This is more about consequences. Let's look at the bigger picture here. Smart people know how to outplay cops.
The moment you act like you have something to hide is the moment the law clamps down like a ton of bricks. It just gives them the desire to dig for more answers. Silent treatment only goes so far. It can have its uses, but if you can't do more then that then you're paralyzed. Evasive. "Behaving guilty". They'll be sensing it.
So let's say I'm guilty. Why, yes, I am. I'm not about to pretend. But are
you guilty of something? A common mistake of cops in the U.S is that they try to barge into peoples homes without a warrant. As one example.
It's a game. Turn the tables back on them somehow.
Let's say someone pulls out your phone with a picture of you fucking a dog. How can you turn the situation around? Is it harmful? Is the dog looked after? Is it rape if a male dog mounts a person? It's all in the key questions. Got to think like a lawer here. Try to deconstruct any arguments and accusations.
The real trick is pointing out hypocrisy. A soldier in the army does murder. When the law wants to take your money without your consent it is theft. Getting the idea? If you can get people thinking about these kind of things then they start to wonder. Just where is the line? Just who is deciding for who?
Best done before your ass is in the frying pan. Once that's done then the "harder topics" can be discussed more. Just make sure to talk about things more Objectively. Hypothetically. This way it will apply to people on a whole instead of just you alone.
Test people first in other words. See what they're made of. See if they can think and consider beyond their own viewpoint alone. The cops are doing it with you. They are testing you. They want to see if you're weak, fragile, mouthy. They want to see if you can teach them something. They want to see if you can remain calm under pressure. Some will be more understanding then others. It depends. Their tactics range from "Pretending to be your friend" to "Trying to get straight answers". They do have to be treated as the enemy, but it's about understanding the enemy. That's why there's those Sun Tzu quotes about it.
Hypothetical situation
Since some cops are more judgemental and others less so it makes things tricky. So use your own judgement there. If they ever come knocking then have a plan. I can't stress this enough. Plan for if it happens. Be prepared for the worst situation. Your phone is on the table. Your computer has tabs with dog fucking. There might be a partner knotted on a dog in the room. Said dog barking loudly. What do you do?
Suddenly it's not so simple is it?