Teenager Alerts Police That They Left Their Brights on -- 5 Minutes Later They Shoot Him Dead

[AngryOldDem]

263. And what about this scenario?

Here in Indiana someone is going around the state impersonating a cop, pulling people over, etc.

The cops have said that if drivers are suspicious, they are to ask the cop to produce ID, ask the cop to call for a supervisor or for backup, or call 911 (or other official number) to confirm that the traffic stop is legitimate. All perfectly reasonable requests that should be understood and fulfilled by the officer with no complaints, IMHO.

But what if the cop is for real, and takes exception to all of the above, if someone dares to question who he is? What if this cop misinterprets genuine skepticism for belligerence or willful disobedience? Is there the possibility that the driver can wind up tazed, beaten -- or worse? Would you want to take the chance of pissing off a cop on the basis that your instincts are telling you something just isn't right? I think the answers to both are clear.

This is the climate the police have created for themselves by having a few rogues who shouldn't be anywhere near law enforcement. How can you blame the public for having a basic distrust of any cop anymore?