Much ado about declining to show ID to a police officer
In the past few days, my video of declining to show ID to a police officer who “pulled me over” as I was inline skating in Port Dickinson, NY, has become my #1 post. I’m happy that people are learning about the limitations that agents of certain governments, in this case New York State, must operate under.
There are a number of places with commentary, if you want to join the discussion:
- The comments section of the post itself is the best discussion, and the one I’d prefer to house the archive.
- My Vimeo page for the video has quite a few comments as well.
- Also, there is a hilariously childish discussion on a third-rate yuku site called “The Rant.” I don’t know whether to laugh at these people or feel bad for them – if nothing else, the site seems to serve as a place to vent. I didn’t expect my post to cause these kind of tantrums, but perhaps it’s therapeutic for the participants.
UPDATE:
Now a forum has started here at a website I’ve never heard of called bcvoice.com. It’s somewhat similar to the yuku site, but with a modicum of maturity. One thing I love is that people – quite a lot of people at this point – will sit and waste their time at their keyboard wondering aloud why this <insert fairly random disparaging adjective> “kid” would waste his time asserting his basic rights in his own community.
Justin,
You and I are going to never be friends; I am a die hard Republican and former Marine. Although, none of that would have any reflection upon the friendship we won’t have.
Anyway, I should get to my point about, of course, the video post I watched this morning on Wimp.com’s site. The ID demand by the Sheriff’s deputies in your village. I am appalled and more than a little angered by the treatment you were subjected to. I admire the manner in which you handled that situation. I am certain that if it were me it would not have turned out as well. Of course I don’t roller-blade or anything else that is considered a affront to the core values of America either.
Please tell me that there was some mandatory civil rights training that the constabulary of the village was forced to complete. I can’t fathom how someone who does not think asking you who you are going to vote for while wearing a police uniform would be considered, dude; that was way beyond inappropriate, Class A material for a job in law enforcement.
I am not a Police Officer, like I said earlier; I am a former Marine, and I understand that some may feel a zealous pursuit of the ‘job’ is the only choice. I voted for Georg, wait scratch that too personal; let’s just say my voting record is predictable. I found every action that the Deputies took objectionable while I found your behavior to be spot-on how one should act under those circumstances.
Eh, I ramble and seem to be reaching no point for this post whatsoever; so I’ll sign off by saying that the Deputies were out of line and hopefully were set straight. Oh, hey; were they all rookies maybe? Did you edit out the ending where the Sergeant came out and said, “What in the name of the law are you idiots doing? Sorry for taking up so much of your time Justin.”?
Rob
Posted by Rop on September 3rd, 2009.
Justin – I came across the video today on stumbleupon. Props to you for standing up for your rights! You’re a patriot, dude. Keep it up!
Posted by Captain Kirk on September 3rd, 2009.
Dear Justin:
It may have been 10 months ago for you, but the video/audio makes my blood boil! The cop(s) were not straight up with you. Is there an ordinance against lying? Hmmmm. You kept your cool when these bleep bleep cop(s) tried to intimidate you. I wish I had your constitutional savvy, maybe in the future I will. The female cop was pathetic. How disappointing. I completely support you.
Posted by Shelley Ollivier on September 5th, 2009.
After watching the video I have come to the conclusion that the whole situation was ridiculous. If you didn’t want to show your ID that’s fine. My problem is that you were basically pushing for a conversation rather than ending the situation. You took things much further than they needed to be or the situation called for…As did they. This could have been dealt with much better from both sides, you seemed to be pushing their buttons for a reason I am unaware of. I’m certainly not defending their actions, but I also don’t condone yours.
Posted by Dane on September 6th, 2009.
you’re retarded
Posted by Tom on September 8th, 2009.