Attorney Explains Why You Should Never Engage In Small Talk With the Police!!

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Mar 11, 2023 | 0 Comments

A lot of people get nervous around police officers, and understandably so. There are some people who, when they get nervous, begin to engage in small talk with police officers. Sometimes, this is just a defense mechanism to ease the nerves. But other times, it can be a tactic to build rapport and hopefully, get out of trouble.

However, engaging in small talk with the police is not something anyone wants to do as it can lead to more harm than good.

 

Police Can Only Hold You For a Limited Period of Time

Many don't know this, but police officers are only allowed to hold a person for a limited period of time. In a traffic stop, for example, they can only keep the driver pulled over for as long as it takes to get their business done, i.e. perusing the driver's license and registration. After that, they are obligated to let the driver go.

 

Small Talk Extends the Investigation

However, when the driver engages in small talk with the police, asking them about their day, talking about recent events, or even prolonging the conversation with unnecessary arguing or explaining, the investigation extends for longer than usual.

This allows an officer to hold the driver for longer to investigate or even call for backup and canines to sniff out the vehicle.

So that drivers or anyone under police investigation can protect their rights, they should never engage in small talk with the police. Let them do what they need to do, keep the encounter brief, and avoid intentionally extending the investigation.

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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