Police Identity Check

[Yinlingyen]

Well this was perhaps the scariest moment of my life so far.
I was out in my finest (floral halter sundress, high heel sandals and the lot - fully en femme) when I was stopped by 2 police officers carrying out identity checks.
I swallowed my own heart. At that moment all I can think of was hell this is going to be the end of me and my crossdressing.
There is no hidding. I pass easily as a girl en femme due to my small build and softer facial features. But my Identity Document says it all ......MALE!!!!!
Luckily the officers were very professional. They did not (at least in front of me) make any remarks and carried on as for any usual identity check. He even apologized for stopping me, as he explained he had a duty to carry out checks....then maybe due to the unusual circumstances, he was lost for words and said "suspicious" subjects. I did feel slightly offended but I guess it was just me feeling uneasy as well.
After this incident I was in no mood to go shopping. I went straight back home.
Any had this before?

[char GG]

I don't know where you where (and/or) live but I never heard of police doing "random" identity checks. Is this common where you live? Did you notice them stopping anyone else?

[Yinlingyen]

I live in an Asian country where they do checks randomly.

[Kate Simmons]

They don't do that in the US unless there is reason to suspect something or perhaps a DUI check point. Of course some would probably do it to "meet" nice girls.:)

[Katey888]

I think even in any of the western democracies law enforcement have their own favoured ways of interviewing or checking someone they want to ("I have stopped you sir/madam, because you were driving in an erratic manner and I was concerned for your safety and that of other road users..." or "I am speaking to you sir/madam because we have experienced a number of incidents in the area which it is possible you may have witnessed...") - in other countries that is part of their law and what the police do...

It sounds like they were professional, which must be reassuring for you? I take it that there is nothing illegal about you dressing the way you want to and therefore perhaps you should be encouraged that at least where you were has a high profile police presence that should keep everything a bit safer... :thinking:

The second time I was out and driving I was followed for about a mile by a police patrol car right into the car park of the LGBT venue I was driving to, but it turned out they were just going to the venue and weren't interested in me... :( but I can understand that your experience would have put you off shopping... until next time.. :)

Katey x

[Maria 60]

Wow! Scary but yet inlghting that they were so professional and didn't make any comments or made the situation harder then it already was. I would have had to go shopping because I would have needed no panties because mine would have been full of something.

[Krististeph]

that sounded pretty positive- to me. Not that i agree with random checks, but if that is the country/society you live in- the police sounded quite professional and polite. i'm sure it was scary, I've had a few encounters with the police too (in the US we call them "the fuzz"...) but if you tell the truth from the start- the majority of encounters seem to come out positive. I know a number of cops- they have no desire to cause problems- they just need to verify who people are to do their job- protect the majority of the people in a relatively sane manner. I've had a number of traffic violations- never happy to get them- but yeah- i was breaking the law. But that was it- just going to fast or horsing around. They let me know it was outside the acceptable limits. So back off, or do better at avoiding the fuzz.

the few times was CD or partially CD- the cop essentially asked what the deal was, I told him up front- and boom- those tickets- though i went to court- never a fine or points. Can't say it works everywhere, but in the NW chicago suburbs- be honest and reasonably contrite- treat your officer reasonably and don't try to hide anything- they will treat you like the citizen you are- maybe imperfect- but no penalty for crossdressing.

That's my experience.

If you want to try to beat tickets- you do need to be 'contrite' as i said- and if you can work in anything to the effect that you work in health care- or have anything to do with ER care- this pretty much gets you a lot of consideration. I don't suggest you lie about it- if a cop sense you are BSing - they will slam you. But when I was doing biomedical engineering- I was stopped several times- speeding- actually pretty frustrated as i had to get home do do stuff and get back to work- once (en drab- no CD involved) the cop took the time to settle me down- made me focus on driving safely. Wow- I really paid attention and drove carefully.

Another time- i was playing- dressing while driving- i had to run home to do something and then head back to the hospital- the guy started the traffic stop really aggressively- but i told him what was going on in so many words- he simply handed me two tickets- and said "go to court, listen to the judge" 6 weeks later- i did just that- he left before my tickets came up. the judge sat and looked at my tickets for a good 20 seconds, nonplussed, he seemed, then told me I was free to go.

In my opinion, we have a "live and let live" society here in the NW Chicago subs.

As long as you do not go out of the way to be a jerk or be overly visible- hey- we live here too.

I like my community- even if they are sometimes idiots...

[Angela Marie]

I live in upstate NY and the Police here are generally very understanding, at least in the cities and larger suburbs. Now there can, of course, be idiots in every area and in every walk of life but I have always felt relatively secure driving. Now I have never been stopped but anecdotally I have heard many stories of people that were and it was no big deal. Several people have mentioned an important point. Be polite and do as the officer asks!!!! People are usually stopped for a reason. Arguing is not going to get you anywhere. Most police officers are professionals who have a very tough job. A calm and courteous attitude is the best way to avoid problems.

[Jackie7]

I've been pulled over while dressed pretty, twice. Once in upstate New York, once on rural Pennsylvania. Both times late at night, just trying to get home without falling asleep. And both times, after politely answering questions and not being obviously drunk, let go without a ticket. Professional cops who obviously had seen it all, and had been trained in how to handle that particular situation. I think I was lucky too.

[Rita C.]

Back when I was driving a truck, I was stopped by a high way patrol down in Texas for speeding. All I had on panty hose very short shorts 3 in. pumps and halter top (no make up or wig) He had me get out oh the truck with all of my paper work and come back to his car and laid all the paper on his hood for him to look at. When he was finished he gave me my papers and said oh by the way you very nice and have a good day.

[Alice_2014_B]

I have been very fortunate to not get pulled over whilst en femme.
I'm glad, from what I've read on here, that most everyone has had positive experiences in such situations.
:)

[Krisi]

Kristeph, it sounds like you need to work on your driving a bit. I have been driving for over 55 years and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've been stopped by the police while driving. And in my part of the country, we call the police "police officers", not "the fuzz".

I agree with your suggestion to tell the truth.

[Mayo]

Here in Toronto (Canada) the police do random stops but they don't (and are apparently not obligated to) tell you that you have the right not to give them any information, including your name, unless you are being officially detained or arrested (though if you're in a car, you are legally required to show them your driver's licence). Obviously, laws differ from place to place. I'm glad you didn't have any problems with them, Yinlingyen - in too many places LGBTQ individuals are routinely hassled by the police, and the US has a bad reputation for that because trans women (including, I would assume, CDs) are sometimes charged with various offences on the assumption that they're prostitutes ('walking while trans').

[Ceera]

Haven't yet had to deal with the police directly while dressed, but I did have one 'interesting' experience recently...

After being in a nightclub for several hours as Ceera, I started to leave, but the guy at the door who checks ID's suggested I wait a moment. He knows me as a regular customer, and knows where I usually prefer to park. He pointed in the direction of my usual parking spot and there were two police cars there. Then he said quietly, "Police just showed up. I don't know why they're here. Just trying to keep you out of harms way. You may want to go back inside for a while." He also held back several others who were about to leave via that exit.

As it happened, I wasn't parked over there that night, but I would have had to walk close to there or to go a much longer route to get to where my car was. I stood there a moment and watched the cops talking to another customer who I had seen in the club. Then went back in for another 30 min or so, until they left. Nice that the staff guy was looking out for me.

[Leslie Langford]

To piggy-back on Mayo's comment - I was stopped by the Toronto Police some years ago shortly before Christmas while en femme - and ironically enough, coming back from a National Women's Show exhibition that was being held in town that weekend. It was a random check as part of their R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program to get drunk drivers off the road. Like the Yinlingyen, my heart sank to the bottom of my feet, and I thought that this was "curtains" for me, for sure. I also knew that if I turned back to try to avoid this roadblock, I would be spotted and that this would make things immeasurably worse for me. So I just proceeded slowly towards them, gritting my teeth and expecting the worst.

And do you know what happened? Nothing at all! When I rolled down my window, the officer who stopped me asked me politely if I had been drinking that night, all the while leaning in to about 6" from my face (yikes!) to see if he could detect any trace of alcohol on my breath. When I replied "No", he did a quick scan of my car's interior, and after being satisfied that everything was in order, smiled, said "Have a good night, Ma'am", and I was on my way without any further ado.

Could have knocked me over with a feather when it was all over, but also a HUGE relief...

[Tracii G]

Never been pulled over enfemme or gone thru a DUI inspection enfemme.
I suppose it wouldn't be a huge deal because I don't drink.
I was at a local retail store where the police were loading up some shoplifters and an officer said ma'am if you don't mind come around this way to stay out of the way of the officers coming out with the suspects.
I followed his advice and he held the door open for me. I thanked him and he said have a nice day ma'am.

[Amber42]

My heart sinks to my stomach just reading about these situations but I am so happy to hear that they have gone well.

That is obviously one of the worries most of us have, is being put into an awkward position while en femme. I suppose as time goes on, I am hoping that society becomes accustomed and accepting to the point where these situations are no more difficult than it would being in drab.

[pamela7]

you know I actively look for such encounters, cos i've a fair piece of my mind to impart, and therefore probably they don't happen to me!

[MelanieAnne]

Cops in my area often stop people for no reason, just to sniff their breath and look around in their vehicles. They say "you were weaving", or "you drifted over the fogline". I have no sympathy for drunk drivers. I was hit by one 35 years ago and spent three weeks in the hospital. But people conducting themselves in a lawful manner have a right to be left alone! Just my opinion.

[chinabrown]

Sounds like the Stop And Frisk that's going on in the USA to minority young people especially African american males.
It being protested as against the constitution.I.D. check and frisk for No particular reason.

ITs not fair are right but it going on now!

[grace7777]

I was pulled over once while en femme. It happened in Phoenix, AZ. Being en femme was not a problem, and the officer never made any reference to me being dressed the way I was.

[Claire Cook]

I've had two incidents with police when dressed. Once when I'd mde a wrong turn on a one-way street (just a warning) and the second time when I'd flown home dressed and messed up the security code on the house. Each time the officers were courteous and polite.

[jenniferinsf]

i was pulled over once while dressed in mini skirt, semi sheer top and thigh highs (what was i thinking) the officer said...drivers and registration ma'am then did a double take. i told him the license was in the back in my purse...had to get out of car (pulling down the hem of my v short skirt) to get it. he was very professional and courteous with the exception of the $250 ticket, it was a good experience.

i had another occasion to ask a PO a hypothetical question about which restroom to change in. he was very courteous but did not have an answer. when a few minutes later another PO arrived he must have asked him so he called me over and the other officer was very blunt, aggressive (obviously too much military training instead of sensitivity training)....

so my experiences have been good but i could see how it would be scary

[Jenny Doolittle]

Hi Girls,

Speaking from the perspective of a retired police officer (28 years) We have seen most everything, Be respectful of the officer, and he will be of you. Don't lie, if we sense it we will wonder why, figuring it is something other then how you are dressed.

I hope these tips from the other side of the badge will help you all feel more calm when you have the occasion to meet an officer. I always try to look at it as meeting new friends!.

[BillieJoEllen]

In my state back in the seventies we would often have to stop for a vehicle survey. They always asked "where ya coming from and where are you going? I was never stopped en femme but I always greatly resented being stopped and questioned. I didn't know it was anyone's business but mine.

[Sophie Yang]

The last thing you want to do around a police officer is to act up, act nervous, or freeze. If you have ever been around someone who is acting nervous or suspicious, it probable makes you aware that something is not right and to be a little more vigilant with that person. Police officers are the same way and trained to pick on those clues. The only encounter that I have had with a police officer was a couple of summers ago, I was downtown and asked for directions to the outdoor Red Dress Party.

On occasion I have been asked for ID on entering a night club or while passing through TSA security to catch a flight. Never has been an issue.

[Beverley Sims]

Only pulled over for sobriety breath tests.

That is enough of an adrenaline rush for me.

[sarah-cd]

This is an interesting conversation as I'm sure many people have the same fear. I can tell you as a 15 year veteran of law enforcement in the States most if not all officers have been through training related to dealing with LGBT issues appropriately. I have to echo what Sophie said regarding how you act as suspicious behavior causes us to look deeper and be more concerned about our safety. Honesty is definitely the best policy and if the officer is unprofessional it is best to deal with it through the chain of command at the department, police commission or city/county government rather than push back as that never gets you anywhere good. As far as just stopping you for an ID check, the laws vary from state to state about whether not having an ID on your person is a crime (violation) or not and if it is a reason to stop you while you're out and about.

[Krisi]

Wouldn't it be a violation in every state to not have your driver's license with you if you are driving?

I've always thought that if one of us is going out with our wife or girlfriend, it would make more sense to ask her to drive. Alone, of course, you don't really have a choice.

[Phoebe]

Wouldn't it be a violation in every state to not have your driver's license with you if you are driving?

I've always thought that if one of us is going out with our wife or girlfriend, it would make more sense to ask her to drive. Alone, of course, you don't really have a choice.In Minnesota I believe if you do not have your drivers license when asked by police they will issue a citation. Depends on the town or village in some cases on citation. In my town you can appear in court and present your drivers license to the judge. The judge my forgo the violation fee if you convince the judge that forgetting to have drivers license in possession was a lapse in judgement. However the violation may be placed on drivers license record.

Was stopped for a headlight out at night, presented my drivers license even though it showed M as the sex. I was dressed in female attire with a wig and full makeup. Nothing said about my attire and presentation as female by the officer who stopped me. The officer checked my drivers license record. Record was clear so he issued a verbal warning to have the headlight repaired so not to get stopped again.

Phoebe

[sarah-cd]

I should've been a little clearer, if you're driving you do need to have your license. It varies from state to state whether you need an ID on your person when out walking or a passenger in a car.

[biannne]

I live in middle of Texas (Austin). I was originally from NYC. That alone is enough for most cops to stop my car (personalized plate). I have been stopped 3 times since I moved here for the most ridiculous reasons ... "not using the turn signal during lane change at 2am on I-35 when there was not another car for miles around me", "waning to know what I was doing in the neighborhood when I live only four houses down from where I was stopped" ....

Only one was those times was I dressed as Anna. So I gave the cop my License and TG ID card even before he started asking question. In almost a rude manner, the cop gave me the TG ID card back without even glancing at it.

But I always carry my TG ID card, whenever and where ever I go as Anna.


- Anna

[sara.rafaela]

Hi, I go out to clubs, at first I was worried about public transportation and taxis dresses, so I drove. I made sure I did not drink more than one. Law enforcement seemed to be a bigger concern. I have been pulled over 4X. Once, I started to turn left into a one way (just barely maybe for 1 second), other times for nothing. I think late at night the officers like to troll for DUIs. In all cases I was subjected to a field sobriety test and in 2 cases a breathalyzer. For the most part, the officers were professional and procedure driven. When I was stopped for the first time I felt an internal panic all through my body. I was so scared. There was nothing I could do. I felt helpless. Supposedly he stopped me for rolling through a stop sign and driving at high speed. This was all a lie. This was one of the occasions that I had to do the whole DUI routine and ended up blowing a 0.0000. In the end, nothing happened, not even a warning. This stop was unique. The next day I returned to the same spot, my hotel. I was returning from a work meeting and was dressed in a man´s business suit. The same officer was there and he followed me. He followed me into the parking lot. When I got out of the car he asked if I remembered him. He kind of hung around until he said "oh yeah, I followed you because your break light is out". I got the feeling he wanted me to go get dressed and then ask him out. It was very creepy.

[Eryn]

I've heard of no place in the US where you are required to have ID in your possession simply to be in public. You certainly need one when driving a vehicle for which a license is required and when participating in age-related activities like drinking alcohol.

I have no doubt that a policeman would give a person considerable grief if that person didn't supply the ID the policeman demanded, but is it actually illegal not to have one? That sounds a bit too much like Germany, 1938.

Does anyone have a citation of a law or ordinance in the US that requires ID to be in public?

[Majella St Gerard]

what the hell is an identity check?

[Katey888]

I have no doubt that a policeman would give a person considerable grief if that person didn't supply the ID the policeman demanded, but is it actually illegal not to have one? That sounds a bit too much like Germany, 1938.

Does anyone have a citation of a law or ordinance in the US that requires ID to be in public?

Eryn, I think most Western democracies subscribe to the principle of freedom of movement for its citizens - some, however, do still have a law regarding that of identification to support that freedom. Coincidentally, Germany is one of these that has a law of personal obligation to possess either a passport or an ID card. In the UK (similar to North America, I believe) if challenged by the law you may be required to prove your identity and in circumstances where an officer of the law has reason to doubt the veracity of the information you can be detained until proof is obtained. The easiest way to avoid this, of course, is to carry ID. :) If you travel abroad much you will know that most countries usually require non-citizens to carry ID (normally their passport) all the time as they would have to be able to prove both their identity and their legal right to be in the country (generally via a visa) if they were challenged by local law enforcement. I can imagine a lot of US citizens never bothering to understand this about other countries but there are some where you could just end up in clink for a day or so without appropriate ID... and there are some countries where that wouldn't be pleasant, even in Greater Europe... :eek:

I think you'll find that the OP is probably in the far east (as we still call it, here on the meridian.. ;)) and possibly in one of the larger cities - more liberal, but with laws similar to those of Germany (China, Malaya, Singapore would all fit this pattern). The poster is clearly quite used to routine ID checks and the professionalism and courtesy of the police seems quite refreshing bearing in mind the broader reputation of police in some far-flung regions.

Katey x

[MelanieAnne]

In my state back in the seventies we would often have to stop for a vehicle survey. They always asked "where ya coming from and where are you going?
It's none of the cops business where you are coming from or where you are going! When you are stopped, you need to provide a valid drivers license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. That's all!
"Where are you coming from"? Back that way! "Where are you going"? Down that way! Are you investigating a crime, or just fishing, officer? :eek:

[Paulacder]

Accidentally drove into a sobriety check point late one evening. A female officer asked if I could walk a line with those heels on, I replied "Sure"..She said back, have a good evening and be careful.

[Krisi]

It's none of the cops business where you are coming from or where you are going! When you are stopped, you need to provide a valid drivers license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. That's all!
"Where are you coming from"? Back that way! "Where are you going"? Down that way! Are you investigating a crime, or just fishing, officer? :eek:

A police officer who stops you can make things easy for you or very difficult for you. It's his or her choice. Cooperate and you will be on your way as soon as possible. Challenge the officer's right to stop you or challenge his/her right to ask questions or give smart aleck answers and you could be waiting a long time while the officer runs your ID and registration. He or she is more apt to find something to charge you with if you are uncooperative. And while you might think you can beat the charge, you will have to take time to go to court to do so.

These folks are doing a very difficult job and a very risky one. They never know if they will be coming home to their loved ones at the end of their shift or end up in the hospital or the morgue. Try showing some respect, it will go a long way.

[Adelaide]

I was pulled over a few weeks ago. The police officer greeted me with a "good morning ma..am" because of my long hair! I had no make up on...but felt like a million bucks!

[LydiaL]

Getting stopped while dressed could be a frightful rush. Guess I would hike up my mini skirt (or mini dress) a little bit more and hope for the best... whether male or female officer, you never know!

[Luciana]

This is one of the reasons why I never would dare to go out in public. I live in Brasil and it is a common practice to have your car stopped in police barriers (they call it 'blitz' here). Normally it happens for car theft or delayed documentation check (they ask only for driver's license and car papers) or if they are chasing drunk drivers and in this case they may ask you to blow their stuff (sorry for the pun!).

Of course if I am dressed and made up like a woman in such occasion a stupid officer may get puzzled and ask for my personal identity and even ask me to get off of the car. It wouldn't be funny in absolutely no aspect, specially because I live in a small town and I wouldn't like to be recognized by a known person. I definitively don't have the nerves to go out in such venture!

:eek:

[AllieSF]

Luciana, I remember those periodic traffic check points when I lived in Piracicaba, State of Sao Paulo. They normally would set them up near the middle and then the end of the month when the workers would get paid (twice monthly). They would stop people to see if they could get some type of bribe out of them, because many people seemed to always have some type of documentation problem especially in the interior of the State outside of the big cities. I was stopped several times until they started to remember the Americano in the orange Fusca!

[Luciana]

Luciana, I remember those periodic traffic check points when I lived in Piracicaba, State of Sao Paulo. They normally would set them up near the middle and then the end of the month when the workers would get paid (twice monthly). They would stop people to see if they could get some type of bribe out of them, because many people seemed to always have some type of documentation problem especially in the interior of the State outside of the big cities. I was stopped several times until they started to remember the Americano in the orange Fusca!

It may have been a LOT of time ago. Maybe the 80s? I kind of remember of such things happening, but you cannot bribe police officers here. At least not nowadays and since the past 20 years... Well, you can try but probably you will be arrested! So if you have a friend that is coming to Brasil and have the intention of drive here, please do NOT advice him about bribing unless you want to see your friend in trouble! LoL!

:straightface:

Also blitz here happens all the time. It may happen at any time of the day or night and you never have a clue when it will be. Normally the officers will be polite and quick. If your papers are OK you will be back on your way in less than a minute. I was with my wife last Sunday and we were stopped in the middle of afternoon. However, if your car papers or your driver's license is out to date you will be ticketed and your car will be towed. No excuses. No conversation. AND NO BRIBES!!!! I had a such awful experience a couple years ago. My car document was delayed and that's what happened. I was with a lot of supermarket stuff in the car and had to call a cab to go home. The day after I had to pay for the updated papers, pay the ticket and then go to the deposit to pick my car (and of course pay for the night).

:sad:

In big cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro the verification may be a bit more hard. If they are looking for weapons or drugs they may want to ask you to open the trunk and such. I never passed for this though.

:)

I had a funny experience about 10 years ago. I was piloting a motorcycle and was stopped on a blitz. The officer asked for my papers (I gave my car driver's license but I didn't have a motorcycle drivers license at the time) and pretended that I didn't know that I couldn't pilot a bike without a proper license. Of course the officer knew that I was lying. But instead of tow my bike and ticket me, he just kept for 15 minutes telling me how important was I have the proper license, etc, and that I could get in trouble if I get involved in an accident not being properly licensed, etc, etc. At the end he told me to go away and when I left pushing my bike with the engine off he told me "Hey, turn on this engine and go away... just make a favor for the two of us... get your license!". The day after I was entering my documents to take the exam and get my bike license!

:o

[Eryn]

A police officer who stops you can make things easy for you or very difficult for you. It's his or her choice...These folks are doing a very difficult job and a very risky one...

So, the perceived risk of the job justifies routine abuse of authority?

This justification is self-serving, and the risk is actually a myth. In the US the mortality rate for police is 16 per 100,000 with the majority of these deaths due to driving, not violence. This is a similar rate to construction and maintenance workers. In California the rate is even lower for police and deputies, at 4.9 per 100,000, on a par with plumbers and mechanics. The fact that police are armed and assume that every person they encounter is a danger makes encounters much more dangerous for the person they approach than for the officer.

An airline pilot faces a mortality risk over three times as high as a policeman, and farmers and truck drivers over twice as high, yet members of these professions don't use their risk as a justification to abuse the rights of others.

I know some pretty good cops, and I used to do a lot of volunteer work with them in disaster communications. Unfortunately, this exposure revealed a pervasive tolerance of routine lawbreaking by members of the "brotherhood" and an overall attitude of superiority over mere "citizens." This is not healthy for our society and the rapid militarization of the last 15 years hasn't helped at all. Officer Friendly is no more.

If I am approached by the police I keep both hands on the wheel, say "Yes Sir" and "No Sir" and hope that I haven't encountered a bad apple. I can hope that the officer is well-trained about dealing with TG individuals, but the fact is that we are at their mercy. The only way to mitigate the danger is to avoid situations that lead to encounters. This is increasingly difficult now that "show me your papers" is so common. Waze is my new friend!

[Jenny Doolittle]

A police officer who stops you can make things easy for you or very difficult for you. It's his or her choice. Cooperate and you will be on your way as soon as possible. Challenge the officer's right to stop you or challenge his/her right to ask questions or give smart aleck answers and you could be waiting a long time while the officer runs your ID and registration. He or she is more apt to find something to charge you with if you are uncooperative. And while you might think you can beat the charge, you will have to take time to go to court to do so.

These folks are doing a very difficult job and a very risky one. They never know if they will be coming home to their loved ones at the end of their shift or end up in the hospital or the morgue. Try showing some respect, it will go a long way.

Thank you Kris, You get it! I was a cop for 28 years, and my son is now a rookie cop..... I can not tell you how difficult some people can be, and on the other hand how wonderfully rewarding helping someone else in need can be as well. It are those rewarding moments that makes being a cop so worth it all!

[Krisi]

Eryn, apparently, you have had one or more bad encounters with the police and carry a grudge. You quote "statistics" but you don't justify them. If you have been keeping up with the news, you should be aware that some hate groups in the USA have targeted police officers for execution. How would you like to be doing your job, knowing that someone could ambush and execute you at any time?

But, you keep on believing what you believe, I can't change your mind.

[Sarina Curtis]

In Japan all foreigners are required to obtain and carry a Residence Card. It's issued to you when you arrive with a work or work holiday visa (right at the airport apparently). Any police officer and some government officials can ask you to produce this card at any time. Like other posts in this thread suggest, those I do know who have been checked say that if you're polite and co-operate you're on your way quickly with a minimum of hassle. It's never happened to me even once in 15 years though and as I have only been out fully dressed once I can 't comment on how transgender people would be treated. What's kinda funny is that though I've never been stopped, a buddy of mine gets stopped a couple times a month.

[Eryn]

Eryn, apparently, you have had one or more bad encounters with the police and carry a grudge. You quote "statistics" but you don't justify them.

Most of my encounters with the police involved working with them and they were not unpleasant. Working among them and hearing their unfiltered remarks about "citizens" was an eye-opener.

In this case I am concerned when I see routine abuse of power justified by the myth of danger.

How would you like the statistics "justified?" They are out there for all to see, at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you would like the data in easier-to-understand form just Google "10 most dangerous jobs."


If you have been keeping up with the news, you should be aware that some hate groups in the USA have targeted police officers for execution. How would you like to be doing your job, knowing that someone could ambush and execute you at any time?

Someone could ambush me at any time at my job and indeed several people in my profession are ambushed and murdered each year. We are expected to work unarmed and I am fine with that. I understand that every profession involves a certain risk, and I don't feel the need to exaggerate the risk of mine.

The point here is that some police do abuse their ability to "make life rough" on those they deem not sufficiently subservient. This also applies to anyone who might displease the officer simply by being, such as a transperson. Such behavior is blamed on "the bad apples," but it is largely tolerated by their colleagues unless the incident becomes publicized.

[Luciana]

I think that although the authority doesn't justify abuse, there is the fact that compliance cannot be ignored.

Some time ago I watched a Candid Camera episode when there was couples lunching at a fast food and then someone approached and after to say that was in a super-rush, blah-blah-blah, just asked them to leave as he wanted to use their table. Of course they said 'NO'. Then another couple was approached by a cop in uniform with the same story and they just leave and gave the table. They repeated the test several times and the result was always the same.

People has this impulse of being more colaborative and even tolerant some 'abuse' when the other people is using an uniform and clearly on duty.

[Katey888]

Please try to keep this thread on topic and not treat it as a virtual whetstone for your own personal axe... :)

I know many of us here have worked with or in law enforcement but the fidelity of individuals or organisations is not at question here, so do try to address the OP - I think she may be feeling quite left out of her own thread...

Katey
Moderator

[Krisi]

Yinlingyen, your experience is about what we would expect; police officers doing the job of protecting the public and being professional about it. It has to be difficult when what appears to be a female has "male" on her ID card. In the USA, we are not required to carry any sort of ID card unless we are driving a vehicle although under some circumstances we may be held until our identification can be verified. Police cannot just stop people and demand an ID.

It's shame this incident ruined your mood, but I understand. Once when I was first going out and didn't really have my presentation down well, I got a nasty look from a woman walking in the mall and I turned around and went back home. It ruined my mood just like this incident ruined yours.

[Launa]

These folks are doing a very difficult job and a very risky one. They never know if they will be coming home to their loved ones at the end of their shift or end up in the hospital or the morgue. Try showing some respect, it will go a long way.

I've had cops piss me off a lot when I was younger and never was friendly towards them but I tell you when you need a cop for something you will be damn glad you have one to help you out.

If I get pulled over and asked for ID it wouldn't really bother me. The only problem is I know a few members that are not aware of this side of me so getting pulled over by some of them could be awkward.

[Dana44]

Most police officers are nice folks just like us. There are a few bad apples in many police forces. But most are nice and if you are nice to them, they will treat you professionally.

[MelanieAnne]

Does anyone have a citation of a law or ordinance in the US that requires ID to be in public?

No states require you to carry ID to be in public. Some states require you to give a verbal identification to an officer if asked. Obviously, if you are driving, you must present a drivers license. Same if you are fishing. Although we are on a downhill slide to a full blown police state, we have not yet reached the point where the cops can simply demand "your papers please"!
Police routinely ask for identification. Police do a lot of things they are not legally allowed to do, because people just go along to avoid problems. In most states, you are only required to identify yourself to a police officer under certain circumstances. If you are being detained or arrested, or if the officer has clearly articulable probable cause to believe you have committed a crime, or are about to commit a crime. Absent any probable cause, you do not have to identify yourself to an officer. And you are not "obstructing the officer in the performance of his/her duties", if they do not have a clear duty to identify you. Refusing to identify yourself always raises red flags for a cop. But the Constitution does not say "these rights are null and void if you have nothing to hide"!

[Yinlingyen]

Thank you all for sharing.
To be honest I have not gone out again en femme since this episode. I know it sounds foolish. But from where I live, society is not that open minded towards the "third gender" if you want to call it that.
The police do have a right in my country to stop anyone for identity check.
Although crossdressing is not illegal, it does raise more than a few eye brows here.
I guess it's the way I dress too. I tend lean towards more "ultra-feminine" dresses (strappy dresses, halter dresses ect) which admittedly
turns heads whether is a real female wearing it or me.
I am small built and asian with softer facial features, so I pass relatively easily as a female. But when things go wrong......I really dont have the heart to face it again.

[Krisi]

Yinlingyen, I would hate to think this one incident would prevent you from ever going out again, but when and if you do, consider dressing down a bit, more like the genetic women dress for the time and place. You are very lucky your build and facial features let you pass easily. Many of us are not so lucky.

Crossdressing raises eyebrows everywhere in the world. If you're worried, go to another town or city. Don't let this one incident change your life.

[Launa]

You should see the eyebrows that get raised when I'm out there. LOL

Look just say F-it and head back out there. It will be a distant memory after a while.

[Jacqueline StGermain]

Have had 2 police interactions, both were no problem at all.
1st was a DUI checkpoint on a Saturday night ( I don't drink) was asked for my license, officer looked at it , looked like me as a girl due to my natural long hair, sent me on my way.
2nd pulled over for speeding, again looked at my license, asked me where I was coming from, if I had been drinking (no)
Told me I looked nice, gave me a verbal warning. Works for me.
In Colorado , YOU have to have a valid license, they don't care what you look like ,as long as you're not trying to commit fraud. A valid state issued license or ID card can be gotten in you're fem identity if you have a letter from a licensed therapist.