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I was preparing to pull out from a stop sign today when a law enforcement vehicle goes flying by. I thought I recognized the vehicle because a police officer that lives in my neighborhood drives a similar vehicle. Anyway, my initial thought was that there must be some emergency, since it appeared that he was doing over 70 in a posted 45mph speedzone. As I prepared to turn into my subdivision....Lo and Behold, I drive past that officer's house just in time to see him get out of the vehicle with his lunch in his hand.

I didn't think anything about it for awhile. Then, my blood began to boil after thinking how rude another officer was to my wife while he was issuing her a speeding ticket for going 12 mph over the limit. Mad

I mean, shouldn't officers be held to higher standards??????
Who does he think he is driving that fast just so he can eat lunch at home with his family???
Can he break the law just because he's in a hurry???? I certainly think not. I'd report him if I knew it would do any good...
I may be missing something but, this does not set well with me.
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I'd be venting too. I have seen some cops speed, or not completely stop at stop signs, but then again I never knew for certain that they weren't answering a call. So, even if I had wanted to report them, I'd have absolutely no proof.

Though, if I had seen what you saw, I'd be livid too. Cops should be following traffic laws too, and when they don't they should get tickets just like the people they pull over Big Grin

This reminds me of a link I saw on the site I admin for, where a chief of a PD (I think) gave himself a ticket for not stopping near a school bus..

http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/news/10880034/detail.html

I'm not sure if ya have to log in to read it or not, but yep, all cops should be like this chief. His ticket cost him $235 and then he even took 4 points off of his own license. Smiler

I hope that the cop you are talking about doesn't do that too often, going that fast in a 45 is completely wreckless.

~Manda~
quote:
Originally posted by johnt:
I was preparing to pull out from a stop sign today when a law enforcement vehicle goes flying by. I thought I recognized the vehicle because a police officer that lives in my neighborhood drives a similar vehicle. Anyway, my initial thought was that there must be some emergency, since it appeared that he was doing over 70 in a posted 45mph speedzone. As I prepared to turn into my subdivision....Lo and Behold, I drive past that officer's house just in time to see him get out of the vehicle with his lunch in his hand.

I didn't think anything about it for awhile. Then, my blood began to boil after thinking how rude another officer was to my wife while he was issuing her a speeding ticket for going 12 mph over the limit. Mad

I mean, shouldn't officers be held to higher standards??????
Who does he think he is driving that fast just so he can eat lunch at home with his family???
Can he break the law just because he's in a hurry???? I certainly think not. I'd report him if I knew it would do any good...
I may be missing something but, this does not set well with me.


Why don't you call his chief and report him? call the mayor.
I had a similar deal a couple of years ago. I was traveling north on Hwy 157... a Florence officer goes by... im doing the spead limit which is 45. After getting up to 60, i couldnt catch the officer. I knew the officer lived on Cloverdale Rd. Was just in a hurry to get home i guess. Of course i was speeding after the officer passed me lol. I had a Gomer thought and wanted to hollar, "Citizens arrest. citizens arrest" lol
quote:
Originally posted by johnt:
I was preparing to pull out from a stop sign today when a law enforcement vehicle goes flying by. I thought I recognized the vehicle because a police officer that lives in my neighborhood drives a similar vehicle. Anyway, my initial thought was that there must be some emergency, since it appeared that he was doing over 70 in a posted 45mph speedzone. As I prepared to turn into my subdivision....Lo and Behold, I drive past that officer's house just in time to see him get out of the vehicle with his lunch in his hand.

I didn't think anything about it for awhile. Then, my blood began to boil after thinking how rude another officer was to my wife while he was issuing her a speeding ticket for going 12 mph over the limit. Mad

I mean, shouldn't officers be held to higher standards??????
Who does he think he is driving that fast just so he can eat lunch at home with his family???
Can he break the law just because he's in a hurry???? I certainly think not. I'd report him if I knew it would do any good...
I may be missing something but, this does not set well with me.


Drat, there is a solution, and I don't like what it does to me.

Here goes: DEMAND THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED CAMERAS.
Speed Cameras do not differentiate between police cars and non police cars.
Where they have been installed, Police, driving over the speed limit in Official Vehicles, WITHOUT cause, are being penalized for Speeding, they get the Fine, They Get the Points, and further, they GET DISCIPLINED BY THE POLICE FORCE.

But, like I said at first, I DON'T LIKE SPEED CAMERAS.
Oh, what the heck..... Roll Eyes

quote:
I mean, shouldn't officers be held to higher standards??????
Who does he think he is driving that fast just so he can eat lunch at home with his family???
Can he break the law just because he's in a hurry????


1. Yes, they should be, and in MOST cases ARE...just as teachers, preachers, elected officials, etc should be.

2. He's HUMAN...and every once in a while, errs....just as I'm sure YOU have, and WILL continue to do. And 'NO'...that doesn't EXCUSE it, but it does EXPLAIN it....maybe.

3. It depends. In MOST cases, though, for an LEO to LEGALLY 'violate' traffic laws, he MUST be 'acting on behalf of his department', i.e., responding to a call that JUSTIFIES his actions taken.

Will it do any good to report him? It depends LARGELY on his Chief and Mayor. In all probablility, a 'memo' will be placed on the PD bullentin board, SOME officers will read it and among those that actually do, the 'gap' that separates 'them/us' will grow farther apart.

Before you become TOO critical of LEOs, in general, TRY getting to KNOW them. Do some 'ride alongs', if possible. Next to our nation's military, LEOs work in the most dangerous environment imaginable, for the lowest pay and fewest rewards. They also have among the highest divorce rates of professions.
Last edited by dogsoldier0513
I see that ALL the time... most of the time I KNOW the cop behind the wheel, and usually, next time I see them, I DO remind them of the infraction. They agree with me... AT THE TIME, but somehow or another, they are of the mindset that THEY have the Blue Lights, the Sirens and the shooters, LOL.....

Guess if I were a cop, I might would accidently take advantage of that too!!!!

Seriously speaking though... it IS legal to do a Citizens Arrest on them. I think it would probably hold up in court... only bad thing about that is that in some of our cities, THEY might make life a little harder on ya... ya know? Don't make it right, it is just a reality. Not a good one either.
Society does hold law enforcement to a "higher standard". Not that it's "fair", as the same standards should apply to everybody. But, officers should conform to the higher standard...they knew that when they hired on, or should have. No, it's not fair, but the "higher standard" goes with the job.

Law enforcement officers can only violate traffic laws when they are activly engaged in attempting to apprehend a suspected or actual violator of law. By Alabama code, they are required to use lights and siren to do so. (BTW, your "emergency lights, or flashers" on a personal vehicle DO NOT qualify you to exceed the speed limit).

Whether you report him or not depends on you. Is it an isolated incident? Then you might write it off as not worth the time to follow up. Does this happen every day? You need to be complaining, then. Get an appointment with his Chief, and let him know what's going on.

At the department I work at, it would be followed up on. You would be asked if you would like to file a formal complaint, which you would be asked to swear to and sign. Verbal complaints that are not signed or sworn to are followed up on, too....it's just that a complaint is easier to substantiate if there's an actual complainant.

An internal affairs investigation would be done. If it was substantiated, then at a bare minimum, the officer would be counselled concerning his driving habits and a letter of reprimand placed in his file. If he has had several complaints filed, or been involved in accidents with department vehicles, then it may be time for some departmental disciplinary action. Any criminal charges would have to be initiated by someone who witnessed the violation...so you'd have to swear to a ticket, if you wanted to go that far.

He may have had a valid "excuse" for what he did. Have you ever had to hurry the last mile home because of a "call of nature"? Or because the wife called and said that the kids were fighting. Both excuses are not necessarily valid reasons for what he did, but certainly understandable, and I have given breaks to motorists for both.

Myself, I'd speak to him in person. I'd do it on a friendly basis, but I'd mention him being in a hurry, and ask if there was a problem. Comment on speeders in the area, and how to slow them down...it'll get his attention.

You have a right to expect the cops in your neighborhood to do better. Whether it will do any good to complain to his chief depends on his chief, or whatever type of superior officer he has. That superior answers to somebody that you had an opportunity to vote for...somewhere up the chain of command.
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:


Before you become TOO critical of LEOs, in general, TRY getting to KNOW them. Do some 'ride alongs', if possible.


Okay. Here's where I have to jump in. I'll also add that I would like an honest, informed answer from you or anyone here that can speak to the current policies of any of the local city police departments. Is it legal/possible for them to provide a "ride along' to the general public?

I know that officers may have personal friends who do it, and that may or may not be against "the rules" of the department: I don't have any idea. I do know that my husband and I were involved in a car breakdown on a major road, so the Sheffield PD showed up. They were helpful and nice. Unfortunately, we were stranded. They told us they couldn't LEGALLY provide transportation anywhere. We had a cell phone, so all was good and everything worked out. However, they were so nice, and yet they told us they couldn't transport us anywhere, so I assumed it was against the law or policy for them to transport non-LEOs without special permission.

Am I wrong? I sure hope so. I'd LOVE to go on a "ride along" with one of the local PDs. How should the average person go about getting that opportunity?
quote:
Originally posted by e:
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:


Before you become TOO critical of LEOs, in general, TRY getting to KNOW them. Do some 'ride alongs', if possible.


Okay. Here's where I have to jump in. I'll also add that I would like an honest, informed answer from you or anyone here that can speak to the current policies of any of the local city police departments. Is it legal/possible for them to provide a "ride along' to the general public?

I know that officers may have personal friends who do it, and that may or may not be against "the rules" of the department: I don't have any idea. I do know that my husband and I were involved in a car breakdown on a major road, so the Sheffield PD showed up. They were helpful and nice. Unfortunately, we were stranded. They told us they couldn't LEGALLY provide transportation anywhere. We had a cell phone, so all was good and everything worked out. However, they were so nice and yet told us they couldn't transport us anywhere, that I assumed it was against the law or policy for them to transport non-LEOs without special permission.

Am I wrong? I sure hope so. I'd LOVE to go on a "ride along" with one of the local PDs.
Most, not all PD's encourage and provide for ride alongs by civilians.
quote:
Originally posted by e:
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:


Before you become TOO critical of LEOs, in general, TRY getting to KNOW them. Do some 'ride alongs', if possible.


Okay. Here's where I have to jump in. I'll also add that I would like an honest, informed answer from you or anyone here that can speak to the current policies of any of the local city police departments. Is it legal/possible for them to provide a "ride along' to the general public?

I know that officers may have personal friends who do it, and that may or may not be against "the rules" of the department: I don't have any idea. I do know that my husband and I were involved in a car breakdown on a major road, so the Sheffield PD showed up. They were helpful and nice. Unfortunately, we were stranded. They told us they couldn't LEGALLY provide transportation anywhere. We had a cell phone, so all was good and everything worked out. However, they were so nice, and yet they told us they couldn't transport us anywhere, so I assumed it was against the law or policy for them to transport non-LEOs without special permission.

Am I wrong? I sure hope so. I'd LOVE to go on a "ride along" with one of the local PDs. How should the average person go about getting that opportunity?


Of course, different departments have different policies. But, stranded motorists and arrestees are typically covered under the liability insurance policies of most departments.

"Ride alongs" typically are not covered, or the department has to buy a separate insurance policy to cover non-trained, non-sworn, non-employees riding in a department vehicle. "Reserve" or "Auxilary" officer are a different story..the department provides worker's compensation and liability insurance on them.

Best advice is just to call or visit the ones you are interested in riding with...they may say yes!!!!
quote:
Originally posted by Sassy
[QUOTE]

Of course, different departments have different policies. But, stranded motorists and arrestees are typically covered under the liability insurance policies of most departments.

Best advice is just to call or visit the ones you are interested in riding with...they may say yes!!!!


Maybe it was because we had a cell phone and could reach a contact to pick us up that they chose to wait with us rather than help transport us. That makes sense to me.

Do you (or does anyone) know of a local department that will allow ride-alongs? I would really like to see the area from their perspective.
The department I work for doesn't have a ride along program. Our insurance provider discourages ride along programs, motorcycles and a couple of other things with higher insurance premiums.

I have an appointment to speak to our insurance provider in about two weeks....I'll quiz him on the extent of the rate increase...can't hurt, might be something we can afford.
To All:
Each department has different views on ride alongs..some allow it...some don't...If you are stranded and need a ride, some departments will allow them to transport to the safest shelter for you...they record the mileage and time you get into the car and when you get out...this is for your protection and theirs..
Police officers of yesterday, provided more of a community service by changing tires, assisting older people in their homes late at night, etc...the younger ones today...have the rambo attitude...and have been watching too much TV...
The best way to police is community policing...putting a officer on the ground in the neighborhood..(riding bikes)like downtown areas....then the individuals of the community come to know the officer first hand...this builds trust...and rapport with the citizens of their area...police complaints go down significantly when this style is used.
Police officers jobs are not to put people in jail...they are there to assist the community if help is needed...sometimes people do go to jail...but I have had more talk their way into jail than you would believe...
I believe every citizen should ride in a patrol car for a few days...you will have a real different point of view of things after that experience...I promise...PBA I think it would do you some good to experience some reality of the street.
Thanks for the input and opinions, everyone. Don't get ME wrong, I've known several LEO's and have friends that are. I know these guys are underpaid and underappreciated. However, to see a LEO "appearing to" blatantly disregard traffic laws, well, that's not right no matter how you look at it. I know traffic laws are broken everyday, but my point was that an officer in uniform driving a marked car should set a better example. I called and expressed my opinion regarding this incident. However, judging from the reaction I recieved, they've got more "important issues" to worry about.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by traderconnections:
To All:
Each department has different views on ride alongs..some allow it...some don't...If you are stranded and need a ride, some departments will allow them to transport to the safest shelter for you...they record the mileage and time you get into the car and when you get out...this is for your protection and theirs..
Police officers of yesterday, provided more of a community service by changing tires, assisting older people in their homes late at night, etc...the younger ones today...have the rambo attitude...and have been watching too much TV...
The best way to police is community policing...putting a officer on the ground in the neighborhood..(riding bikes)like downtown areas....then the individuals of the community come to know the officer first hand...this builds trust...and rapport with the citizens of their area...police complaints go down significantly when this style is used.
Police officers jobs are not to put people in jail...they are there to assist the community if help is needed...sometimes people do go to jail, but I have had more talk their way into jail than you would believe.
I believe every citizen should ride in a patrol car for a few days...you will have a real different point of view of things after that experience...QUOTE]

Those days seem just like yesterday, but we know it was a LONG LONG time ago, and they are basically gone.

I talked to 2 of my cop friends about this, and both of them said that gangs, criminals and the like are the reason that good and honest people, who just need a ride somewhere, or help getting out of the break-down they are suffering. They created 'blanket' rules because there were a LOT of cops hurt, maimed or killed by "innocent looking" people, so for THEIR safety, they stopped the courtesy rides.

On the other hand, any of the friends I have in law enforcement WOULD stay with a vehicle and passengers, to keep them out of harms way, UNTIL a tow or ride showed up.
quote:
Originally posted by johnt:
Thanks for the input and opinions, everyone. Don't get ME wrong, I've known several LEO's and have friends that are. I know these guys are underpaid and underappreciated. However, to see a LEO "appearing to" blatantly disregard traffic laws, well, that's not right no matter how you look at it. I know traffic laws are broken everyday, but my point was that an officer in uniform driving a marked car should set a better example. I called and expressed my opinion regarding this incident. However, judging from the reaction I recieved, they've got more "important issues" to worry about.


johnt... I am glad you were able to express your opinions to the department committing the infractions... but most won't do that for fear of retalliations... and the department you called is but ONE of this entire area... Frowner

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