Being detained & your rights?

[Birky_41]

A few of us were out in an evening and after some riding parked up (2 bikes and a friend in his car) to chat for a bit.

After about 10 minutes we had a police car come past, anchor up, reverse and block the exit so that we were essentially blocked where we were. Even though we hadn't done anything it made atleast me a little anxious.

The first two old bill got out quickly followed by another police car and 2 unmarked... A total of 4 traffic style police cars and approx 7-8 police. The first two came walking upto us and I had my helmet on, he shouted to remove this which I did and then took the keys out my ignition once he was next to me

All at this time he had a camera recording on his chest. Given I'm not a 17 acne kid I was somewhat unhappy about the way this was going and questioned the reasons, whether I was under arrest and if not why am I not free to leave? I demanded my key back which he said only if I see your driving licence. I have nothing to hide to gave this again questioning why and he gave my keys back

A second officer had a torch and went over everything on my bike. The first officer wrote my licence number down and I then asked for my card back. The others came over to us and said there have been a number of noise complaints, racing bikes etc and they needed to check whether it was us (it wasn't).

After a bit they said that's fine we are happy, they turned their cameras off and we went about our way but what I have questions about is will my details now be kept on file? The area does get people go fast and I rode on the road to get to my parking spot and yes I was over the limit but other than cctv there is no speed cameras. We have been there a couple times before, parked up, chatted and gone about our way with no issues but last night was very different!

I just feel it was ALOT of police power for essentially nothing on my side of things and it's been a long time since I've had old bill pull me over! Maybe I'm over thinking about nothing...

[Birky_41]

cb1965 said:

craigjm said:

Let it go life's too short you got pulled up and you feel they were a bit aggressive so what? The situation was probably nowhere near as aggressive as you remember it in reality

This ^^^^ Just ignore it and be thankful you don't have to deal with some of the idiots they do, sometimes they come across a bit out of order, but I expect it comes with the territory.

Oh and ignore the sanctimonious killjoy above too!

Cheers I guessed as much and know they do have to deal with some right scummy people. Bike thefts are hot topic too so I'm not surprised there really

As for the other guy... He was ignored

Cheers people. I'll take it on the chin

[Birky_41]

TooMany2cvs said:

Was he on a similar bike to you? Perhaps yours matched the description they'd been given?

Sorry I meant the first reply above. My mates bike was a cbr 1000 (not same as mine) and I'm not sure what other bikes were going up and down. Could hear them but never really paid much attention to what they are. Not Tyne same as mine though, different sounding engine configuration

[Birky_41]

Derek Smith said:

I can. It is likely to make the situation worse, it is a barrier to information and, most importantly, it is easy enough to be more forceful if the need arises but it is more difficult to calm things. It is easy enough to get most people on side. In the situation you describe, the first officers could have said, 'Sorry to bother you but we've had a spate of motorcycle thefts of late (a pretty bland and impossible to disprove statement because it is true) and we're just checking everyone.'

As for not being petrolheads, I know a bit about bikes and I used to ask pretty stupid questions, such as 'What's a green meanie?' Once you do that the keen bikers will bore you rigid and the dodgy ones will try to sell you a line.

I wanted to say to a BMW twin owner, 'Doesn't having the cylinder sticking out the side unbalance it a bit?' but the opportunity never arose.

Also, and just as important as the practical reasons, the public deserves to be treated as nice people until there's information to suggest they are not, and even then you should consider being pleasant.

I was 'taken to one side' by an experienced bobby when I was a probationer and told what I'd done wrong. The situation didn't get out of hand, but it needed intervention of someone with a bit of sense. I knew I was rubbish so followed the instruction next stop and the difference was remarkable.

I think this hits the nail on the head. I would've much preferred something like this

[Birky_41]

jogger1976 said:

Absolutely this.
I've got a huge amount of respect for the police.
God knows they have an almost impossible job these days. And I totally understand that a 12 hour shift dealing with the dregs of society would make every the most laid back person a little tetchy.
What I won't tolerate is PC Billy Big bks being rude, aggressive and confrontational when I'm behaving in a calm and cooperative manner.
The police would do well to remember that a lot of the I'll feeling rests with officers who behave in this manner.

And a +1 from me too. This is basically what bothered me hence the post

I'll be polite and patient but be the same initially as all they did was aggravate me