I'm of the feeling I don't bother you, you don't bother me. If a police officer stops me, I act with reasonable respect, but I don't take any shit from them, I usually start off my conversation with the officer who stopped me with a somewhat annoyed tone and ask: "What's the problem?" If it is something petty like I'm not wearing a seat belt I tell them they are being petty, and being used by the used by the state/city to fleece the public with a $30 fine. I find being more on the offensive while dealing with the police gives them second thoughts about violating any of your rights, as they say "the squeeky wheel gets the oil". All in all I have good relations "officers of the law" many I have met, have bent the laws a little when dealing with me.
I have a good understanding of what my civil liberties are, and when they are being violated by law enforcement, I will do everything in my power to protect them.
I have been followed many times by the police, and what ususally works for me is just lips sinking the words while being tailed and in view of the offiers "Don't mess with me motherfucker because I will ruin your fucking day." Usually that works and they stop the tailing, and go find someone else who's registration has expired or someone not wearing a seat belt. And if I decide to get out of my car when they stop me, and they tell me to stay in my car, I usually don't comply, unless I see a good reason to, and tell them: "No, I'm fine right here. What's your problem?"
Anyway those with the raised in the cub scout or boy scout types of mentality, I like to give them a little piece of my mind, if they stop me for petty shit, make them think a little outside thier box. My dealing with the law have been less in the last couple of years, but it may increase in the future, depending on my source of income.
