Shel Belinkoff wrote:
Investigation!? Where'd that come from. There was no investigation, just
a simple, polite chat for a few minutes. IMO, an investigation involves
quite a bit more than asking to see ID and what I was doing in the
neighborhood.
I've asked this question several times and, from what I've read, no one's
answered it: What are the police to do when someone calls them with a
complaint or concern? If they ignore it or dismiss it, the citizens will
be all over them like flies on ****
And, rightly so!
They have a charter to keep the peace. That's what everybody wants, just
ask 'em! But, heaven forbid any cop should start messing with *ME,* right?
If the police overstep their authority, come down on them then, but in
the meanwhile, keep in mind, "You can either have peace or you can have
freedom. Don't count on having both at once..."
Shel
[Original Message]
From: Tom C
The real truth is, nothing warrants that intrusion. It's equivalent to
saying you're guilty and now we're going to investigate it. If you're
innocent...
Totally disagree.
It's a pre-emptive action lacking any crime as a provocation.
That it's a pre-emptive action there's no question. So what?
That it's lacking any crime as a provocation is a specious argument.
It's well within the rights of a peace officer to question whomever he
chooses, to satisfy himself that the person stopped and questioned is
without guilt or "up to no good."
What's the alternative, stalk him until he goes home, or what?
Quadruple the beat cops if that's the course of action deemed desireable.
Shall all cops sit around in the precinct house until called to the
scene of an actual disturbance? That's the way you're arguing.
Their presence definitely acts as a deterrent, and is to be desired.
If a citizen chooses to dress or otherwise present or conduct himself in
a manner significantly different from those who live in any residential
area, he should be prepared to be scrutinized and yes, perhaps even
questioned.
That does NOT presume guilt. It is part of the process of determining
the presence of guilt.
I sense a chip on your shoulder... been there a long time?
keith whaley
