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Let me make this clear from the outset. I fully support police officers and law enforcement in the their lawful duties. However, I do not “trust” them just because they are cops. As a matter of fact, that is exactly why I trust them less.
I am big into self-responsibility. In the event of trouble (break-in, etc), my first reaction is not to call 911. That takes too long. My responsibility is to take care of my family, self, and property – in that order.
Does that mean that I won’t call 911? Of course, I might call 911 in a medical emergency or a situation which does not warrant an immediate threat to my or my family’s safety. As an example, if my neighbor’s music is too loud after a reasonable hour, or if people are speeding down our street.
All too often cops become immersed in a mentality that everyone is guilty until proven innocent. As a direct example, it is none of a cop’s business where I’ve been or where I’m going if I’m stopped for a traffic violation. His or her business (and job) is to check license, registration, insurance, and write me a ticket if needed. My tax dollars are not spent for the fishing expeditions of law enforcement – I do not fall for the “if you are innocent you have nothing to worry about” mentality.
Since I’m not a concealed carry permit holder, it is also NONE of a cop’s business whether I have a weapon in the vehicle – at least not in the state of Louisiana. I am not obligated to inform the officer of that. If a cop starts fishing, then I will simply fish right along with him or her – no answers – just questions such as “why did you stop me officer?”
I don’t want to sound too harsh since I know that cops have to deal with all sorts of human nature, and I know that they typically deal with the bad side. However, there is also the bad side of law enforcement too – and that is why I don’t trust them just because they have a badge. The only “powers” they have above the average citizen are certain arrest powers – and they can go armed anywhere.
Let’s look at some examples.
(1) The New Orleans Gun Grab – New Orleans is under a permanent injunction from Judge Carl J. Barbier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana – to “cease and desist” from seizing lawful weapons, and they must aggressively attempt to return all illegally seized weapons. The city admitted the firearm confiscations carried out by Nagin and Riley were unconstitutional and illegal.
(2) Shreveport Mayor Cedric “Your Rights are Suspended” Glover – No mayor, those are God-given rights and neither you nor your cops can suspend them. Learn the law. Learn the US Constitution and the Louisiana Constitution.
(3) Don’t think cops are abusive? Ask Angela Garbarino if you want to know about Shreveport. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is requesting Federal help to straighten out their corruption – heightened during the Katrina shootings of civilians. Ask Robbie Tolan if they are abusive – a typo cause the cops to attempt to arrest him for theft of his own car. After shoving his mother against the garage, Tolan told the cop not to it again – and was shot.
(4) Don’t just start rattling off answers to police questions. As a matter of fact, be polite and say as little as possible. What you say can and likely may be distorted against you. The courts are supposed to presume innocence first – but the cops can and do presume guilt.
A spokesman for the D.C. police, who had not seen the film, said the rules are good rules to follow. “However,” he said, “if you have nothing to hide and police are doing some kind of investigation, you should tell them whatever they need to know. Police are there to protect the society and the community in which we work.”
Still think the cops are out to help you? Well, watch these interviews from an attorney and a cop. Order the full DVD – and no I don’t have any financial gain if you do.