Important Read For All Street Photographers!

The below occured on 3/14/2012. Originally I posted on Dgrin (wrong time, wrong place, Title)included here because I feel it's important to read and for me not to forget. It has deeply affected my photography pursuits but I'm working my way thru it.

As I have mentioned here before, in all my street pursuits I have rarely if ever been questioned.

Well Yesterday that all changed!

I usually leave for work 45min or so early to allow for some street work.
There is a Guitar Center Store @ Pico/Westwood corner with huge billboards of musicans.
For a few months now I thought this area would be good for street.
So on Wednesday I parked my bike @ about 1345 up the street from the Pan Rest. and started
walking to check it out.

Light was OK but not much action at the bus stop in front of billboards. I rounded the corner
walking north on Westwood when I saw some teens waiting, one sitting on a fire plug. I took a couple snaps, figuring if nothing else I would check my settings and then make another round around the block.

I continued back around but nothing seemed to move me so I headed back to my bike.
About that time I heard from close behind, "Excuse Me SIR", as I turned I was immediately
grabbed, handcuffed, frisked and taken over to the back of a parked Astro Van.
Badge was flashed in front of my eyes hanging from the neck of one Cop, while the other was aking,

Are you a registered Sex Offender!
Are you a Convicted Felon!
You have Gang Affiliation!
Have A Weapon!
Have drugs or on drugs!!!
Why are you taking pictures of KIDS!
There were more, but you get the picture.

My Answers:
NO
NO
NO
Pocket knife
NO
Taking pictures in public is not illegal is it ??
There response was that maybe it wasn't but they had to investigate.
I mean after all (and I quote) "A man of your age taking pictures of kids sure seems ODD!"

For more then 20min this went one. One Cop tried to glean information from me,
while the other made inquiries about Me on a Cell.
I did my best to keep my COOL and mostly silent.

After the truth was discovered at least for TODAY, one of the Cops said,
I was unhandcuffed and allowed to secure my camera and belongings.
One Cop inserted my pocket knife in my Jacket, and told me not to touch it till they were gone, he said, "We fear for our safety!".

They made a last attempt to explain how of course they were just doing there jobs!
I told them to stay safe, and arrived at work at 1445.

I post this incident in my life so I can vent and warn our members/viewers to be very careful out there.
I have always conducted myself and my endeavors as a free and good American on safe and solid footing, I no longer feel that way.