I got pulled over on my bike a few weeks ago going the speed limit. It was like 92F outside, I was wearing full leathers, an orange vest, and a backpack with reflective fabric stitched on. The cop asked for license, registration, and proof of insurance (which they are allowed to do), but then started to poke my backpack with his nightstick. I responded with "Sir, I don't like being molested, and I don't consent to a search of my belongings." He didn't have a firm grasp of the english language, and assumed I was making a sexual remark. I closed the seat compartment, and he heard the No Doz rattle, and promptly told me to take a step back and unclipped his gun. He instructed me to take my helmet off, which I did gladly, and set it down on the ground near my bike.
He told me to take my gloves off (beefy motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection), and walk backwards to his car (all of this on a two lane street with no shoulder) and put my hands on the (extremely hot hood.) He patted me down, and got all freaked out that he couldn't feel anything through the leathers, boots, or jacket. He then asked for my keys, which I declined, and he explained that he had probable cause to search me, because he suspected I was running prescription drugs.
He started with my backpack, pulled out my work laptop, saw the "US Government" sticker on it, then set it on the hood. He then asked me what was in the backpack, I said "work stuff, some gym clothes, probably some motrin, deodorant, a watch, and my multi-tool." He asked to see my CAC (Government ID) to which I declined, he walked over to my bike and looked around it, looked down the exhaust with his flashlight (this is a puzzle to me) and told me to wait there. So I stood in the hot sun, in leathers while he ran my ID/registration and made a phone call for what seemed like 30 minutes. He got back out of his car, asked me "why are you sweating so much, do you ahve something to hide?" to which I replied "No sir. It's just a little warm here in the sun." He asked me where I was coming from and I said "Work" he muttered something under his breath, which I didn't hear, and when I asked him to repeat it, he said "Are you giving me lip? I don't remember asking you anything SON."
I asked him if I was free to go, and he said "No, there are reports of a stolen red motorcycle in this area. I'm going to have to hold you for a while." I asked "So am I being detained?" He said "No, you are not." I asked again if I was free to go, and he said "No, I told you, I'm waiting on my computer." I said "Sir, I would like to either get my paperwork returned, or be allowed to sit in your nice cool car." He looked me in the eyes, stared me down, brought his right hand down close to his weapon, and reached back like he was going to draw his (still unsnapped) service weapon. I took a deep breath as the sweat dripped from my nose, skidded down my orange reflective vest, and scattered on his shoes and pants. He took a breath, and said "You need to stay here, SON." He walked back to his car, sat down, looked at the computer, hit a few keys, and picked up something off the seat.
He opened the car door again, and stepped out, put his hat on, and handed me my License and registration back. He said "You're clean." I looked at the documents, looked at him, and asked him for my Proof of insurance card. I said "Sir, I believe you still have my proof of insurance card." He said "You only gave me your license and registration. Are you admitting to driving without proof of valid insurance?" I replied "No sir, I'm pointing out the fact that I handed you three documents, and you are returning two. I would like my proof of insurance card back. It's white, about credit card sized, has Progressive across the top, and my Personally Identifiable Information." He looked at me for a second, and flung his car door open, and found it (I'm assuming) under the seat.
He handed it to me, and said "here you go, SON." I took the card with both hands (a la asian style) and said "Thank you sir. Stay safe." He got back into his car, turned off his lights, and drove off before I could get my stuff back in my bike's compartment and put my helmet on.
Officer: Harford County Sheriff's Deputy Krulock
Badge: 0736
Complaint Status: Filed and Acknowledged
The main thing is to remember to file complaints.
