In Reply to: crooked cops in bali posted by jake barnes on Sunday, 31. March 2013 at 04:36 Bali Time:
In 10 or 11 trips, usually a month at a time, I've never really had much interaction with Police in Bali at all.
I asked one for directions once, years ago somewhere in Kuta, but he had no English and I had no Indonesian at that time, so we just gave up. I eventually found my way to where I wanted to be.
Also asked directions from the tourist police booth opposite Kuta Beach once and they were quite helpful and friendly.
Aside from that, I've seen them drive past, I've seen them pulling up bikes en masse on the side of the road at times, but I don't ride a bike or drive in Bali so that's never been a problem for me.
I'd say if you just go about your way and don't break any laws, you'll be just fine.