I work with cops, for an ex-cop and have been arrested a couple of times for "kicks" or through false accusation. So this is my experience... Generally the ide

I work with cops, for an ex-cop and have been arrested a couple of times for "kicks" or through false accusation. So this is my experience... Generally the idea of not saying anything without a lawyer is sensible and advised. But I think you have to be pragmatic about it. For example we were stopped entering a country once (by the police not border guards) and asked a few fairly routine questions about drug importation. I answered them because there seemed little danger and got released with an apology in about 5 minutes (probably even less - they just pulled us to one side into little alcoves). But my friend clammed up and asked for a lawyer, "no comment" etc, had to wait about 40 minutes for one to turn up, got told to just answer the questions and was there answering them for about another 20m. Pointless... You have to remember that for the most part cops are people (I need to remember that myself sometimes because they can be the most infuriating techno-phobes too :P) and usually aren't out to get us. I advise - if you're worried, don't answer questions, but stay polite and engage in small talk if you feel safe (i.e. they aren't leading you somewhere with it). If you're confident just answer the questions and be helpful - it saves everyone time.