Quote Originally Posted by Eryn View Post
If this ever happens to you it is NEVER in your best interest to consent to a search. If they have probable cause that you have committed a crime they won't ask for your permission. If you give permission their "fishing expedition" will only extend your ordeal. It also multiplies their opportunities to plant illegal items in your belongings. Stay in your vehicle unless you are ordered to exit it, since exiting the vehicle gives them cause to search your person. If you are ordered to exit your vehicle be sure to lock and close the door after you get out. There are legal nuances that extend police search rights if the door is left open. Be polite, comply with any lawful order the officer gives, but tell the officer with certainty that you do not consent to any search.
I just want to back you up and say that you are absolutely right. As someone who has been profiled because of the type of car I drive, I've been pulled over well over a dozen times in the past several years and have witnessed repeatedly (regardless of reason for the stop or actual guilt) that it does not matter how nice or polite you are to the officer, volunteering information and being overly compliant to their demands or requests will never work in your favor.


This is the best advice anyone can ever take on the subject:

The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA