questions we have to answer

[matt.l]

Hey, I just have a couple of questions about what you need to tell a police officer. I'm 16, I was out and a cop stopped me. He told me that someone had reported a kid spray painting and that I fit the description. I told him my name, showed him my id. I let him look in my bag (question a - I didn't have to did I? I felt like it would help). I was polite, yes/no sir the whole time.
He told me, ok, he didn't think it had been me. Then he asks me for my parent's names and numbers. I asked him, why do you need them sir? He told me, because you're a juvenile.
so question b - Is it required that I give over that information if I'm not in any sort of trouble and he's about to let me go? I've never heard of this before.
I did give him the info because I really didn't know. I just thought it was kind of strange.

[kels]

Nothing that abnormal, he probably filled out a contact card and we usually
want parents names for under age persons.

[matt.l]

So that means yes, I have to give the info?

How about him looking in my bag?

Thanks for replying.

[Samuel]

Without knowing all the facts, we can't say yes or no. It SOUNDS, however, like he had the right to detain you and search...

[kels]

As Samuel said, we just dont have enough information.
Your cooperating made the issue go a whole lot faster,
obviously the officer decided you werent who he was looking
for and then turned you loose to continue on your way.

[ET109]

If an officer reasonably suspect that a crime has been committed and you are involved, he/she can detain you to investigate that possibility. Such an investigation would normally include identifying you, for obvious reasons. Everyone has a right not to incriminate himself, but your refusal to answer basic questions (like your name) does not necessarily fall under that premise.

Searching is a higher burden, but we can't know from way back here (I'm leaning away from my keyboard) what the circumstances were. In any case, you allowed him to look, so it doesn't much matter.

[matt.l]

Yes, it doesn't matter much about the bag search since I allowed him. I just haven't really thought about these things much before. He put it to me as "do you mind..." but it sort of sounds like maybe he could have looked anyway even if I did 'mind'? Apparently I fit for height, hair, clothes, carrying a bag... (...no, really it wasn't me! lol)
He was nice enough about it the whole time, I didn't have a problem co-operating with what he wanted. The whole thing just made me wonder about things I'd never really thought of. I've never been stopped like that before.
And on thinking about it, it does make sense that you'd want parent info on juveniles if you need to fill in something about it all. And I suppose if he ever needed to follow something up at all.

[greg72982]

Yes, it doesn't matter much about the bag search since I allowed him. I just haven't really thought about these things much before. He put it to me as "do you mind..." but it sort of sounds like maybe he could have looked anyway even if I did 'mind'? Apparently I fit for height, hair, clothes, carrying a bag... (...no, really it wasn't me! lol)
He was nice enough about it the whole time, I didn't have a problem co-operating with what he wanted. The whole thing just made me wonder about things I'd never really thought of. I've never been stopped like that before.
And on thinking about it, it does make sense that you'd want parent info on juveniles if you need to fill in something about it all. And I suppose if he ever needed to follow something up at all.

Come on, level with us, where did you hide the paint can?

[matt.l]

Come on, level with us, where did you hide the paint can?

I stashed it in some bushes beside the local PD!

Suckers!

lol. Kidding! The funny thing is that I'm almost 6'3" so he probably really did think he'd found who he was looking for. I can totally see why he stopped me. I think I was pretty lucky I could tell him I'd just been at basketball training and had a bag full of basketball gear.

Or maybe he was just acting like he believed me and got my parents' details so he could check out my story if he had to...

[Legoate]

You also didn't mention what time of the day or night it was and we have no idea what your school hours or curfew laws are like where you live.

If I charge a juvenile with a crime, I generally don't let them go until I've contacted a parent. I've had several decide to test this and end up in the back of a patrol car for a LONG time.

Much easier to just be a bit cooperative and go on your way.

[matt.l]

Ok, no sorry, I didn't mention those things (just a regular late afternoon). I thought there might be some straight answer about juveniles and identifying info they have to give about themselves and parents.

I don't want to sound like I've got an attitude over what do I have to do. I was just curious, I know what I know about these things from TV and movies...you know how it is. I don't plan to take a 'not talking to you' attitude if a cop stops me the next time my lookalike does something. I can see that having a good attitude, being polite and co-operative helped. And he was nice back to me.