I had an interesting experience with the police last night that I’d like to get some opinions on.
Last night, at about 10pm, I discovered that I needed something from the grocery store. So, I decided to truck on down to the grocery store (in my relatively crime free neighborhood), which is about 3 blocks from my apartment. It had been snowing all day and I didn’t feel like cleaning off the car to drive, so I just walked, as I often do. As I was walking down the sidewalk (just leaving my apartment), a police car drove past me, and I thought nothing of it. So, I get to the store and noticed that the police car was parked in front of the store. I didn’t see the driver initially, but I’m 99.9% sure if was the same police car that had just cruised by me 2.5 blocks earlier. I go in the store, make my purchase and come back out. Then, I remembered that I wanted a copy of the local apartment guide, so I went back in and grabbed a free copy and proceeded to walk across the parking lot, toward my apt complex. The cop, who was sitting in his car got out and said, “It’s kind of cold to be out walking, isn’t it?” And I replied, “yes, indeed it is”. I had assumed that he was just making small talk, and was probably bored on a slow night. Then the cop asked me if I lived in the area and I said yes. Then, the cop asked if I had any ID on me. I was a bit puzzled as to why he would ask me, but I replied that I did not have any ID on me (which I didn’t). He said, “You’re not in any trouble or anything, I just want to know who you are and what you’re doing out here, it’s kind of unusual for someone to be out on foot in this weather”. I told him again that I had just come to get something at the store and was on my way back home. He said, “you came out without ID?”, to which I replied yes. He seemed to be really amused that I left home without ID, as if to suggest that only stupid people leave home without ID. I do normally have ID on me, but I’m not convinced that I would have given it to this officer if I did happen to have it on me.
He then proceeded to tell me that I’m required by state law to carry ID with me at all times and present it when asked by law enforcement. Well, I know this is not true and told him that he might want to check with his supervisor about this. According to his actions, this was not the right thing to say. His demeanor changed a bit and he rudely asked me what my name was and I said, "Why do you need to know my name, do you suspect me of illegal activity?’’ I was already irked that he had blatantly lied to me about having to carry ID. He told me that I was interfering with his job duty and he had the legal right to ask for my ID or to get my name so he could check me out. I told him he was incorrect and asked if I was free to go. He told me to wait. Then, he got back in his car and he was talking on his cell phone. Meanwhile, I’m standing there, shivering in the cold. About five minutes went by, and he got back out and said, “ok, you’re free to go, but in the future try to be a bit less combative when talking to the police, it only makes you look guilty…we’re only here to protect the public”. I didn’t even say anything, and turned away and walked back home. Just for the record, I was not rude or combative to the officer, I was simply cold, and wanted to get back home. And the whole time I was walking back home, I was nervous as hell that I hadn’t seen the last of this cop, but I got home and that was the end of it. Had it been a warm night, I would probably have asked him why he thought the public needed to be protected from me.
When I got home, I was doubting myself as to whether or not I’m required to carry ID with me when out in public, so I went online to do some research. From everything I’ve read, you are NOT required to carry ID (in the USA) unless you’re driving or doing something else that requires a license. As far as I know, walking down the street does not require a license. And I discovered something else I already knew…police cannot simply ask random people for ID or to identify themselves without having evidence that they’re involved in illegal activity. This whole thing got me to thinking, could the cop have been even more of an asshole and said, “well, we’ve had car break-in’s in this area and you seem suspicious”. Even though he saw me practicially leaving my front door, could he have had legal authority to request my ID if he used the faux “car break-in” card? I guess when it comes down to it, it’s your word against theirs, right? And the police always win, right?
I have very limited experience dealing with the police, this was only my 2nd time. But, did I do the right thing? Should I have just co-operated with him and given him my name and address? I feel that I did the right thing, standing up for my rights…although I was a bit shaky, but at least know I know for sure that I was correct in my actions.
Have you ever had any similiar stories regarding police misinformation or intimidation? I feel like the officer was trying to intimidate me. He was never really rude to me, except when he raised his voice when I questioned why he needed to know my name. He backed down a lot after he got off the phone, with his supervisor, I presume.