pauls1150
MOA #24991, south of Los Angeles
It's another case of a 5-foot cop with a 6-foot badge. He used his "color of authority" to harass you (which is illegal) and to discriminate against you (which is also illegal). He was also trying to get you to say something that would be self-incriminating, thus giving him cause to cuff you while he tossed your bags.
Note that these guys will pick on lone travelers - not couples or groups. Been there done that, as have several of my friends.
RockB handled it well; I've also found (like David) that chatting right back seems to throw them off course. Play innocent + ignorant, ask dumb questions right back. It doesn't avoid the [silly] hassle in the first place, but it defuses it sufficiently. Still an unnecessary P.I.T.A.
Note that these guys will pick on lone travelers - not couples or groups. Been there done that, as have several of my friends.
RockB handled it well; I've also found (like David) that chatting right back seems to throw them off course. Play innocent + ignorant, ask dumb questions right back. It doesn't avoid the [silly] hassle in the first place, but it defuses it sufficiently. Still an unnecessary P.I.T.A.