[Richard Kimball]

What's in your trunk?

Trunk stuff.

What does that mean?

Just normal stuff that's in a trunk.

Mind if I check?

I am not giving you permission to search my vehicle.

What have you got to hide?

I don't have anything to hide.

Then it's okay if I search your vehicle.

I am not giving you permission to search my vehicle.

How are you going to stop me?

I didn't say I'm going to stop you, I said I'm not giving you permission to search my vehicle.

Well, if I did search your vehicle what would I find?

Car stuff.

So you don't mind if I search your car.

I am not giving you permission to search my car.

Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Let me search your car and if nothing's in there you can be on your way. Otherwise, we can sit here for a few hours while I get a warrant.

I am not giving you permission to search my car.

This can go on for hours. Not that I've ever been pulled over by a bored small town cop who wants to fubar somebody's entire life just for the heck of it.

[longtermmemmory]

sadly your exchange is dangerously close to reality. Many officer depositions align with your scenario.

[mad_as_he$$]

Break the cycle and ask for a Supervisor. Next best thing is if you are under arrest. If not ask if you are free to leave - if yes ask to be hooked up and taken to a magistrate for a PC hearing. Also trying to determine if it is a Miranda stop or a Terry stop. Most cops these days do not even know the difference but in most States it matters a great deal.