Police manual extremists asked LePage to change included reason for their arrests

When they met with Gov. LePage, extremists asked him to change a manual on Sovereign Citizens used by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

As the Bangor Daily News and Mike Tipping reported, two individuals from that group were recently arrested.

And, it turns out that a reason for their arrests — a lack of a valid drivers’ license — was cited in the police manual.

You can see this below, as number 7 in the list, from page 11 of the manual. (You can see the full manual at this link.)

From: "Sovereign Citizens," Maine Criminal Justice Academy (April 5, 2012)

From: “Sovereign Citizens,” Maine Criminal Justice Academy (April 5, 2012)

It’s important to note that neither of these men forgot to renew their licenses. They simply believe that state government has no legitimate right to require them.

This but one example of the group’s fantasies about our legal system and Constitution.

Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.