Share
Fortunately, I have never been personally questioned by police officers, though I have witnessed others’ experiences.
I have seen some people get away with no penalty, while others received hefty charges for doing the same crime. The unequal serving of punishments is partly due to the police officers, but it has a lot to do with the people being questioned.
One of the best pieces of advice my best friend’s parents ever gave me was to never talk to police officers without your parents and/or a lawyer
present. Both her parents are lawyers, and throughout the years between middle and high school they or their partners represented many of our classmates.
Without saying names or spilling specific details, they told us that most of the kids hurt themselves by letting their emotions take over during their arrest.
Releasing tears is fine, but being belligerent or trying to become an intelligent lawyer will only fuel the fire that will later tarnish the pristine trophies your adoring parents have saved in the attic.
Being questioned by police officers is obviously a stressful situation. In a stressful situation some people get very quiet, but others become quite loquacious.
A lot of people think that if they decide to use the Fifth Amendment, which states people are not required to testify against themselves, they will seem more suspicious and will later be used against them.
Here’s something to chew on: If the police are arresting you and putting handcuffs on you, they already suspect you of being guilty.
If talking to the police does anything, it’s nothing good. It’s rare that someone talks his or her way out of being arrested. If you decide to lie, there’s a pretty great chance that the lie will unravel at some point. Lies can unravel through contradiction of your own words or those of others.
If you take the time to get a lawyer, then you’ll be able to learn whether there are witnesses for or against you, and you’ll learn what is wise and legal to include or leave unmentioned.
Even if you tell the truth, the adrenaline and nerves running through your body may cause you to accidently throw in some white lies or warped details. When you are trying to make yourself sound innocent, you may overcompensate your past or personality.
A version of this article appeared in the Oct 19 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 12 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
Another columnist gave the same advice a few weeks ago.
I am not suggesting that police officers are untrustworthy.
Reply to this Top
Woops. Meant to post this link.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/18292/students-should-be-wary-of-interactions-with-police
And then copy/paste that quote from your column.
"I am not suggesting that police officers are untrustworthy."
You do not have to qualify your column with that line. Should have left it out in my opinion!
Reply to this Top
Great advice. I would follow it up by saying not to talk to the police even before you are arrested. Virginia is not a "stop-and-identify" state, therefore you do not have to give ANY info to the police if you are not being arrested. If you're asked if you're 21, you don't have to answer. If you're asked for your ID, you certainly do not have to produce it. However, to avoid the possible "resisting arrest" charge, you should probably say: "I'm not going to disclose that, officer. Am I free to go?"
Reply to this Top
While the Commonwealth doesn't have a "stop and identify" statute, many localities do (there is no statewide preemption on this particular issue).
Reply to this Top
Very good point, just because it is not a state law does not mean there is no law against it. Virginia actually allows passengers to drink in a moving vehicle as long as the driver is stone cold sober, but many localities make it illegal.
Top
Virginia Tech does have a stop-and-identify policy. If you are on campus, you are required to produce a photo ID if asked by any university official, whether it be an RA, a police officer, or some other university employee.
Reply to this Top
Non-VT PD, though, are not counted in this.
Top
If they are an authorized agent of the university, then yes, they do count. Football games are a perfect example of this. Athletics contracts with local law enforcement to help with the games. In that capacity, they are authorized agents of the university and you must produce an ID if they ask.
Top
I smell bacon, I smell grease...
Reply to this Top
Never give them a mean look, either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Z4ub2YFZY
Reply to this Top
Never give them a mean look, either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Z4ub2YFZY
Reply to this Top
Excellent goods from you, man. I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too magnificent. Jones sabo of your current orlando , florida magical http://www.file2part.com/forum/newtopic.html
Reply to this Top