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Don’t ever hand your phone to the cops (www.theverge.com)

submitted 18 hours ago by Amicitas@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

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[–] Olgratin_Magmatoe@lemmy.world 4 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

But if a police officer were to remove your phone by force, first it would be illegal without a warrant so it would almost made you a favour as all evidence in your phone would be invalid in court.

Even if what they find on your phone isn't valid in court, it can still lead them to other things that are valid. For instance, a picture taken at a specific place with a timestamp. That picture may not be admissible, but if they find CCTV footage of you at that time and place, you're screwed.

Cops can and will overreach their powers, and they'll probably get away with it.

Even locked if they want the info in your phone they are probably getting it. They would have access to some of the best forensics teams and equipment.

Sure, but it's a lot harder for them if your phone is encrypted and shut off before you encounter them.

Following the same logic, should we never have an unlocked phone near a police officer? I don’t know about that.

You really shouldn't. Cops are never on your side.

[–] daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

You really shouldn't. Cops are never on your side.

I mean never is a strong word here. People are saved by cops every day. At least in my country. Just looking today news: women was arrested after being violent towards doctors in La Palma. Pretty sure doctors though cops were on their side.

You have to be sure to defend your citizen rights and prosecuted rights (if it even become to that). But that does not conflict to call the cops if you need to and if you are being victim of a crime they'll most likely help you. Once again, that's how it is where I live.

[–] Olgratin_Magmatoe@lemmy.world 4 points 1 hour ago

I will admit I'm making some strong, harsh statements. But I think that's a pretty natural result of living in the U.S., a country who's cops operate closer to a gang than Rescue Heroes. They kill minorities with virtual immunity. They racially profile people. The list goes on.

Somebody who intentionally joins a group like that does not have good intentions, or is ok with their buddies not having good intentions, or gets kicked out quickly for tattling on their fellow cops. So yeah, cops are never on your side, at least not here.