LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
As a retired cop I would like to be able to tell everyone that it is best to cooperate with law enforcement officer conducting an official investigation. I would certainly like to be able to do that. Yes I would.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a pattern of "fishing expeditions" being conducted under the guise of official investigations, and some of the officials involved are utilizing heavy-handed tactics to intimidate citizens into permitting searches without warrants or probable cause, and pressuring citizens to provide information that is not pertinent to any legitimate investigation; rather is simply sought in an attempt to place those citizens in jeopardy.
So, what I will tell everyone is to do these things:
1. Demand identification, make a point of writing down the names, titles, identifying numbers, etc. If in any doubt about the identification shown, get on the telephone and call the agency involved to verify the identities and purpose of the officials involved.
2. Ask for a full explanation of the purpose of the investigation being conducted, and make notes of what was said and by whom. If there is even the slightest indication that you are the subject of the investigation, it is time to contact a lawyer and shut up until you have legal representation present.
3. Ask for a copy of any warrant or court order the officials may have. If they produce nothing, you are simply not required to permit them entry to your home. Again, make notes of anything said and by whom it was said.
4. At any point at which an official makes any comment that might be construed as a threat, no matter how slight, tell that official that you are contacting a lawyer and will say nothing more until you have legal representation present.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, engage in argument, raise your voice, make any threatening gestures, speak any threatening words, or otherwise provide any cause for the officials to escalate the situation. Simply stand your ground, firmly and politely, and explain that you intend to exercise your civil rights completely.
Enough said.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a pattern of "fishing expeditions" being conducted under the guise of official investigations, and some of the officials involved are utilizing heavy-handed tactics to intimidate citizens into permitting searches without warrants or probable cause, and pressuring citizens to provide information that is not pertinent to any legitimate investigation; rather is simply sought in an attempt to place those citizens in jeopardy.
So, what I will tell everyone is to do these things:
1. Demand identification, make a point of writing down the names, titles, identifying numbers, etc. If in any doubt about the identification shown, get on the telephone and call the agency involved to verify the identities and purpose of the officials involved.
2. Ask for a full explanation of the purpose of the investigation being conducted, and make notes of what was said and by whom. If there is even the slightest indication that you are the subject of the investigation, it is time to contact a lawyer and shut up until you have legal representation present.
3. Ask for a copy of any warrant or court order the officials may have. If they produce nothing, you are simply not required to permit them entry to your home. Again, make notes of anything said and by whom it was said.
4. At any point at which an official makes any comment that might be construed as a threat, no matter how slight, tell that official that you are contacting a lawyer and will say nothing more until you have legal representation present.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, engage in argument, raise your voice, make any threatening gestures, speak any threatening words, or otherwise provide any cause for the officials to escalate the situation. Simply stand your ground, firmly and politely, and explain that you intend to exercise your civil rights completely.
Enough said.
