In the '70's we were stopped and searched by the police in our town on a reg. basis. They said they were concerned for theft in the neighborhoods. It then grew to, we had to notify them of door to door activity, who was going and where, everyday at the police station.
Our Elders complied and were nice about it. We were hoping the WTS would take a Covington like stand, but they said it wasn't necessary and could open up a can of worms.
The first time I was searched, they said, "can you prove you are a JW?" It seemd to me like a stupid question. I was wearing a suit and tie, carrying a book bag, full of JW literature. But I reluctantly complied and showed my JW ID.
I didn't see this, but wish I did. One young smart-alic JW when confronted, said "you got me!" as he put his hands on the police car for a search. They were not amused.
Apartment complexes learned that the police would back them if they closed the building to us. So we volunteered to sneak in late at night and leave WT on the door mats. Pretty stupid uh!