U of A law prof: "Lawful contact" could "mean any normal interaction a cop has with ordinary people

[SemiCharmedQuark]

"Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman wrote on April 29 that University of Arizona law professor Marc Miller "says 'lawful contact' could also mean any normal interaction a cop has with ordinary people. If a Hispanic asks a patrolman for directions, she could expose herself to immigration questions. If an officer walks up to someone and starts a conversation without detaining him -- something police are allowed to do -- he may have established 'lawful contact.' ""

"AZ police chief: Talking "to a witness of a crime" and "a victim of a crime" are "legal contacts of law enforcement." In an interview on NPR's All Things Considered, Tuscon police chief Roberto Villasenor stated: "I think where a lot of people are getting confused is those instances where we stop someone for a criminal violation, we have some reason for that stop and that contact, but I don't believe that's what we're talking about in regard to this law.""


http://mediamatters.org/research/201004290024

[KansDem]

1. So the best thing to do is not engage in conversation with police officers?

If an officer walks up to someone and starts a conversation without detaining him -- something police are allowed to do -- he may have established 'lawful contact.'

So I just ignore him? Pretend he's not there? Oh, yeah, that'll make him all warm and fuzzy...

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. Also, don't report crimes and don't stick around to be a witness

[KansDem]

3. Yeah, here's a "double whammy"

California Town to Charge for 911 Calls

Back in June 2009, the city approved a plan to start charging residents for 911 calls and emergency services rendered. According to the Tracy Press:

Residents will pay $300 for every fire department response to a medical emergency. Non-residents can expect to pay $400. There is no set cost for a fire department visit to a car accident.

The city is working out an option so that households can pay an annual membership fee of $48, which would cover the cost of any emergency aid given during the course of a year, said David Bramell, who is acting as fire chief while Chief Chris Bosch is on administrative leave.

The Oakland company, ADPI-Intermedix, will receive about 15 percent of all of the city fees.

So if an Arizona town adopts this strategy, not only will you be charged for calling 911, you'll be asked to produce your papers, too.

I can see "Good Samaritanism" going by the wayside...

[tech9413]

4. Yea that "lawful contact" phrase is just too open ended

They could walk up to you and ask you for a light and that would be "lawful contact" The other phrase that bothers me is reasonable suspicion. I've dealt with LEO's for years and I know more than a few who could dream up a "reasonable suspicion" cause for going after someone.

I worked in some pretty tough neighborhoods but am lily white and squeaky clean. Just by being there I was suspicious. My presence indicated to them an interest in doing something illegal. That was "reasonable suspicion" enough to check my ID, pat me down and ask why I was there. Even when they found out I was doing work at a school or hospital in the area they just kept trying to push my buttons to get me to do something wrong.

Don't think for a minute that this doesn't go on all around the country.

I hope the people of AZ realize they are opening themselves up to an unbelievable legal responsibility if they don't shut down this legislation. It might serve them well to study the history of Prince Georges CO. Virginia when they passed an anti-immigration law.

[Bluebear]

5. Kindly tell that to this one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8235764