from Hacker News

Don't talk to the police [video]

by Newky on 7/7/13, 12:34 PM with 37 comments

  • by fnordfnordfnord on 7/7/13, 4:06 PM

    I'm a college instructor. Even though my courses have nothing to do with law, I show Duane's videos to every freshmen class. I got tired of seeing good students lose their fin-aid after the local cops go around and do their annual drug task-force roundup.

    For years I've been skeptical of the efficacy of police tactics and strategy. I'd say that skepticism has evolved to a default of suspicion of any police activity.

    I find myself contemplating installation of bars on my doors and windows, security fencing, etc; not for fear of "normal" crime, but of errant police activity. I wish I had some statistics upon which to base that notion. I'm a fairly normal, caucasian, middle-class guy with a wife and two kids, no criminal record; and I am more fearful that I will be harmed by police criminality or ineptitude than by non-police criminals.

  • by ColinWright on 7/7/13, 12:46 PM

  • by geon on 7/7/13, 5:54 PM

    It seems to me that most of the issues are a result of the jury system, where people feel that the defendant is guilty or not.

    There was an example at the end where a witness claims she saw the defentant at the crime scene. Her testimony would have been ignored because it is so unsupported.

    But if the defendant stated to the police that he wasn't there, he could be accused of lying and thus be more likely to be convicted.

    To me, this just doesn't make sense.

  • by Ethan_Mick on 7/7/13, 4:35 PM

    They mention at one point what people say when they are stopped by the police for speeding.

    "Do you know how fast you were going?" "Well... 38...40?" (In a 35 MPH zone).

    I was told to always say "No, Officer, I don't know why you pulled me over". This seems to be a good idea now, as it cannot be seen as a confession. What should you say when the officer pulls you over? Can you plead the 5th and say nothing? How well does that go over?

  • by Friedduck on 7/7/13, 7:17 PM

    According to the recent Salinas v. Texas decision it's not even enough to remain silent. You have to assert your 5th amendment privilege immediately.

    As described in a number of articles, 'you don't have the right to remain silent.'