@911 This dude is laughable concerning Pennsylvania v. Mimms. Chile Decastro has two warrants out for him in Ohio. He gets arrested on purpose then sues the police. The suit in Ironton Ohio was dismissed, he failed to plead properly. You can key in his name and get a track listing of his public documents. He cites as the Holding, an incorrect snip from Terry v. Ohio, yet he claims to be a Constitutional law scholar?? Ha! Opinion here!
It must be nice to be so well educated with the Constitution. Although while I was an active PSP, we did not study the Constitution. There were times when a Constitutional issue would arise, it would be brought to our attention. There are 2 rules we follow closely. 1. Be sure we have probable cause. 2. Be aware of any present dangers.
When I did a routine traffic stop, we didn’t look at it as a “routine” stop. Each time we made a stop, we ran the tag. Today, we have the ability to do that without calling it in. Each police vehicle is equipped with its own computer that is wired directly to PennDot. It only takes about 2 minutes to get a full report of the owner and the vehicle. If there are no wants or warrants, we approach the vehicle cautiously looking for anything suspicious or out if the ordinary. If the owner is not the driver, we also run his/her license.
Police can be sued if we do bodily arm without provocation (verbal or physical), or wrongful death. People believe their only responsibility to the cop that stops them is to show them ID, registration and proof of insurance. That’s wrong. If there has been a crime committed in the area, the police can go so far as setting up a roadblock, or even a DUI checkpoint. If while speaking with the driver, we see contraband in the car or a weapon, we will have the driver step out first.The public has the right to reasonable expectations that only qualified and legal drivers are on the road with them.
Ohioboy, you are correct. The man in the video is going to give his fellow drivers a headache with his disinformation. Believe me, I and my fellow Troopers aren’t so bored that we would just routinely make stops. That causes issues beyond what you can imagine. We did have a few zealous, young Troopers out of the Academy that tried to flex their muscle, but they soon found out doing unreasonable stops is a bad idea.
Best idea always is that when ordered to do something by a cop, just comply. If you feel that you were violated, file a complaint. You won’t be harassed or face any consequences by another cop later. We don’t do that. Do we make mistakes or screw up? Sure, we are humans and it does happen.