The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution reads "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

This so called right that all citizens are supposed to have is slowly being driven out of society due to the abuse of power by law enforcement. Keep in mind that I once pursued a career in law enforcement; but after the repeated incidents I have witnessed and heard of, my decision quickly changed.

My name is Joshua and I studied Criminal Justice for over 3 years witht the desire to soon become a Police Officer. My area of study suddenly changed after my civil rights were violated by Fostoria Police Offers. The harassment became so horrific that I was forced to move out of the town to avoid additional traffic citations. I am now preparing to become the General Manager at a restaurant next year and going to college for business management. This is my story....

Fostoria, Ohio is a small town located south of Toledo and has gradually transformed from a once well maintained city to a city trapped under a hood of violence, drugs and police corruption. As part of a personal research project, I investigated the Police department by enrolling in a ride along program. I myself was shocked when I was told by an Officer "I don't follow any of the traffic laws...why should I?". Wait a minute here, now how can someone enforce a law when they don't follow it themselves. Countless times members of the department would participate on online gaming sites while on the clock being paid to protect and serve. Prevaricate and Steal would be a more appropriate motto at this department.

In mid June I was passing through town with two friends as a Fostoria Squad car began following me block by block. I was pulled over for failing to signal 100 feet before a red light, but in my judgement I signaled way before then. The Officer approached my car and told me to get out, I stepped out and locked my doors. He asked why did I lock my car and my response was "I dont trust Fostoria Cops going through my car". With the Officer very upset with my response he took me to the side of the road and repeatedly asked if I had drugs in the car. At this point anyone who has any knowledge in law should know to never answer questions that could prove you guilty, this is a constitutional right against self incrimination. There has never been drugs in my car nor will there ever be but these pigs were determined to find contraband if their jobs depended on it. Therefore the bring in the k9 unit where the Officer made the dog react on the back side of my car which was out of my sight. The Officer then tried to factor out the possibility that he made the dog react by using me. This is very important for anyone involved in a situation to answer exactly as I did. He asked me if I saw him do anything to make the dog indicate a narcotic presence. Aware of what he was trying to do I answered "I could not see you or the dog on the other side of the car". If I would have answered "No" then I just agreed that the dog detected drugs in my car.

After further arguments between the Cop and I, I left with two citations and my 4th Amendment Right violated. The next day I contacted several State agencies about the incident, all telling me to file a complaint through the Department. My actions finally resulted in the Sergent receiving a write up. I may have had to pay hundreds of dollars in fines and take points on my record but in my mind I stood up for what was right, I succeeded, I won.

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