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linderlady t1_j7mpz4t wrote

"Routine tag check" So they were just rolling through the parking lot at the grocery store randomly running plates? I'm glad they were rescued, but what the fuck?

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eosh t1_j7n3vct wrote

I am speculating wildly and am the furthest thing for a cop apologist but maybe they were out of state plates and they do a check on those in case it’s someone running?

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linderlady t1_j7p97bp wrote

That sounds like infringing on civil liberties. They can't even ask you for ID unless they suspect you of a crime. Why would they be able to just randomly run plates. Idk, sounds a little "show me your papers" and fascist to me.

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LiTiWiPi-Louisville t1_j7pqzbu wrote

Police departments of large cities have cops running plates down side streets all day long. In the country, it’s common to see cops on freeway entrance ramps running plates for cars getting on the freeway.

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PedanticWookiee t1_j7qdkgf wrote

Many police departments have vehicles equipped with automatic license plate scanners. They roll through parking lots, etc, scanning every car. They're also mounted on streetlights, highway overpasses, etc.

https://www.eff.org/pages/automated-license-plate-readers-alpr

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linderlady t1_j7srn4x wrote

Thanks for the info! That's wild. So they can run your plates to get your identity without cause, but if they stop you on foot for something they need to suspect you if a crime to require you to provide ID? That seems weird.

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PedanticWookiee t1_j7su9wb wrote

Driving is a regulated activity. You require a license, vehicle registration, and (most places) insurance. The police have broad powers that are meant to enable them to make sure drivers are operating their vehicles within the bounds of the many laws and regulations that govern the operation of motor vehicles. Checking up on these things will also reveal any outstanding warrants for the registered owner. If you're on foot, you are not participating in a regulated activity, and most jurisdictions do not require you to identify yourself unless the officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that you are, have, or are about to commit a crime. In the US, this is because one is (supposedly) protected by the 4th ammendment to the constitution, which protects against unlawful search and seizure. Other democratic countries mostly have similar protections.

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