Republican Party Warns Iowans About Police
State party officials at Republican Party of Iowa headquarters are warning Iowans not to be overly cooperative with police and to know their rights.
A message posted on the party website cautions “constitutional activists” that central Iowa police are planning traffic safety checkpoints in Polk County tonight.
“The Iowa GOP strongly urges you NOT to give in to any illegal searches of your car,” party officials said in the post Thursday. “Only comply by providing your license, registration and insurance if requested.”
Republican officials also tell Iowans to videotape or audio record police officers, then send the recordings to party headquarters. Iowans shouldn’t allow a search of their vehicle for any reason, the message says.
The state party is led by Chairman A.J. Spiker and a committee of 18 Republicans from across the state. Many of the current leaders are conservatives who believe government should strictly adhere to the U.S. Constitution. For example, they defend Second Amendment rights and the ability to carry concealed weapons. Constitutional conservatives act as government watchdogs, and were among the loudest voices condemning the U.S. government for inappropriately flagging conservative groups for review of their applications for tax-exempt status.
