LAS VEGAS, NV – A couple of days ago Adam and I were walking across a pedestrian bridge on The Vegas Strip when we saw two vehicles being pulled over by the Nevada Highway Patrol. As advocates of holding public officials accountable we filmed the stop.
Overall I think we did well but we could have done a bit better. Specifically, I should have responded to questions with questions. Instead of explaining myself I should have asked “Am I legally required to answer that?” or just inform them that I choose to remain silent. But, knowing that the footage we captured may end up in a video online I decided to use the opportunity to explain why I believe that filming those with badges is so important, not just to the cops themselves but to those who would later watch the video. Also, in retrospect, it’s clear the cops were trying to bait us into saying that we may use the footage in court, for which they then claimed that they needed our information.
That said, we did well in a couple of areas – we spread out so the cops couldn’t corner us and when they demanded our ID Adam asked if we were being detained. We didn’t want to end up in another situation where the cops stole our cameras (see posts about Denver and Greenfield, MA) so we moved to different vantage points to better cover the traffic stop. And throughout the incident we remained calm, cool and collected.
What do you think? Did you learn anything? Do you have any recommendations for us?
Related videos:
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Cop Block Bloggers Arrested in Greenfield, MA
FIJA & DHS Outreach
Edgewater, NJ Police Build Rapport Through Intimidation
FIJA Outreach NYC
How to Interact With Cops
I think deflecting all questions by asking if you are being detained is probably the best. Not even letting them know why you are filming. Just film and ask if you are detained. I’ve put together a yet finished Stop and Identify list on http://libertyactivism.info which should help so people know exactly what they are required to provide if they are detained and penalties for not as well as suggestions.
The more you say the more they can use as an excuse to screw with you.
Hmmm. The Liberty on Tour project actually scares me. It forces me to face the reality of how bad the police state has become. It scares me.
Be sure to contact me when you come to New Orleans.
My father is a Police Veteran, I think an interview with him would be awesome for Liberty On Tour. We’ll see what he says, hahaha.
Great work guys! I agree with Bile that you should communicate with the cops as little as possible. They’re just looking for anything they can use to justify aggression.
Always ask, “Am I being detained or am I free to go?” If you’re not being detained walk, just like you did.
Must watch:
10 Rules for Dealing with Police Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmrbNLt7Om8
Be sure to watch all 4 parts
Don’t Talk to Cops, Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik
Bile, great resource. Thanks for taking the time to assemble and share the content.
M.W., awesome statement haha. Looking forward to connecting in a few weeks in Nola.
Are you kidding me??? Really? “A gun to there heads”?? Ok a motorists breaks a traffic code. Gets pulled over and the Tropper determines its a ticketable offense. If the motorists pays the ticket it gathers revenue for the state. You make it seem like the Trooper is collecting the fine for himself to buy new things for himself and family. You are an idiot. I do understand your ideals and mission. But not everyone in law enfocement is out to be a bad ass, some make this a job choice or career because thats what it is a job, a way to provide for themselves and families not relying on handouts and sympathy checks like some people out there. So do me a favor next time you collect your unemployment check remember it comes from the state and that part of that revenue comes from paid traffic fines.
I agree. The guy holding the camera should keep his mouth shut because he sounds like an idiot when he talks. I thought I was going to see cops out of line. What I saw was two cops acting profession while someone was harassing them with a camera. Liberty on tour is nothing more than a bunch of morons with a camera.