I used to think so, but after watching many hours of body-cam vids, talk respectfully and maybe reserve your rights only in extremely severe situations. Cops often get hostile towards people who observe their rights.
II realize a lot of this might mostly apply to the US, so take it with a grain of salt:
"What!? Bullies get away with it because they aren’t challenged! None of us are allowed our Rights because the police graciously let us have them, they are ours. They are guaranteed by the Constitution of our country and must be vigorously defended.
With that said, of course be respectful (the video might even mention this? I don’t know, it’s been a while since I watched it), but please, be firm and don’t let anyone trample over your rights just because it feels easier in the moment."
EDIT: Also, respectfully, if you only watch body cam footage you might only see what they want you to see. There are many, many cases of police turning off their body cameras or raising the hoods of their cruisers (blocking the dash cam) with varying excuses…
I’m also aware of the dept that told officer to start playing copyrighted music any time someone started recording them to limit the reach online. They’re dirty and corrupt. The place to stand up for your rights is in court. When faced with a possible lunatic with a gun, I will gently push back while being respectful and humble.
It isn’t right that it’s this way, but I’m not taking the risk.
I used to think so, but after watching many hours of body-cam vids, talk respectfully and maybe reserve your rights only in extremely severe situations. Cops often get hostile towards people who observe their rights.
EDIT 2:
II realize a lot of this might mostly apply to the US, so take it with a grain of salt:
"What!? Bullies get away with it because they aren’t challenged! None of us are allowed our Rights because the police graciously let us have them, they are ours. They are guaranteed by the Constitution of our country and must be vigorously defended.
With that said, of course be respectful (the video might even mention this? I don’t know, it’s been a while since I watched it), but please, be firm and don’t let anyone trample over your rights just because it feels easier in the moment."
EDIT: Also, respectfully, if you only watch body cam footage you might only see what they want you to see. There are many, many cases of police turning off their body cameras or raising the hoods of their cruisers (blocking the dash cam) with varying excuses…
I’m also aware of the dept that told officer to start playing copyrighted music any time someone started recording them to limit the reach online. They’re dirty and corrupt. The place to stand up for your rights is in court. When faced with a possible lunatic with a gun, I will gently push back while being respectful and humble.
It isn’t right that it’s this way, but I’m not taking the risk.