Illinois State Trooper Flips Out On Motorist For Defending His Rights During Checkpoint Search

[geardaddy]

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/09/22/illinois-state-trooper-flips-out-on-motorist-for-defending-his-rights-during-checkpoint-search-video/

Ryan Scott keeps a video camera on the dash of his vehicle, and it’s a good thing he did, too, or the state troopers who stopped him probably would have done more than what they did to him.

During a checkpoint stop in DeKalb, Illinois, in which state police officers were looking for unsafe drivers, Scott rolled his window down an inch and came to a stop. He had his seat belt on and didn’t appear to have done anything wrong that could be considered unsafe in the eyes of law enforcement.

An Illinois state trooper approaches the vehicle and Scott asks the officer what’s going on. He informs the officer that he is being recorded via video camera. The officer didn’t have a problem with being filmed. Scott then asks if he has done anything wrong and if he is being detained. The trooper responds by saying Scott isn’t being detained but he’s not free to leave either. In other words, he’s being detained for no reason and Scott informs the officer that his constitutional rights are being violated.

The discussion between Scott and the officer seems to be quite civil, however, another trooper steps in and causes trouble. The second unnamed officer forcefully opens the door of Scott’s car and begins yelling at him to get out of the car. He tells Scott that “driving is a privilege, not a right” and demands to see his driver’s license and insurance. As Scott is accused of resisting, he hands over his license but refuses to answer when asked what his address is by invoking his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and says he doesn’t have to talk to the police without an attorney present. Scott then informs the irate officer that he’s being recorded and the officer responds, “Good!” The trooper gives back Scott’s license and insurance and he is allowed to finally drive away.

More at link.

[1StrongBlackMan]

1. Editor's Note: This is not the recommended course for People of Color ...

such resistance/defiance ends very differently ... even when the officers know they are being filmed.

[geardaddy]

2. Touché

Good observation

[cwydro]

3. I wouldn't do

it either.

Glad they're keeping the fools and drunks off the road.

[FLPanhandle]

4. I don't think it's recommended for anyone regardless of color

Glad someone out there is passionate enough to try though.

[Egnever]

7. Not a recommended course of action for anyone

Guy went in looking to cause a confrontation. The cops had hardly said hello to him before he started asking if he was being detained.

[Comrade Grumpy]

8. Because he was being detained.

[Egnever]

9. Horeshit

it was a routine DUI checkpoint. He was being an ass.

[former9thward]

10. Asserting your rights is being an ass?

No it is not. He did the entirely proper thing.

[Egnever]

12. He wasn't asserting his rights he was trolling for a confrontation.

The cops hadn't even had the chance to say hello to him and he starts in on them. The guy was looking for a confrontation.

The cops were doing their jobs. Harassing them over a DUI checkpoint is being an ass.

The cop who lost his mind was out of line to be sure but that doesnt make this video warrior any less of an asshole.

[tkmorris]

13. To some people yeah, asserting your rights is being an ass

I pity those people. It looks like a form of Stockholm syndrome to me.

[Egnever]

16. and to some people harassing police officers at a DUI checkpoint is asserting your rights.

[Bonx]

19. Cop #2 ? Absolutely an ass.

The driver, not really.

[bullwinkle428]

11. The situation escalated because cop #2, aka "Officer Roid-Rage", chose

to escalate it. It was a very calm and civil conversation prior to that, and almost certainly would have remained that way.

[PeoViejo]

14. Good Cop-Bad Cop

Looks like SOP Cop Street Theater to me.

The trick is not letting them make you lose your cool and violate some Law.

[Egnever]

15. I dissagree

The first officer was very calm and respectful. The driver never was. He knew damn well what was going on and wanted to pretend he didnt. First words out of his mouth to the officers is just wanted to let you know you are being recorded followed by why am I being pulled over. The officer politely informs him it s a roadside safety check and then this clown starts asking if he is being detained over and over again.

Kudos to the first officer for remaining calm and dealing with this idiot. The second guy certainly flew off the handle and shouldn't have to be sure.

But the idea that the clown with the camera was being anything but confrontational seems delusional to me.

It was routine DUI checkpoint. No one likes them but no one likes being killed by drunk drivers either. Give the cops a break show them your license and insurance wish them a good night and be on your way. There is no need to make an ass of yourself like this guy did.

[damnedifIknow]

17. What constitutes being an ass in your book?

He wasn't using profanity or being loud, he was just being an American with rights. Our rights have been through the wringer and it's comforting to know that a few are still around.

[Egnever]

18. Harassing cops at a DUI checkpoint for starters

Theres no reason for it.

[Throd]

20. Your definition of "harassment" differs from mine.

[cwydro]

21. Yup.

I drive a lot, and I'm glad license and insurance are checked out regularly.

No doubt Mr 4th Amendment delayed everyone behind him too.

[damnedifIknow]

5. Rights are like a cross to a vampire now

A response like this from a police officer should be a red flag.

[valerief]

6. All I could think of is what would have happened if the driver was black when those Nazis demanded

his papers?

I'm sure these cops won't be fired, although they should be. Or whoever ordered them to do this shit s/b fired.