Well, I Didn't Get Shot!

I just don't understand why you wouldn't talk to the police. Not doing so is getting in the way of them doing their job. It has nothing to do with you, though if you'd failed to update your gun paperwork, I can see why you'd be reluctant.

Otherwise, what could they possibly do to you other than thank you for making their lives a bit easier?

Also, what was the point of taking your wallet? Were you planning on grabbing a quick bite afterwards?

That's where most people keep their carry permits.

Actually, I stick it to my head with gum, the way ActorMike does with his DL.

I remember something an MP said once. They were investigating some actual crime (we were the victims) and they got off on some tangent and started poking around giving everyone a hard time. I mentioned (very politely) about the reason we called them and the concept of the whole victim/suspect thing and one of them said "who did what isn't important. We just look for crimes, period."

In other words, someone slices your tires and they get out a tape measure to see if your car is parked further than 12 inches off the curb.

YEAH! They found a crime.....and the crowd goes wild.

Thus, I remain cautious around law enforcement, and never expect them to be of the same mindset/motivation as myself.

Yes, I respect that they have a hard job to do....I just don't want to be on the business end of them doing their job.

THE INCLUDED LINK ILLUSTRATED A VARIETY OF REASONS WHY, AS A RULE, SILENCE IS YOUR BEST OPTION.

PERHAPS APOSTLE83'S WIFE (WHO INITIALLY OFFERED THE ADVICE) HOLDS THE ANSWERS YOU SEEK.

The video, while good, means nothing in this case. Apostle was not involved in the situation other then trying to help someone who he thought had an accident.

There is a difference between being on top of your 5th Amendment rights and being a paranoid fool who thinks every cop is out to get you.

I have a friend whose father was cop, and he always quoted that percentage the other way - the 90% who are scumbags ruin for the 10% who are good cops. Of course that was Rutherford, NJ, in the 70s, which may be different.

I was talking about Cops in America, not New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylania, Maryland, etc.

All it takes is one cop with a wildhair up his ass to get you into trouble.

I can't say that Apostle was right or wrong in this case. I probably would have told the cops what I saw. He exercised his 5th Amendment rights and I can't say that he was wrong for doing so. It was his right not to talk.

The included link illustrated a variety of reasons why, as a rule, silence is your best option.

I'd say most folks are reluctant to deal with the police in any fashion, and there are plenty of legitimate justifications for the behavior.

Of course you are free to deem the link inapplicable to issue being discussed. Yet I suspect you can, at the very least, understand how it contributes to the overall attitude toward law enforcement. And the appeal of keeping your mouth shut.

As the law professor in the video states, the 5th Amendment doesn't exist just to protect you from incriminating yourself if you're guilty. It also exists to protect you from accidently incriminating yourself if you're innocent.

Hey, I understand Zombie just wants to protect his job.