Why You Should Never Talk to the Police

[jrandom]

This is an engaging and fascinating video presentation by Professor James Duane of the Regent University School of Law, explaining why -- in a criminal matter -- you should never, ever, ever talk to the police or any other government agent. It doesn't matter if you're guilty or innocent, if you have an alibi or not -- it isn't possible for anything you to say to help you, and it's very possible that innocuous things you say will hurt you.

Definitely worth half an hour of your time.

And this is a video of Virginia Beach Police Department Officer George Bruch, who basically says that Duane is right.

...

Shamelessly pasted from Bruce Schneier's blog.

I don't have a set of headphones to listen to the audio, here, but if Mr Schneier says it's good shit, I trust his judgement. (I'm not sure how much of it is specific to the American legal system, though.)

The title of the post matches the impressions I've formed over the years in dealing with the New Zealand Police. Not to belittle them; most of them are just doing their best at a difficult job, but the simple fact is that unless one actually finds it necessary to lay a complaint, it is never to one's own advantage to communicate with them in any way beyond what's legally required.

Two experiences of mine this year so far in regards to having an unfounded complaint laid against me and being called as a witness at a criminal trial (entirely separate matters) very much confirmed this.

Thoughts, folks? I look forward to comments from anyone who can watch and listen to the videos before I get home to watch them myself tonight.

[Patch]

The only thing you should be saying to plod is "this is my lawyer"


Perhaps when you're a little older there sonny, you may learn a few more of these useful lessons life has to offer.


80% of communication is the art of listening - which you seem . . .

[jrandom]

Perhaps when you're a little older there sonny, you may learn a few more of these useful lessons life has to offer.

I think the point of this thread is that I have learned, and am sharing, this particular lesson.

[Gubb]

The guy talks reeeeeeeeeeealy fast.

Do we have an equivalent of "Pleading the Fifth", or is it just not saying anything until your lawyer arrives?

[jrandom]

Do we have an equivalent of "Pleading the Fifth"

Surely we have a law that states that nobody can be forced to incriminate themselves.

Dunno where it is, though.

[scumdog]

Sooooo... if you're a cop you follow this advice how???

[jrandom]

Sooooo... if you're a cop you follow this advice how???

Don't ever talk to the PCA?

[MSTRS:Me]

Do we have an equivalent of "Pleading the Fifth", ...

Essentially, yes. You are obliged to give them your name (and DOB?), otherwise it is as the 'miranda' goes "You are not obliged to say anything...."
Remember, in the eyes of the law, you are innocent until proved otherwise. If you are accused by the cops, the onus is on them to prove you guilty and anything you say beyond your name may help them in their pursuit.

The 5th Amendment reads...

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

We have elements of all of that in our laws too. Except in the 'double jeopardy' thing?

[boomer]

The only thing you should be saying to plod is "this is my lawyer"


Perhaps when you're a little older there sonny, you may learn a few more of these useful lessons life has to offer.

Growing up with a father who was CID it was always drummed into me.. say NOTHING to the rozzas; under 18.. ring dad.. over 18.. ring the lawyer. No ifs buts or anthings.

80% of communication is the art of listening - which you seem . . .

hhahahah life is so good with a few individuals on Ignore.

[jrandom]

hhahahah life is so good with a few individuals on Ignore.

I'm glad you took my advice bro. Life's also good with a minimum of folk who can't resist taking digs whenever one posts anything.

[Fatjim]

The important point is that you don't LISTEN to the cops.

[boomer]

The important point is that you don't LISTEN to the cops.

Just like JRandom..??!!! Sounds like a smart move to me...!!! Everyone should put the idjiot(s) on ignore (him and his alter ego Number one)... then KB would almost be about bikes again!!!

[Boob Johnson]

The guy talks reeeeeeeeeeealy fast.

Do we have an equivalent of "Pleading the Fifth", or is it just not saying anything until your lawyer arrives?

Nope, we don't have a fifth, just as you said, "im saying nothing, I want my lawyer"

[Gubb]

Got through the first part.

Good listen, the guy is a good speaker. Just about to listen to the Cops part now.

[Boob Johnson]

Got through the first part.

Good listen, the guy is a good speaker. Just about to listen to the Cops part now.

Did I miss anything? As JR rightly said, you don't say a word to the 5-0 if they are accusing you of a crime, not new news, new to some, sure. But what else is there in that 30mins useful other than that?