Police Interaction Requirements

Summary

Police in new york need reasonable suspicion to stop and question you, but not to approach you in public. If someone asks for your id without identifying as an officer, report it to local authorities. If you feel threatened or harassed, consider filing a report with the police department.

Full Conversation

Do police need reasonable suspicion to pull up to you?
Hi Patrick!
In New York, police officers generally need reasonable suspicion to stop and question you. However, they do not need reasonable suspicion to simply approach and talk to you in a public place. If they want to detain you or search you, then reasonable suspicion or probable cause is required.
Is there a specific incident you're concerned about?
Some man in a car a stranger was asking me for my ID and my name for both me and Dale and he was asking us where we are going he never mentioned that he was a cop and he never Identified himself in any way. The guy was also asking if we wanted to work for some money and to let him know if want to make money but we kept telling him no.
Hi Patrick! Based on what you described, it sounds like this person was not a police officer. Police officers in New York are required to identify themselves, especially if they're asking for your ID or questioning you.
- If you feel threatened or harassed, it's important to report this incident to your local police department.
Would you like to know how to file a report or need further assistance with this situation?