MTLNY

ok...the comparison of perks does not equate. How can you say a free airline ticket, store discounts, is equal letting a fellow leo off. After all this talk about how reckless and dangerous speeding, it's ok for a leo and not some other person, Right? Don't you love it when a Leo sppeds past you doing 85-90 just to see him a few minutes later settling into a nice u-turn for the next victim.What's that rational for that, other than speeding is fun and exhilerating, Or in a rush to get the next guy. This whole thread is about discretion. If someone is cruising 75 in a 65 with nary a person in sight, wide open highway, is it necessary to screw him with points for 18 months and higher insurance premiums for three years. Why? Quota? Power trip?... How about a warning. There's a difference between doing 75 in a 65 and let's say 50 in a 30... the later being very dangerous and inexcusable. that's what we're saying...

georgec114

I really didn't want to get into this thread and maybe I shouldn't.
I read the entire thing and coming from a person with only a HS
education and a reading handicap, it was tough.

But after digging through all the and the obvious resentments, I'd
like to point out something which might have been overlooked:The
original post!

It seems that Dave was not so much complaining of LEOs or the
enforement of the law, but of his inability to extract any sympathy
from the officer.

If the conversation did indeed go as quoted above, then the officer
did invite the verbal intercourse. I didn't see Dave as "arguing" the
matter, only that he offered a "reason" for not seeing his lights, not an "excuse" which so many LEOs think is a line of from the motorist. A "reason" which the officer apparently asked for.
Dave's only perceived argument was to ask the officer if something
similar had ever happened to him?

Another common point is the "out of town" question. Unless the officer
is from a town in Cambodia, most every municipality has almost
instant access to "running a plate" before a stop is even made. So yes,
they do know registration and owner info beforehand.

My town and surrounding towns' officers ride around all day and run
the plates. When they stop at a light, they run plates...When they follow someone, they run plates. When they pull into a convenience
store parking lot, they run plates. Sometimes they get lucky and find
someone with an outstanding warrant.

So they do know, for the most part, that whomever they are stopping,
what their chances of danger may be.

And yes, police officers are engaged in a potentially dangerous
profession and it shouldn't disregarded. But I don't believe anyone
here in this thread has made any comment or has any intention
of diminishing those who do the tough things and face dangers.
And, if they follow procedures correctly, they can drastically
minimze their potential for danger.

The LEO's do have "perks" and benefits others do not. Those are the
choices that we all make.

I do believe there is a sense of frustration from those who feel they
have been singled out. It happens and the term "unfair" comes in all
too frequently. It's human nature though.
But I believe it is the tendency of an officer to view any words that
come out of a "singled out" motorist to be a line of .

Some officers cannot fathom the idea that some things are merely
overlooked or not seen.
I have seen this a number of times personally.

There are those A-holes of LEO's and they're probably A-holes in their
personal lives too. Some are power mongers and want to show off.
Some abuse their power, and yes, they do have power.

They have a badge, a weapon, and the knowledge most circumstances
of the law. This is power. They also have a backing of authority to
enforce the law. For the most part, traffic enforcement takes up a
majority of a LEO's day.

It's boring and tedious I'm sure. But with this may come a disrespect
for any motorist.

The word discretion comes into play a lot as well.

My belief is that discretion should come into play from the officer
when cricumstances fit. Was the violation a real safety issue?
Like speeding through a heavy traffic situation? Or tailgating or
disregard of school bus stops, etc.

Some of these should be clear cut citations but a single car on a
highway with no real danger is questionable. So the discretion is now
switched from safety to attitude. Now it's a personality issue and how
best to comply with the officer's sense of reasonableness.

If just the right words or facial expressions don't come off the motorist,
the officer can go into "punish" mode.

Police work is a public job. You guys/gals have a duty and deal with
some of the unpleasant things in life. So do the rest of us.
LEOs do work for the people, like it or not.
You do have to respond to car accidents, domestic situations,
medical emergencies, etc.

That's the job.

Many get defensive and ask" Who you do you call when you need help?"

Well, we call you...Because that is the system that is set up.
That doesn't mean that because you do the tough things, that
you are immune from criticism either.

Again, that is the job.

You also shouldn't have to be disrespected either. No matter how "fair"
you may handle a situation, sometimes you will run into an A-hole.

But most of that can be controlled by the officer with his/her attitude.

People do respond favorably to kindness and understanding. Display
those qualities and I guarantee you that respect comes your way.

I'm outta' here...George

Dave68

Great post, George! You brought up some very good points, although I must say that if you have only a high school education, you must've learned plenty. Here's the scenario that I wish would've happened:

Cop: When did you notice my car?
Me: On the other side of the parking lot.
Cop: Didn't you see my lights out there on the road?
Me: No, I heard your siren and that's when I pulled over.
Cop: Well, here's what happened: I was following a different car that was traveling much faster than you were. All of a sudden, he slowed down and that's when I noticed your car. Although you were driving slower than he was, I noticed that after clocking you, your speed was over the limit. Why didn't you see the 35 MPH sign?
Me: I was looking for a safe place to turn around so I could head back. My eyes were scanning the scene far ahead of anything at the side of the road. In addition, I'm not from this area and I was focusing on finding a place to turn around. Hasn't that ever happened to you?

Cop: Yes, I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't. Well, Since you're not from around here, I'm going to give you a warning and ask you to please slow down when you come to my town.
Me: Well, I certainly appreciate that. By the way, I just so happened to have a box of breakfast bagels here in my car. Would you like some?
Cop: Sure, don't mind if I do!
Me: Take care and have a great weekend
Cop: I sure will - you too!

EHS

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the threat... just what I expected from a "non-corrupt" cop like you. Your breeding is showing.

I'm in investments -- real estate to be precise. Part of what I do, is to clean up the post 9/11 mess in NYC, which includes hiring former NYPD cops (to the inspector level), who have since retired on a nice fat overtime pension from the tragic events of 2001-2002, and are now in the "security" business, taking advantage of what happened at the WTC.

Here's one of your "brothers" -- recognize the "mug shot"?



Well, in case you don't recognize your fellow "bro," it's former police commissioner Bernie Kerik, you know, the one who evaded taxes, hired illegal aliens, didn't pay Social Security, has a warrant out for his arrest (why don't you run his plate?) -- no wait, professional courtesy, you'd let him go, -- got fined (finally) for using NYPD detectives for personal gain, "copped" $6 million in Taser stock options (probably by selling you some), had two simultaneous extra-martial affairs (inlcuding one with a fellow police officer), bankrupt, and with all this, connected to the mob. Hey, semper fi, the thin blue line and all that.

I have a ton of professional licenses, from a number of states, including yours, so threaten me all you want -- if my record passes the Department of State's every year, it should pass yours. And, I'll also stack up my two Ivy League degrees to your high school education any time.

Bottom line, "Dave," the issue which you refuse to address, is that you and your fellow "LEOs" will not enforce the law equitably and fairly -- which is what you are charged to do as your civic responsibility. Everytime you let one of your fellow "LEOs" off for speeding, DWI, or whatever, you are committing a crime, and you are corrupt.

Bluster all you want. Buh, bye.

cadams

I think you were profiled.....but the cop covered his **** nicely. You'll never prove it ...... and its too late for Johnny Cochran's help.

...but i feel for you; it happened to me once also. I was clocked at 66 mph. Was written up for for 66 in a 55. But in fact, I was in the buffer zone of the "reduced speed ahead" 65 to 55. Went to court to fight it, brought a map and everything.

My goal was to contest the technicality of the posted speed, technically 65, NOT 55. Ticket should have said 66 in 65. Not to mention that Johnny law usually gives you up to 5 mph buffer on the highway.

Judge said tough; you're still speeding. Full fines and court cost.

...thank you sir may I have another?

georgec114

Uh Oh!...I suspect this will not end very well.

Come on now guys...No one is corrupt here and we're intelligent
people with, I'm sure, good credentials. So everyone lower their
guns and take step back please.

Threads like this make for good, thought provoking conversation.
But the original post has gotten lost and namecalling and threats
are not becoming.

Kiss and make up please, as though you were "gay."
NOT as if there is anything wrong with that.


...George

DevilDog II

No offense taken by me. I still love you guys.

MyVetteDream

Threat?

I invited you to come ride along to see things from a different perspective ... that's it. Why would you feel like that was a threat? The check for warrants was a joke Ride alongs are common here. People think that other people think the way they do. Why are you so upset?

You "hire" people ... wow. Sounds like you have a job due to 9/11 ... personal gain? You don't voice your opinion to the people "you hire" because you know you can't do the job yourself. It's OK. No one expects much from you. Your breeding is very obvious.

What's funny is you have 2 ivy league degrees, but that doesn't make you smarter than anyone, including me. Push comes to shove, you can't stand on your own two feet. You have to resort to "my brother is bigger than yours" mentality. Debates are an exchange of intelligent ideas and points of view. I'd listen gladly when you have something more than donut jokes and personal attacks to discuss.

Have a nice day, sleep well and enjoy the security you live under, thanks to the people you seem to despise Next time you need the police, call your local pizza guy instead and see what he can do for ya!

Kris072

Damnit ...there goes the price of pizza !

eddie44

Well said! One thing you fail to point out here also is training. How many non LEO here have been thru high speed driving courses? How many of you have been trained to avoid an obstacle in the road at high speed?

Now I'll speak AZ law. Here the speed law is "reasonable and prudent". In otherwords it not a primafacia violation because you're over the posted limit. If I stop another cop I know what he's been trained to do with that vehicle.

One step further, do you want the cop speeding when he responds to your wife's call for help? The thought process by many here is that the cop would be violating the law and another officer is "corrupt" if they don't cite his fellow officer.

I would just ask you all to look in the mirror and ask yourself what "perks" you have received because of your occupation. I would guess that very few of you could say you never got even the smallest perk.

GeorgeZNJ

nothin else to say but what a D**K

Prosecutor

uuum, as a matter of law, in all jurisdictions, this poster is absolutely incorrect. Police officers have a great deal of discretion. This is consistently recognized throughout the law and police officers are encouraged to make choices and consider whether they will initiate a criminal prosecution or otherwise intervene in a situation.

LATE EDIT: I have to say, I reread the entire post quoted above, and it is quite possibly the most incorrect and baseless drivel that has been posted on here to date.

For those of you that are dead set on bashing police officers and making up law or legal principles to support your opinion...please stop. It makes you sound silly.

BWP 5P

All I can say after reading all this is WOW

Somwhere in all this we're all Brothers in Vettes

As for bashing our LEO Brothers for doing their jobs

And like George said, Dave wasn't bashing, he was merely explaining what he thought was a bad ticket, not accusing our LEO friends.

Believe it or not, there are JERKS in my line of work, and I have to deal with them.....just as there are Jerks in ALL lines of work.

Many great posts on here....I do hate to see the animosity though

maybe everyone needs to and get back to dissing Mustangs

michach1

My God! Can't we all just get along?

A##holes exist in every profession. So what?

I think the only takeaway message of this never-ending post is that people are VERY sensitive about getting cited for speeding.

rockgt302

EHS, Im only a few counties away from you if you want a ride along. I doubt you would want to. First off, your hiring of cops due to 9/11. You speak of cleaning the mess, did you actually CLEAN up any thing. When I worked for the NYPD, I lived there for months sifting through rubble, finding body parts, some perk. NYPD has one of the lowest paying salaries, I dont know where you get $140,000 from. I left for that reason, more money. The only person making that would be a commisioner. The Cheif of the Dept is the highest paid Officer at around $120,000 and they do not get OT. Kerik was and is HATED by cops on the NYPD, he is a scumbag, has was a puppet for Rudy. So we shall bow to you, the Ivy Leaguer who is far better than the rest of us.

SONKIST

Wow! C'mon guys - all this because somebody got a ticket!! If you get a ticket you don't deserve, fight it as much as you like to try and get out of it. But.... if that doesn't work, just make yourself smile by thinking of all the other times you were blowing the cobwebs out of your Vette and should have gotten a ticket but didn't!! Tally the times you should have gotten one against that ONE that you've got in your hand.

And all this cop bashing?

I wouldn't want their job - it's a tough one. So I can't be critical of how someone else is doing a job if I'm not willing to step up and do it myself. Ask yourself if you are in the same position. Without them, we would have a MESS!!