"Following the law"

One thing I'm always glad to see is a scene like this one from the Mentalist last night.

Agents Cho and Rigsby go into a little business that rents mailboxes.

Cho: We need open Box 121, and we need all the information you have on who rented it.

Owner: Sure, no problem. You have a warrant?

Cho: Ma'am, this is a murder investigation.

Rigsby: We can get a warrant, but that takes time, and time is of the essence here!

Owner: No problem. Go get a warrant, and I'll be here... following the law.

I know we're supposed to sympathize with the cops, and at least Cho and Rigsby accept it (and the store owner is completely innocent). But she's right: the cop tactic of "if you're innocent you have nothing to fear. What are you hiding?" is bad.

Innocent people don't have to give up their rights just to make the cops' job easier. Making the cops do it right is important. It's not obstruction and it's not suspicious. And it's our right.