Mike - Don't forget I may be in Seattle now, but I'm a Baltimorean born and raised. I've experienced first hand the difference between the police forces. Of course they're gonna be a whole lot more paranoid and I can't blame them. In the event of a successful terrorist attack, would you want to be the one who didn't stop the guy with the camera from photographing a key point in a bridge (or whatever) when you were told to not allow it? My point was, for the most part, treat people (not just the cops) in a friendly and respectful manner and they will do the same. Of course there are exceptions - there is no naivety here ... c'mon, African-American male here from an East Coast inner city. But it is not going to do any good to get all worked up at a police office because you think it's your right to take a photo of whatever. Let it go and if you feel that your rights have been violated, report it to your local representatives or leaders. You will not win an argument against a police officer in the streets...just not going to happen. -=>Donald