What do you think it says about me that I don’t think it should be against the law to lie to the police? Probably that I have problems with authority.
I think it is appropriate for it to be against the law to lie under oath – especially in a court of law or other court proceedings such as depositions – but otherwise I think it is rather ridiculous. Okay – if you are under arrest – and have been read your rights and are protected by your right to remain silent – that isn’t too much of a stretch either. But as far as a simple police interview of a witness – it seems rather heavy handed for lying to be illegal. You shouldn’t make stuff up – but I think I have I right to lie if I am being interrogated (not officially interrogated, but questioned in an aggressive manner) and I feel like it. Especially if lying puts me in a compromising position. It is just a slippery slope that I’m not very comfortable with. Police are allowed to lie to the people they are interviewing. Flat out lie. Maybe I’m confused and can’t remember exactly and don’t want to tell you what I do remember because it might be wrong. Or maybe I’m just scared to death of the police.
I know that not letting people lie to the police serves the greater good and I understand why it is important, etc – and life isn’t fair – but it just rubs me the wrong way. I guess this is something I should chew on for a little while, try to make some sense of it. Maybe even look up the actual law and see what it says, and whether or not I can come to terms with the statute. What do you think?
the thin line between optimism and delusion... 
As soon as I started reading this, I thought “if the police get to lie to people, then people should be able to lie to the police.”
Is lying to the police an actual offense? Or does it just serve to indicate probable future dishonesty?
I think you’ve been watching too many movies. I’m not scared of the police, the real life police.