What's up, man? What's your name and badge number? >> Police officer Torres 208. >> Ta. You don't know the law? >> Yes, I do know the law. >> So, what law are you quoting? >> Well, I'm quoting the fact that you can't film inside a police precinct. >> Am I inside or am I outside? Okay. >> I charge $2,000 a minute for illegal detainment. >> I'm not a threat, man. I'm just fishing. My hands are up, dude. My I'm not a threat ID. >> You're not going to get my ID. Today we're talking about times when racist cops played dumb, acted innocent, but the truth came out in the most unexpected ways. These are real moments when officers tried to twist the story, hide behind their badges, or pretend they didn't know what was going on, only to be exposed by people who refused to stay silent. Let's get started. And I'm fishing. Under the law, I have to have a fishing license for this. And there's 1 2 3 four of you. Your name and badge number, please, sir. Name and badge number, please. While a man was walking down the street carrying his weapon and filming, it was an understatement to say he drew a lot of attention. One of the people who met him didn't feel very comfortable. But still, the man's first and second amendments allowed him to do exactly what he was doing. However, that day, he met many people with all sorts of reactions, but the best one was yet to come. Yeah, they might they might pinch me, but they're not going to they're not going to kill me. >> A lot of police come up on you, I guess. >> Yeah, sometimes. >> Yeah, every now and again. >> I'm watching all these videos, the first amendment audits and all. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. You don't see too many with the second amendment, right? >> Yeah. I don't really watch it. That's I don't get it. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's all right, man. We That's the thing about it is we have these rights and we we if we don't use these rights, we lose these rights. You know what I mean? Here. Here. Let me give you a card, man. Not going to do nothing bad to you. I'm I'm just a peaceful guy. Yeah. Yeah. We're peaceful. >> It's not the It's not the gun that kills. It's the people that >> It's the people. It's the person. >> Yeah. See how easy that is? Look me up on YouTube cuz you're going to be on the next video, too. Later, buddy. What's going on, bud? >> Those are some nice photos right there, huh? The man is talking about his rights, pointing out that if you don't use them, you lose them. The irony is hard to miss because he's saying this while an uninformed threat approaches. Clearly, someone called the cops because someone who doesn't know what civil rights are and someone whose call gave the officers the excuse to act this arrogantly. And with their arrival, the real spectacle begins. Hey. Hey, calm down, buddy. Hey, calm down, man. Hold on. Calm down. Calm down. I am not a I'm not a threat, dude. I'm just fishing. I'm just going fishing, bro. No, my hands are up, but dude, I'm not going to comply to an unlawful order. My hands are up. I'm not a threat. I'm just fishing, man. Under the law, I'm allowed to do this. I'm not a threat, man. I'm just fishing. My hands are up, dude. My I'm not a threat. I'm not going to comply to an unlawful order. I'm not a threat. Several police officers arrived on the scene and one of them carried an AR-15 in his hands. In Florida, where open carry is permitted while fishing, this was purely a symbolic display of force without any real basis. Instead of checking the situation, they showed up armed as if it was a hostage crisis. The message was clear. In the eyes of the officers, a law-abiding armed citizen was more dangerous than a criminal breaking the law. I'm just fishing, man. I'm just fishing. If you know what I'm doing, then you should just leave me alone. But there's one, two, three of you with ARs. You had yours pointed at me. >> Uh, it was it was it was not it was not it was not in a in a safe manner. I'll tell you that right now. It's debatable. You got a body cam because I'm going to request that. What's your name and badge number, sir? Thank you. And yours, sir? >> Where's your Where you fishing here? >> Right there, man. This is my This is my crab net, dude. I was out here trying to do That's my bait for my crab. And I'm fishing under the law. I have to have a fishing license for this. And there's one, two, three, four of you. Your name and badge number, please, sir. Name and badge number, please. Please. Thank you. yours. Thank you. Um, I can't hear you from that distance. Please, sir, can you get closer so I can ID you? Approaching with weapons, Ready was not a deescalation. The citizen kept his hands raised, repeating he was not a threat and he was only fishing. However, the officers ignored his right to carry out illegal activity peacefully. In situations like this, the law becomes secondary, and the only thing that mattered was what the police wanted to do. And trust me, they didn't mean anything good. >> I'm not I haven't done anything to anybody, dude. I came out here to go fishing, dude. I am scared as right now because you guys areing out here, dude. This is not cool, man. Not cool. >> I I can show you a fishing license, but you can't even run my fishing license. Get FWC out here. Get FWC. I'm not auditing. I'm out here fishing. Dude, stop lying. Stop. Stop being a conspir, dude. >> Have a good one, brother. >> Yeah. Yeah. See you later. What? I need all of you. I need an incident report number, please. I'm not a threat. My hands are clear up to the sky. I just want an incident. >> Relax, brother. >> I want an incident report number, please. >> Please. >> You're not going to get my ID. [Music] 379.354 90151. The man openly said he felt scared and asked for the presence of a game warden, which would have made sense in a case like this. But logic rarely wins over ego in the field. Instead of bringing in the property authority for fishing, they brought armed men ready to intervene. This wasted resources and created danger where there had been none. You tell me the crime I've committed, and if you can actually run my fishing license, I'm all for it. But you can't. You can't. You can't. You can't. You can't. You can't. None of y'all can run my fishing license. >> Last name Smith. >> Nope. I don't answer questions. I just want the incident report number and all y'all's ID. [Music] Joke about it, dude. I'll be back >> right now. Yeah. Do I have to keep my hands up? I am not a threat. I'm not reaching for my gun or nothing. I'm scared to put my hands down because of you guys. Am I Am I okay to put my hands down? My arm, Dude, my left shoulder hurts, man. He again asked for the incident report number and refused to give personal information without cause. By law, the police must have reasonable suspicion to demand identification. That rule clearly didn't apply when they carried rifles. This refusal to state the exact violation showed that the incident was not being handled by the book, but according to the will of armed officers. I've got shoulder issues and I can't keep them up for long periods of time. >> Left hand down, man. That's left hand. >> There you go. >> Thank you, dude. Do you know the law that you're trying to enforce right now? >> There's no law trying to enforce what kind of ID. >> You don't have to ID me. I'm a law-abiding citizen that has done nothing wrong. Did you swear a note to the Constitution, sir? >> Did you swear or affirm to the Constitution? Yes. Perfect. Then what's the problem? What's the problem with me doing this? >> Nothing. You're allowed. >> Okay, then then leave. Leave me alone. You guys all came out here with AR-15s ready to shoot somebody and to a guy that hadn't done nothing to anybody. I know I don't have a concealed weapons permit and I will defend myself with whatever I need to defend myself with. >> He still kept his hands up, afraid to lower them so they wouldn't accuse him of being a threat. This was an example of how a police presence could turn a legal situation into a dangerous one. The citizen openly said he didn't want any misunderstanding, but the officers remained ready to intervene, proving this wasn't about safety, but about control. But I didn't point it at anybody. I didn't hurt. >> It's not about the thing the law says going to and returning from. Right? So it doesn't matter where I started and it doesn't matter where I finished. It's about the act of doing it. Right? So I'm I'm legitimately I'm sorry. I'm not trying to My hands up my I'm trying to point I'm not trying to but you know not even a fisher pole. It's a crab net. That's what I'm fishing with today. >> Dude, you guys have good blue crap here. Do you know that, guys? I'm really not a threat, man. And this doesn't feel good to keep my hand above my head like this. An officer admitted he had not committed any crime, yet they still stayed. The citizen reminded them of their constitutional oath, which should have been the foundation of police action. Still, instead of leaving, they continued to surround him. Clearly, they only felt strong and important when they were in a group. They weren't walking away yet. If if it makes you feel better, I'll come sit down on the sidewalk so you can watch me. That way, I can put my hand down. Does that make you feel better? >> I'm not going to touch my firearms right now. Not with you like that, dude. You kidding me? That's just stupid for me to want to take my firearms off while you are sitting there. No, >> I know it. There's a QD mount right there. And I'm not going to touch any part of this gun. I'm not going to touch any part of that gun. I've got a I've got a level two holster. I'm not going to touch it because I have to touch it and pull it out and that's not going to happen. And then I have to reach towards the grip of my ri my pistol, my AR pistol. And I'm not gonna I'm not doing that, dude. >> No. No. I do not consent to search or seizures. He again stressed he was not a threat, and offered a compromise to sit down so he could lower his hands. Yet, he still remained under suspicion. He refused any search or seizure without a warrant, which was his right under the Fourth Amendment. Still, the police stayed, which was no surprise. In fact, the real mystery now was when they would realize enough was enough. turn around and leave. >> Not not for a friendly reason. Just for the sake of conversation. >> The sake of conversation is I'm not a threat to you, man. I'm I I haven't been a threat, [Music] bro. You're good. >> Where's your position? >> It's in my pocket. >> Can you just present that for us? >> Yes, sir. Not not doing anything. Relax, >> dude. You I just had four people out here with AR-15s. >> Understand why, man? >> I understand. But I didn't I wasn't a threat to anybody. >> Well, we don't know that, right? >> Florida fishing license. >> Oh, you even got it on the car. That's >> Yes, sir. >> No, sir. I I've presented >> then hold it. Michael, turn around. Michael David Taylor. >> There you go, man. You guys You guys already know who I am. I don't I have a clue, bro. I've never dealt with it. >> Yeah. Well, >> that guy calmly reminded them that four cops with AR-15s had just been standing right in front of him, even though he wasn't a threat to anyone. Instead of admitting they messed up, the police suddenly switched to checking his fishing license. Wait a second. Didn't he literally offer to show it earlier and they didn't care? You're telling me this wasn't just an excuse to keep him there as long as possible? Michael David Taylor, born in 79. Perfect. That's all we need. How easy that was? >> No, it wasn't. Dude, you just violated my fourth amendment right. >> I didn't search or seize you. So, >> you just had to give I had to give my my papers >> to I had to give my papers to you to prove something. All you're about to do is go run my name through David or NCIC FCIC. >> You can't verify my fishing license. >> That's the difference. >> How How can you verify it? You are not authorized by the state to run my fishing license. >> What's up? >> As you've already stated, you're out here fishing. >> Correct. >> So, when you are fishing, just like when you're driving, >> Uhhuh. >> you're obligated to be able to present the credentials to do that >> to the right authority. >> Correct. >> Read the read the statute. Are you a commission officer? >> Yes. >> And you can run a fishing license. >> Yes. >> He handed over the license, but pointed out that the cops weren't even authorized to check it by law. Only the FWC or state authorities could do that, not county officers. They refused to admit the limits of their own authority, comparing it to checking a driver's license, which didn't even apply here. Of course, they had an excuse for everything. And you can guess where this was headed. >> You're absolutely 100% cor incorrect. >> That is incorrect. >> You are incorrect, sir. You're 100% you are incorrect. >> You're mistaken. That's one of the big >> Okay, we're about I'm I'm going to be doing a records request and I'm going to find out if you ran my name through NCIC, FCIC, or David because those are the three that you can run. The only person that can run my fishing license is FWC and state officers. You are not a state officer. You are a county officer, sir. >> Yes. >> Do you think you have access to a range unit? >> What do you think you have access to? >> You have a right. It's a statute 379.354, but it does state that you I only have to present. I don't have to show it to you. I just have to have possession of my fishing license. But right now, >> have the ability to prove of it. >> I have it. >> But if it's in your pocket, we don't know that. >> Well, I just pulled it out and he's like, "Oh, you have it on a car." He said, >> "You have to understand the ability to read a car from 12t away. >> It doesn't matter about how you don't need to know who I am. I just have to have the license." The man quoted the exact statute 379.354, explaining that was enough to just have the license, not to show it to the police. The officers brushed off that argument, ignoring the law that clearly spelled out their role. But let's be real, pretty sad when the guys with badges don't even know their own job, while this guy was the real pro. >> Now, if FWC wants to do a re uh a resource inspection, I can't confirm that you're in position. You're let me finish. If I can't confirm that you are in possession of your fishing license and not your buddy's fishing license, right? >> It's not a card that can be passed around in between. >> Then it would be a violation of law if I am if I am in violation of the law. If you prove to if you can prove it in a court of law that I have I falsified all my information. >> Just to put it in terms that more of us understand during a traffic stop, you can't just >> This isn't a traffic stop. I'm just saying in a paralleling example during a traffic stop, you can't just present the driver's license and go, I have a driver's license in the vehicle. We have to be able to verify that you, the driver, the license, all matches up and then of course that it's valid >> right now. What law am I breaking? >> I'm sorry. >> What law am I breaking? >> Um, actually checking somebody for a license. >> Resource inspection. Correct. I know what that is. >> The officer admitted he had never checked a fishing license at that spot before. The man said he planned to file a records request to prove this was selective enforcement. That kind of selectivity made it clear this wasn't a routine check. It was just an ad hoc excuse for initial armed response. And honestly, if this wasn't an abuse of power, I don't know what is. I know what a resource inspection is. And that that is conducted through FWC. >> No, that is conducted. >> You know something? I'm going to do a records request. How many How many people have you ever stopped and tried to I'll find out you how many people you have ever in your entire time with Bvard County have ever walked up to somebody and check their fishing license. >> Get every place I work. >> I don't want every place. I just want I want here because that's where you're working. I want to know how many people you've ever checked for a fishing license in this >> I've never done it. >> Yeah. >> So then you'd have to do a >> I'm going to do I'm going to >> at every agency I've worked at. >> Nope. I'm going to do one right here in Bvard County because that's that's the county that matters. >> Then you would miss out. >> Oh, then then explain to me tell me ex talk to the camera and tell me how many places you've worked so I can I can do records requests on you throughout the entire state of Florida. >> This is my second agency. >> Okay. What's the first? >> Any river county sheriff's office. >> Dude, I'm I'm not I'm right next door to you, man. The man compared his department's behavior to the neighboring sheriff's office where they had never approached him with weapons. Even though the sheriff publicly supported the Second Amendment, the local police showed the exact opposite attitude in practice, didn't these same cops swear at the start of their careers to protect the very rights they were now pretending didn't exist? Yeah. Funny how that works. Dude, those guys acted respectful. Respectful. I met those people. They didn't come out to me with a freaking AR for people with ARs. They they were respectful. Your your sheriff is all about the Second Amendment. He He goes online on YouTube. I've got videos of him saying I'm for the Second Amendment. >> But right now, where we at? You guys don't care about my right. >> Okay. I'll interject with a quick question. >> Okay. >> I'm not asking you where you live, but you're familiar with the area. >> I'm familiar with the entire state of I do this across the state of Florida. >> Let's just talk about county island. Familiar with the area? >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. You guys, you guys unlawfully arrested me? >> No. No. The question I'm getting, >> you guys unlawfully arrest me >> with an understanding of >> what is typical behavior. >> This is typical for me. >> Okay. >> The officer tried to justify the intervention by saying it was about a public concern, even though he admitted he knew the man hadn't gone anywhere near large gatherings. The fact that they used bystander concern as the basis for an armed response showed just how subjective feelings could be turned into a reason for actions that were objectively unjustified. Because, you know, they're not supposed to be feelings enforcement. They're supposed to be law enforcement, >> but understand the area. What would raise concerns for our public? Do you think, Listen, we're not in Wyoming. >> Mhm. >> We understand that there's different lifestyles that fit different places. I understand what may be lawful, and I get that. >> Okay. Do you think that your activities today would at least raise concerns where a passerby, let me finish, would expect or ask of law enforcement to find out a is a person doing a lawful act or is a person about to go hurt a large group of people? Just take a moment to digest that and think about the world we live in. >> I get it. >> The world we live in. I get it. I totally get it. >> It's not unreasonable. >> It's not unreasonable. >> I get you coming out here, >> correct? >> And I get people calling. People don't know know the law. I I expect I expect you you and everybody else to respect my right and who whatever knucklehead decided he came out was sitting behind whatever tree or behind that which I get you you got to get covered. I get it. Trust me, I understand tactical. >> The man explained that they could have approached him tactically without a full-blown show of force. He described how officers came in with multiple directions and weapons ready even though he had been cooperative from the start. Of course, that day he was just their target, someone they could use to boost their egos. And no matter what he said, that wasn't going to change. >> I get tactical. >> I'm not saying disregard it. I'm saying come at me in a different >> See what if you were really concerned about the the the masses that are out here, like where where are they at? Where are the masses right now? >> I understand that. >> Okay. the masses that you're talking about that I'm out here trying to that would technically hypothetically I'd be shooting but then I sit down here and I'm playing with >> Let me add this. This started with you coming over the bridge and stepping into Coco village which there is basketball. >> Right. But I didn't go into that village. I came I came right to here. I went to that as soon as I got to that. It said no trespassing. So I had to come somewhere else and I came right here. Listen, I understand as I made that point to you and you were listening to that point that you also have a valid counterpoint to, hey, listen, I wasn't going to a mass populated area. I was actually going to a sparse area where there's almost nothing, the almost opposite. >> But that's your that should be your investigation. >> A citizen calmly talked on the phone while armed officers watched him. Please tell me if this is normal. And somehow the saddest part was that these cops didn't even realize where they went wrong that day. To them, it was just another day on the job. But nothing was ever enough for these officers. They always wanted more. That should be the part that you do. It's like, all right, >> but we can't just stop there. >> I'm not I'm not saying you could have waited. Somebody got out of the car by themselves. They approached me by themselves and didn't wait for cover and or backup. And like, let's just say hypothetically, hypothetically, if there was a gunfight between me and one officer, would it better for him to wait for his backup to And but all I know is that I had one behind that. I had one behind that. I had more coming from this direction. And I had another one come from this direction. >> And all I'm saying I was like, "Dude, I'm fishing. >> I complied. I comply. I don't fight you guys. >> Listen to everything you're saying. And all I can tell you is >> call call your call your chief or your deputy." >> I was like the seventh or eighth guy to show up if you know what I mean. >> Well, all I know is that what I am trying to tell you is call your the sheriff right now. Get on the phone and say, "Hey, there's a guy I'm not re I >> Thank you. It's my wife. Thank you. >> Hey. >> Um, I'm sitting here. I had four ARs. I've got I'm still sitting here. D um uh I'm not in cuffs. I'm not under arrest. I'm just kind Yeah, we we don't we really don't have to talk, man. >> But it's okay. >> I I don't But I don't I I was trying to do some fishing. >> I'm a pretty pleasant guy. I don't think I >> All right. >> All right. Um Hey, try to get a hold of Madison. All right. >> He explained his lifestyle and travels throughout Florida, making it clear it wasn't a First Amendment audit, but a perfectly legal recreational activity. Still, the police kept treating the situation like it was some kind of threat. Honestly, instead of trying to turn a regular guy into a criminal, maybe they could have gone after some actual criminals, right? >> Trust me, man. Bard County, Titusville, you all know who I am. I got to tell you honestly, I don't >> um >> I've only been here two years. >> I know. It It just It just happened this year, man. >> Okay. If you spent a lot of time in the river, I'd probably know you, but >> Well, I don't I don't I I've been trying to stay I've been steering clear of this place, but I was like, you know, something I've like Do you ever go on vacation? >> Of course. >> Do you ever spin the globe and just point to something and that's where you go for the day? >> I I don't have that much freedom, but obviously >> I I that's what I I have I do have that freedom. >> Okay. Well, I mean, >> hey, >> I'm glad for you, but I'm also jealous. Uh, no. I'm in uh Coco right now. >> All right. All right. Bye. Um, I I spin the globe of Florida and I point to things and I just go and I That's how that's that's what I do. I go around the state. I try to fill in blanks of places I've gone and places I haven't gone, you know? And this is not an audit. This is not me testing you of your knowledge of the law. This is me trying to go out and fish. and if I happen to educate a few people saying no. >> The man pointed out he was more afraid of police saying their fingers on the trigger than of any bystanders his gear might bother. And he was right. Imagine just going about your day in peace. Then not one but four cops approach from four different directions hoping to box you in. I didn't know you could do that. And I'm like, "Yeah, I can do this under 790.25 section 3 subsection H. It's a lawful act." And then you come out here and like all you all you really had to do you could approach me in a whole different manner. A whole different you know I'm not I'm not an aggressive guy. I try to be peaceful with everybody. I understand this scares people. I understand it. You know what scares me? You guys coming out here and about to shoot me because of of a lack of knowledge or I don't know. I don't know what it is. I can't explain it. >> You don't need to meet me. >> Hey, all you need to know until did you know you have no obligation to protect the public? >> Did you know that? >> Elaborate on >> there's a federal court case. >> He reminded the police that they had no legal duty to protect individuals citing the warrant v the District of Columbia president. He pointed out that no one had reported a threat, a shooting, or any violent behavior. By the logic of the law, without a specific danger, there was no basis for intervention. And while we're at it, do you remember the cops ever explaining why they even approached him? Yeah, me neither. War uh what is it? Uh Warren versus District of Columbia. The police have no obligation to protect this the citizens. Your job is to enforce law. Your job is to uphold the constitution. The constitution >> byproduct of that further down the stream is eventually >> right. But was that person hurt? Did that person that called 911 or whatever they did? I don't know. Whoever they did, whatever they did, did they say I am hurt? Did did they say this person is shooting people? Did this person said he was threatening people? >> No. But >> that's that's where I would start with that. If this person has not done anything threatening or has Cuz the second that my gun goes from this position to this position, that is a crime. That would be a crime. One unless I'm unless I'm trying to shoot something that's trying to attack me. Yeah. But until but if I go if I went to just grab my gun and just walk around like >> only after these racist cops played dumb then acted innocent did they finally realize how much of clowns they looked and they wanted to leave fast. This guy wasn't stupid and he definitely wasn't about to just let it all slide. What came next was the saddest walk of shame you'll ever see. >> That would be that would be brandishing a firearm because because >> reckless. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I that's why I'm sitting here telling you, man. I know the law. >> All right. Have a good day. >> Deuces. >> Hey, I I still wait. I'm not I'm not being a threat. I still want this information from you guys. I'm not letting you leave without it. >> Yo, whatever you got to do, man. >> Yep. request. There's a card, case number, and I think the only other two officers I had up here, that's their numbers on the back. >> Um, are those Coco? >> You're Coco, right? >> The police left without an apology, leaving the impression that citizens rights were a matter of negotiation, not something guaranteed by law. Even though this story was over, the problem of the cops who still think they're above the law remains. And we're about to see another example of our next encounter where four officers got a serious reality check. [Music] Speaking of times when racist cops played dumb, then acted innocent, here's a case of where a citizen was calmly standing in front of a police station filming. A female officer walked up to him. He pointed out a police car with an expired registration and another vehicle with visible personal information that anyone could see. Instead of starting the conversation with legal rights, she immediately pushed it toward problems with filming inside. inside of police facility. >> We're recording inside of police facility, right? >> Hi, how are you? >> Out there. >> I'm recording outside of it. >> Right. >> I'm outside, man. >> Hispanic. >> Hi, how are you? >> Good. How are you? >> What's your name? >> Huh? >> Auntie Peina? >> Yes, sir. >> You have a badge number? >> Yes. 1520 right here. >> Thank you. This is your command. This is my command. >> How can I help you? >> How can I help you? >> Um, you could report that vehicle. >> The first blue and white one. The first RMP. >> The inspection stick is out of date. >> I don't know. It's the first one. >> First one up the block. >> So, the first car on this block is a school safety. >> Okay. He politely suggested that they should remove the exposed information to protect privacy rather than restrict filming in a public space. The police took the information but gave no clear admission of wrongdoing. If you ever thought a top police priority would be protecting personnel data, well, here you'll see how often it gets ignored. >> The first official cop car. >> Okay. >> The inspection stick is out of date. >> And then you got somebody left somebody's personal information out where anybody could just see it. >> Okay. Which one? >> This vehicle right here. We just got somebody's personal information out. Anybody could just look at it. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> So, yeah. I don't know if you want to hide that. That's somebody's information. You have a card, sir? >> Thank you. Look at him smoking in the mothering precinct. We got one. These guys, this you see what they doing right here. Personal information out. The citizen also spotted an officer inside the building using an ecigarette, which immediately raised the question. It was a clear example of the kind of rules police are supposed to uphold, but often ignore when it's one of their own. What made this moment even funnier was how deliberate it felt. He was clearly pushing their buttons, testing the limits of his civil rights, and they just kept biting the bait without even realizing it. >> Why is this guy vaping in the I don't even know who you are, sir. Yeah, this guy. You don't want to talk about [ __ ] that's legal. Yeah, boy. No, he's not. You're not supposed to smoke in no buildings. I hate that be right back [ __ ] I hate that [ __ ] You know who does that? That be right back. >> Do that be right back [ __ ] What's up? You came out here. You started some [ __ ] I don't even know your face. Who Who was that? Who made contact with me from down the block? >> There was a verbal exchange with an officer who had earlier made a comment from a distance. The citizen asked to speak with a supervisor. The officer's responses sounded defensive and the conversation began shifting towards escalation. If the goal of policing is supposed to be deescalation, here we saw the opposite. They started grouping together and trying to position themselves as an authority against the citizen. Sergeant, can I can I address something with you, please? Come here. >> What's up, boss? >> How are you? >> I'm good. How are you? >> So, somebody just came. I don't even know who he is. He didn't come up to me. He said it from down the block. >> Mhm. >> Was it him? >> How's it going? >> Oh, you trying to surround me, huh? What's up, man? What's your name and badge number? >> This officer Taurus 208. >> Taurus, you don't know the law? >> Yes, I do know the law. >> So, what law are you quoting? >> Well, I'm quoting the fact that you can't film inside a police briefing. >> Am I inside or am I outside? You are using a selfie stick to film inside the command. >> From where? >> Is illegal. >> From where? >> From right over there. >> From the sidewalk. Right. >> We have several times on various cameras. >> So, whatever I can see from public, I can film. >> No, you can. >> Yes, I can. >> You're filming inside the pre >> from a from a from a traditional public forum. And that's not a law. That's a policy. >> You don't know what the right to record act is? >> Yes, I do. >> You know what the first amendment is? I have the right to record my government officials in the course of your duty. And I'm standing on a traditional public forum. I'm standing on a traditional public forum engaged in freedom of the press. I'm watching my government workers at work. So why are you trying to turn it into a crime? >> Why are you trying to turn it into a crime? >> Because you're trying to violate a personal people's personal rights. >> Personal people or public servants? >> No. >> Public employees. Excuse me. Cuz I don't like to say servants. >> Trying to file a police report. >> I'm watching my that No, your boy was first of all, that's like I don't know what that is. A rest area where y'all chill. That's not where you That's not a investigation room. Why is Why is that officer smoking inside of the precinct? >> Somebody smoking inside the precinct. >> I got him on camera smoking on the precinct and that's why I record. >> The sergeant stepped into the conversation, claiming the citizen couldn't film inside of the station, even from a public sidewalk. He went so far as to say the citizen could be arrested if he kept recording through the window. But when asked for what crime, there was no clear answer. Let me guess. Could it be because there wasn't one in the first place? Are you are you allowed to smoke in the precinct, sir? How >> did you get that on camera? >> I'm standing on the sidewalk and I can see it from the sidewalk. It's a window that you can look through. >> You know, right now, if you use your camera to record through those windows, you will be arrested. >> So, are you telling me that I can't film what I can see from public? >> On the You cannot record inside that prison. >> So, what crime would I be arrested for? >> You will be You will be arrested. >> What? For what crime? >> You will be arrested. >> Photography is a crime in America. >> Photography is not a crime. >> Didn't you swear to protect my rights? Why are you trying to violate my rights? >> Inside this precinct. >> I'm not inside the precinct. >> Well, you cannot record the >> So, we take it to court. The judge is going to say, "Where was he?" "Oh, he was standing on a sidewalk." >> Okay. >> And a judge is going to throw it out and then I'm >> You're warning. Okay. >> No, you're threatening me with unlawful arrest right now. I'm giving you >> You are That's a threat of arrest. >> That's not a threat. >> What is a warning? >> For what crime? >> For recording inside the precinct. >> I'm not inside the precinct. >> You're recording the inside of the precinct. How's that? What the >> Fro? Where? The sidewalk. >> But you cannot record the inside. can record what you don't know what the first amendment is. >> Whatever I can see from public, I can film. You don't know that. >> Just like this, it's the plane of view doctrine. Just like when you pull a car over, you can look through the car. >> I'm not going to go back and forth. >> No. Why don't >> I give you a warning? I have >> Let's deescalate. Right. Why don't Why aren't you respecting my rights right now? >> You guys are scared of I need your card. The situation came to a head when the citizen asked for official cards and reminded them of the right to know law, which requires officers to provide identification to the public. Instead of cooperating quickly, the cops stalled and avoided verbally stating their names and badge numbers. If you think transparency goes handinhand with police work, well, just take a look at this. >> I need your cards. Now, you breaking the law cuz the right to know act is a law on camera. Give me your card. already got cards cuz y'all want to turn your body cams on and and make contact. >> I don't have any cards. >> Are you breaking the law? So, write your name down on his card. >> So, let me get your name and badge number. Come in. Let me get on camera. >> Say it again. >> Y is a bunch of thugs. That's why you signed up to violate people's rights. Then you want to walk away, right? Biggest walk of shame I've ever seen in my life. You took the oath for. What did you swear to protect? You swore to protect yourselves. Coward. All of us cowards, bro. That's what you signed up for. This is what you signed up for, right? >> Coward. >> No. Coward. >> All these is cowards. The citizens openly accused the police of intimidation and tried to surround him without any grounds for arrest. He claimed this whole situation was just authority flexing, meaning to force him into compliance. His remark that he would have already been arrested if there was an actual crime perfectly exposed the holes in the police arguments. At this point, it was obvious that their power play wasn't working. >> What is that sergeant's name? >> I want that sergeant's name. Thank you. How you threat me for with arrest for filming on the sidewalk, bro? And you swore to protect my rights? >> Here's business card. Here's mine. My name is all that. >> This is his. What's that? Walsh. >> Yes. Right there. >> Wow. That's crazy. That's cuz they don't care about CCRBs. They don't give a about that [ __ ] What are you, Spina? Spina. All right. It's crazy, bro. This precinct, you want content, this prison will give it to you. Dirty ass. A conversation followed with another officer who admitted that sometimes they had to follow orders they didn't like. The citizen seized the moment to point out this was exactly the problem. Bad orders that violate rights should never be followed blindly. But clearly, these cops didn't see any problem with that at all. You want to go over there? Watch them. They going to leave again. Can I get your cards, please? Can you write your name on this one? You can write your name down, too, so I can hold you accountable. You was part of that little group that violated my rights. >> You showed up, though. I have the right to. >> So then you don't have to worry about the complaint then. But I have a right to file it. >> What's your name and badge number? It's dark outside. >> Ma'am, can you verbalize your name and badge number for me, please? >> The citizen asked for the name of the sergeant who had threatened him with arrest. He was given a business card. The question still remained, why would anyone respond to lawful behavior with a threat? If you still think situations like this end without consequences, remember how many times rights have only been defended in court. And of course, the cops were there to do what they do best, cover for each other. >> Courtesy, professors, and respect. Remember, >> I'll put it on the card. >> Okay. You don't want to say it out loud? >> No. >> Okay. >> I just started, so I don't know how this >> You don't know how to say your last name? >> Nope. >> That's fine. That's the kind of people they hire. You agree with what your You agree what your sergeant was doing? Threat me with arrest for filming on the sidewalk. >> Says on the door. Can't film inside. >> Inside? Was I inside? >> I didn't see it. >> You know that's a policy, right? >> I just walked outside. >> You know that's a policy, right? >> That's not the law. You enforce laws. You don't enforce policies. >> You know what the right to record act is? >> Yeah. >> It's a state law, >> right? From public. As long as I'm in public, I can film you. >> I'm not telling you to stop, >> right? You You did over there. You threatened me with arrest. All of y'all, y'all surrounded me as a gang. All of y'all surrounded me. >> He turned to the female officer who had witnessed the threat, asking why she hadn't told the sergeant that filming from the sidewalk was allowed. She admitted she knew the law, and that didn't change the fact that she had defended it. The message was clear. Knowledge without action doesn't protect citizens. I mean, you're not a good cop if you stay neutral. and watched as your sergeant threatened me with arrest. >> They don't hold each other accountable. You see your other folks, >> why didn't you say something? Why don't you speak up for what's right? >> They don't do that. >> How come you didn't speak up for what's right? >> Excuse me. >> How come you didn't speak up for what you know is right? >> You were afraid to leave. Nobody held you. >> How come you didn't tell your sergeant? Why? Why are you threatening him with arrest? >> Said, >> you just said you know the right to record act. How come you didn't tell your sergeant? Sergeant, it's the right to record act. It's a plain view doctrine. How come you didn't speak up for what's right? >> I wasn't there. >> So you you think I was committing a crime? >> I wasn't there. >> But you just said that. You just said I was recording inside the precinct though. >> I wasn't there. >> But didn't you just say that I was recording inside the precinct? >> I wasn't there. >> But if that's what you was thinking, if you was under impression that I was recording inside the precinct from the sidewalk and I said it on camera, I said it out loud. How come you didn't tell your sergeant, "Sergeant, he's on the sidewalk. He's allowed to record." You were standing, right? He wasn't just standing right there >> for 2 minutes. >> Okay, that's 2 minutes to speak up for what's right. >> I wasn't there. >> You could save a life in 2 minutes. >> So, how come you didn't How come you didn't protect my rights in 2 minutes? >> This guy This guy's coming in hot behind you. >> That's fine. Let him. >> I need your card, sir. >> He asked for more cards and names, reminding them that too close isn't a legally defined offense. The police pulled out the officer safety argument as justification even though they couldn't cite an actual law. It was clear they realized they had gone too far, but that was something they should have thought about a long time ago. >> I don't have any. >> So, write your name on this one. >> Your personal space is a space. >> There's no such thing in public. >> Right. Your personal space. That's all. >> What law is that? >> Guys, you're not allowed to answer any question. That's it. >> Yeah. Write your name on this car for me, please. >> You don't have to write my name, sir. >> So, tell me your name. >> Stab you. Did I stab you? I have the I have the right to file a complaint on you and I need your name. >> Go ahead. >> So if you don't give me a name, you violated my rights. >> Go ahead and do it. Go ahead and file this. >> Excuse me while I get your name on camera. >> Make sure it's right there. >> Make sure >> your name is right there. >> He's not too close to you. That's it. >> What law is that? >> What law is that? Tell them to make sure they enforce the law, not their feelings. >> I'm letting you know. >> What law is that? >> If you get too close to them and they're going to ask you to move, if you don't if you don't move, you're going to get arrested. >> For what crime? >> You know that straight up. >> For what crime? What crime are you calling? >> For what crime? I'm letting you know. >> For what crime? >> You're allowed to record. >> For what crime? You're allowed to record. >> So why did you threat me with a rest over there? >> Stay too close to my office. >> There's no law. Too close is not a law. >> That's all. That's what escalating. >> What law? >> What law? I don't care. What law are you enforcing? >> My office. I don't care about that. Public safety. >> What law are you enforcing? You put You put police safety over public safety. You're a coward. >> If you're in the military, you know you're going to go to war. The chance you lose your life. What's more important, police safety or public safety? >> Like him, he's training you all wrong. What you're doing is the right thing to do. You build transparency, have conversation. >> The discussion shifted to the topic of priorities, officer safety versus public safety. But if they're so worried about someone's distance on a sidewalk, would they really put themselves at risk to protect citizens from an armed attack? Maybe it sounds extreme, but come on. They can't just make up laws whenever it suits them, right? >> And you that's what you do. You build. That's what we here for. You in our community. We're not in your community. We're establishing rapport. We're holding you accountable. That's what we're doing. Don't follow these idiots. >> He came over here and escalated the whole situation. He wants you to arrest me. >> I saw him coming >> for standing too close. What law is too close? Please quote it for me. >> Everyone has the right to face. >> We not >> in 42nd Street. In 42nd Street, >> let me record. >> Let me record. You know what it lets me record? The first amendment lets me record. He doesn't get too close to you. He got >> We have no speak proper English. >> At least the essence. >> Speak proper English. Let me learn these tactics. >> He's encouraging aggression. >> Proper English. >> Learn the language. >> He came in hot from across the street very aggressive. Look at his mannerism. And he's he's what he he's buying in his office. You know, to be aggressive. >> They don't they don't teach you. >> You have a conversation. >> Do they teach you deescalation? >> That wasn't close. So why is he not deescalating? >> He should be telling guys. >> They not saying that. You're the only person talking. >> Don't answer any questions. >> He should be saying, "You know what? >> They're still public workers at the end of the day." >> Like you like yourself. >> You still have a job to do. >> We pay your salary. [Music] >> Keep that in mind. >> Now you could cost. >> Absolutely. >> Stop the fake phony [ __ ] bro. You know you want to shoot us. >> He went back to the question. What's the crime of being too close? The police had no concrete answer, confirming it was a subjective judgment, not a legal basis. When will they finally realize they're not there to make up their own laws, but to follow the ones that already exist? Is it really that hard to understand that this is their one actual job? >> Go back to office. >> What law is too close? What if he was in Time Square? You going to tell everybody not to stand too close for police safety in Time Square? Well, they do a job. You training them to hockey terms. >> How long you been on the force? >> You just going to listen to whatever he tells you. What if he tells you to smack your partner? You going to smack him? >> Hold it, baby. >> What's good, bro? >> We have to hold on. >> What's the channel? What's the channel? Is that a channel? Dead ass. >> Good guy Activism. >> All the time, baby. >> Good guyism. >> Good guy. >> Check me out, bro. >> They know what we doing. It's public. >> I'm trying to ask you what would you be arresting me for? >> Standing too close. What law is too close? >> I think so. This guy came. >> You good, bro? You free. >> This case ended with a man completely shutting these cops down. Let him being an example to all of you. The more you defend your rights, the more you'll see there's no number of officers that can beat down a citizen who stands their ground. Think about that. And now we move on to the next case where police violated yet another person's rights. This case started with a man recording from the outside standing on a public sidewalk when people inside the bank noticed him and said they would send his picture to security. Of course, this ended with the police being called. The only right thing here would have been for them not to show up and instead explain to bank workers that was his right, but that didn't happen. >> I was just recording right here. I just They all was running around, so I was like, "Let me just I kept recording them since they running around like chickens." I went around front. The guy told me that uh he took a picture of me. Nothing's wrong with that. >> Yeah. >> So, he told me he going to send it to his security. I told him nothing's wrong with that. >> That's fine. >> Hey, were you inside the bank? Say that one more time. >> Were you trying to film inside the bank? >> I was filming inside the I wasn't in the bank, but I was on the outside in public. Filming in the bank from outside. Yeah, I was doing that. >> So like the what you're doing is you're filming inside private areas of their property. >> Uhhuh. >> Uh you can't do that. >> You can't do that. >> Correct. Right. So like if I go up to your window at your house >> Uhhuh. Huh? And I zoom in with the camera. Does that seem like there would be some sort of >> Well, there if you if you come into my window, that mean you own my property, >> right? >> And I would have an issue with that, >> right? >> The officer then asked him, "Well, isn't that the same as if I stood outside your window?" I hate when police officers don't know the basic rule, the difference between public and private space. No matter how much this man tried to explain, the officer kept repeating the same parallel. The irony was that the officer equated looking from the sidewalk to trespassing on someone's property. >> So, like I said, if you're coming up to the window >> and you're actually physically trying to videotape inside somebody's house >> or property in this case. >> So, come here real quick. You telling me I can't do this? >> Yep. I'm trying to tell you right now. >> Yeah. So, it's going to be >> Can I please get your identification, sir? Uh, can we please get a supervisor out here? I just don't need anybody to do anything or >> anything I could say to get you to give me your >> If you get a supervisor here, please come over. >> I don't I don't need you guys to make any uh mistakes or any do anything wrong. I'm actually out here. >> We're asking for a simple stuff, man. Just ID your name. >> Did I commit a crime? >> Like I said, it's that trespass where you can't videotape inside of a private area. Okay. >> What do you know about the plain view doctrine? Anything you see from public, you can record. I'm on a public sidewalk. >> Coming up. People are saying you're coming up to the window, right? >> I'm right here on the public sidewalk. >> What do they call like a peeping tom trespass? I'm trying to tell you not to do that. >> A peeping time trespass. >> Yes. Yes. >> How long have you been an officer? >> 3 years. >> 3 years. >> Yes. >> Okay. How long are you guys considered a greeny? >> That that's not a thing. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to advise you trespass from this place. Okay. and also advised that you not film inside of private property. >> Do you understand I'm on public property? >> You're also >> Yeah, public. >> The officers then started to threaten him with the term peeping Tom trespass as if the man had been walking around with some sick intention instead of simply holding a camera in his hand. At that moment, it became clear that the officer didn't even know the correct terms. How on earth could someone be considered trespassing from a public space? How did someone like that even end up as a police officer? Yeah, you're okay to be here. >> When you start videotaping inside of >> Uhhuh. >> where is a private place that you're not supposed to be? That comes a little different, right? >> What? What is it? Please educate me. >> That would be a like a peeping tom trespass. >> A peeping tom trespass. Yes. >> I didn't know you can turn a constitutional protected activity into a crumb. >> I would partner. >> Uh, can we get like a captain out here, please? >> Oh, I'll just take your down. >> A supervisor, please. >> Nope. I'm gonna take your information. >> You said no. And that's your policy to get a supervisor. >> We're asking you for your ID. We need your ID right now. We have we have to identify >> for what crime? >> I'm going to advise you to trespass from this property. >> I just literally told you two seconds ago. >> We are advising you of >> But I've never been on their property. >> Okay. >> While officer, you are officer identification. Sir, >> can we get a supervisor out here, please? Can we detain you real quick? >> Yeah, we can get that. >> Okay. Get a supervisor out here real quick. >> Yeah, we can get that record. I charge. >> So, I'm going to detain you real quick. Okay. >> I charge $2,000 a minute for an illegal detainment. Yep. [Music] >> Yep. I just let you know that I like I think I had enough reasonable suspicion that there's more crim. [Music] And then uh then came the demand to show his ID. Of course, you didn't need to be an expert to know that for identification to be required. A person had to break the law in the first place for the police to even have that right. Still, this officer was an exception. And if I may say, a pretty foolish one. And things were about to get even messier. >> Yeah. Uh just like the Cuz he he was on the sidewalk recording. >> Was he was on the sidewalk? Yes. But he's like filming inside what'll be a private area. Yeah, that's that's where it gets Yeah. No, no, he he stayed on the outside, but it was just uh like I said, yeah, cuz a employee popped out and then uh was like, "Hey, what are you doing? Trying to You're filming inside the bank right now." And that's when he asked for the blueprints. [Music] >> Hey, my car, man. You going to drive off? >> We're not driving off. My partner's still out there. Okay. >> Police someone. Police dispatch. >> The officers went on to say that he was close to the window and too close at that with his camera just a few centimeters from the glass. But again, it was on the outside. Let's imagine if you stand close to a shop window in a mall, is that a crime? Well, of course not. And yet here they tried to create a narrative as if being near a window somehow changed the law. I still couldn't believe they arrested the man for literally doing nothing. >> All right, just your last name and your your full information and birth. >> Trouble, bro. You got to charge $2,000. >> Do you have your Can can I have your name and their birth, please? [Music] 33. >> No. >> Give my number, please. >> I ask for supervisor. >> Can I have your name and date of birth, please? >> No. >> Can I have your name and date of birth? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Right here. >> Here. When we first noticed him, he was really close to this window and he had his little whatever >> like up on the window >> pretty Yeah. I mean, was he pretty close? >> Yeah. I would say maybe centimeters off it like >> off. And do we have a footage of that? >> We probably can get some. >> Okay. >> We have it. I just can't access it locally >> at this time. Yeah. >> Yeah. Right now. >> Yep. >> Was that county? >> Correct. think the office is open yet? >> No, it's not. >> And of course, the officers always claimed they only wanted to avoid conflict, but poor them, it was always the citizens who forced them to act this way. Yeah, right. Honestly, I thought these officers deserve to be fired because if you ask me, it's about time someone taught them a lesson and made them realize they couldn't just do whatever they wanted. And check this out y'all. Really make it really throw me in the car. Don't even put a seat belt. >> You just don't put a seat belt. >> Oh yeah. >> He giving me the option to put on a seat belt. When I say they always worried about people's safety, public safety, but they giving me a option if I want to put on a seat belt or not. These are officers. My name is >> my name car is going to turn around 258. >> And check this out y'all. Really make it really sick is y'all they throw me in the car. They don't even put a seat belt on. I wonder how many people they don't put a seat belt on. >> Oh yeah. Okay, listen. He giving me the option to put on a seat belt for my safety. They always worried about people's safety, public safety, but they giving me a option if I want to put on a seat belt or not. These are officers. >> In the end, they searched him once more and tried to take all his information. He kept asking for a supervisor, but they never allowed it. And here was the absurd part. The whole situation started because a man standing on a public sidewalk was filming through a bank's window. Something any passer by could see with her own eyes. Good job officers. You managed to ruin everything that could possibly be ruined. >> You want to know my name? >> My name is >> He's got some phones in on them. So, we're going to pat him down again. [Music] What's that? You got it. >> Yeah. [Music] Hey, for the supervisor on the giving you a supervisor. >> Yes, maybe the officers did arrest the guy, but they didn't see what we did. That all this was unnecessary. nothing more than yet another case where racist cops played dumb and then acted like they were innocent when in reality they were nothing but plain tyrants. If you think this was as bad as it gets, well, think again. In the next video, you'll see cops take things to an even more disturbing level. Just when you think they can't get any worse, they do. Stick around because trust me, you won't believe what will happen in our next one.