Yes, the detectives saw me speaking with the gang members. From what I've been told, it's best to say as little as possible when the police stop you in the hood I work in, so I did just that.
Who would tell you as a social worker not to talk to the police? I have an idea and it involves a major city in Sweden
Politness is a subjective opinion that could only be judged from the officers at the scene at the time. The original poster never inferrd that he was less then cordial with the officers, only that he did not state his occupation until asked.
Less then polite is therefore imaginary.
In my world not answering questions or being evasive is very impolite and makes me (a) irritated and (b) even more inquisitive.
Disclaimer----you don't have to talk to the Police, but, unless you have a reason not to I would cooperate as much as is reasonable. In this case a little polite conversation would've avoided all of this.
Was this your first encounter with the Police in this area----if so, shame on you. If I were to work with gang banging thugs I would touch base with the local precinct's Tact or Gang team on a informal basis.