Rambi, you have touched a long ago raw nerve with me in this post.
Let me say this before I begin....Teenage boys ARE routinely targeting by the police and treated very unfairly. Now, I don't have a URL or statistics to back this up, but I believe my assumption is right on the money.
I grew up loving and watching Perry Mason and Dragnet. And I really believed in the law and that cops were the good guys. Then one night, (I was about 16) I found out the difference between T.V. cops and reality. Instead of going into all the details, I'll simply say I was arrested and thrown in jail for simply asking a policemen a question!
Two months later when I went to court the cop completely lied about the entire incidence on the witness stand. And the thing is, the way in which he lied was so gross and outlandish, I could only conclude the guy did it ALL the time.
Being the up front person that I am, I told the judge on the stand "Yes, the policemen is a liar", a complete liar!" Needless too say it didn't go very well for me. Especially since I didn't bring any witnesses with me.
Because of the power we entrust in cops, they can turn corrupt and power hungry very easily. And teenagers (for some bizarre reason) are their favorite targets.
I'm not sure about the legalities of searching a car. But my impression is that unless a teenager allows the search to take place, they can and will simply make up other charges in order to "get back at them" if they don't allow the search to take place. All of a sudden they'll say you were speeding, or ran a red light, or drove recklessly. They really can manipulate the system if they choose rather easily. And there isn't very much you can do about it.
My suggestion would be to get the cops name and file an official complaint. It may not change a thing, but if the force is honest and enough complaints are filed action against the cop may take place.
The other thing I would do is simply believe your son. And don't doubt what he is telling you is the absolute truth.
Michael |
