Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Massachusetts

Can police behave me as a criminal

I was walking to my school dismorning and i saw a lot of police car was around on the street. just about 50-60 feet away from my home, one of the officer shouted me, directing his gun to me put your hand and lay down, then a lot of police offices came by with pointing their guns to me asking the same thing. there was a lot of other people around and the traffic was stuck for this mess. they told me that there was a bank robbery and suspect has a facial hair that is why they stopped me. after checking my bag and id they let me go.. Is this normal, Or they have to behave all the people with beard and mustache in a similar way.

thanks alot.


Asked on 5/12/03, 7:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Can police behave me as a criminal

The police can stop you under these circumstances because they probably had probable cause to stop anyone who seemed to fit the suspects described to the police.

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Answered on 5/13/03, 9:24 am
James Cook Cook & Ferreira

Re: Can police behave me as a criminal

Yes, this is normal procedure. As long as the police have what is referred to as "probable cause" to stop you, they may do so. Because the bank gave the descrition of the robber having facial hair, the police had the necessary probable cause to stop those in the area who may have fit the description. Not to worry though as your detainment was quick and they let you go....

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Answered on 5/12/03, 7:20 pm


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