I’m currently working on a zine documenting encounters I’ve had with the police as a skateboarder from (believe it or not) the time I was 12 years old until now.

I was hoping that someone that has some understanding of interaction with police could help me create a spelled-out, clear-as-day break down of the rights that an individual (in this case, a skateboarder) is entitled to when confronted by police. What is a police officer allowed or not allowed to do (shoving, grabbing a skateboard, aggressively getting in someone’s face)? Is a skateboarder entitled to just walk away at the sight of police without actually evading arrest?

Similarly, I’m looking for information regarding use of public and private property. Any would be appreciated! There always seems to be some ambiguity about whether or not signs need to be posted explicitly stating that skateboarding isn’t allowed.

I refer you to some of these videos as examples. Unfortunately, these encounters are pretty typical for young skateboarders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFUpa0OwlyU&feature=related – I do know the running was obviously illegal, but this particular cop seems to be just railing off seemingly random offenses at the end, are any of them legit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GgWrV8TcUc&feature=related – This is the infamous “Baltimore Cop” video that made national news.

Thanks in advance!
I guess I should have made it clear that I’m looking for specific policy here, not opinions one way or another. I’m clearly biased, but I’m looking for straight, legal language here!