At lunch I came across 3 transit cops by pioneer mall, 2 from PPB, one from a Sheriff’s office. A young lady stepped off the train right before the doors closed and the Sergeant with the PPB stopped her. I lit up a smoke and watched from 100 feet away. The two other cops came over, and she handed her purse to one after trying to negotiate. I watched the interaction, the officer dug through her purse, and the lady received a ticket after 25 minutes.

Afterward I approached the woman as she was sobbing. I talk with her about how she’s feeling, and obviously her day was ruined. I asked why she handed her purse over to the police and she told me with tears in her eyes, “They said that if I didn’t they would arrest me.” I asked her if she was familiar with when police can perform a search, she was not. I asked if she was familiar with her rights at all, she was not. She had never even read the Bill of Rights, so I provided her the one I keep in my wallet, did the best to assure her that her day can’t get worse, and moved on.

I came across the three officers in front of the court house. I approached PPB Officer Richard Harvey (#27543) and politely explained that I witnessed the interaction he had with the woman. “What happened between her and us is none of your business.” I explained that I talked with the woman, and asked if it was true that they threatened to arrest her if she did not consent to a search. “That’s none of your business.” I replied, “What language did you use to have her consent to a search?” He replied, “You need to move along.” I said, “Are you not going to answer my question?” “Move along, now!” Being a survivor of warfare, I’m not easily intimidated, and am happy to assert my rights and stand up for the rights of others, so I politely asked “Are you involved in police situation right now?” He answer was quick, “I *always* am.” Then I asked for this uniformed Portland Police Bureau officer for a business card. He said, “I’m not giving you one.” “Excuse me? Are you not required to give me one?” “No.” I explained my understanding of PPB regulations regarding this, to which he replied, “You need to talk to the sergeant over there. He can give you a business card.”

The Sergeant was equally polite and calm as I was. I did not get his business card, but I should have because his behavior was what I expect from police. I asked what language was used to get the lady to consent to a search. The Sergeant explained, “She claimed she didn’t have ID, I asked if my partner could search through her bag and see if he could find one.” That was a reasonable answer, likely possible. I then explained my interaction with Officer Harvey to the Sergeant, saying that Ofc Harvey refused to hand me a business card. At that moment, Ofc Harvey reaches into his pocket and says, “No I didn’t!” and then offers me a card.

The Sergeant then asked what business this was of mine. I explained my Oath to the Constitution, and that I have an obligation to ensure the Constitution and Rights are being abided by. Ofc Harvey scoffed at this answer. I reminded the 3 officers that I have a duty to the Constitution and Rule of Law, and I just want to make sure no one’s rights are being violated. I then thanked the 3 cops, wish them to have a safe day, and reminded them (specifically looking at Ofc Harvey) that they, too, have taken an Oath.

This is the reality of the PPB: Ofc Harvey is a fuck-all asshole. Who is he to tell me to “Move along now!” in an attempt to intimidate a citizen asking question? And then, to flagrantly deny me a simple business card that he’s obligated to provide by his employer’s policies. I’m a professional guy: clean cut and wearing a tie, and I negotiate and deal with people on a daily basis with a calm and open demeanor. Ofc Harvey, on the other hand, became aggressive when I simply inquired about a woman who was crying when they were done with her.

Did Alex Zielinski secretly write this?

"...the Oregonian had a short report about fellow..."

"...in such a rush to help hat he left the thing in gear."

"That's when car then rolled over..."

This whole story smells rotten.
I think it's the PPB, again.

I mean seriously, arresting someone for jaywalking?

@ theonlysaneperson:

perhaps you should actually read the article -- no one was arrested for jaywalking. in fact, it appears that in the end he wasn't even cited for it.

but go on and keep crying foul.

It's like the cop who busts out a suspects tail light, in order to have grounds to pull him over and check his ID, to see if he's the guy that they are looking for. How would you feel about the police just being able to stop everybody at random and checking ID to see if they have any outstanding warrants, like for not paying a fine for jaywalking? Just like those UN-Constitutional Holiday road blocks to catch drivers who have drunk too much egg nog.

There's no such thing as being "partly" run over, either, whatever parts get run over.