California Cops Can't Ask Drivers 'Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?'

Re:California Cops Can't Ask Drivers 'Do You Know Why I Pull... by pengaru on Thursday December 28, 2023 @07:12PM (#38800340)

You should probably stop assuming the possible outcomes are ticket vs. no ticket.

There's far more on the menu and cops vary wildly in competence and intention.

I prefer the be respectful and say little more than necessary to excuse yourself route, all while keeping hands visible and making no sudden movements.

There's little to be gained by participating in a voluntary interview and prolonging the interaction, with a whole lot to be potentially lost, including your life.

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Re:California Cops Can't Ask Drivers 'Do You Know Why I Pull... by idopmstuff on Thursday December 28, 2023 @09:05PM (#38801057)

I understand that there's differences in possible outcomes depending on who you are and how you look (and for context I am a clean cut white guy who generally drives in safe areas). Still, I don't really accept as valid that being cooperative and acknowledging that you committed a traffic infraction is more likely to get you killed than being politely uncooperative.

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Re:California Cops Can't Ask Drivers 'Do You Know Why I Pull... by JohnFen on Friday December 29, 2023 @11:01AM (#38806313)

Exactly this. When I'm interacting with a cop, I have two goals: to avoid "poking the bear", and to end the encounter as quickly as possible. This means being scrupulously polite and responsive while avoiding saying one word more than is required.

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Re:California Cops Can't Ask Drivers 'Do You Know Why I Pull... by g-b-r on Sunday December 31, 2023 @10:25PM (#38829530)

That says it all about police in the US

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