Q: I've been pulled over 4 times within a few months. Each time, I'm told that I look suspicious.
I'm in Indiana and I work nights. My sleeping schedule doesn't change on my days off. I like to drive around my neighborhood. It's quiet and relaxing. I get pulled over and told that I have to show I'D or else I will go to jail. I'm just told that I look suspicious or someone called and said I look suspicious. Can I even be detained just because someone thinks I look suspicious?
A: Unless you commit a traffic infraction or an officer has "reasonable suspicion" of criminal activity or more (such as an outstanding warrant or probable cause), it is not proper for you to be detained or required to show ID. Of course, a cop will make something up if he wants to justify a stop; that is what they do.
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