Shoutbox

Discrate,

Given that you live in Australia, perhaps you are subject to different laws.  However, this video was taken in Baltimore, U.S., where certain individual rights apply, and this officer should is lucky if he only gets off with a suspension.

There is no requirement to surrender your personal property to the police without a valid warrant or a clearly stated intention to impound a vehicle (provided city of Baltimore extends police impounding to skateboards), with a proper receipt provided.  "Give it to me" does not constitute such, thus the kid is fully within his rights to refuse.  "I am going to impound your skateboard pursuant to [insert reference to the local ordinance].  Here is your receipt, this is the address where you pay your fine and pick it up" is how that should have been conducted -- if that power is even granted to the police in Baltimore, which I'd have to look up.  I will also note that at this point, the kid hasn't been cited for any offense.

In most states, there is no legal requirement that one should identify oneself to the police if they are not operating a vehicle that requires a license, or are inside an establishment selling alcohol.  Thus, the kid is probably fully within his rights refusing to answer the various "where are you from" questions.

The intended function of police is to enforce -- and follow -- the law.  It is not to act badass and demand "respect" that citizens aren't legally obligated to give.  It is entirely appropriate that this officer was suspended, and I'd say he should consider himself fortunate if the kid's family doesn't bother to bring a civil suit.