Why do officers get upset?

[Helena]

I'd like to know everyone's perspective on this. Assuming that officers know the law, and that a citizen does NOT have to answer certain questions, why do cops get immediately angry and try intimidation tactics to get you to answer questions? Let's put out a scenario of a routine traffic stop.. Officer asks for identification. You comply. After that they begin a whole litany of questions that you don't legally have to answer. When you don't, even though they may have started out being nice and civil, they then turn into an angry, overbearing, authoritative asshat because... why?

[The Xl]

Because they think they're above you. And they're not wrong, the courts allow them to do what they wish with near complete impunity.

[ODB]

Because they DON'T necessarily know the law. (they get defensive when questioned)

I've witnessed this personally, and have seen it proven over and over and over on this board. I'm grateful for people like @Cletus for taking the time to inform and educate on these topics. Many police have a 'because I said so' complex, and everyone else is best to understand their actual rights in order to not have them abused.

[Safety]

Because...this.

[The Xl]

Because they DON'T necessarily know the law. (they get defensive when questioned)

I've witnessed this personally, and have seen it proven over and over and over on this board. I'm grateful for people like @Cletus for taking the time to inform and educate on these topics. Many police have a 'because I said so' complex, and everyone else is best to understand their actual rights in order to not have them abused.

What's sad is that knowing your rights is ultimately useless because the courts will take the cops side every single time no matter what. True freedom and justice doesn't exist here.

[Helena]

What's sad is that knowing your rights is ultimately useless because the courts will take the cops side every single time no matter what. True freedom and justice doesn't exist here.

Sure it does. But it'll cost you.

[Helena]

Because...this.

He didn't shout "STOP RESISTINNGNGHG!" after he hit him! Back of the class.

[ODB]

What's sad is that knowing your rights is ultimately useless because the courts will take the cops side every single time no matter what. True freedom and justice doesn't exist here.

In some cases, maybe. Even so, that's not an excuse to just thrown your hands up in defeat. I've seen the system work how it's supposed to - even if it was only one time.

[stjames1_53]

I'd like to know everyone's perspective on this. Assuming that officers know the law, and that a citizen does NOT have to answer certain questions, why do cops get immediately angry and try intimidation tactics to get you to answer questions? Let's put out a scenario of a routine traffic stop.. Officer asks for identification. You comply. After that they begin a whole litany of questions that you don't legally have to answer. When you don't, even though they may have started out being nice and civil, they then turn into an angry, overbearing, authoritative asshat because... why?

I was driving back from Seymour a couple of years back and got pulled over. Of course the old "driver's license and registration" routine came and went. The officer noticed that I had a could of fishing rods in the car and two new reels sitting on the seat next to me. He started his twenty questions by asking me about them, so I answered, "I'm re-stringing them." Dissatisfied with my answer, he pressed on and asked me where I fished. I told him I wasn't going fishing, but re-stringing the reels. He turned around and walked back to his car and left. No ticket, no warning. I was polite and courteous.
I always take the 5th when talking to the police. I'll toss nonsense all day long, I am not easily intimidated and well aware of my Rights.

[stjames1_53]

Sure it does. But it'll cost you.

You do know when a cop pulls you over, you're basically being detained, regardless. Proof? You cannot just up and leave.
And your Rights are not recognized until you're standing in front of a judge.
In Indiana, you are supposed to be issued a date to appear from the clerk, not the cop. I will appear and demand my Right to Due Process and ask to have whatever I've been charged with to be dismissed. If they refuse, I take it from local city court to a Superior Court. Appealing this costs no money and you will generally win the appeal.