Is everybody safe? >> You blocked my driveway. >> No, you parked in the middle of the damn driveway, bro. >> Hey, if I need to move, I'll move out of the way. >> Wow, why do y'all do that though? >> Do you have an ID on you? >> What's that? >> A driver's license or identification card. >> No, I got like Uno cards. >> One camera, one demand for ID, and one big question. Do police really have the authority to do that when there's no suspicion of a crime? >> I mean, you don't want me to say that back to you, right? Cuz I asked you that first. You said that was your name? If I say that back, is that going to be okay? >> No, it's not. >> In past cases, just one unlawful demand for ID has been enough to trigger civil rights lawsuits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In Lexington, North Carolina, an audit group appeared outside the headquarters of Energy United to test constitutional rights. But just minutes later, a heated confrontation erupted when company employees suddenly rushed out to question them, and the situation quickly began to spiral out of control. >> Got a Got a uh interstate right there. We on the service road. Got a interstate uh uh 84, I think. Somebody coming in. They definitely know we're here now. Yeah. We got them uh coming out a while ago. People coming out the door. Yeah, yeah, let's see. What's up? >> Can I ask what y'all doing? >> Yeah, you can ask. >> Okay. >> Yeah. That don't I don't mean I'm going to tell you, but you can ask. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I'm just trying to find out what you're doing in front of our property here, so not a problem. >> I I don't want I don't have a to give out the information out. >> All right, fair enough. >> Yeah. >> That's all I need to know. >> So, >> what are you doing on our property? >> Yeah. >> I'm not on your property. >> Yeah, this is the people's property. >> I'm not out there, I'm over here. >> Right. Right. >> This is the people's property. >> Let him call his daddy. Let him call his daddy so he can take he can take care of it. >> I don't have to call nobody. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I'm in charge here. >> Okay. All right, so you're the boss then? >> Yes, sir. >> I hear you, boss. Go back in there where you're the boss of people, not out here. Record that. >> I got it. >> Got it? You sure you got it? You won't do it again. Bam. >> Bam. Thank you. >> There you go. Anytime, if you want more, I got you. >> Okay. Okay. >> I got you. Look at this idiot. Look Look at this idiot. Hang on, slow down. God damn. Look at him. >> Here? >> After a few tense minutes of conversation outside the company's entrance, the atmosphere began to heat up as employees repeatedly questioned why the group was filming from the roadside. Just moments later, officers arrived and the discussion quickly shifted to a familiar topic. Public property, the right to film, and the limits of police authority. >> Not in the [ __ ] driveway, too. Wow, that's that's arrogant as [ __ ] >> What's the emergency? What you doing today? >> What you doing today? What you say? You keeping everybody safe? >> You talking about my lights? >> No, you parked in the middle of the damn driveway, bro. >> Hey, if I need to move, I'll move out of the way. >> Wow, why y'all do that though? >> I'm just going to do that. >> Yeah, why do you park in the middle of the road? >> Secure the scene. >> With your lights on. They They're not allowed to traffic out here. >> Okay. >> We'll get all the questions for a second. >> No, yeah. I can ask you as many questions that I'd like, and you can listen to them. We're We're doing We're doing stuff here. That's what we're doing. >> Okay. E C H E R D >> Wow. Park in the middle of the freaking road. Geez. >> Hey, step out of the road for your safety. You're just out here filming today? >> That's how we do it, man. >> There's no Hey, no Guess that. >> Right. Well, I'm just saying I'd appreciate it if you'd move off the off of the damn driveway right there. There's a lot. Look, bro. Look at all the shoulder of the road. And you're going to use that excuse? You're going to use that excuse? That's not private property. No, it ain't. No, it ain't. That's the easement still. >> There's the road. >> I see it. Watch it. I I can walk across here cuz this is public property right here. Yeah. You don't You don't know You don't know that we know, right? What's your name? >> Deputy Eckerd. >> Eckerd? >> Yes, sir. That's E C H E >> You got a number? >> Uh 406. Well, it ain't on the vehicle. 406. >> 406? That don't make no sense. And then you're going to say that's private property. That's crazy. This Just because they put that pavement in there don't mean it's theirs. >> Why don't you wash your vest? >> So, uh This is the color of it. So, what's going on? >> What do you You just asked that question, bro. We done answered it. We done answered that. >> As the debate over property boundaries began to settle down, another question was immediately raised, and that question quickly sparked a new confrontation between the audit group and the police over the requirement to provide identification and the procedures followed by law enforcement. >> I just was told I had >> here for some suspicious suspicious people. >> Suspicious? Wow. >> We didn't call you. We didn't >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Well, I'll be here. >> Did you talk to the complainant yet? >> I've talked to him. >> That That's usually the first people you should talk to, right? >> Uh I would think >> You That's That's usually If you do an investigation >> of three individuals >> If you If you do your investigation right If you do your investigation right, you would go up there. >> Well, you're an individual. He's an >> No, I'm one of the people. >> Right? You're all individuals. Everybody All lives matter, right? >> I'm one of the people. >> Blue lives matter. >> People have the right to be around here. We're all individuals. >> Davidson County. >> No, I'm one of >> Here comes his backup. >> So, if I were to call the police, the cops would come and hopefully they would not go to my neighbors. >> Right. Yeah, usually when you come up, man, you're supposed to go to the caller first. >> finally got somebody going to the caller. Then we got the ones harassing here. This is a huge [ __ ] show. >> So, we answered your question. Why are you still here? >> Do you have any idea on your being called? >> Yeah, we sure I guarantee you we got ID. >> So, you did? >> I guarantee you. >> So, you want to speak with him? Hey, just give me a name. >> I guarantee you. He just told you. He said the people. He's the people. >> I guarantee >> I mean, you don't want me to say that back to you, right? But I asked you if I I You said that was your name? So, if I say that back, is that going to be okay? >> No, it's not. >> Your policy says you can't do that. >> We can not call people names. >> What's your name? >> Steppingham. >> I can't hear >> Steppingham. >> Steppingham? >> Deputy Hampton. >> Hampton? Oh, Hampton. >> Do you want me to talk to the caller? >> Yeah. Hampton. Hampton, you got a You got a number? >> You guys are a piece of [ __ ] >> Well, um you guys are out of the roadway. >> We already knew, man. We know what we're doing. Come on. >> my Come on, man. >> He's going to go talk to the caller and >> Shouldn't he Time out. Shouldn't he have done that first before he come out here harassing us? >> I have no idea, sir. >> Ain't that But ain't that standard protocol though to talk to the caller? Ain't that standard protocol though to talk to the caller first? >> The discussion about ID and police authority had still not reached a conclusion. Soon after, as the officers began explaining how they handle such calls, a new series of questions was raised, making the situation increasingly uncomfortable for the officers at the scene. >> Well, if I were to call, I wouldn't want them show up to my neighbor's for my >> As long as you guys are out of the roadway, we're going to talk to the caller and see um if >> Cop's playing >> where their property is. >> See where their property line is. >> know where it's at? >> No, that's why I came to talk to >> Cop's playing >> You don't know where the property's at? >> Uh not of every single place, no, sir. >> You don't know there's an easement on every freaking road you go down? >> There is an easement for DOT purposes. >> Right. DOT is public It's our property, man. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Like I said, we're going to talk to the caller and figure out where >> ain't got nothing to do with what we're doing out here. >> I know you're superior to him because you're stripes. Could you tell me why he would park right here blocking this instead of all this clear availability to park? >> I can't tell you that. >> Is that Is that standard protocol, too? >> I I can't >> To park where you had you, please? >> He could have said I'll tell you You guys are trying to >> I couldn't tell you why he chose to do what he did. >> He's trying to claim the foot So, let me let me see. >> This is our scene. >> Let me let me get this straight. So, you're going to talk to the caller to find out where his property line is. Even though you should know there's an easement on every every road that you got to have somewhere to walk, right? The public No, answer I'm asking you a yes or no question. >> I know what you're asking, sir, but I'm explaining to you what our what we're going to do here is what we're going to talk to the caller figure out where be no But >> the property line ain't got nothing to do with it. >> Yes, it does. If you're on our property, they don't want you >> out where the property line is. You have your head up your ass, man. You see that mailbox? >> I mean >> go there. >> There's an easement. >> pipe. Who the [ __ ] do you think put that in, man? >> Let's stop down right here. >> Yeah, use your brain. >> You get what I'm saying? That's all I was saying is there's there's there's got to be sidewalk. >> No, I completely understand what you're >> Okay, then it shouldn't matter. It shouldn't matter though. >> But we've still got to go through our little spiel and stuff like that. >> got to make the caller happy. Is that what you're telling me? >> This is public This is public property. >> We got to they called and what what they're upset about. >> All these [ __ ] people are showing up to pay their bills and >> They didn't ask anyway. So even if we were to go on that line, they've never asked us to get off of their property. We get >> Although the officers said they were simply following procedure, the audit group was not satisfied with those answers. Soon after, the conversation shifted to another topic, the role, responsibility, and accountability of law enforcement to the public. >> Us, stay here. >> You ain't got no say in the matter. >> I'm sorry that you don't agree with me. >> You don't have no say in the matter. >> Our tax dollars allow you to wear this uniform costume. We pay for all of that. You're our public servant. Is your body camera on? >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Someone already asked me that. I explained the red light was the was the red light. >> I can't see the light. >> Sorry, it's right down in this glare. But it's on. It's been on for 4 minutes. >> Okay, yeah. >> You're catching a more of an attitude because of because of that guy. Yeah. See, he he came off all kinds of wrong. Right? And um and it's >> And I wasn't here for that. That's why I came up and I wasn't talking to >> to the party, but now you have to pay for your other gang member. He's dressed exactly the same way you are. Right? You're wearing the same uniform. You know, and um and you'll pay for your the bad cop's mistakes. You know, that's how it is, right? Good cop's worst enemy is a bad cop. >> Absolutely, right? >> Are you his Is training officer or >> No, I'm not his training I I have more experience than he does, yes, sir. >> Oh, but you're not his next of command. >> No. >> No, okay. Who is his supervisor? >> Uh I believe that it would be Sergeant Gordon. >> Sergeant Gordon. >> But he I believe he's tied up on something. Uh >> He's tied up? >> Yeah, he's quite tied up on something. He's quite busy on on patrol. >> Oh, I thought you meant like he was with me. >> [laughter] >> I was I was I was born in the South, man. I I talk with different slang than most people. >> You ain't the only one, Captain. >> You know, those body worn cameras are almost useless and a waste of our tax dollars cuz we can't even get the transparency those without a superior court judgment on it, isn't it? >> Yeah, that's true. >> Man, that's all stuff above my pay grade. >> I understand that, but you know that, though, right? >> I know with my free speech that I find it to be [ __ ] that we can't keep you guys transparent the very cameras that we fund to be on you guys, but yet we don't have the ability to get that to keep you guys >> It's like this guy lost his brain. >> Yeah. >> Do you have any internal affairs complaints on you or investigations going on with you right now? >> Not that I know of. >> So so did you did you appease the the caller? Did you appease They not Nothing he's done, you can't do nothing. You can't do nothing, though. That's what I'm getting at. You like >> No violations were identified, and the officers eventually left one by one. But what left many people wondering was this. Were six police units really necessary for a situation like this? Up next, in the middle of a quiet morning outside a bank branch, a man stood on a public sidewalk simply holding a camera. But just minutes later, suspicious looks began to appear. >> Can I help you? >> Huh? >> Can I help you? >> Oh, yeah, I'm just doing my investigation on your building here. >> Investigation for what? >> really get into it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, yeah. Do you work here? >> I do. >> Okay. Um how long have you guys been here? >> US Bank, it's been like 10 years in town. >> 10 years, okay. And are you guys like the uh is this the only like US Bank or is there a bigger like establishment here? >> No, this is the only one in town. >> Okay. You guys have a vault in there? Sir. I'm trying to talk to you. Sir, can I talk to you for a little bit? Oh, man. It seems like uh they come out here asking questions, but the second we want to try to converse with them, uh they want to turn around and go back inside. Like, come on, you want to talk? Let's talk. So, uh we're going to stay tuned and see what comes of this, guys. We are just documenting on a public sidewalk. These establishments have problems with people documenting, uh but yet they continue to keep putting their buildings against the sidewalk where people can just come up and see all that private information. So, we're going to stand here and uh exercise our right to record on a public easement here. Uh yeah, guys, we're going to walk around here, see what's uh on this other side here. There's a couple vehicles. I don't know if it's a ATM or what's on the other side, but yeah. All right, y'all, stay tuned. What did you say? >> Documenting pictures >> T- pictures and videos? Yeah, yeah, I can do it. You can do it as well. Do you >> I hope you don't show this truck anymore. >> You hope I don't show your truck? >> any permission to put my picture or my truck. >> Yeah, I got I got it. Yeah, I got it. I got your picture and video. >> You better erase it. >> I can't. It's against the law to delete footage. >> After a brief exchange with a bank employee and some uneasy reactions from people nearby, the situation at the scene began to draw more attention. Just minutes later, as concerns were reported to local authorities, a patrol car pulled up to find out what was really going on. >> Uh these people, man, these people. I'm more so about educating the people more than I am uh law enforcement. I mean, it's good to do both, but it seems like the people need more education these days. Um everybody's triggered about the littlest things, so All right, let's see what comes of this, guys. Stay tuned. >> Did U.S. Bank fish you off? >> Huh? >> I said, "Did U.S. Bank fish you off?" >> What do you mean? >> Uh we got complaints from several citizens saying you video recording them and they were used worried that you're recording them taking their pins from their ATM. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> That's hilarious. >> So, I prepared to come and figure out what's going on. >> Oh, okay. Awesome. >> Do you What are you doing around here? >> I'm Like, what am I doing around here? Enjoying Enjoying life. >> Awesome. [laughter] >> Yeah, how about you? >> Yeah, good. You got an ID on you, honey? >> Do you work here? >> Yes, I'm with City of Taylorville. Do you have an ID? >> A what? >> Do you have an ID on you? >> What's that? >> A driver's license or identification card. >> No, I got like Uno cards, like every day. >> cards? That something with your name and your date of birth on? >> Oh, okay. I don't I don't know I don't think I have anything like that. >> Do you >> I mean, I got I got this right here. >> Do you live here? >> Do I live here? >> Yes. >> Oh. I mean, do I look familiar? >> No. >> I don't? >> No. >> Oh, okay. >> That's why I'm out. >> I do hide in the closet a lot. I do hide in the closet a lot. >> No. >> So, what are we doing today? >> One, I want to identify who you are, so I can make sure I I let my area know. But, like I said, you're on the city walk here, you're Taylorville. >> Uh, what if I want to keep myself secret? What if I want to go incognito? >> I have the right to identify you so I can make sure I'm okay and you're okay and everyone is >> Oh, we're we're good. >> I know. >> I'll fist bump you. How about that? >> That's why I'm trying to make sure you're >> Okay. >> Do you have any identification? >> I I I don't. Oh, you got the uh what is that? The uh Who makes that? What is that called again, though? Guardian Angel, that's right. Those are pretty cool. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> As the officer tried to determine the cameraman's identity, the situation quickly shifted to a familiar issue in many audits. Are citizens actually required to provide ID when they are not suspected of any crime? >> Where are you from? >> Well, hopefully your address soon. Hopefully you can make me some food. We can go out together later and have a good time. >> no thank you. Sorry, I'm I'm happily married. >> You're married? >> Yes, I need to see your identification, please. >> You got a lot of uh little beads there. >> Need to see your identification, please. >> No, I don't I don't usually like have my ID and stuff. Cuz you never know what happens, you know? >> Taylorville Police Department, we're searching for a male to identify this male. He's um going every direction but will not give me identification card. >> Look at that guy. Look at him. Look at him. >> Right behind the main USA bank in front of the >> You got Jay Grove, badge 336. Oh, that's cool. That's cool. Nice. So, can you tell me about your gadgets? I'm not too familiar about what you guys do. >> Um we are law enforcement here. We are Our job is to protect the citizens of the town. >> Protect the citizens? >> Mhm. >> Uh what about like uphold the Constitution and stuff like that? Do you guys do any of that here or >> What do you mean? >> Like didn't you guys raise a hand like your right hand to like to the Constitution? Like you took an oath to the Constitution. >> to the Taylorville Police Department. >> Just to the Taylorville Police Department, not to the Constitution? >> Excuse me one >> Okay. Okay. Can I join in on that call? Maybe we can do like a three-way. >> Hold on. >> [laughter] >> Oh my god. Here, can you put it on speaker? >> No, sir. >> Okay. >> Not unless it's a group line on his end. >> Oh, is it your boss? >> Yes. >> Okay. Can you tell him I said hi? Here, just put it on speaker, okay? >> No, sir. >> I want to hear. Can I Can I ask him a question or something? >> Hello. You would like me to put you on speaker so he can video tape >> I just want to hear if he has like a masculine voice or not. >> He wants to know if you have a masculine voice. >> After repeated requests for identification were denied, the conversation shifted to another topic, the oath and responsibilities of law enforcement. But just minutes later, a call to a supervisor suddenly sent the situation in a completely different direction. >> Have a good day. >> Well, no, wait. You want to figure out my location. I'll show >> want to give me that, that's your choice. >> if if I can hop in, I'll I'll have you take me to my house. >> call. >> What? >> I got to go. >> There's not another call though, I would have heard it. >> Not on my earpiece. >> But I got a walkie though. Where are you going? Wait. Ma'am, come back. I need you. Assistance, officer assistance, please come back. Wait. Oh. How are you guys doing? >> Please don't be recording over here. >> Oh, I am. Actually, let me come over there and document. >> No, no. >> Put him back on the van, please. >> Let me come over here and document. >> have to ask me to. Get away from the building. >> Get away from the building? But now, we got to record. Where are you guys going? >> [laughter] >> Oh, man. Oh, boy. He said, "Bro, get a job." So I am all the way across the street, guys, and they told me not to record this building. Wow. I wonder why that officer left so fast. We were having a good conversation. And then uh yeah, they just left so fast. I don't know. Why does everybody want to leave? Do people not like to talk in this town? Oh, I would love I would have loved to have heard that officer uh talk to her. Obviously, he's educated. Wow, Karens everywhere, guys. Karens everywhere. All right, y'all. Well, uh yeah, that was that, man. Uh I was really trying to see if she would take me out, but she wasn't looking. She was just trying to get my ID. I mean, it is good to know somebody's name before you take them out, you know. I was a little scared of her. Uh she did have a masculine build. >> No more questions, no more demands for identification, and the patrol car quickly left the scene, bringing a tense encounter, sparked by nothing more than a camera on a public sidewalk, [music] to an end. Citizens may file lawsuits against police under Section 1983 when their rights are violated. Officers who break the law can face financial liability, disciplinary action, or even termination. A civilized society is built not only on laws, but also on understanding, mutual respect, and a spirit of dialogue. Hey, everyone. What do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, [music] subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much.