There’s been a lot of discussion centered on civil rights in the news lately, as well as what ordinary citizens should do when they encounter police. Many people want to know if a police officer can ask for ID for no reason – so here’s what you need to know.
Can a Police Officer Ask for ID for No Reason in Wisconsin?
Police are allowed to approach you and question you at any time. An officer might stop you in a public place for a reasonable period of time to ask you a few questions, such as when he or she believes you committed a crime (or you’re about to commit a crime), or when the officer thinks you may have seen the commission of a crime. The officer can ask you for your name and address, and he or she can ask you to explain your conduct. If the officer believes a crime has been committed, is currently being committed or is about to be committed, he or she can ask you for ID.
Temporary Questioning Without Arrest: The Basics
Wisconsin law gives police officers the right to briefly question you, provided that they question you in the same area they stopped you.
When police do this, it’s not an arrest. You don’t have to talk to the police, but remember that if you don’t, they may think it’s a little suspicious. You are always free to respectfully ask the police, “Am I being detained?” or “Am I being arrested?” If you’re not being arrested, you are free to go. However, if you do choose to leave because you’re not being arrested, you need to continue to be respectful and walk away calmly and deliberately – don’t take off running, and don’t be rude or appear uncooperative. Doing so can cause more trouble.
Asking for ID
A police officer probably won’t just walk up to you for no reason and ask for your ID. Here’s where things get tricky, though: If a police officer believes you look like a suspect who just robbed a bank, he or she may have a good reason to stop and ask you for your identification (even if you definitely never robbed a bank). The police officer might not tell you that you resemble the suspect, but he or she can ask you for your ID – and if you refuse to provide it, the police officer may have a good reason to believe you are the suspect.
Have You Been Accused of a Crime?
If you’ve been accused of any crime, we may be able to help you. Call us right now at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to schedule your free consultation.
