Negative encounter with the police as a solo female traveler ~ Vlog 22

Hey guys! My name is Deyana and I live in my 5 window bus with my dog Honcho. This week I had a not-so-great encounter with the police. It was very scary at the moment but I was able to turn this situation into a positive by doing some really fulfilling work. I hope you follow along on our adventure every Sunday for a new vlog.
Please like comment and subscribe if you enjoy the video! :)
Cashapp/venmo: deyanaw1
Instagram: / the.skoolie.teacher
Tiktok: / the.skoolie.teacher
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[@hey.itskelcey]

Deyana, we love you and are so inspired by how you handled this situation. Being a person of color and the things you have to think through and experience are something we’ll never know. You handled this beautifully and we’re damn proud of you for walking to that office and explaining yourself and trying to educate them on your situation and on bus life. We’re so happy to know you and proud of the person you are. ♥️

[@lgm6231]

First and foremost, I am so glad that you are safe. I like the way you “turned lemons into lemonade,” and put your energy into volunteer service at a shelter for women and girls. That was a great way to channel the negative experience you had into something positive! You also used this opportunity to springboard yourself into getting back into volunteer service. Way to go! Going forward, the first thing you should always do prior to visiting a new town or city is to research the laws regarding urban camping. As a teacher, you must also do your “homework!” This is part of your due diligence to ensure that you are in compliance with the laws and regulations. Most importantly, it helps to better increase your safety and promote a more positive and enjoyable urban camping experience. Be safe and well. Stay fearless, and awesome!

[@cjg8822]

Glad you posted it for the love and knowledge you sent out in the world ❤

[@DJsMomma05]

Thanks for sharing your experience - The goof, the bad - and everything in between. The world needs more “yous” ! And even I feel like I learned something from Your experience!

[@ammocandoit]

I'm very proud of you going to the station. I could have never.

[@isaacturnerit]

Wow I am so sorry you went thru this. Sending you all the love and vibes

[@patrickragsdale4143]

I tip my hat to you for your calm and patience, and I’m glad that you didn’t let their poisonous behavior infect you. Proud of you for waking into that police station and telling your story. I know it wasn’t easy. But you did, and that speaks volumes about your character, so always remember that. On a final note, I’m glad that you are safe and I wish nothing more than blessings and good things for you in the future.

[@goingonabearhuntfamily]

Deyana, you are such an incredible human. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for being vulnerable and honest so that others can learn and grow along with you. ❤️

[@revrodgers]

Dayana, I love how productively petty you were by volunteering. I love it and love you. I love how you turned a bad situation into an opportunity to help someone else. I am sorry you had this experience. I am so proud of you.

[@oldmanhulk41]

I applaud you for turning a negative into a positive! Well done

[@Chefsantatravels]

Stay strong young lady, you did the right thing and I take my hat off to you.👏👏👍✌✌🎅🚌🌻

[@allenwinston5157]

Thank you for sharing this video. 🙏🏼 truly you are a blessing and light in this world.

[@bonnielove4209]

You know I love you, D! I am so proud of you for your vulnerability and courage and for allowing us all to have insight to the landscape of emotions you felt and all the ripples of that one encounter! I love how you could actively see the evolution and learning from both you and the sergeant. As you said, we'll never know what he'll do with that information, but you, my dear, turned it all into an act of love and advocacy.

[@TheKrusher66]

Thanks!

[@theskoolieteacher]

Oh my! Thank you so much🤍🤍🤍

[@davidbaron6647]

Oh My, Hugs So Sorry U R feeling this way. Bless U for helping Take Care

[@sharondearman8543]

Sorry you had to go thru that but glad you went and talked to the Sargent and got heard. You handled it great by turning a negative into a positive. Good luck. And I enjoy your videos

[@CrysJenkins]

This whole video speaks the awesome person that you are. Keep being you and thriving Deyana!

[@JustMuah57]

What an amazing life lesson for all involved, thanks for sharing as it will help others out as well, how wonderful to be there with all those women and children finding out more about their life, that is so true there is a reason whey some folks are on the street and in shelters, we are not to judge, you did exactly what we all should be doing helping others.. praying that your days are blessed and safe.. looking forward to your continued adventures..

[@JP-jd8wr]

Lots of back the blue weirdos in the comments who lack awareness about the assumptions the police made. Don't mind them. It sucks to be profiled that way. People saying the police were "just doing their job" are part of the problem.

[@travelingwhilebutch]

I am really glad this interaction didn't go sideways as so many do. If you ever need a place to park in Tucson, my driveway can probably fit your bus and I have a fenced back yard for Honcho. You're welcome any time. I am listed on Boondockers Welcome and Sekr as "Casa di Butch".

[@paulsherman6450]

Great job and great attitude. Sorry you had to go through that though.

[@zonicfilm1365]

Thank you for sharing, feels so good you manage to take your bad situation and create a tuff life experience out of it in the end. Love from Sweden!...

[@andrewdestin]

It's sad what happened to you with these cops. That's cool you went to report them. 👏🙏💪

[@bromadiclifeadventures1470]

Wait… they bothered you while you were Cracker Docking? 😳 If Cracker Barrel didn’t have a problem with it, why should they? Young lady, I am so sorry about your negative experience. As a person of color, I have experienced those types of situations, as well. Unfortunately, some people are like that. As a teacher myself, I appreciate your dedication to the profession. Please be careful out there and stay prayed up..

[@ginakato1797]

I wonder if their “city/county rules” override Cracker Barrel. I agree with you though. If the restaurant allows it in their private property parking lot, why can the city/county dictate? She’s a brave lady and I’m proud of her

[@syckindahead]

Thank you for sharing this experience and some of the aftermath with us. I love that you pushed through your feelings and expressed your concerns at the police station. Also, the way you volunteered your time to benefit others will internally benefit you too. It reminds me that I need ro do more too. Great vlog👊🏾

[@barefootcontessa10]

Please stay safe, we love you.🍀

[@ruby_lead]

I am moved and inspired by your fortitude! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@keshoma4498]

Wow this was such a beautiful testimony. I'm and so happy to see that your were not harmed. Although you we completely shaken by by this experience your reaction was maturely grounded. You know who you and what you stand for. Please give yourself a pat on the back. Your mom did an amazing job of raising you and I can only hope that other people of color can use this as reference. Thank you for your candor. Police have to understand they are there to serve sevove is a life long mission and not everyone has an alterer motive. #when they go low we go high #

[@HenryRoss-wu4lo]

Thanks 👍😊 u for being a special Ed teacher I'm myself was in the special Ed class I never seen many special Ed teachers not anymore bless you for doing this 👊🏾👊🏻

[@YoGalTimz]

Good on you to share, it’s real life situations that many can learn from. Well done you! You did well x ❤

[@OutdoorsybyNature]

I'm "old" and it would've rattled me to the point of tears to be surrounded like that. Love how you handled this situation and your reflections at the end! Also, kudos to the sergeant that you spoke with. Hopefully, he can take your concerns back and improve the way his team interacts with the public.

[@ginakato1797]

They need to improve the way they approach people especially since she was on Cracker Barrel private property and they allow this

[@lomutt]

What a beautiful spirit.

[@bigmamankc6101]

Good Job 👍 Education is always the answer ‼️🙏♥️

[@g.sutherland2917]

You are an AWESOME human being!!!!

[@bracket0398]

Glad that you are still safe after that situation happened. Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye area have some neat places to stay. Lived in Goodyear for 4 years and there's plenty of a-holes there, but mostly nice peeps. Might get lucky staying at the end of Estrella Parkway! Nice and quiet up there.

[@damandbass]

First, sorry you had to experience that. I've been there myself and know what its like to be surrounded by people that can ruin your life, write false reports, lie on you in court, etc.. I would never recommend going to the police station to complain about officer interactions unless you are willing to bring a lawyer. The administrators at the station have a gang-loyalty mentality and usually it just makes things worse. Police are not you friends. They are there to find you in violation of something. In certain jurisdictions, they are particularly hateful for whatever reason. They saw you were vulnerable and took advantage. When ever in doubt, stay silent, follow the officers instructions and lawyer up. I would also not park at or near a hotel parking lot. They almost always lead to trouble. Stay safe.

[@heycesa]

Proud of you and sorry that happened

[@BartBourg]

You're the best. That's all I'll say here. You know how I feel. 🥰✌

[@VinceRoberts1]

You were parked on private property. Cracker Barrel allows overnight parking unless otherwise posted. You don't need a permit to park there. The only problem I saw was parking across several spots. And still, that was likely the officer overstepping his authority. Cracker Barrel is very accomodating to boondockers. Next time, I would just try to park in the designated Bus/Camper spaces. And, you don't have to answer the door if they knock. They don't have any idea that the bus is occupied and they can't search it without a warrant. You don't have to exit the vehicle either. I would have definitely filed a formal complaint. It might help keep the same thing from happening to someone else. Kudos for the charity work!

[@lindseymedina4393]

Watching the way you handled this situation, turning an obviously negative interaction into something positive makes me want to be a better human! I’m so sorry that happened to you. Thank you for being courageous enough to speak up and voice your injustice!

[@sistasista4229]

Mind I post prior to watching the whole show. GOD Bless

[@jeffwhynot5656]

you have a beautiful heart.

[@msmelodybellarenn9648]

You handled that well, I am going to watch your journey because I like you. Remind me of my adventurous son

[@mscarlarn]

You are such a strong woman. Good job. I know you is so very proud of you. Xoxo

[@JROGz-2]

Hi its brandon ur 4th grade student lol. That sucks hope ya get better soon

[@cathyscroggins1420]

I feel that the way you were parked drew attention to yourself, plus it’s a school bus. Don’t get me wrong, I love schoolies. The others, although we’re sleeping overnight, just looked like normal everyday vans. That doesn’t excuse the fact that they didn’t knock on their doors too. The way you handled yourself that night and also at the police station tells me that you are a mature, level headed young woman and I bet your mom is so very proud of you. Keep volunteering 😊

[@travelingwhilebutch]

Hey Cathy, your comment victim blaming Deyana isn't helpful. As a matter of fact, that's the same logic most white people use to call the cops on people of color. How she parked her bus doesn't have anything to do with justifying how she was treated by the police.

[@JP-jd8wr]

@@travelingwhilebutch they're all over the comments with this dumb logic

[@travelingwhilebutch]

@@JP-jd8wr Yeah, white people do that. I try to call it out when I see it.

[@ginakato1797]

@travelingwhilebutch I don’t think she’s victim blaming. You are in too deep. I think she was just trying to advise her on how she parked might have been an issue. They did not know she was a POC until they knocked, right? So if they called for backup after seeing she was a POC then that’s BS. I’m not saying they handled it correctly, just that you might be off base here in your comment. I’m not trying to be confrontational. I’m just saying not everything is prejudice. ✌🏼

[@Nivasi]

Now you have had a 'bad' interaction.. you now have tools to use in the next knock knock. You did good, faced your own fears and that is the most important tool. Don't allow anyone to take your fears & use them against you. - Class DISMISSED-

[@Blessed2Bme73]

so sorry that happened to you, just sad

[@JJ-sv9kh]

So sorry they did that!!!! 😢

[@bruced4846]

Wow what a great attitude you have! I support the police overall but in my youth I had some be unnecessarily rude to me. Glad the Sgt was professional and helpful with you. We need to find bad people NOT innocent campers lol! Take care!

[@nothingspecific.8119]

They definitely profiled your bus for some reason! And I live in my van, and I've never had any problem myself, but have heard and seen this profiling before by police! I'm sorry you went through that! It's not the right way to go about it! Scary and inappropriate behavior by law enforcement! Feel better, & stay safe my friend!👍🚙

[@bo_arrow]

the officer was in training but it took other cops to intervene in the "training" for 1 female? the audio sounded like he was making stuff up on the spot. keep your head beloved.

[@Livinglifetothefullesy]

I'm glad I subscribed and followed you. Keep safe :) looking forward to seeing more of your vlog.

[@red385]

I feel you my sister we know what time it is. Anyway stay focused it's literally a journey so enjoy your travels. I just discovered your channel answer subscribed I'll keep following. Much love stay blessed

[@d3mist0clesgee12]

New to channel, good stuff

[@debbieherman6040]

You are so right with experience change. Can happen..travel on enjoy

[@Blessed2Bme73]

show them Girl!

[@Truepisces225]

You are so awesome!! It pisses me off that you had to go through that with a cop who evidently had a large ego and problem. But you did not let that horrible situation dim your light. You are truly a special person. 🤗

[@ikindred]

Sorry this happened to you. When you showed the other vans parked, I immediately assumed it was because you were taking up more than one spot, but they could have handled the situation better, especially when they are trained on things like this. The excuse the Sergeant gave you about sending the backup officers being in training was a crock of shit. As a person of color, you had every right to be upset after this encounter.

[@IsleSile]

🥰

[@lo8337]

So, because your skokie occupied more than one parking spot they come to you. The parking lot was empty and really do they not have anything better to do? Good for you in turning a negative into a positive and for speaking your mind.

[@ammocandoit]

Anytime I've had to convince cops I live this way on purpose I say "do people that are forced to live this way have a solar setup?"

[@chrislee5852]

🌹

[@bezka91]

Sorry you had to go through that

[@Malember]

You are awesome and handled the situation very well. They messed up by not identifying themselves. For what it's worth, many years ago as part time security, we were taught to pay extra attention to how much space people where taking up as the corporate folks felt that there was a difference between someone spending the night and "living" in a lot. You would be amazed at how much damage even a small campfire can cause to an asphalt lot. We wouldn't have bothered you but would keep an eye out from a distance. Policy was to avoid avoid any contact and call police/fire/ambulance as needed if any property damage was occuring. I guess these days some places just ban overnight stays instead, which is unfortunate.

[@witchleaf]

💕✨️

[@tammycruz8189]

It's okay to cry everybody does and they had no right to do what they did and you absolutely need to go and file a complaint against them they were definitely wrong !! Please take care sweetie God bless Safe travels always your friend in Michigan Tam

[@1000Deep]

Stay strong and don't let them get the best of you mentally. Unfortunately, we have to encounter people like this sometimes. Stay the course and keep doing your good work. Take care and positive vibes to you.

[@zebulon9591]

What city was this in?

[@dewservices]

It happens. I had them tear my door down and drag me out of my house for a disturbing the peace call that I wasn’t even a part of. At least you didn’t have that done…And I’m Asian American so…I’m thankful this was before the Asian hate thing during Covid Or it could have been a lot worse…

[@yolandabrandon5342]

They thought you had the cheap van/ bus. The others can be confused for business vans, feel better. Hopefully they will actually file the complaint.

[@cindynicholson8865]

That is horrible

[@selisagrimes9837]

So sorry you went though this like a champ. The officer was wrong. So much to wonder at. I wish the other nomads would have come to support you. Were you the only person of color? We have bullies in this world dressed at officers of the law too. Glad you made lemons out of lemonade. You did not look anything. The officer lost humanity points under the cover of "law enforcement". Lesson learned and you moved on. You keep leading with kindness. No one can take your power only you can relinquish it. You were made stronger.

[@santiagogarciajr1188]

Next time cops come to your door ask if you are detailed. If not leave. If they still ask you questions say I want a lawyer and tell them I do not answer questions. Cops will mark tires with chalk to see if they have moved or the ground around the bus. Record every interaction with the police it is your first amendment right.

[@waynepeterson1061]

Sorry you had to experience that. 😔 I could appreciate the sergeant's explanation of it being a training exercise for new officers but am sure I would have felt less nervous if the officer who made the initial encounter had revealed that to me in the first place. Having watched your prior videos I can see you turning a LEMON situation into a LEMONADE situation with the volunteering of your time, just by the positive lookout you always seem to have. Happy trails and look forward to your next video.

[@coopercooper8745]

some officer just in different zone mode for whatever reason their mind that day was . it just another human with badge . i am very glad you make time to come by to office . just like having bad costumer service day at retail shop and you want filing complaint to management level . it is the only way for better service and improved more understanding . you will not see at Federal Level just simply back ground experience ,education and level of training they have received . time and time some County or City just get to nosy while AGENCY was investigating Case . at the end we all human ,one mistake is enough and sometime is to much . add MORE mini conceal SAFETY camera for future encounter and you will most likely WILL BENEFIT YOU . ...............you are on camera and how can i help ............. be safe out there and hopefully you still be able enjoy your mini bus . REMEMBER this : we have Local ,County ,City State and FEDERAL level at the TOP .

[@helene1779]

❤️🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼❤️🐕

[@HenryRoss-wu4lo]

Don't never get scared of nobody nobody's take ur power know ur strength and do whatever you have to do to get them 😭💔🤡 bums off u 🥊🥊🥊🥊!!!

[@zuzannablackmore4625]

UK here. I feel so bad for you. Is that a sundown town? You are so brave to be travelling around that racist country. Can't say if we would have the same probs in the UK. I suspect we would. Not many van lifers here. Country is so small lol It might be a great idea to make your own Green book - Traveling companion for black people.

[@sistasista4229]

The cops could of been better. You do stick out with your rig. NOt defending the police. Your parked sideways. GODSPEED & Safe Travels

[@timc2346]

Nothing wrong with standing up for yourself from my experience if you take crap from people they will hand it to you.Just noticing lately Americans say Yall alot ,Canadian we say Eh .😉

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Yeah they profiled you. But word to wise park different they don’t like people taking more than one space. It’s a police thing. You handled it good girl awesome 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦

[@cindynicholson8865]

You are an amazing person. Keep moving forward.

[@peppersmith]

We know what that was About..... Everything can be done Different. They jus Don't.....Stay Strong!!!!

[@tonylopez272]

Sorry you were profiled But I'm l glad you're around other bus and Van Lifers . The things could have been a lot worse if you were the only one in the parking lot . That's sad that should have never happened to you. keep your spirits up school Teacher

[@donnamoll3159]

Sorry the policeman did not lie. @ 47-52 seconds point in 'you say' you slept there "3 times in the past week and a half" (or about 10 days). Then at 3 min 28-30 seconds you say the cop said you slept there multiple time in 2 weeks. He did not lie, you appear to not understand your own listed facts, 3 is multiple. As for being stopped by the police it is nerve racking the first time for me and also for my husband. He was 28 before every being stopped by the police so yes its weird. All said be sure to understand your facts, you did sleep there multiple times in 2 weeks and if illegal in a specific town, van lifers need to do a better job of checking the laws or pay the fee at some type of camping facility. $20-40 bucks is cheaper than a ticket or a hotel room. The other vans or someone else nearby may have made a complaint against you. The BUS does look like "old hippy" type vibe. That may have gotten the cops attentions, especially since seen there more than once. Truthfully the other vans look more expensive and if they are tracking they "might be" giving vans a single night without issue (IE tracking vans). Since you and the cop both indicate you were there more than once (the bus does stand out) that probably got you questioned.

[@charlesb4267]

Deyana, I know its easy to jump to a conclusion about being profiled but from what you explain it would have been impossible for them to know who is inside any one of those vehicles including yours. They would have had to go to each and every vehicle to know who was inside and I assume you didn't know either as to who was inside each of those various vans as they could have all been persons of color for example. You showed each vehicle in the parking lot and instantly I knew why they targeted your unit, its a modified school bus ... and the fact is school buses that are modified to look like an RV stick out and no it did not help that you were parked across the parking lines as that also is a red flag. I am in no way trying to be mean or cause you to feel bad over what happened as I know you are a VERY nice kind hearted person but am objectively pointing out why they came to your unit first and not you as a person. Now as to the rest of it as per them not going to any of the other vehicles, that is an entirely different matter as they should have indeed done just that and informing all of them as well as to the local ordinance, there they failed miserably and goes back to your bus standing out among all those other vehicles and chose to turn a blind eye to the vans. The RV type profiling if you will reminds me of people who go to some RV camp grounds where they have rules around what they will allow to stay over night, as soon as they see an older RV and that definitely includes a modified bus, they turn up their nose and say your not allowed here as it has to be 10 years or newer ( something along those lines ) or some idiotic rule like that as they want everything to look high class in their snooty facility so that those with very expensive rigs ( the multi million dollar Prevost motorhome ) feel special. In any event hopefully you can grasp the view point I sensed from information you showed in your video. I must say the sargent was very professional and nice towards you and I feel a certain amount of that has to do with how you are as a person and his reflecting that back, had you been a fowl mouthed person or ranting and raving like some people are and of any race, oh that would have been an entirely different interaction ! 😉

[@yuseffranklin9465]

Hope your ok and it how your parked probably

[@PacificOceanCrawlers]

It’s gotta be the way you parked across the spaces

[@Chiyloko]

Maybe take your social media tag off of there for saftey and to avoid harassment

[@theskoolieteacher]

I’ve never been harassed over my social media or having a stalker… only racially profiled

[@azzanjett1788]

That’s bull smh 🤦‍♂️ that’s right

[@jasonhammons2629]

Yes, very scary fairy. Sorry to you please man please fairy show me to you your day very bad because you’re on rolling your day fairy sorry to.

[@C.C.J.1975]

It seems like they was only picking you because of your bus..love your bus it's super nice!

[@jwredd]

Bless your heart.

[@stangman1268]

i'm on your side but before you went to the precint to file a report i noticed that you parked taking up 3 or 4 spots therefore bringing attention to yourself, doesn't warrant having half of precint there basically harrassing you though.🙂

[@fiendssanctuary]

You should always record your interactions with so called law enforcement

[@hutchy_4297]

please learn your rights 1. always record(audio, and video)the police, EVERY interaction, it's your right 2. do not answer their questions, they can and will hold it against you and you do not have to assist in their investigation LOVE that you turned it into a positive and volunteered!!!!!

[@vicar19]

❤️

[@homebwoi908]

Is she single ? 😍

[@keidrac]

The ignorance of him to suggest that you’re homeless, and the banging on your door which would have scared anyone was just completely unnecessary, just glad you’re okay