Question about something strange a cop wanted me answer.

[harmonica]

I was out driving and got stopped because I made a turn where you are not suppose to. There was a lot of roads closed for construction so I got kinda frustrated since I didn't know where to go and made an illegal turn. I humble accept that though. I told the cop I was sorry and I should not have done that because there was construction and was very polite about it.

He then asked me where I was coming from. I told him I had to drop something off at a friends house. I either told him I just came from the friends house or he asked me if I had been there already, but I can't remember if he asked first or I told first. He then asked me where my friend lived. I told him on the street which I had turned from, which was true. He asked where on the street specifically. I thought this was strange cause it had nothing to do with why I was pulled over.

I just said down the street and sorta pointed in the direction the street went. I didn't know what else to do. He asked if I was telling the truth and where specifically, and his tone got pushy since I wouldn't say anything more. I then told him down the street at least two more times, and didn't say anything else and he got more pushy each time he repeated the question. But I did not tell him, and he then gave me the ticket and I left.

However, why would he ask those questions?

[Citicop]

People often lie to the police. He wanted to see if you had answers ready to simple questions about what you were doing in the area.

If (hypothetically) you had no legitimate reason to be in the area, you would not be able to give the location (address or description of the house) where you had just been. If I was just at a friend's house, I would be able to give the numerics (1234 Main Street) or if nothing else, a description of the house (Officer, it's the brown house with the oak tree in the front, about three houses from the far corner on the left).

People who might have been looking to break into a house, or car, or were in the area to buy drugs, might not know these things (or be willing to share them with an officer). So we ask for specifics to verify the story we're given.

-Citicop.

[harmonica]

Well I did not answer the questions. I just said 'the house is over there' three times when he asked. Any criminal could just make that up on the spot, especially if reluctant to answer like I was. Plus even if someone does not or cannot answer the questions, is that enough to create "probably cause" as oppose to "reasonable suspicion" only?

If I did give him an address though he would actually have to go back to the street to check the address. Which means that if I were up to no good, he would probably let me go first. I mean is he going to put everyone he pulls over in the back of his car, just to show him an address to see if they are lying?

[Citicop]

Cops are pretty good at detecting deception, and the more info someone makes up, the more likely they are to make a mistake, which is why we ask for details.

Being evasive is not Probable Cause, but it certainly can add to the totality of the circumstances for reasonable suspicion. Generally speaking, people who don't want to give me a straight answer to questions have a reason for doing so.

[harmonica]

I just don't like giving out answers as matter of safety. I mean say I gave the exact address, then later my friend turns up dead or something. Not that is at all likely to happen but it's a matter of safety not to give out private information to people you do not know.

[Citicop]

I just don't like giving out answers as matter of safety. I mean say I gave the exact address, then later my friend turns up dead or something. Not that is at all likely to happen but it's a matter of safety not to give out private information to people you do not know.

And you are under no obligation to do so.

But I do have to wonder which convoluted plot device in your head has a cop who asks where you were using that information to go randomly kill your friend...

Even for your odd view of how Law Enforcement situations proceed in real life, this seems bizarre.

[pac201]

And you are under no obligation to do so.

But I do have to wonder which convoluted plot device in your head has a cop who asks where you were using that information to go randomly kill your friend...

Even for your odd view of how Law Enforcement situations proceed in real life, this seems bizarre.

Next question is, in my story the cop stops a bad guy and asks where he has been, what if he doesn't want to tell...

[QldCop]

I just don't like giving out answers as matter of safety. I mean say I gave the exact address, then later my friend turns up dead or something. Not that is at all likely to happen but it's a matter of safety not to give out private information to people you do not know.

Have you ever given your phone number to someone u'v just met at a bar?
Bought someone home you only just met that night??
Dadadarrrrrr... Matter of Safety

You have to remember that u'r talking to Police that work in that particular Area/Division etc where you were pulled over... most Police know the streets in our patrolled areas...

[Curt581]

I just don't like giving out answers as matter of safety. Not that is at all likely to happen but it's a matter of safety not to give out private information to people you do not know.

I, for one, plan to keep this in mind when you ask your next question for your "screenplay".

You love to ask us questions, but you don't want to answer any? We don't know you, either.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

I, for one, plan to keep this in mind when you ask your next question for your "screenplay".

You love to ask us questions, but you don't want to answer any? We don't know you, either.

Exactly. Welcome to my ignore list Harmonica.

[Switchback]

Yeah, just because YOU don't understand the reasoning in the questions, they must be inappropriate and invasive.

Let me guess, presenting such a congenial personality to the officer, he had the audacity to ticket you, right?

[Safety Steve]

Answer the questions and you will be on your way alot quicker. Give those ambiguous answers and we will be on the side of the road a long time! I get paid by the hour!


Be Safe.

[deputywave]

However, why would he ask those questions?

Maybe he is writing a screenplay.

[mcsap]

You are under no obligation to answer any questions.

We are under no obligation to give you a warning.

If you had simply been truthful ( including the street if not the actual address)

He may have been more lenient.


We dont ask these questions because we KNOW you are up to no good.

We ask them to see if we can QUICKLY determine if you are up to no good. And usually within a few questions , we can tell. one of the keys is when you become defensive and or vague.

[Piggy]

I just don't like giving out answers as matter of safety. I mean say I gave the exact address, then later my friend turns up dead or something. Not that is at all likely to happen but it's a matter of safety not to give out private information to people you do not know.

Good move. We all know how common it is for the police to ask you where your friend lives in a traffic stop so they can plot a murder.