Stay Out of Trouble! The Former Officer Who Instructed Others on How to Sidestep Drug Raids

      What occurs when a former Texas police officer with an impressive record of drug-related arrests begins assisting individuals in combating the law? The sobering response is revealed in Never Get Busted, a compelling new documentary about ex-cop-turned-rebel Barry Cooper, currently showing at Sundance.

      Directed by David Anthony Ngo, the film takes us back roughly 25 years, prior to the widespread legalization of marijuana in the U.S., when casual users lived in dread of being stopped and searched. Barry Cooper was among the most effective officers at apprehending drug users and dealers, so passionate about his work that he even trained his own drug-sniffing dog.

      However, as the documentary details, he soon began to doubt the morality and usefulness of raiding homes and tearing families apart over drug possession. Consequently, he switched allegiances, creating the successful Never Get Busted! DVD series where he shared numerous strategies for avoiding arrest.

      (One of the most unusual tips: If you have marijuana in your vehicle, keep a cat in the front seat, as it will distract and confuse drug-sniffing dogs.)

      For a time, Cooper finds himself in a state of limbo. The editors at High Times are initially skeptical, questioning whether his assurances to help drug users elude arrest are merely a complex sting operation. Meanwhile, law enforcement views him as a traitor.

      The film introduces a vibrant cast of supporting characters, including Barry’s partner, who influences his transition from cop to cannabis user, and a gamer/indie filmmaker who aids in launching the Never Get Busted! series.

      However, as Barry’s battle against the war on drugs escalates, he takes increasingly dangerous risks that make him a prime target—despite his ongoing efforts to liberate others.

      Never Get Busted! is not an exhaustive account of Barry Cooper’s story—it skips several years to concentrate on the most dramatic, captured-on-video events, sidestepping the mundane consequences.

      Nonetheless, for much of its duration, it is exhilarating, providing an intriguing perspective on how a sharp legal intellect can challenge aggressive prosecutions. It’s also often maddening to witness how easily decent individuals can become ensnared in the legal system.

      What lingers after the film concludes is Barry Cooper’s spirit, who could have exploited a flawed system but instead chose to fight against it.

      Never Get Busted premiered recently at Sundance.