The need for digital recorders is more apparent then ever before. Please make a full court press with all your herping buddies to shell out some cash for one. I've had one on me for the last 3 or 4 years while in the field but have only used it 2 or 3 times for LE stops. I tell you, it makes a huge difference in their immediate demeanor. In one situation, I didn't start the recorder until he, Border Patrol, was already being a jerk. After starting it up and informing him I was recording and that I would need his full name, his attitude made a 180 degree change. The other stop I recall was with a Game Warden in Texas. This guy was cool anyway, so it didn't much matter. Nevertheless, I told him right up front that I was going to be recording to protect us both. He was fine with the recorder (not much they can do about it anyway) and the 'stop' continued and ended just as it should have.
I typically fail to ask for a name and even when I do get it, I typically forget writing it down once I have it. However, my future encounters will be given more attention and I'll be sure to get names and exactly who they are working for.
I've had a suggestion to actually spring somewhat of a trap on these guys by not even informing them that I'm recording. This would allow them to be themselves and maybe catching some of their attitude on the recorder. One of my buddies had some serious harassment recently. He was given a heck of rash for being from CA and was even told he was going to jail. Personally, I don't have much of an interest for springing such a trap and would just as soon disarm the LE attitude (if there was to be any) by informing them I have the recorder. That way, you move through the steps of the stop quickly and without incident. Some people enjoy confrontation, but I don't, so I doubt I'll be trying any recorder traps. HOWEVER, if someone decides to do something like that, and you do catch someone being a jerk, then sending out copies to their local newspapers as well as to their captains might be interesting.
When being stopped, be sure to get their reason for stopping you. If they give you a line about your license plate lights were too dim (common excuse), ask to get out of the car, then check them out yourself. Once you check them out make note, in front of LE, regarding your license plate lights working properly.
Be respectful! I don't advocate taking any junk off these guys, but that doesn't mean you need to throw some jabs either. Regardless of what you think of them, they still have a job to do. Sure, some (very few) may have a half cocked attitude and hate you regardless, but they still have a tough job as LE and we need to give them at least some latitude. The whole problem with LE and herpers is that we are automatically viewed as being poachers, when I would bet the vast majority of us are not. They already think we are bad guys, so being respectful and knowing your rights will help to change this attitude in the long run.
DO NOT allow them to search your vehicle. Under most situations, they have no right to search. In a worse case scenario where they think they have the right and will do it anyway, tell them you are not giving them permission but you can't stop them either and make sure you have that recorded. They are not your buddies and the only reason they want to search your vehicle is so they can find something to screw you with. My suggestion is not to give them any ammo at all. You never know these days what very basic thing that you thought was no big deal can get you in trouble. There is no reason to put yourself in harms way.
I did not use my recorder on several of my stops now, including the last two in Texas. Out of all my stops, which are piling up in numbers now, I've only had 2 that I felt were negative. The last two in Texas were fairly benign. The first one was with DPS and this guy was very nice and just doing his job. The second one for the trip was from the Constable, Charles Jenkins. It was brief, but filled with an attitude of disgust for herpers. Still, no harm was done. Regardless of outcome, I should have had the recorder ready to rock and roll for both stops, shame on me. I felt no pressure so I didn't get it out.
So please, arm yourselves with a recorder. These guys have a job to do and should be allowed to do it. But there is no reason for us to be harassed and using a recorder will go a LONG way to correcting any possible problems.
Good luck and be safe.
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Brad Alexander
fullsp.com
