![Was I harassed by ALEA?](http://townsquare.media/site/532/files/2016/05/86480199.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Was I harassed by ALEA?
I respect law enforcement. I appreciate what they do and the risk their job entails.
But I did something last weekend that I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER DO TO A COP.
I refused a search of my car.
I was driving on Highway 14 in Geneva County on Sunday. ( I have a weekend place down there )
So anyway, a member of ALEA ( I don't want to name the agency ) lit me up and pulled me over for speeding.
Keep in mind, I am driving on a backroad in south Alabama. ( it don't get much more backroad or BACKWOODS than Geneva County. )
(Credit: SehrguteFotos/Shutterstock)
I pull down my window and hand him my license and insurance etc.
Then he asks me if I have any weapons in the car.
Me: "No Sir"
Cop : " Mind if i take a look in your trunk? "
( My head was spinning but I remembered all the YOUTUBE videos I've watched from lawyers who always say " never submit to a search of your car" ) This is the FIRST time this has ever happened to me. And I've been pulled over A LOT.
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Me: I DO NOT SUBMIT TO ANY SEARCH.
The reason is, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS LEO HAS IN MIND. Could he be a concerned cop looking for illegal activity? Or is he a ROGUE COP? Does he want to plant something in your car? You don't know.
Always say "NO".
It's our right as AMERICANS. I meant no disrespect for his badge or job. But I HAVE RIGHTS.
We the People.
Cop: " OK. We'll just call another (LEO) out here and bring the dogs and let them take a look."
( Dogs? DOGS? WHAT DOES THIS COP THINK I AM DOING OUT HERE IN NO MAN'S LAND? )
I replied simply, "OK".
I sat in my car for 22 MINUTES. Waiting. Wondering. And yes, HEART POUNDING.
I mean, I didn't have anything illegal in my car-- but I didn't know how this was all going to play out.
Waiting.....
Alarm Clock
Finally, 22 minutes later, he walks up to my window and LETS ME OFF WITH A WARNING.
While I appreciated the warning, ( I WAS speeding after all ) but I was also a tad annoyed with the way he talked to me and threatened to " Bring out the dogs " ( Which he never did )
Hardest Hitting K9
My point is: Be respectful. Be cooperative. But-
DON'T FORGET YOU CAN REFUSE A SEARCH OF YOUR CAR.
You have rights.
Right?
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