Stopped for no reason. Do I have to hang around?

[Prof Prolapse]

I was recently stopped with a fellow biker by plod in a NSL. In their defense it is a blackspot, but I have a road legal bike, and I wasn't speeding.

They were pleasant so I was pleasant. I did however refuse to admit to speeding on the highways "on other days", despite repeatedly being asked to do so as part of the new informal attitude they seem to have. I responded along the lines of, "I don't answer hypotheticals that incriminate me, with two police officers present, especially when you are planning to lecture me if I do".

He proceeded to do so anyway, but thankfully rounded up after wasting about 10 minutes of my time when I demonstrated an existing awareness of the statistics he was hitting me over the head with.

So my question if it happens again, having committed no crime and not being suspected of any, can I not just decline the officers kind offer of a chat, and leave them by the side of the road?

[Prof Prolapse]

Thanks for the responses.

I find police generally very polite (even when booking me), so I'm always happy to reciprocate.

No caution or request for docs or even my address. Just an attempted, and prematurely aborted, lecture after being tailed by an unmarked for about 4 miles.

My mate says I should have left it alone but I felt I was respectful and the copper handled criticism of his approach professionally. His colleague did visibly snigger at some of my responses, so hopefully it was obvious I just wasn't interested in playing, rather than being a total dick.

I think perhaps I'm overcomplicating it. Next time I guess I'll just politely ask if they want to see my documents or can I be on my way as I don't really want to participate in their free roadside education session.

Edited by Prof Prolapse on Friday 12th August 17:02

[Prof Prolapse]

PlayFair said:

Why not be amicable, have a pleasant conversation and shake their hand? - They're human too and i bet a few of them own bikes too so will share your passion.

They know as well as you that you'll blast past speed limits occasionally.

They would have been told by their sgt. to go do some form of 'traffic educating'

But if you start getting difficult - they can arrest you and take you to the nick and have your bike lifted to 'aid the investigation'

Edited by PlayFair on Friday 12th August 17:11

I thought I was clear I was pleasant. I just wouldn't entertain him telling me what I know so brought the conversation to close after entertaining it long enough.

Let's be clear though, life is short, if you waste my time I'm not going to be happy about it. I'm not wanting a chat or to make friends, so I'll reciprocate any respect shown but ultimately I don't give a st about his reasons and I'm not going to be detained any longer than necessary. He's not my friend, he's wasting my time, so small talk is off the table.

As for impounding my bike for politely refusing to be lectured, as is apparently my legal right, that's utter nonsense.

[Prof Prolapse]

Some very paranoid people here...

[Prof Prolapse]

I've been stopped a few times. It's always alleged anomalies on insurance.

Happens a lot when I'm out as well, police, doorman etc. Always cleared up easily enough.

Even when I wear a suit people say I look like a gangster rather than smart. Just a look I guess!

[Prof Prolapse]

defblade said:

I think the OP wasn't complaining about a random stop as such, it was the following rambling attempt at education which grated...?


Anyhow, I also think that the public would be much happier with "random checks" if those people whose vehicles are obviously illegal at all times (eg, dodgy numberplates, illegal front tints) were cleared up first...

Exactly.