Well, I guess it's my turn to poke the bear.
Whenever an officer contacts you, under any circumstance, he is gathering information. That information is evidence. Your demeanor, how you smell, what you generally are like (such as profiling - this is not a dirty word), what your car is like, and every word that comes out of your mouth may appear on a report to be used against you in court.
Yes, you can pass the personality test and it will be just another line in the officer's logbook and an incident cleared as unfounded. The fact that you know next to nothing about the officer in the midst of the contact puts you at a disadvantage. The officer knows this. The more you talk, the more likely it will end up being a problem for you. I know this from experience on their side of the equation. I thought I was a pretty good cop. I worked with some new cops who were badge-heavy. It was not the best situation knowing that you were more likely to have an encounter escalate unnecessarily while patrolling with them.
As far asking v. demanding goes; asking is a tacit demand. Most will comply, because they don't think that is an option. Officers learn command presence in the academy, with the FTO and from other officers. The words, "May I see some ID" is usually delivered with the inflection of "Show me your ID."
Once in his hand, it can easily go into his pocket. For all you know, theweapon will be taken next and run for stolen. If he has your ID and your CPL (or your weapon), you are not free to leave, at least in your car. If he has two back-up officers, I can pretty much guarantee that you're not free to leave.
I am intotal agreement with Bravo_Sierra. You carry a weapon; you're in the adult world - this would be a good time to act like it.
Please for the love of God, when you quote this - have the decency to cut whatever isn't pertinent.
