If you would like to accuse me of not agreeing with MY rights, you are sadly mistaken. You have your rights, how you use them is the kicker. Say, we both get stopped walking down the sidewalk... here's an example.mr1337 wrote:I fully support anyone who refuses to show ID to an officer when they're not arrested, pulled over, or being written a citation.
You shouldn't have to "present your papers" on demand.
Just as it's your right to refuse to consent to searches, it's your right to refuse to identify yourself to an officer.
Why does an officer need to identify you if you're not arrested or cited anyways? So he can make sure you're not a felon? Does he have reason to believe you're a felon? The presence of a gun, when lawfully carried, cannot be the sole purpose of a detention. I support our police, but I support our Constitutional rights even more. Even though you may not agree with some rights, that doesn't make them any less important.
You: Refuse to show any ID and demand to be let on your way because you have done nothing wrong. (Fine, you used your rights, good for you.)
Myself: I am overly compliant and offer my ID's, as well as strike up a conversation with the officer, ask him how he likes his department, if he plans to stay with LE or wants to get into something else... (I still retain my rights, and am kind and courteous, and possibly establish a new friendship and/or acquaintanceship.)
Just because I don't feel the NEED to use my rights to the T, does not mean I disagree with them. I'm closer to a neutral party on this topic, but believe me, if I feel a need to use my rights, I will. Unless I FEEL the need to, I won't. Just like my 2A, just because I have it doesn't mean I'm going to use it every time I get the chance. Sometimes things can be settled with a bit of courtesy.