Harassment by the police

I was pulled over in NJ for having a "beat up truck" and eventually I told the police that I was in the neighborhood scrapping

It was a bulk garbage night and there are not any township ordinances against curb siding.

The officer told me she was going to follow me the entire time I was scrapping. She proceeded to do so and this made me feel very uncomfortable. I felt as though she was going to find some BS to write me a ticket for so I just went home.

Does anyone have advice as to what course of action I could/should take if any?

Note: I took video of her following me the entire time.

1. perform a citizens arrest

2. ask her for a date

3. moon her

4. report her to the police

5. ask her to shine her spotlight into the piles for you ; )

Sounds like she got exactly what she was shooting for...you went home. This is why I don't pick things out of the trash even though I want to so terribly bad.

That sucks. An if having a beater of a truck is grounds for being pulled over, then half the scrappers between the VA state line an my sandbar in NC need to be pulled over.

I'da let her follow me to, taken my sweet time as always. Install a car cam, you can record the police, if there is no expectation of privacy, I forget the word they use...lol. Put one on the back window and front.

Thats just me tho. Personaly I vote for Bears options 2 an 3.

Sirscrapalot - When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters on the grill, get the ice-cold beer and the cigars - that's heaven here on earth. - Bernie Mac

I hear ya thrsxs . im from jersey . the people never say anything or complain but since its a small town and im only 17 , the cops are a pain in the ass when im driving . they really don't have anything better to do.

Don't ever give the police more info then they ask for. It is very simple, you ask if you are being detained or arrested. If they say no, then you say have a good night.

Also, make a back up copy of your video. Give it to the local news station, they would love a video like that.

I would have driven and parked somewhere in the public, not some hidden back ally. Outside a crowded bar, gas station, where ever. Once parked it is pretty easy to not do anything illegal, hopefully. The police officers seem to act a bit more respectful with many eyes and ears on them.

As far as a BS ticket goes, fortunately we all are due our day in court. If the Judge agrees with you it would make the officer look pretty bad.


....imagine the video...
starts with "ok I just got pulled over and the officer said she was going to follow me all night" Drive around for five six turns video taping it. Park in a public place. Video as the officer scowls at you at she drives by not being able to stay parked behind you forever. Get on your way and get pulled over three minutes later by the officer for some very minor thing, or one that is only proven by words - the officers. Get a ticket being respectful the entire time. Get pulled over ten minutes later for something minor again....

Since they drive around all the time, ask them to give you a call if they see an appliance out on the street.

Always remember there are always eyes on you; whether it be the cops, or the people that have nothing better to do other then sit on their front porch and "neighborhood watch"..remember some people get their kicks on thinking they are saving the day.
A story of mine --
I was going to look at a lawnmower to buy, we had driven down the road twice looking for the house address we were given. Found it, but still had a few minutes to kick (10-15) before we were to meet them on the mower. So we drove around the neighborhood minding our own businesses (and obeying all laws) ..finally killed the time and parked in front of the house when two police cars proceeded to pull behind us rather quickly. My gf was sitting in the drivers seat ..the cop came up and said, "Wow! You're a wild one aren't you!!" .she was like uh, what? He asked for her license and registration as well as mine, when we asked what was going on he told her we were called in as a "suspicious vehicle"...because we drove down the same road twice??? Anyway, her stepmother has worked for the sherriffs office for years, as well as her brother is a sherriff reserve. They almost immediately recognized the last name after walking back to their squad car.

Although I have never had this happen, one thing that can help you is to pull out a business card and just let her know she is welcome to check your company out as it is registered with the state. A simple lookup on the sec of state website will show my parent llc and me as the officer of record.

If you dont have those things, time to get it done. Filing an llc with the state is easy and relatively cheap. DO IT. Show you are a legit business and you would be amazed at how you will be treated differently....just like owning a gatbage collection company ect.

Just some advice. Same with going into a business or talking with people. Look the part and act accordingly. Have a good business card and tell them they are welcome to check with the state.