On May 7, police in Rochester, New York spotted 48-year-old Christopher Power sitting in the driver's seat of a parked vehicle. Although the motor was running, the vehicle was not in operation. The police had Mr. Power leave the vehicle and began to investigate him on suspicion of drunken driving.

While conducting a search, the police discovered an audio recording device that Power had turned on just before leaving the car. He was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and wiretapping ? a class B felony. The first charge is dubious, the second one ludicrous.

Citizens have an unqualified right to record their encounters with police, and would be wise to do so.

In July 2004, a gang of five corrupt law enforcement officers beat and tortured Tennessee resident Lester Eugene Siler for the space of two hours. The critical evidence that sent those corrupt cops to prison was captured by a concealed tape recorder.

Just because we need the police doesn't mean we should always trust them.

Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.