illegal police fuckery
This is an actual traffic stop that was conducted by Sgt Jackman of the Louisiana, MO police department that took place on 5/6/2012. The traffic stop lasted a total of 15 minutes. The video has been edited to exclude the time that no interaction took place between Jackman and myself.
Note: I am not an attorney and I would not recommend doing this unless you are video taping.
Make no mistake about it, you ARE allowed to video tape law enforcement officials in public without their consent. It's your First Amendment Constitutional Right to video tape in public, whatever you please. DO NOT let them tell you otherwise!
NEVER practice civil disobedience without video taping the encounter! Keep a video camera in your glove box so you have it at your disposal at all times. "Flip" video cameras are perfect for the job. They also incorporate a USB port for easy uploads to your computer.
Take your time to prepare for the encounter. Your actions could make the difference between going home or going to jail.
NEVER ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOW more than 2 or 3 inches. There is no law that says you have to roll down your window. Once you do, they would be able to "claim" they smelled something, thus giving them "probable cause" to ask you to exit the vehicle and search it.....
You DO however, have to give them your information. By rolling down your window only a few inches, you'll be able to pass the documents to them without compromising your security.
LOCK YOUR DOOR. If an officer asks you to exit your vehicle ask them why. Don't open your door and step out of your vehicle until the officer gives you a reason. While you will ultimately have to exit your vehicle without cause, he is also required to answer your questions. Wait until he gives you a reason so you have it on tape. It might be useful if you end up in court. KEEP IN MIND, it's legal for an officer to lie to you, so it's up to you to determine weather his "commands" are lawful or not. NOTE: If he sees something in your vehicle like an open beer can, a weapon, pipe etc. he can legally search your car without your permission. If he says he sees something in your car, point your camera in the direction of the alleged item, so the camera views the suspected area. Document EVERYTHING with your camera for "the record".
If you are asked to exit your car, make sure to turn off your engine, take the keys with you, lock the door and close it behind you! Leaving the door open is an open invitation for him to enter and search the vehicle.
NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE!! (tell them to talk to each other if they are lonely pmsl) When an officer asks you questions, he is really looking for rope to hang you with. You have a fifth amendment constitution right to remain silent. Exercise that right! Whenever asked, always reply by saying "I don't answer questions" no matter how hard they try to get you to say something else....
He has no right to know "where you've been", "where you're going" or if you know "how fast you're going" etc. He's trying to get you to incriminate yourself into saying something that will give him probable cause to further his interrogation and ultimately arrest you for whatever he can.
He also is looking to see if your speech is impaired. By only saying 4 words, it minimizes your chances of making a verbal mistake. I can not stress this point enough. Remain silent even if he threatens to take you to jail.
NEVER CONSENT TO A SEARCH OF YOUR VEHICLE without a warrant. Once they are in your vehicle, it will be easy to plant evidence that WILL be used against you in court.
NEVER ADMIT TO HAVING A DRINK OF ALCOHOL! Not even one! Once you admit it, that's probable cause to ask you to step out of your vehicle where YOU WILL BE submitted to a field sobriety and breathalyzer tests that could cost you THOUSANDS in fines and legal fees.
ALWAYS keep your hands in view of the camera whenever possible, so the officer can not "claim" that he saw you reaching for a weapon, or hiding something.
NEVER LET THE OFFICER LOOK INTO YOUR EYES. If you do, he can "claim" your pupils are dilated which would be probable cause to ask you to exit your vehicle where YOU WILL BE submitted to a series of tests.
DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED. That's exactly what they want. Remember, they're public servants and they work for you. Hold them accountable for their actions. You are innocent until proven guilty. Plead "not guilty" and make them come to court on their day off and prove it. Imagine if everyone who received a ticket pled not guilty. Your fine will be the same regardless of if you win or lose. With a little luck, they won't show up and you'll win your case.
One more thing to remember, all cops are liars. I know that's a bold statement but I'll say it again. ALL COPS ARE LIARS. They will arrest you for something, then lie on the report why did it, to justify their unlawful actions and protect against lawsuits. For this reason it is IMPERATIVE that you VIDEO TAPE EVERY ENCOUNTER WITH POLICE. Otherwise it's your word against theirs. If you find this hard to believe ask anyone who's ever been arrested and they will tell you the police lied on their report. FACT: courts have ruled it's OK for a cop to lie to you. It is up to YOU to know if you are being lied to or not. It's also up to you to determine whether their demands are lawful or not. If you do not know and exercise your rights, you WILL be their next victim. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
