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Keith B wrote:
BTW, I am a former LEO and this is how I would want it handled. I believe most LEO's would prefer this method.

This is very sound, reasonable and rational. The trouble is, it is not universal, and you never know when you are going to be confronted by irrationality. If we could count on cops "doing the right thing" it would be easy.

I think one of this fellow's problems was his appearance. I imagine, because I cannot know, that approaching a driver who is younger, ill-groomed, haphazardly dressed, etc is a much different proposition than someone like me, old, pudgy, dignified, jovial, etc.

My youngest son used to sport dreadlocks, when he was young and foolish, one of the few whites I've ever seen with that peculiar hairdo, and drove a typical impoverished young person's car. He got pulled over and searched for drugs about every third time he ventured out. I'm sure he had far more stops in 5 years than I've had in 50. Busted tail lights, expired tags, a car meeting that description reported stolen, just about every excuse to light him up imaginable.

The driver was not acting erratic or threatening in any way, and was compliant. When asked for documents, etc he produced them.

What's to stop the officer from reacting exactly the same way if you are sitting there hands on the wheel, and tell him you have a permit and a weapon? Next thing you know you're on the pavement handcuffed? Seems like a huge over reaction in the circumstances to me. It's good to have it on video so we don't have to wonder what REALLY happened.