This is relevant to survival, and there are many police and ex-police on this forum that might be able to answer my question... How much flak am I going to be catching from authorities, while walking around the country on foot? I have proper ID and a mailing address, but will be hoofing it everywhere I go. "Vagrancy", "homelessness" might be words that they would use... Will any of this be a real problem for me?

Hi Chaotiklown,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ_OMThfhNs&feature=related

Just remember to have a good haircut, take a bath occassionaly and say 'Have a nice day' and you'll be fine

Good ID, obey all laws, have a good story (the truth is always best), and you shouldn't have much of a problem...

As my father has lamented about in the past, sleeping in public normally no longer gets you a rap on the bottom of your shoes with a night stick.

I think you biggest difficulty with other humans is not going to be with law enforcement, but it will be with others who don't know you and wonder what you are doing in their community or those who see you as a victim for a crime of opportunity.

I'm not exactly vulnerable, and not worried about opportunities of crime, all I can do is keep my eyes open. But what is the extent of what law enforcement can do to me, if a rap on my shoes is no longer applicable?

Neat appearance, friendly demeanor would go a long way.
Look more like a "backpacker" than a homeless vagrant.

Maybe have a backup story of "walking to find a cure for sick honeybees" or something. And be sure to have a spotless police record because you can be sure that you'll be checked for wants/warrants.

The knife in your possession *could* be an issue.


(On previously mentioned motorcycle trip I actually ate lunch with a motorcycle cop. I was glad for the company. )

Ok- Quick question on that subject... I've thought about the knives I'll be carrying... As long as it's properly concealed, it should not be a problem, right? I mean, with proper ID and no police record, they wouldn't be able to randomly search me, correct?

Officer can search your person "for his safety." That means he can frisk you for weapons before talking with you. Knife in your pack would require a warrant or probable cause. Knife on your belt--- could be an issue. (I'm not a lawyer. A lawyer would advise you to retain counsel in every jurisdiction you move thru - just to be sure.)

Search the 'net for knife law sites to review what you will encounter along your intended route.

You probably want to be legal. Probably that means no concealed weapons. You want to know what is considered a weapon. The laws and practices for carrying while hiking an established "wilderness" trail is almost certainly going to be different than walking down a street.

If you post a more detailed route here, you probably will get some detailed information.

Ain't America great!

Haha, yes- America is great, and there's a lot of good points that have been brought up here... If moving through a town, I should definitely keep it in my pack, and simply avoid this "probable cause" for search. Sounds good everybody, thanks!