one less reason for arresting you should it result in a DUI charge.

The officer may ask you to take a breath alcohol test to determine your blood alcohol content level. You can refuse this test, but the consequences for refusing are almost as severe as a DUI charge.

There is some argument about whether or not roadblocks actually work to reduce the number of drunk drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded, after numerous field studies, that the number of DUI arrests made by roving patrols is nearly three times the average number of DUI arrests made by officers at a sobriety checkpoint.

However, police officers believe that roadblocks are effective, even if drunk drivers get around them, because they show the public that driving under the influence is not tolerated.

[Check your state law, field sobriety tests are not there. K]
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Flex your rights: How to Flex Your Rights During Police Encounters
Busted Video Clips
Consent=legal search: Consent = Legal Search | How to Flex Your Rights During Police Encounters
When do I have to show ID?:When do I have to show ID? | How to Flex Your Rights During Police Encounters
Refusing Police to entry your home:
Refusing Police Entry to Your Home | How to Flex Your Rights During Police Encounters


Cops are trained - know your rights and use them.

K

[dirtydan]

Thanks for adding all the info, Karen.