From: jim@n5ial.chi.il.us
Subject: Re: HAM Friend harassed by police because of HAM equiptment
Originator: jim@eddie
Reply-To: jim@n5ial.chi.il.us
Organization: me?  have you seen my desk?  : -)
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1992 13:19:48 GMT

ok, now I can't stay out of this anymore....

first off, if you're stopped for some reason for having Amateur Radio
equipment, the simplest thing to do is simply ask the cop if he/she would
like to see the FCC license which permits to to own and operate that
equipment.  period.

btw, notice I said *ASK* if they'd like to see it --- by that, I mean to
imply that you are courteous and friendly, as opposed to blabbing on about
how you have a right to have this and that, etc.....  just politely ask,
and maybe indicate that you feel that showing them this license, that it
will clear things up.  don't say words like confusion, mistake,
misunderstanding, wrong, etc., which point the finger at them and perhaps
breed hostility --- remember, you want them on YOUR side....

In article <1992Sep9.195719.21221@cbnewsc.cb.att.com>
k9jma@cbnewsc.cb.att.com (edwin.m.schaefer) writes:

>That means your friend is now on the list of "usual suspects" that the police
>will consider probably involved in some classes of crimes. He is now a
>"known troublemaker".

since when?  where are you getting your information?  this doesn't sound
much like anything I've ever heard...and several members of my family are,
in fact, cops.  I think they'd be rather shocked to hear some of the things
you say (yes, I do know that there are bad cops, and that some have this
misguided belief that they are above the law).

let's look at a few (more or less) one-liners, shall we?

1) >Don't get involved - so far they have no interest in _you_.
2) >No, the cop is _always, by law, right_.
3) >"You _can't_ fight city hall."
4) >No one can be 100% innocent; they can _always_ pin something on anyone.
5) >And get his name remembered even as having caused _more trouble_!

6) >In general, the police organizations maintain records of _everyone_ with
   >whom they have _any_ contact detailing information believed relevant
   >to the contact.  Whenever a cop interacts with anyone the _fact of the
   >interaction_ is recorded and becomes probable cause to suspect
   >criminal activity in future.

7) >But don't call from your _own_ telephone, _don't_ let them know who
   >you are, and be aware that if they react negatively to your
   >interference they may direct their reaction against your friend even
   >if they don't know you.

ok, just one question....  are we talking about the police in the US?  or
are we talking about some organization like the KGB?

later....
   --jim

\input std_disclaimer                     % 73 DE N5IAL (/9)
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