I was doing some “algorithm surfing” (i.e. VPN+private tab+click enough youtube videos on a topic=temporarily immersed in someone else’s rabbit hole). In a patriotism rabbit hole, I found this video about a fearless teenager defending himself and his father against police misconduct with knowledge of Utah law.

Question: how can a layperson possibly know that much about the law to rival a cop’s situational power like that?

I’m already familiar with shutting up (I vaguely remember there being a way funnier video but I can’t find it)

but I think not shutting up, and instead sheer CYA, was instrumental to that kid and his dad winning the counterlawsuit. And being friendly has turned a speeding ticket into a warning for me (anecdotal evidence)… once…

Apologies if this question is too American. Also please don’t hit me with another All Cops Are Benzene or something – I could use a usable answer ^ .^

  • fool@programming.devOP
    0·
    2 days ago

    Pot Brothers! That’s the video I was thinking of.

    Stfu is widely best (better to do nothing than go negative), but there’s the caveats of self-identification being necessary in some places, and drawing police hostility, isn’t there? (e.g. oh, we’re all nice and joyful? oh… no? nvm… hmm, I sense a traffic violation)

    I’m primarily concerned about that part. What if stfu lets me get framed or get a short end of a stick? How do I prepare? Is stfu the be all end all?

    Haven’t seen the Regent one, I’ll give that a watch.

    • skulblaka@sh.itjust.works
      0·
      2 days ago

      anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law

      There is no situation outside of basic ID verification where any statement you make will benefit you in any way. If a cop has decided he’s going to arrest you then you’re getting arrested. The proper time to fight against that is in court, not at the time of arrest.