Quote Originally Posted by RMAC757 View Post
I gotta go with stryke on this. There's no law against being an a hole which this kid obviously is. If the cops have no legal reason to stop you, "confirming" your identity is just fishing.
I've had something like that- Loitering in a "no no loitering" area (if there is no sign it's not illegal) waiting for a friend to show. The LEO pulled in, turned on his lights, we were just sitting on my bumper and the Deputy asked for mine and my friend's ID. Here's how it went:
JCSO Deputy: "May I see some ID?"
Me: "What for?"
JCSO: "So I may know who you are."
Me: "Have we broken any laws?"
JCSO: "No, but I would like to know who you are?"
Me: "Why do you need to know who I am? Is there a criminal or fugitive who matches my description?"
JCSO: "No, but sir I would like to see some ID."
Me: "Respectfully I do not wish to disclose that information if no crime has been committed."
JCSO: "Well, you sitting in this parking lot is suspicious activity and I would like to identify you to remove any unwarranted suspicion."
Me: "Sitting in a parking lot waiting for someone is suspicious? We aren't doing anything suspect, we're waiting for someone. How is us waiting in a well lit public place suspicious?"
JCSO: "Where are you going when your party arrives?"
Me: "No where that is of any concern to you."
JCSO: "Well I'd still like to see some identification, please."
Me: "I respectfully refuse to show you my ID."
Here's where it gets good, My Friend: [waving hand] "You don't need to see our IDs."
JCSO: [Struggling to hold back laughter] "Fine, you don't want to show your ID then I'll leave you to it. Have a nice night and be safe."
Me: "Thank you, Deputy. You be safe too."
That was that. Being nice, respectful, and your friend having a great sense of humor can easily defuse a potential harassment situation.