Ordered to Put Away My Laptop in the NYC Subway

[spp2112]

I live in Manhattan. Yesterday, I was riding to work on the A train, playing minesweeper on my computer. An officer told me "Please put that laptop away" in commanding voice. Thinking I had misheard, I asked him to repeat himself, and he told me to put the computer away "If you'd like to keep it in your possession". I put it in my backpack without making a scene.

I can't imagine there's a law against using a computer on the subway. The only legitimate reason I can think of for the officer acting that way is so that the computer wouldn't be stolen. But I've been riding that every day train since February, and I've never felt like someone was going to mug me. People use computers, Kindle, Ipods and smartphones all the time on trains. Besides, isn't it my decision to take the risk of displaying my electronics?

I have three questions. First, do police have the right to give orders to citizens who aren't breaking the law? Secondly, if not, what should I do if this happens again? Thirdly, do you think the officer was just giving me a hard time?

[DeltaV]

Does the NYC subway system have a rule against using laptops on the trains? If so then the officer was well within his rights to ask you to put it away.

[Joeyd6]

Yesterday and every day from now till 9/11 there are certain terrosism drills taking place to prepare fro that day. Subways are a target and a computer can be used to detonate devices. Things that are normally OK may not be, especially in southern Manhattan the next few weeks.

First, do police have the right to give orders to citizens who aren't breaking the law?

Yes.

Secondly, if not, what should I do if this happens again?

You did the right thing. However, why not put it away and then ask the officer in a polite voice "Sure officer, but of you don't mind me asking, can you tell me why?" I am sure he/she would engage you. Maybe a known grab/run thief was near you. Maybe somebody was eyeballing you and he noticed. Maybe it was part of the terrorism drill.

Thirdly, do you think the officer was just giving me a hard time?

No....not likely.

[mcsap]

Were you minesweeping without headphones so others could hear your " explosions " ?