My story pales in comparison to Michael Brown's and the numerous others that are occurring with alarming frequency. But at the time it was pretty scary. What should have been quick check to make sure we weren't breaking city ordinances came close to something darker.
Several years ago we found a photographer to take photos of our daughter. She was going to some Disney auditions and we needed professional head shots. The photographer recommended some backdrops in downtown Los Angeles. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and almost nobody was around.
We found a location, and noticed a security guard there. We approached him and asked if he minded us taking some photos. He said no problem if we were done within 30 minutes or so. Turns out a film crew was coming to that spot later so he was guarding the location. So the photographer started taking some shots while I held one of those round mylar light reflectors to help with lighting. We didn't have a permit, but because we weren't using these photos commercially a permit isn't required. I understand, though, that the reflector makes us look "professional' to the average person.
After a few minutes a squad car rolled up hot with his lights flashing. He slammed on the brakes inches from the photographer. He got out and proceeded to question us aggressively. He seemed strange- as if on drugs or pumped with adrenaline. As soon as the photographer told him these were just personal head shots and not for commercial use, the officer started getting more aggressive. He threatened to arrest my daughter and started insulting me and the photographer and getting uncomfortably close to us. What he was doing was very clear: he was trying to get us to argue with (or "resist") him. We were all as respectful and careful as we could be. He was most focused on the photographer- he was kind of a tough guy himself and I'm sure the cop figured he was the best target to get riled up. When we were all polite and compliant, the cop began escalating his insults and informing the photographer that he was going to confiscate his equipment and impound our car.
Meanwhile, the security guard came over. It turns out he was an off duty officer. He asked the on-duty officer's name and started mentioning some people they knew in common and explaining that he had given us permission. He slowly and carefully talked the guy down from the ledge, until finally the cop told us to just leave without taking any more pictures.
I know there are a lot of good cops who just want to earn a paycheck and serve their community. But the field draws people like this officer as well. His oddly aggressive demeanor suggested he may be on drugs, but I couldn't say that for sure. But I do know he wanted an excuse to have a fight. I also have a very strong feeling that if we were black, he would have been even more aggressive. He would probably have gotten his wish.