you nore law school majors dont know shit until your in the squad car, front seat that is.
The shit you get away with as an officer is very eye opening when you get to ride shotgun for a night.
An officer, without a doubt doesnt need SHIT to pull someone over. The letter of the law might call harassment if you get caught doing that more than once, but good luck finding a citizen that knows that, that person filing a report, that report actually going somewhere other than the garbage can, and good luck getting that report in the hand of a sergeant or chief that actually gives two fucks to do anything about it. AKA it hardly ever happens like you think it does, so every cop does what they choose.
We yanked someone last year when I did a ride along with a friend just to give them a hard time because it was a cops idiot kid that always acts like a dick. Saw his truck parked at the bar, called the bar owner to confirm he was there and was being served, then to call us when he was leaving. Waited till he drove away, yanked him, gave him a hard time and had someone drive his truck and the people iside it home. Kid should have gotten a DWI big time. Total entrapment, yes. All we had to do was say his high beams were on if we were called out. Camera and mic dont start to record until the lights are flipped on, his word vs ours.
Same night, “did he cross the yellow back there”… “I dunno man I wasn’t looking”… “Ahhh fuck it, red n white hit it.” and we pulle them over.
Annnnd you know how easy it is to make them believe they actually did have their high beams on, cross the yellow, etc. Especially when the cop plays the nice guy card and they feel like they are getting a break… “Ohhh I am sorry I didnt notice thats my mistake”… and right there they are self-incriminated. Keep in mind that when the lights are on behind you their camera and mic on their vest is recording evidence. And my friend has used that evidence in court MANY TIMES if you are a dick and piss him off.
Not only are ride alongs a good time, they will really open your eyes up man.