Cops Seize Driver's License From Crime Scene Witnesses

Heritage Sunday ^ | June 23, 2002 | Jason Alley

[Revelation 911]

"An officer acts on the scene of a crime in a manner he sees fit,"

....not as rule of law dictates (sarcasm)

[fogarty]

"An officer acts on the scene of a crime in a manner he sees fit," Zelenak said.

And it is exactly this type of attitude whick led to events like Waco, Ruby Ridge and the shooting of the boy while he lay on his stomach in California.

An officer on the scene of a crime should act in a manner in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United States. "A manner he sees fit" is a convenient excuse to rationalize all kinds of unconstitutional thuggery.

[SouthernFreebird]

How smart is p*ssin off a witness BEFORE you get a statement?

[2banana]

He said he told police that he needed his license back that night so he could drive home, but they refused to give it back, saying they needed to ensure his cooperation and keeping his license was how they would do it.

My reply: If I do not get my license back within the next 30 seconds, then I did not see or hear anything

[Dakmar]

What's next, they keep it unless you tell them what they want to hear?

[dakine]

My mom is friends with a lot of L.P. cops they stop by her house all the time...

[Drango]

My reply: If I do not get my license back within the next 30 seconds, then I did not see or hear anything

Or; If I don't get my license back within 30 seconds, then I saw those cops pull out their guns and without a warning and for no good reason just shot that poor unarmed fellow...

[Gumlegs]

Exactly what I was thinking. The next step is that no one will come forward at all.

[Centurion2000]

Saw nothing, heard nothing, remember nothing.

[KentuckyWoman]

"It is better to err on the side of caution."

Words, I'm afraid, we'll be hearing more and more often as the police state really kicks into high gear.

[Larry Lucido]

Unbelievable. I can't imagine any justification for keeping anyone's property unless it constitutes contraband or is actual evidence of a crime. I bet the LP police will be forced to change this policy.

[Fred Mertz]

Since when are cops judges?

I am of the opinion that only judges may seize one's license after due process. Cops are the mindless foot soldiers of the law enforcement system.

[eno_]

Now imagine how much more effective this story would be if it read "Officer Joe Blow from Precinct 5 took Mr. Butka's licence..." "Officer P. Smarmy said 'Butka looked intoxicated'" and "Sergeant Fred Smith, who Smarmy and Blow report to said of his officers' performance..." Name the freakin names. The Internet remembers forever. Then when it comes time to promote this jackasses or if they come to your town for a job, you'll know what to do.

[mombonn]

The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan disagrees, calling the police’s action "not a good idea."

I HATE when I agree with the aclu!

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"When you investigate a shooting done by police officers, you want to ensure you get all the witnesses to come forward and to give a statement," he said. "It is better to err on the side of caution."

Translation: "It is better cover your own ass than obey the Constitution."

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"Guten abend mein herr. Papers please. Danke."

[stainlessbanner]

If they can’t remove licenses from people who are in the county illegally, I don’t see how you can take away a legal person’s license

He's got a point!

[Larry Lucido]

Cops are the mindless foot soldiers of the law enforcement system.

What happened out there was wrong. Nevertheless, I know a lot of cops, and I wouldn't be surprised if most of them could run circles around you intellectually.