This is a good example of how people should use police services. They were and prepared, and they did as much of the legwork as they could. The advice to stay a

This is a good example of how people should use police services. They were and prepared, and they did as much of the legwork as they could. The advice to stay away from the police and to not talk to them when they are soliciting you is also good advice, but maybe not when taken to the extreme. Imagine if the shop owners refused to cooperate? It would have been much harder to solve this crime. There are some guidelines that I think can help. If you get stopped for a traffic stop and the cop says he wants to take a quick look through your car, you should (respectfully) decline. That can lead to nothing good for you. If you think you might be suspected of a crime (right or wrong), or you don't know why the police want to talk to you, do not go and meet with them. If you get arrested, get a lawyer and let him/her deal with talking to the police. You can talk to the judge if it comes to that. If they explain that they are investigating a crime and you have some information or evidence they need, go ahead and help them if you are not a target. Just remember, the police are not your friend. They do not care about your life. They will lie to you and manipulate you if it suits their purpose. However, they do in fact serve an important function, that you may need them someday. Use them for their intended purpose. The system is certainly imperfect, but does work much of the time. I believe the trend towards police wearing body cameras during every interaction can only lead to good things for everyone.