OK, not to get into a pee-pee contest here, but again, you're wrong, brother.
Just exactly what is it you are saying I am wrong about? Are you saying that a LEO does NOT have to meet established RAS or PC standards when conducting searches, seizures, detainment, and arrests? I'm not sure where you worked, but the departments in my state generally don't tolerate "make it up as you go" law enforcement by their officers for very long. Those officers usually end up having to find a new career in short order.
How many people have you stopped, or arrested? I did it every day for 24 years, in both plainclothes and uniform. And I was in court almost daily for mostly preliminary hearings on stuff you know not much about (probable cause, reasonable suspicion, etc), in a very liberal state with mostly VERY rights-friendly judges. Cops work on what they see and find, and the court system either backs that up or dismisses the case. Happens all the time. Good cops are suspicious, look for PC, make the stop and arrest, then articulate what was found in an arrest report. The DA reviews the case, and it MAY go for a prelim, if the arrest was within the law. That's how it works.
I'm not sure who said it didn't? You are so quick to try to point out that you are right, and anyone who isn't or hasn't been a LEO is wrong, that I don't really think you bother reading what has been posted. I stated a fact, ie: RAS and PC are actual legal standards that have been established by courts. I stated another fact, ie: absent facts that support RAS or PC, the inquiry is legally over (whether the LEO chooses to terminate it or not).
Of course, this requires an informed citizen. At the point that the inquiry turns into a fishing expedition, a citizen with a shred of common sense would shut up and exercise his/her 5th Amendment rights and refuse to consent to any searches of person or effects. A person who will NOT exercise his/her rights (to keep his/her mouth shut) should expect a LEO to continue the inquiry, and will most likely incriminate him/herself at some point. And I don't begrudge the LEO for sticking with it if that happens.
All this swirls around Officer Safety, another thing that enters into what the street copper does. Like others have said, sometimes you KNOW the bad guy is dirty, but you lety him go, because there isn't enough to arrest. But you let him know you're watching. Would you REALLY want that citizen in your club?
I am well aware of the concept of "officer safety" and the extraordinary measures an officer can take under that guise. I have no problem with that as long as it isn't abused. I am also well aware that officers routinely have to let someone go who they "know" is dirty, but don't have enough on to make an arrest (oops, there are those pesky old legal standards I was talking about above - looks like you finally acknowledged that they do, indeed, exist).
As far as that Ohio cop goes, I stated 2 or 3 times he was out of control and would pay a price (probably firing and a lawsuit). What else do you want? Shouldn't he have the same rights as everyone else?
Bob
Yes, he should. And yes, he does. Unfortunately for him, there is irrefutable evidence against him. It isn't hearsay, it isn't speculation, and it isn't a fabrication. The same cannot be said for the driver (at this point).