I have many friends that have "given" in to cops before because the cops were telling them they are "friends", or will they will work with you if you work with them!!!! That's BS.

A cop that pulls you over or comes to your house is not your friend!!!! No matter what they say or how they say it! It is their job to get evidence against you. If they don't get evidence, they are not doing their job effectively. So, in other words, if you don't cave in to their demands, their job is not being done not effectively and they will have to go someplace else.

Many times they word their question for consent in very ambiquos (sp?) manner. "Please get out of the car" Is that asking you if you will get out of your car or demanding you to get out of your car? "We are going to search your car now, ok" Theoretically, you do not have to do anything unless you have been arrested, i.e. in your autiomobile. You can ask the officer if you are under arrest, and if he says no, say "Sir, I would rather stay in my car right now" or "Sir, I do not want you to search whatever". Many times, just being polite and saying "no" will cut them off. Many people don't realize you can do certain things, they just assume that if a cop says something then it has to be done. Very good post Dr E.

peace,
ttgb