Dispatch, I have three subjects at the courthouse entrance refusing full compliance during a security investigation involving suspected unauthorized corporate records. Denise looked at Maya. Lena's expression changed slightly. Maya waited until Mercer released the radio button. We have not refused full compliance.
Mercer put the radio back on his shoulder. That's how I'm documenting it. Maya held his gaze. Then document this, too. We provided our names, followed your movement instructions, stepped away from the case, and did not interfere with you physically in any way.
Mercer said nothing. Now answer one question. Maya continued, "Are we free to leave? " "No. " "Then we are being detained. You're being held while I complete my investigation. That is a detention. " Mercer moved his hand toward the cuffs on his belt.
Keep arguing, he said. "And this becomes obstruction. " Maya looked at the cuffs, then back at him. "Questions are not obstruction, sergeant. " Mercer's hand remained on the cuffs. "They can be when they interfere with me doing my job. Maya's voice remained steady.
Then you're going to have to explain what we did besides ask you to do it lawfully. " Mercer released his grip on the cuffs and pointed toward Denise. Turn around. Denise looked at Maya before moving. For what? You've been warned more than once.
About asking questions. About interfering with a security investigation. Maya stepped slightly closer without approaching Mercer. You still haven't identified an act of interference. Mercer looked at her.
I don't need your agreement. No, but you do need a reason. I have one, then stated. Mercer's patience gave way. All three of you are being detained for obstruction and failure to comply with a courthouse security directive.
Lena spoke calmly. We followed your movement instructions, provided our names, and stepped away from the case. You delayed the investigation by asking what you were investigating. Mercer reached for the cuffs again. Turn around.
Maya understood that continuing the argument would no longer produce useful information. Mercer had decided what he wanted the incident to become, and every additional exchange gave him another opportunity to describe their questions as resistance. She looked at Denise and Lena. Comply. Denise exhaled through her nose, but turned around.
Lena followed without argument. Maya remained facing Mercer for another moment. For the record, we are complying with the detention. We do not consent to any search, seizure, or opening of the case. Mercer stepped behind her.
Hands behind your back. Maya did as instructed. The cuffs closed around her wrists. There was no struggle and no physical force beyond the restraint itself. Mercer moved to Denise next.
Hands back. Denise complied. You understand we haven't tried to leave. I understand. You've made this harder than necessary.
No, Denise said. You've said that several times. It still doesn't explain what we did. Mercer fastened the cuffs and moved to Lena. Lena placed her hands behind her back before he ordered her to.
When Mercer secured the final pair, she looked toward the body camera on his chest. It's still off. Mercer's expression changed. I told you it malfunctioned. You did?
Then stop bringing it up. I'm making sure I remember what you said. Mercer stepped away from her. You three seem very interested in creating your own version of this. Maya turned enough to face him.
We're interested in accuracy. You'll have plenty of opportunity to explain yourselves. So will you. Mercer ignored the comment and walked toward the charcoal case. Maya watched carefully before you touch it.
Document the seal. Mercer stopped. You're handcuffed. I'm aware. Then stop giving orders.
I'm not giving an order. I'm protecting the condition of the property you intend to take. Mercer looked down at the case, Maya continued. You said you understand evidence procedure. If you move that case without documenting its condition, you create a chain of custody dispute before anyone knows what's inside.
Mercer stared at her, then removed his notebook. Charcoal hard shell container, he said while writing. Combination lock seal appears intact. Record that none of us opened it. Mercer looked up.
I decide what goes in my report. Maya's expression remained neutral. That is exactly why I'm saying it in front of witnesses. Several people had stopped near the courthouse entrance. No one interfered, but phones had begun to appear in their hands.
Mercer noticed them, too. He stepped closer to Maya. You think an audience changes this? No. You think people recording me makes your behavior lawful?
We haven't said anything about the people recording. Then stop performing for them. Denise shook her head. Nobody was paying attention until you put three women in handcuffs. Mercer turned toward her.
That attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. What attitude? Challenging every instruction. Denise started to answer, but Maya spoke first. Denise.
Denise looked at her and stopped. Mercer took the interruption as an advantage. Good. Maybe somebody here understands how to cooperate. Maya held his gaze.
Cooperation is not the same as agreement. Keep talking like that and I'll add it to the report. Add what? Hostile conduct. Maya waited a moment.
Was my voice raised? Mercer said nothing. Did I threaten you? No. Did I touch you?
No. Did I attempt to leave? No. Then be precise about what you call hostile. Mercer closed his notebook.
I'm done answering questions. You haven't answered many. He turned away. Lena watched him move toward the case. Sergeant Mercer stopped.
You said earlier that these may be unauthorized corporate records. I remember what I said. How did you know that before opening the case? Mercer looked at her. Security intelligence.