Thread: Police could arrest Texans who don't ID selves

Police could arrest Texans who don't ID selves
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April 15, 2009 - 3:32 PM

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Senate has approved legislation that would allow police to arrest Texans who fail to identify themselves after being detained.

Under the bill, which passed 24-6, Texans could be arrested and charged with a crime if they refused to give their name, date of birth and address.

Opponents complained the bill would infringe on personal liberties.

Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, sponsor of the bill, said in ``in this time of homeland security issues'' the police need the power to force people they detain to identify themselves.


http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articl ... olice.html

Hmmmmm, I have mixed feelings about this law.

Police already have this ability to detain someone until they identify themselves. I think it's part of the Partiot Act. Looks like this bill will kick it up a knotch and turn it into an arrest.

I don't have a problem identifying myself to police.

In fact, I've been pulled over and breifly detained because a neighborhood trouble maker drove a car that looked just like mine. I waited on the ID check and went on my way. After that, I just waved at the officers in the area and never got pulled over again. Oh and they finally got their man.

I don't disagree with this because of illegal immigration. Right now they can walk away from so many things and an arrest will at least get them printed and photographed.

Dixie

Originally Posted by avenger

Hmmmmm, I have mixed feelings about this law.

As do I,and I hate to see the illegal immigration issue used as a tool to turn us into a police state.

But are Americans already being profiled to pay the cost of illegals?

Originally Posted by jp_48504

As do I,and I hate to see the illegal immigration issue used as a tool to turn us into a police state.

I agree with you. While I certainly have no problem identifying myself I don't want to see a police state too. This reminds me of my wife's fear of not having an ID on her because the military dictatorship she lived in required and strictly enforced everyone carry federal identification cards at all times.