Customs and habits of usa

Sexuality: The age of majority in America is 18 years nationwide for both sexes. Those caught soliciting a minor may face time in jail and there are no exceptions to this rule: statutory rape is a serious crime the law enforces rigorously and embassies may be in a position to do very little to assist you if you are arrested aside from helping to hire a lawyer. Prostitution is also illegal although occasionally found in areas of ill repute, those caught soliciting a prostitute may face similar penalties and problems. (The prostitutes themselves also get punished with up to several years in jail themselves.)
Police: Police officers on foot and on horseback are a very common sight in American cities; New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, and San Francisco have highly trained professionals. They deal with everything, from stopping a Los Angeles city bus for stopping violations to much worse and more dangerous situations, like the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy or the Boston Bombing of 2013. Generally speaking a visitor will see these men and women both on and off duty, and one of their key jobs is keeping the peace during festivals like the Fourth of July or for parades; they also patrol the beat on weekends near bars to make sure order is kept around alcohol. Unlike many countries, American police often wear guns, and are trained to use them. However, unlike the movies, they do not typically use them unless they absolutely have to do it, like in cases of armed robbery, assault, rape, or other violent crimes, and though that Smith and Wesson looks frightening to a visitor, it is unlikely the cop wearing it is going to use it unless he thinks you might be a member of an international crime syndicate. That being said, one should always treat the policeman with respect, and call him or her "officer". The policeman can be quite helpful in sorting out where to go if you are lost and can be a great asset if you feel a business is trying to scam you, but he will not help you if you never ask nor if you treat him as a paid grunt, with no respect. That being said, never attempt to touch the gun on his hip and do not ever attempt to bribe him, since the first is a very dangerous move and the second is a serious crime -you will be arrested for this and brought in front of a judge, with a very heavy penalty.