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"First thing that comes to mind is the Officer had no reason he could articulate to stop/interact with the individual. None."
Nor is one needed.
"Now, is this guy a dirt bag, probably."
Probably.
"But that IS NOT THE ISSUE here."
I agree.
"The issue, can a Police Officer, without reasonable suspicion or PC, stop/interact with a citizen just for "fishing" purposes."
I disagree. The answer to the question is yes, by the way. The issue is one of how a police officer, having contacted an individual as described, interacts with that individual given the 4th Amendment. Interact, by all means. Fish with the skill of a seasoned angler. But do so within the rule of law, taking no short cuts. And for Pete's sake, be able articulate what actions where undertaken and why, and do not fail to do so. Or... Become a cautionary tale such as this one.
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Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective
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