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...reluctant to ENFORCE traffic laws?

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Dogsoldier, since I know you are a former LEO, I'll bite - could it be:
1. They are saving paper (and thus money) by not issuing the paper citations?
2. They are saving money by not issuing tickets because that means no need for court?
3. They don't want to have a reputation as a "speed trap"?
4. They don't see the same infractions you do?
5. They need to finish eating their donut and don't want to spill their coffee?
It could be something like happened to me about 30 years ago. I was on my way home from work on Florence Blv. when all of a sudden a police car was next to me. I think he may have blew his horn to get my attention,because of cource I had "Dixie Chicken" turned up and was not paying attention to my speed.
Instead of stopping me he just got beside me and held up 4-5 on his hand. That ment more to me than any warning he could have giving me.
I do not know who the LEO was but he is forever in my mind when I travel that part of Flo.Blv. that simple jesture was taken to heart, and if that LEO is still working, but I doubt it since it was about 30 years past, I thank you. You made a difference in my driving then and now.
We need more policemen and women just like you.
I'll preface this by saying that I know nothing of the back-story on this. However, occasionally police officers are on their way to other calls; some emergencies, others not so much. It would fry me when I was on my way to a call or to court and see someone do something really, really stupid behind the wheel and I couldn't take any action on it.

Of course, he might be on his way to a convenient toilet or to get a hot donut and coffee, but sometimes there are good reasons.

But if you're ever asked, "Have you been drinking? Your eyes are red", you should probably resist saying "Have you been eating Krispy Kremes? Your eyes are glazed."
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
quote:
Originally posted by excelman:
Could be they don't see minor traffic infractions that are not causing danger to anyone as cause to get free money from people.


I don't consider running traffic lights or STOP signs 'minor infractions'. Nor do I consider going 15+ mph over posted speed limits 'minor infractions'.


Have you been on Florence Blvd. or Cox Creek Parkway lately?

It isn't just Sheffield.

I'm ready to vote for $2500 driving schools and stricter licensing requirements.
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
quote:
Originally posted by excelman:
Could be they don't see minor traffic infractions that are not causing danger to anyone as cause to get free money from people.


I don't consider running traffic lights or STOP signs 'minor infractions'. Nor do I consider going 15+ mph over posted speed limits 'minor infractions'.

You seem to have something specific in mind, but what I am referring to are things like
rolling a stop sign when NO ONE is in the other street , going thru a yellow light as it turns red when no one is waiting at the intersection, going 5 or 10 mph over the posted speed limit when there is little to no traffic.
Maybe like some others have said they are looking to stop or apprehend someone who is committing a real crime, like theft etc.
If someone is no danger to themselves or anyone else, what is the big deal?
On the other hand- are there ANY cops anywhere who will give a ticket for some ass driving slow in the left-hand lane, or check people who are turning left at a light and do not go to the center of the intersection, or put people in jail and prosecute them for stealing when they are caught red handed, or send people to prison for writing bad checks. I could go on and on and on.
running lights and stop signs IS a big deal. I had a cousin who was killed by a guy who was "just trying to beat the light", coz he was late for work. now, I don't have my cousin. people around here do that crap all the time, and they usually don't even make it under during yellow. I'm sorry, but thats a pet peeve of mine now.
quote:
Originally posted by RoadHawg:
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
quote:
Originally posted by excelman:
Could be they don't see minor traffic infractions that are not causing danger to anyone as cause to get free money from people.


I don't consider running traffic lights or STOP signs 'minor infractions'. Nor do I consider going 15+ mph over posted speed limits 'minor infractions'.


Have you been on Florence Blvd. or Cox Creek Parkway lately?

It isn't just Sheffield.

I'm ready to vote for $2500 driving schools and stricter licensing requirements.


You Are SO Right! Florence BLVD is a death trap waiting to happen. I have seen very, very few police officers running radar since they began this new road construction. After almost getting side swiped by an 18 wheeler with my child in the car, I decided to take the back roads (Huntsville Rd., etc.) and ALAS!
There They Are! You can see plenty of cruisers on that side of town. It's a shame too, they could make the city alot of money (as if they need it) by simply running radar in the construction zones.
I would agree that patrolling, or the lack there of, is a big reason so many traffic laws are broken. Just a couple of years ago there were patrol cars that were assigned to patrol downtown Tuscumbia and others to patrol the neighborhoods. You should see the way people drive around now. And of course there are no officers around to see it. Seems like since this tempory Chief has taken over, he has all the cars patrolling out on Highway 72
If I am not mistaken years ago the FPD had motorcycle officers that worked both the day and evening shift that were responsible for traffic and left the other officers to work patrol. Of course there were no motorcycle officers on the mid-night shift due to low volume of traffic. Maybe Sheffield and Tuscumbia needs to see if it can be done, like it was done by the FPD many years ago.
The same things are happening in all four cities. I was almost T-boned at Woodward and Avalon yesterday by someone running a red light, and there are a lot of people running over the speed limits. I did notice that Sheffield has lowered the limit on Hatch Boulevard to 25 MPH, but you still see people running 40-50 on it.
quote:
Originally posted by zippadeedoodah:
I'll preface this by saying that I know nothing of the back-story on this. However, occasionally police officers are on their way to other calls; some emergencies, others not so much. It would fry me when I was on my way to a call or to court and see someone do something really, really stupid behind the wheel and I couldn't take any action on it.

Of course, he might be on his way to a convenient toilet or to get a hot donut and coffee, but sometimes there are good reasons.

But if you're ever asked, "Have you been drinking? Your eyes are red", you should probably resist saying "Have you been eating Krispy Kremes? Your eyes are glazed."


Folks that 'know' me, know I am a former LEO. I don't make posts critical of law enforcement without a valid concern or reason.
quote:
Originally posted by monster:
running lights and stop signs IS a big deal. I had a cousin who was killed by a guy who was "just trying to beat the light", coz he was late for work. now, I don't have my cousin. people around here do that crap all the time, and they usually don't even make it under during yellow. I'm sorry, but thats a pet peeve of mine now.


Ever seen the aftermath of a log truck hitting a mini van full of folks....just because the log truck driver didn't want to wait for a 2-minute light? Ever helped EMTs pick up body parts of children....killed when an idiot ran a STOP sign at twice the posted speed limit?
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
quote:
Originally posted by monster:
running lights and stop signs IS a big deal. I had a cousin who was killed by a guy who was "just trying to beat the light", coz he was late for work. now, I don't have my cousin. people around here do that crap all the time, and they usually don't even make it under during yellow. I'm sorry, but thats a pet peeve of mine now.


Ever seen the aftermath of a log truck hitting a mini van full of folks....just because the log truck driver didn't want to wait for a 2-minute light? Ever helped EMTs pick up body parts of children....killed when an idiot ran a STOP sign at twice the posted speed limit?


Dogsoldier, I have the answer to your question. I am a former Sheffield Police Officer. I can tell you that ONE of the reasons is simply:

POLITICSPOLITICS

For example: When I was a patrol officer there, I stopped a guy for running a red light right in front of me. He fails to stop untill he gets to his house about 3 blocks later. His entire family comes outside, he is borderline DUI. I game him a break and wrote him a running the red light ticket and let him go inside. He contested the ticket and the city judge gave him another break and dismissed the RRL ticket. I was furious to say the least.

The old Police chief was a good man, but didn't want to make any waves and wasn't enforcement minded, neither is the city judge.

I guess what I am saying is for many years they had no backing from management. From the city judge down. I hope whomever the new chief is going to be will be more supportive.
I cannot answer your question Dogsoldier, but I don't believe that Krispy Kreme or any other food venue is the problem with police officers not doing more about the traffic in our area. I think our officers are underpaid and underappreciated for the things that they do for us. If they are not in your area -- they are in another area -- patrolling, monitoring or doing their job to protect and serve. It is rare to see vehicles back at the station "just hanging out" or something to that affect. I assume that it is like Blues said -- they are watching but have not seen overt breaking the law. Most officers do have a small window that they allow over the speed limit before they write you a ticket.

I think Sheffield just lost an officer or two to retirement and moving -- maybe they will have a position for you DogSoldier -- I think you'd make a great LEO in our area!
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
I cannot answer your question Dogsoldier, but I don't believe that Krispy Kreme or any other food venue is the problem with police officers not doing more about the traffic in our area. I think our officers are underpaid and underappreciated for the things that they do for us. If they are not in your area -- they are in another area -- patrolling, monitoring or doing their job to protect and serve. It is rare to see vehicles back at the station "just hanging out" or something to that affect. I assume that it is like Blues said -- they are watching but have not seen overt breaking the law. Most officers do have a small window that they allow over the speed limit before they write you a ticket.

I think Sheffield just lost an officer or two to retirement and moving -- maybe they will have a position for you DogSoldier -- I think you'd make a great LEO in our area!


we don't have nearly enough officers to patrol our streets. I agree our officers are very much under paid. Police put themselves in danger everyday to protect and serve. one of the most dangerous jobs you can have and yet one of the lowest paid and having to live in low income housing. something wrong with that picture! Confused
Many officers do get out everyday and enforce the traffic laws. I know a great number of LEO's from all 4 cities. I hear the same complaint from all of them. If they get out and write a great # of citations, they are asked to dismiss approximately half of them. The mayor is asking, Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so from the Civil Service Board, a council member, a fellow officer. It reaches the point where if you attend certain churches, civic organizations, etc., people feel they are above the law. Why should JoE ShMoe have to pay his ticket simply b/c he lives in the trailer park and knows no one?? Any small wonder officers get frustrated and throw up their hands in defeat?? Roll Eyes
quote:
Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
I applied 3 times with SPD. I'm over-qualified. As it stands, I have a good job, now.


I'll keep the fact that you're a former LEO in mind when I read your posts. I retired some years ago from a department in Florida (early retirement) and I've had some of the same horrific experiences as you describe.

But remember I've seen some of Sheffield's "finest" in Campbell's (when it was still in it's old location) almost having to use arm extenders to reach their plates. If you can run a half a mile in something less than an hour you're probably overqualified for SPD.
I was stopped by a state trooper in Mississippi a few years back for spending. He was on the other side of the highway and turned his blue lights on. I knew that I was spending and that I made a mistake.

Instead of keeping on driving, I pulled off the side of the road, and already had my licencse out for him before he approach the vehicle. When he got to the vehicle I told him I did not make a mistake, that I was speeding.

The officer acted in a very professional manner. Did I get the ticket "no". Have I ever speed on that road again "no". And everytime I drive down that road, I still remember how nice that officer was and his professional way of during his job. Will I ever spend again going to Memphis, by know means, due to the fact how I was treated in a professional manner.
quote:
Originally posted by catgotmytongue:
Many officers do get out everyday and enforce the traffic laws. I know a great number of LEO's from all 4 cities. I hear the same complaint from all of them. If they get out and write a great # of citations, they are asked to dismiss approximately half of them. The mayor is asking, Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so from the Civil Service Board, a council member, a fellow officer. It reaches the point where if you attend certain churches, civic organizations, etc., people feel they are above the law. Why should JoE ShMoe have to pay his ticket simply b/c he lives in the trailer park and knows no one?? Any small wonder officers get frustrated and throw up their hands in defeat?? Roll Eyes


Affectionately called the "good 'ol boy" club locally...

My membership was cancelled years ago.
I can't say exactly why Sheffield police do or do not give citations. But, as the mother of a police office, I have heard him say that the attitude and the way that a person acts when he approaches their car helps him make up his mind whether to give him a ticket or a warning. He does give citations though when He believes that that Person has ultimately done something that could possibly endanger his life or anyone else's that may or may not be in his path. I would wish that any of you that are stopped for any reason by a LEO, please respect him, he has left his wife and children at home, and is risking his life protecting yours. So, hopefully,if you are not doing anything too bad, then hopefully he will just give you a verbal warning and let you go on your way. My son does this. He is not a pushover, He will give tickets when it is warranted, but he is not a habitual ticket giver. Don't you wish all police officers were that way. I love him, and have watched him in action, he is an awesome police officer and he really makes his momma proud. Smiler
Donna: I would personally like to thank you son or whatever officer was sitting at the title loan place at 5:00 this morning. I came across O' Neal bridge (speed limit 45 mph) and was listening to a song that put a little extra spirit in my morning and was just enjoying my drive to work. I was just across the bridge when blue lights were flashed at me. My first thought was "crap" but I quickly looked down to see I was running about 51 mph so I tapped the brakes a little to get down to 45 mph and made sure I waved as I passed him by.

I'm very grateful for not getting a ticket and I hope if somebody knows this guy that they will tell him he still did his job.
Part of the problem in Sheffield is they are severly understaffed. I've heard there are only two cars patrolling the entire city on the midnight shift. The Fire Dept. is understaffed also. Your home owners insurance rates are based on a fully staffed fire dept. If ISO found out how short their shifts run.... well, let's just say you would be paying more for your homeowners insurance.
But... until more revenue comes into Sheffield this will continue to be a problem. Always take a few seconds after the light turns green on 30th and 31st streets before crossing Jackson Highway. The city could make a FORTUNE writing traffic violations at these two intersections. Not to mention the traffic signal on Montgomery and South Mongomery also (by the old dairy king).

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