Cheating death and fighting communism: that is how a fellow officer once described our job. It was meant to be funny, but as time went on it seemed all too true.
I spent more than ten years in law enforcement, all of it on the street in uniform patrol. I've been a patrol officer, instructor, sergeant and lieutenant.
Do not report crimes here. Nothing here should be considered legal advice. All opinions are my own.
Generally, yes. Some departments may have policies that restrict the use of discretion.
Yes.
At the very least it would appear that he is trespassing. But, do you know that he doesn't have something worse planned? Rape, robbery, murder?
Door to door salesmen are certainly capable of committing very bad crimes. Additionally, criminals can pose as door to door salesmen with the intent of getting in your house to rape/rob/murder you.
A stranger in your home that is refusing to leave is a serious concern and possibly a very real threat. Make sure you communicate to the dispatchers that the man is a stranger - not a friend or family member - and he is refusing to leave. If you have any level of fear, make sure you communicate that as well.
You should contact a criminal defense attorney in that state. Just because you see something as the "right" thing, doesn't mean there isn't the potential of having criminal charges filed against you.
If a police officer can develop reasonable, articulable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity, you can be detained. You are not free to leave in this case.
Any police officer can walk up and start talking to you, including asking for ID, without any articulable suspicion. However, you are free to leave in this circumstance.
If you want to leave, and don't know if you are able to, politely ask the officer if you may leave. He or she will let you know.
Auto Mechanic
If I know nothing about cars, how can I tell if a mechanic is ripping me off?
TV Meteorologist
What were your worst on-screen bloopers?
Basketball Referee
Do you think the nets should be lower for girls?
"spade" - I do not think that word means what you think it means.
Oh, and your premise is false.
What exactly do you think is going on? Are expired tags considered a heinous crime in your area? If so, let the rest of us know so we can get away from real crime and move there.
I'm guessing there is more to this story.
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