Do I have grounds for a formal complaint against the popo?

I was jogging home from Krystal where I'd been sitting and doing work. A police car pulled over to block my way, and the officer got out and started interrogating me about my laptop (which I got as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend). He all but accused me of stealing it, told me to stand at the front of the car, took out the laptop and started going through my Pictures folder on the desktop. He then plugged my hard drive into the USB port and opened a tax document to see whether or not it was indeed mine. I explained that the laptop was a gift, had the officer call my gf at work because I figured she'd corroborate that story. Turns out he didn't say anything of the sort and in fact claimed that she had denied giving me the laptop. After about fifteen minutes (the whole time I seriously thought I was going to get arrested or have my laptop taken), he finally let me go and said that if he found that the laptop was on a list of stolen ones he was going to find me.

Stupid me, didn't get the officer's name or badge number because I was on the verge of pissing myself and wanted away from them. Should I still file a formal complaint despite a) not having this information and b) not providing explicit permission for him to search my stuff and/or c) being treated that way in the first place?

edited 26th Apr '14 7:14:53 AM by TomoeMichieru

I would advise you to seek the advice of actual legal professionals, not internet forums. I am not personally familiar with the laws governing the conduct of the police in America, but I would be astonished if they were permitted to act in the way you described.

EDIT: Did I make this bit clear enough? Ask real lawyers.

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

edited 26th Apr '14 7:21:59 AM by Achaemenid

If you state the time and location in your complaint they should know who it was. And you should file a complaint. Don't expect compensation or anything, but this is the kind of thing that if enough people complain about him doing he'll get reprimanded. The most you'll get is an apology and even that's highly unlikely. The most he'll get is a stern talking to unless he has made a habit of stopping and searching people without probable cause.

But do that first.

edited 26th Apr '14 7:25:35 AM by MrSparky

Lawyer first, not us. Then do a chat with the police internal affairs/public relations type people and/or a supervisor.

But above all else, talk to an attorney.

There is unfortunately precedent that the Fourth Amendment doesn't apply to searches of electronics. Doesn't mean it's right, just that they can get away with it.

Lawyer. Lawyer first.

Locking this thread, because that's the only valid answer to your question.