Do you think you would be treated better by law enforcement if you did not act adversarial?

Respect given is respect received.

Yes, I very much think that if you give respect then you will receive the same in return. I live in South Carolina and I have a perfect example of this question. I have a concealed weapons permit. However, two days before going to take my class, I was pulled over by a sheriff for my "suspicious activities". I was in a vacant lot taking pictures with my DLSR for a photo contest. It was at night and I noticed the sheriff across the street when he shined his spotlight in my direction. So, I figured it was time for me to leave. So, I gather my equipment and leave the parking lot. Just as I anticipated, he followed me. So I just drove and waited for him to light me up....which he did. I pulled over and went with the flow. Now, here is where things could have gone bad if I hadn't remained calm and courteous.

After he ran my license and stuff, he came back and asked if I had any weapons in my truck. I politely said "yes sir" and told him exactly where it was located and the condition it was in. I was told to get out of the truck while he went to check the weapon. Another sheriff pulls up "hollywood style" with tires screeching. I did everything they said without asking any questions at all. They put the weapon back in my truck and asked if I had a license to carry concealed. I told them that I didn't, but I was scheduled for a class in two days.

He said normally I wouldn't do this, but he told me to be careful and let me go. The only reason he let me go was because when he pulled me over, I immediately turned on my interior lights and turned off my truck without them asking and kept my hands visible. He said I also didn't appear nervous and was in fact very friendly which he really did appreciate. He even said, he wishes he dealt with more people like me who still manages to smile in situations like that. Before he left, he told me to enjoy my CWP class and carry responsibly.

Now, if I were to become aggressive for any reason at all, they would definitely be on edge and would probably have their hands on their guns ready to pull out. Along with being aggressive, if I were to put one hand out of sight while in my truck, I probably would have been shot. With that being said, just do what they say without asking questions or talking back, make no sudden movements, show no signs of resisting or hiding anything, keep hands visible, and definitely tell the truth. I could have easily said I didn't have a weapon and probably wouldn't have been searched, but it's not worth the risk of getting in more trouble. The way you conduct yourself while interacting with law enforcement will always determine the outcome.

The results of the South Carolina incident should not be missed by focusing on the officer that has now lost his job. What needs to be closely examined is the response of the perpetrator. Her actions send a clear message to others that if you don't want to do what you are told by those in authority and you just ignore what you are told or asked to do... those who are in authority will be disciplined and you will not. Ad a cell phone camera to the mix and there is a real chance that the wrong outcome will be reached. Most of us grew up being told "Do not give the Cops any lip if you are stopped for some reason even if you don't think they are right"! This small piece of wisdom seems to have gotten lost in all the mayhem now being perpetrated on the country. The Mayor of New York City had to tell us that this a talk he had to have with his African American son -- I am sure that my enlist forms filled out all those many years ago reflected that I am a Caucasian and yet that is a "tell" that I received from my mother and father at a very tender age. Its kind of like being told not to stick your finger in an electric socket... -- they both have consequences.