The Law - Oddities and Facts

[JoeRedskin]

The professor generally gave good advice - which the veteran police officer subsequently confirmed. At times, and in my opinion, he overstated some of the ramifications, but the underlying principle is correct. If you are, or suspect you are, the subject of a police investigation, very little, if any, good can come from volunteering info to the police.

The bottom line - you want to bet your freedom on the fact that no one else is lying or has made a mistake in providing information to the officers or that you are not dealing with a bad or lazy cop - who, as you admit, exist (and I believe are in the vast minority - but, even if the ratio is one in 100, is that a risk you are willing to take with your freedom? With your family's well being) -- fine. You are free to do so. I will not - too much is at stake and history is replete with innocent errors causing irreparable harm.

Further, I would suggest the 5th A exists for the protection of the innocent and only a fool would discard such a fundamental protection in order to intentionally place their fate, and possibly the fate of their loved ones, in the hands of others whose concern for your well being may or may not be a priority.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

The professor generally gave good advice - which the veteran police officer subsequently confirmed. At times, and in my opinion, he overstated some of the ramifications, but the underlying principle is correct. If you are, or suspect you are, the subject of a police investigation, very little, if any, good can come from volunteering info to the police.

The bottom line - you want to bet your freedom on the fact that no one else is lying or has made a mistake in providing information to the officers or that you are not dealing with a bad or lazy cop - who, as you admit, exist (and I believe are in the vast minority - but, even if the ratio is one in 100, is that a risk you are willing to take with your freedom? With your family's well being) -- fine. You are free to do so. I will not - too much is at stake and history is replete with innocent errors causing irreparable harm.

Further, I would suggest the 5th A exists for the protection of the innocent and only a fool would discard such a fundamental protection in order to intentionally place their fate, and possibly the fate of their loved ones, in the hands of others whose concern for your well being may or may not be a priority.

meh, what do you know!

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

The professor generally gave good advice

<SNIP>

I appreciate your input, as always.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

The professor generally gave good advice - which the veteran police officer subsequently confirmed. At times, and in my opinion, he overstated some of the ramifications,.

I agree but also look at whom he was addressing .

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Giantone

I agree but also look at whom he was addressing .

Why does that matter? Are you suggesting his advice is inapplicable to non-lawyers? Are you suggesting he overstated things b/c he was addressing lawyers?

It is not evidence of hating, disliking or otherwise disapproving of cops if you simply do not want to risk your freedom on the possibility of innocent mistakes by others.

If you really, really feel compelled to respond to cop, always a clarify first "Am I a suspect or a possible suspect in any police investigation?" If the answer is anything but an unequivocal no, just shut the f*** up. As the professor covered, however, even if they say no, it's not a guarantee you won't get in trouble by talking to them.

Again, you are free to take that risk. I choose not to and would advise any friend, neighbor, acquaintance to do the same.

Well, except RR - he should blab away. I am sure he would say nothing that would piss anyone off or get him into any kind of trouble.