Pulled over while in uniform?

[Richman]

:yeahthat: Get as much information as you can and call. I know we sure as hell can't take anything for free. We can be short a penny at the store and have one of those take a penny leave a penny stands right in front of us and not be able to use it. Honestly, it puts me in an uncomfortable situation if someone says it's free. I don't want to feel they are entitled to something from me in the future.

Hi FiveO,

Sounds like you are in Broward County. Hey, let me ask you a question: What the HECK is up with people sitting on the side of the interstate at KFLL RIGHT underneath the sign that says "NO STOPPING - STRICTLY ENFORCED".

I nearly get killed by one of these jackholes pulling back onto the interstate almost every time I go to work.

Is that strech of off ramp FHP or BSO jurisdiction? Last time I went to work, I considered letting the BSO know that there were a bunch of cars stopped on the interstate, but I'm still not in the mood to talk to them.

Funny story...my fiancee came to pick me up from my commute in. We had just gotten engaged, so she was still really happy to see me. She pulled up to the curb, hopped out to hug me and promptly locked her keys in the car WITH the engine running (at midnight, no less).

Think the BSO would be happy to help (I was still in uniform w/ID)? Er, no. Not only did they come up to give us a pile of grief about "parking at the curb" (um, do you really think I didn't know that?), but they not only refused to help unlock the car, but refused to even call anyone, leaving us to scrounge up a locksmith at midnight. They were real toolish even after I explained the situation to them.

On top of that, they wouldn't even get on their radio to their buddies to let them know the situation, so we got the same treatment and 3rd degree from every deputy that strolled on by (about one every 5 minutes for about 45 minutes).

A month two after that, a bunch of letters in the Sun Sentinel REALLY reamed the BSO for being d!ckheads at the airport, so I guess I wasn't alone.

Richman

 

[Bigey]

Theres bad apples in every bunch.

For the most part, i think we have some terrific cops in our area. It's amazing what a little bit of courtesy does when pulled over.

I try to start off the situation with leaving my hands on the steering wheel, and then continuing on with explaining ALL my movements to the officer/deputy. That relieves a good chunk of the tension while on T Stop too.

Now heres where it gets tricky, it can go two ways. You can do the whole honesty thing (usually works really well) or you can do the whole silent treatment and taking into understanding that you dont have to say stuff that'll incriminate you. I say go for option 2 if you plan on fighting the ticket. If not, honest works amazing.

I made an illegal u-turn before. I just completely missed the sign that was on the median, and when i made the turn i didnt realize there was a cop behind me (no situational awareness that night!). As soon as i realized the mistake, i pulled to the side (before he lit me up). He had a really good attitude about it, but i think it was in part because i told him up front "hey sir, completely missed that sign and by the time i did, i saw you in the back!" He said thanks for stopping on my own, and let me go. All without even checking my license or anything.

Now have i had run ins with the dick ones? Yeap, and those are the times i keep my mouth shut, because no matter what i do, his mind is already made up.

 

[JungleJet]

I don't understand why people don't signal. You just have to push your finger up how hard is it? It's my biggest pet peeve, mostly because I got sideswiped by some <no>brain who didn't look or signal on the highway. I almost get hit weekly or more here because of lazy <people> who can't signal or look over their shoulder.

Congratulations, you've earned a long explanation!

You're absolutely right. I'll agree with you 100% of the time. If I remember correctly, I had to merge from an on-ramp quickly. I use my signal turning into the driveway on my quiet residential street. I got caught, so be it. If that was the only ticket I had to pay it would be a non-issue.

My problem is that I gotten written up for my left brake light and my emissions sticker. On the scene, I explained to the cop that I was moving to Virginia in a couple weeks hence my lack of concern for the emissions sticker. The left brake light was fixed as soon as I got back to town and I even threw down $45 for a new Texas emissions sticker at the same time. I gave both receipts to the judge in Coppell a month later (which I had to non-rev to from DCA, get a $49 hotel room, and pay $35 for a car rental), who told me quite succinctly, "I don't care the DA has brought a strong case against you." By the way, I didn't even wear my uniform to court.

Again, if you're job consists of collecting city revenue through harsh traffic busts in a relatively quaint suburban town -- whether you're a policeman, DA, or judge (although the judge might've been a county judge), I don't care for you one bit. I don't know how you can look yourself in the mirror and go out and perform your "duty."

I love cops. I don't like hall monitors.

 

[sopdan]

My problem is that I gotten written up for my left brake light and my emissions sticker. On the scene, I explained to the cop that I was moving to Virginia in a couple weeks hence my lack of concern for the emissions sticker.

FAIL.

Whether you like it or not, emissions stickers are the same as license plates and a driver's license. If it's expired, the car isn't legal.

You're admitted lack of concern to the officer about the sticker probably didn't help you at all.... you needed it that day, and you didn't have it.

Same with the brake light... required but not working = legitimate citation.

Yes, many officers will give warnings, but they don't have to. In MI, I could be issued a ticket for simply having an air freshener (or anything else) hanging from my rearview mirror. Would it suck? Yes. Would I complain? No.

 

[JungleJet]

Thanks warden,

I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Bigey]

FAIL.

Whether you like it or not, emissions stickers are the same as license plates and a driver's license. If it's expired, the car isn't legal.

You're admitted lack of concern to the officer about the sticker probably didn't help you at all.... you needed it that day, and you didn't have it.

Same with the brake light... required but not working = legitimate citation.

Yes, many officers will give warnings, but they don't have to. In MI, I could be issued a ticket for simply having an air freshener (or anything else) hanging from my rearview mirror. Would it suck? Yes. Would I complain? No.

Ahh yes the rearview mirror. On a couple of different rides i've been on (i'm in the explorer program) we've used the parking pass on the mirror as probable cause to pull over. On that note, we only did it on people that were looking extremely shady. Once we pulled them over we were able to get inside the car and find some drugs. But, in all legality, we were in the clear as the rearview mirror is a pull over offense.

 

[TUCKnTRUCK]

Ahh yes the rearview mirror. On a couple of different rides i've been on (i'm in the explorer program) we've used the parking pass on the mirror as probable cause to pull over. On that note, we only did it on people that were looking extremely shady. Once we pulled them over we were able to get inside the car and find some drugs. But, in all legality, we were in the clear as the rearview mirror is a pull over offense.

Yes... but you still need permission or a warrant, or reasonable doubt to search. He had a mirror tag, so I thought there was pot in the trunk... normally won't fly under the 4th. Of course if you have been arrested, or the car impounded, all bets are off, (even the most restrictive state allows a search within area's of the occupants command (eg, glove box, seat pockets etc.)

It is almost ALWAYS better to fight the cop in court after. Take detailed notes, names. Ask to see photo ID, Take names, locations, times etc. Clearly, and loudly voice any dispute, but do not argue or get agitated. If they want to search, Clearly say, I DO NOT give you consent.

Fighting with the cop on the road will get you in trouble. Court is the only way to make sure he understands the error of his ways, and is the only way that corrective action will be taken.

The one that really gets them, for every question they ask after License and Registration, answer with,"Am I Free to Go?"

 

[Bigey]

Yes... but you still need permission or a warrant, or reasonable doubt to search. He had a mirror tag, so I thought there was pot in the trunk... normally won't fly under the 4th. Of course if you have been arrested, or the car impounded, all bets are off, (even the most restrictive state allows a search within area's of the occupants command (eg, glove box, seat pockets etc.)

It is almost ALWAYS better to fight the cop in court after. Take detailed notes, names. Ask to see photo ID, Take names, locations, times etc. Clearly, and loudly voice any dispute, but do not argue or get agitated. If they want to search, Clearly say, I DO NOT give you consent.

Fighting with the cop on the road will get you in trouble. Court is the only way to make sure he understands the error of his ways, and is the only way that corrective action will be taken.

The one that really gets them, for every question they ask after License and Registration, answer with,"Am I Free to Go?"

Well we yanked them over, with the PC of their parking pass. We then smelled the aroma of marijuana and i observed zig zag rolling papers on the passengers door cubby area. We then asked him if he had done anything today. He responded with the typical "no."

Then we asked him to step out, and asked if there was anything in the car, to which he responded no to again. I went back to take a look at the car again, this time noticed when he got out there looked to be crumbled marijuana on the seat. We began the search and discovered about 4-5 grams of marijuana. We told him what we found, cited him (under 1 oz in CA is a cite and release) and let him bounce.

Oh, and asking them the whole "free to go" after license and registration is a good way for them to tie you up for a while. It's one thing to be completely legitimate in your asking, but it's another to be a smartass when he's asking some basic questions. You dont have to even respond if he asks a question.

And when he's pulled you over, you ARE NOT FREE TO GO. So when he tells you that, what are you going to do? Keep saying "Am i free to go?" over and over?

I do have to say though, it seems like a lot of people dont understand their rights....Especially when it comes to searching cars! A similar thing happened, except we asked if it was okay to search the car, to which the person responded sure and sure enough, we found stuff in the car! Why the hell would you agree to it? I honestly dont know....

 

[SpiceWeasel]

I'd never let the police search any of my property without a warrant. Too much opportunity to plant evidence if they're dirty.

 

[TurdBird]

The guy does not want to sign his ticket and is walking back to his car. The officer is telling him to stop but he keeps going. He gets into his car and begins to leave. The officer follows him and now you have a chase. The guy ends up running into someone else and causing a major accident. Why didn't the cop stop all of this from happening when he had the means to do so? There's an argument for the taser. I don't carry a taser so I don't know a lot about when and when you can not taser someone.

Hi FiveO,

Sounds like you are in Broward County. Hey, let me ask you a question: What the HECK is up with people sitting on the side of the interstate at KFLL RIGHT underneath the sign that says "NO STOPPING - STRICTLY ENFORCED".

Hi Richman,

They are flat out retarded. I honestly don't know of any other reason especially now that the cell phone waiting lot is there.

Is that strech of off ramp FHP or BSO jurisdiction? Last time I went to work, I considered letting the BSO know that there were a bunch of cars stopped on the interstate, but I'm still not in the mood to talk to them.

Technically that ramp belongs to us (FHP) but BSO gets all pissy when we enforce it. I used to love going over there to get people out of there but it got BSO all pissy.

Funny story...my fiancee came to pick me up from my commute in. We had just gotten engaged, so she was still really happy to see me. She pulled up to the curb, hopped out to hug me and promptly locked her keys in the car WITH the engine running (at midnight, no less).

Think the BSO would be happy to help (I was still in uniform w/ID)? Er, no. Not only did they come up to give us a pile of grief about "parking at the curb" (um, do you really think I didn't know that?), but they not only refused to help unlock the car, but refused to even call anyone, leaving us to scrounge up a locksmith at midnight. They were real toolish even after I explained the situation to them.

On top of that, they wouldn't even get on their radio to their buddies to let them know the situation, so we got the same treatment and 3rd degree from every deputy that strolled on by (about one every 5 minutes for about 45 minutes).

A month two after that, a bunch of letters in the Sun Sentinel REALLY reamed the BSO for being d!ckheads at the airport, so I guess I wasn't alone.

Richman

Honestly, I can't stand BSO. There are maybe 10 people on that department that I like. Everyone else I can't stand. They drive me crazy. All they do is find a way to do nothing all day long. It's just shy of criminal how bad they verbally abuse people at that airport. I have watched them scream at older people because they are having problems loading the car. I'm getting frustrated just thinking about them. We are on the same page in regards to them.

Yes... but you still need permission or a warrant, or reasonable doubt to search.

Not if it's in plain view.

I'd never let the police search any of my property without a warrant.

And that's one of the many things that makes this country so wonderful. As I said above though, if it's in plain view then there is no warrant needed.

 

[AMH]

The guy does not want to sign his ticket and is walking back to his car. The officer is telling him to stop but he keeps going. He gets into his car and begins to leave. The officer follows him and now you have a chase. The guy ends up running into someone else and causing a major accident. Why didn't the cop stop all of this from happening when he had the means to do so? There's an argument for the taser. I don't carry a taser so I don't know a lot about when and when you can not taser someone.

Ok so an officer tased someone for not signing a ticket? What's your point?

It's not the first and wont be the last.

I think you could argue that it is a mix of both. One, the cop is revved up to begin with because the man will not show him the respect he thinks he deserves. I think you would probably agree that this is the best way to piss a cop off.

On the other side of it, the man was not following his instructions, which included signing the ticket and standing still.

But there has to be some degree of discretion when it comes to tasering someone. This man did not fit the profile of someone who appeared to be a danger to society. He's just trying to plead his case that he feels he was wrongly cited. Furthermore, no warning was given before the cop unleashed hell on this man. I can't say that I wouldn't react the same way to a hot-headed cop aiming 50,000 volts of electricity at me right out of the blue like that.


"Respect my authorit-Y", I guess..

 

[TurdBird]

My last post was just an example of a way this whole thing could get twisted to show another outcome to the situation.

Honestly I don't care if people treat me like dirt. At the same time some officers do demand respect when it's just not going to happen.

 

[TUCKnTRUCK]

The cop lost control of the situation the moment he had the guy step out of the car. Honestly, if he thought he was going to have an issues (Given the speed at which the taser was drawn) , he was expecting something. If that is the case he never should have been doing it alone. Then again, why call for backup when u can use a less lethal device.In Plane sight would satisfy reasoable doubt, but is really based on how loosly the 4th is applied to motor vehicles. If I was ever pulled out for a search, esp. at a check point due to the 'smell' of pot, I can promise you I will see you in court, and I will not be the defendant.

 

[mooneyguy]

Don't break the law and there will be no need for them to collect revenue.

Welcome to JC!



I wish that was completely true! I can say there are at least two locations in and around the San Antonio metro area where the cops will find something to pull you over for, even if its made up! One place I will drive 10 miles out of my way to make sure I go around them. Because if they need to pull someone over the nearest person works for them!

 

[Richman]

Hi Richman,

They are flat out retarded. I honestly don't know of any other reason especially now that the cell phone waiting lot is there.

Technically that ramp belongs to us (FHP) but BSO gets all pissy when we enforce it. I used to love going over there to get people out of there but it got BSO all pissy.

Honestly, I can't stand BSO. There are maybe 10 people on that department that I like. Everyone else I can't stand. They drive me crazy. All they do is find a way to do nothing all day long. It's just shy of criminal how bad they verbally abuse people at that airport. I have watched them scream at older people because they are having problems loading the car. I'm getting frustrated just thinking about them. We are on the same page in regards to them.

Hi FiveO,

Well, it's good to hear that I'm not the only one that thinks like that. Back in the day, I've had them scream at my mother for picking me up (again, with me in uniform) on the upper ramp inbetween terminals where there's zero traffic. "Upper levels are for departures! $45 ticket!" depite the sign that reads pick up departures and arrivals...meh.

Anyway, FHP has always had my respect. I live right next to KFLL, so if you're there for lunch or dinner one day, drop me a PM, and I'll treat ya to lunch at Little Red's or Lester's there on State Road 84, and we can have a mini-JC bitch session.


Richman

 

[Foxcow]

I was going 5 over and the ####### cop gave me a ticket. He was not interested in anything I had to say.

 

[Orange Anchor]

Got stopped in East Point near KATL by a large lady with ATTITUDE. Not happy to see my uniform and even madder when she asked for my license and I had to get out of the car to get to my suitcase. (I keep my wallet in my suitcase when flying). She told me I had to have the license ON MY PERSON and I knew it was going downhill after that.

The stop sign did not comply with DOT standards but she was writing tickets as fast as she could reposition her car. I counted about 5 stops before I left. When I pointed out to the judge later that month the sign did not comply with regs, he said, "Did you or did you not run the stop sign." I said, "I did but..." He slammed the gavel and said, "$40 or 4 days." I was speechless and my wife later said it was the best thing that could have happened. Had I been able to talk it could have been worse.

Anyway, a few weeks later the sign changed to a Yield sign. And no I didn't go back to try for a new ruling. TOO much ATTITUDE.

 

[Booker]

I was going 5 over and the ####### cop gave me a ticket. He was not interested in anything I had to say.

I was pulled (not in uniform) for doing 67/65. Interestingly, the officer wrote it up as 73/65. I don't know if he radar'd me or not (he followed me for about 2 miles before lighting me up), but he only gave me a warning, so I didn't ask.

A guy I was flying with told me about a time he was pulled while in uniform for doing 80/65 in his S2000. The officer asked if, as a pilot, was he not used to "looking at gauges." He responded something to the effect that driving is different than flying in terms of vigilance. He received a ticket.

 

[Bumblebee]

Are you asking me what the exception means? I'm sorry, I don't know understand you.

I was only clarifying the exception . . .

 

[SpiraMirabilis]

Not without a Warrant issued. No cop has the legal authority to issue a Warrant for arrest. There is plenty of myth out there regarding what cops can and cannot do while in the course of discharging their duty and they are not authorized to give you legal advice.

Absent "A" and/or "B" above in my post, where is the legal justification for making the arrest absent a lawfully executed Warrant? The fact that people thought the world was flat for eons, did not alter the reality which proved to be much different.

People just "go along" with a lot of things that law enforcement officials attempt to do, out of ignorance, fear and intimidation when engaged with law enforcement on the streets. That does not make it right. Remember, a traffic citation is a Misdemeanor violation - an Infraction - not a Criminal act. Criminal acts put law enforcement officials in a completely different vein of authorization.

Again, if anyone can post a statute showing the legal authority given to a beat cop for arresting a private U.S. citizen on American soil, for failure to sign a Misdemeanor citation, then I'd really appreciate seeing it.

A police officer does not need a warrant to arrest you, probable cause is enough.