Cheating death and fighting communism: that is how a fellow officer once described our job. It was meant to be funny, but as time went on it seemed all too true.
I spent more than ten years in law enforcement, all of it on the street in uniform patrol. I've been a patrol officer, instructor, sergeant and lieutenant.
Do not report crimes here. Nothing here should be considered legal advice. All opinions are my own.
Laws in different states dictate what actions may be required of a police officer, but in general terms he or she would talk to you and try to determine if there was some way to help you. In some cases, a police officer may be required to take a suicidal person to a hospital or other medical facility if the person poses a risk to anyone.
If you or someone you know is depressed or suicidal, there are people who can help. Call 1-800-273-8255 from anywhere in the US and they can provide assistance. Alternatively anyone can go to a hospital an explain that they are having some problems and need help.
Generally, yes. Some departments may have policies that restrict the use of discretion.
You should contact a criminal defense attorney in that state. Just because you see something as the "right" thing, doesn't mean there isn't the potential of having criminal charges filed against you.
What exactly do you think is going on? Are expired tags considered a heinous crime in your area? If so, let the rest of us know so we can get away from real crime and move there.
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Sounds like a civil issue with no criminal aspect. Call an attorney for advice on a civil remedy.
If a police officer can develop reasonable, articulable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity, you can be detained. You are not free to leave in this case.
Any police officer can walk up and start talking to you, including asking for ID, without any articulable suspicion. However, you are free to leave in this circumstance.
If you want to leave, and don't know if you are able to, politely ask the officer if you may leave. He or she will let you know.
I'm guessing there is more to this story.
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