So I'm on the Yakima Police Watch List Options

[dustin15brown]

u realize ^ will change nothing... they're gonna watch u closer

[DmVinny]

Just tell them you dont need to be on their watch list, tell em your already on the FBI's list.
=P

[Galcobar]

Batman, I dunno about you, but I figure that holding the police to account, like any other part of the government, is a citizen's duty. If they're doing their jobs right, and acting legally, then they'll be fine. It's all about how you do it. If you ask them why they're searching your car, that's one thing. If you tell them they're not allowed to, that's another.

Hell, I live in probably North America's most actively governed jurisdiction, and the police still have a duty to follow the law. They have significant and usually necessary legal authority. The problem comes when that authority is overstepped or abused. Often, it's well meaning. For instance, stopping and checking every young male in a sports compact. Street racing is a legitimate concern. Detaining me just because I'm young, male and drive a sport compact is not a legitimate response, any more than stopping every black/Hispanic/Asian man driving a nice car is a legitimate response to drug trafficking.

As for the legality of taping public conversations, I would, as I've said before, check your local laws. I'd be suprised if taping a police officer on the street talking to a member of the public is illegal, but you never know.