We have no more rights, even those given to us by the constitution.

[Zythryn]

Originally Posted by TheBigDog

Would this qualify as an abuse of authority, or of just good policing?

Bill, you did the exact right thing (pulling of the road to take the call).
I can see why the location you chose would raise suspicion amoung either law enforcement or contract security.
A vehicle parked in front of a closed store with light on is... unusual. Especially if it has an ATM
If working contract security in the closed store, I would have called the police and asked for a squad to drive by and check it out.
Remember, police aren't just looking for the smart thieves (who would turn off their lights and park in back), they are looking for the stupid ones (like the ones that will first write a personal check, rob a place and leave their check with address, name and license number).

[cbr guy]

the last straw will be the 2nd amendment, taking our guns away. you should read up on h.r. 45 a new bill to illegalize all magazine fed weapons

[Moontanman]

I read it cbr, I happen to think it's good idea, it would not keep people from owning those fire arms. here is the bill from snopes.

snopes.com: Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act

[lemit]

I'm glad this thread has been brought back. I missed it the first time around. Theory5, if you're still paying attention to the thread, reread it carefully and see if there's anything you've written that, if put into action, could create a situation in which you would have relative power demonstrated to you.

You need to remember that unless your intent is to commit suicide by inches, the best course in a confrontation with police is a straight line out of the confrontation with police. My cousin, a famous Missouri sheriff (retired) has thousands of stories of how he gave people chances to just go on with their lives because he really didn't want trouble either. (Why would policefolk want to get into scuffles with dumbasses?) You can get exactly as much respect from police as you give to them. The most recent time I got stopped, I was coming back from a fast food restaurant a little after midnight, fumbling with Frenchfries, crossing a couple lanes to make a turn without signaling, and then going five miles an hour over the speed limit. I readily confessed to being dumb. I was not cited for it, and was allowed to continue.

The point of my stupid little story is to always try to see yourself as the officers see you. If you see the search of some guys hanging around on a street corner at night as the worst infringement of human rights in recent history, well, you can't blame anybody else for unfortunate consequences. Some things happen to you. Some things happen because of you. Some things just happen. If you can't tell the difference, stay away from moving vehicles and fires.

--lemit

p.s. Lawcat has given some very good legal advice. Be sure to take it to heart. It might save you some more expensive legal advice in the future.