Sorry if I offended anyone...
I was looking to convey this thought from dictionary.com
"A person regarded as highly unpleasant, especially a male. "

Since the autosensor didnt edit me I must be ok

Doug

 

Ok...I guess I started this one...

Let me dispell the confusion I created with my reply...

As to Dave's and Smurfslayer's comments...noted! The meaning of that particular section read a lot diffrent than intended.

Should I conduct a traffic stop for a civil violation my first intention is to issue a WARNING to the driver and explain the need for consistent and safe driving.

By attitude, I refer to the "What the hell are you stopping me for?" scenario. I simply explain what I observed and ask the driver to continue on safely.

Should the comments continue..ie "Just give me a damn ticket so I can go!"...then I am obligated to comply. That is the "attitude" aspect. Just because a driver is being a jerk is not a reason for issuing a ticket.

My point was the officer has the ultimate discretion to ticket or not...you can help your particular case IMMENSELY by showing a little restraint, listening, and answering questions.

As to the average citizen, this is rarely an issue.

Again...go ahead and hammer away folks...tried to shed some light on a touchy subject and "Wham!"...right in the kisser.

 

Frog....you are in way to deep. My last intent is to shame or disgrace the job. "10-98, clear for traffic".


Silver 2000....That Sis is the absolute best scenario of events should one be pulled over.

 

This month's Car & Driver has a test with a bunch of the "top dollar" (read V1, Escort, etc.) detectors. They rated the V1 tops and the article's started out pretty interesting. I didn't get to read the whole article yet, but I will tomorrow. The best way to avoid a ticket on the interstate, other than not speeding, is to get a CB and listen to the truckers. I'm thinking of getting one for my L. My experience with detectors has been pretty good. I've been able to avoid a BUNCH of tickets, but I've been nailed by Laser and instant on a few times. The laser will basically nail you every time. I've only picked it up 2-3 times off of vehicles in front of me. Instant on is pretty much the same story, but I've only been nailed by it at night when you can't see the cop approaching. One of my buddies nailed me at 69 in a 55 one night, but he had to turn around to come get me. I was in the Cobra and on US 52 in IN. I was long gone by the time he did a U-turn (I grabbed 3rd and took off, probably wouldn't do it again, and I don't know what I was thinking at the time). I could have easilly lost him (rural area with a few roads I could have taken), but I just stopped at my Firehouse about 5 miles away and blacked out, thinking how stupid what I just did was. He comes around the corner about 10 seconds later and spots me. At the time I didn't know who it was, but after he pulled in I was sort of relieved. He let me go and even offered me a warning if I wanted, in case I was speeding cause I was late for work. I said no thanks! LOL

Later,
Roger

 

I agree with attitude making a difference. You apparently do as well. If, by the drivers attitude, you can determine that he/she will not appreciate a warning, you would issue a citation instead. Pretty much the same thing you were objecting to.

See, I dont mind warnings...Ive had a couple... Once, I had just gotten back in town from a long interstate drive where the speed limit was at 65-70 the entire way and got nailed doing 55 in a 40. The car was packed with stuff and I simply told the officer that I had been driving faster for the last 2 days and I was about 500 yards into town when he clocked me. He let me go with a warning, and I appreciated it....Guess what, I always check my speed when coming into town after ive been on the interstate.

Did that officer do his job? I think so. I go out of my way not to do the same thing and he saved me insurance premiums for the next 3 years.

Jeff

BTW, to be on topic, Ive owned a V-1, which I sold because I dont really drive fast anymore. HOWEVER, it worked great. Even when instant on radar is being used, it usually hit people in front of me and the V1 picked up on it. The only real time your caught for sure is if your traveling alone or you get hit by laser. Even with a V1, if you see the Laser light come on, its almost always you and the radar gun has a reading before your detector even went off.

 

My favorite shirt "COPS LIE" on the front in huge white letters on a black shirt. The back of the shirt says "FTP".

Can you guess how I think of the police? and no I do not call for there assistance in any time...

so far the past 2 years, Ive beaten 5 tickets... and have a clean record. I actually told the officer the last time, that he was waisting his time writing the citation... he said something super copish "oh yea! and why is that!" I flat told him... I have a good lawyer and he owes me... This scenario works great, I do all his law office computer consulting, and in exchange for good deals and prices, I get all my defense for free.

If cops did not act like those who have posted on this message, maybe... just maybe... people like me would not hold them in such high disregard....

side note: Friday the 21st, my 2k1 ZX9R was stolen, did I call the police? no.... no I did not... I called my insurance agent, who called the police and dealt with them....

Im sure I will get flamed and labled a bad guy or what ever... oh well... que sera', sera'

p.s. if someone would like to see my shirt mentioned here... ill take a pic.. let me know....

 

Gattafast_1,

10-4, my appologies. I overreacted as usual when it comes to the job. Most people just don't understand that the same cop that writes the ticket, is also the one to investigate the accident. The same one to do the next of kin notification for the deceased, or to do the clothing inventory on a dead body. Like most cops I try to keep all of that blocked out, but sometimes it jumps up and bites me. Just for the record, I've written more warnings than tickets, and my agency has made it very clear more than once, that it is the Officer's decision.

So once again I will kick myself in the a** and regret posting my thoughts on anything "legal or cop related".

10-7, 10-42

 

Sir...............you are a man's man...(no funny stuff intended!)

 

More often than not, a joker knows he's speeding. If he gets pulled over, and wants to act like a...shall we say *****, he deserves a ticket! I'm with you Gottafast1!

 

Ok kiddies, gather round for story time.....LOL

For the most part, detectors are useless. Nearly all radar/laser units today are either 1) handheld, activated manually or 2) instant on, automatically activated. Both of these DO NOT emit any signal until activated. A detector MAY detect the signal when another car is being targeted.

My department uses handheld laser and radar. When an officer sees a possible violator, he targets that particular car and activates the laser/radar. You can tell who has detectors because they are the ones that blatantly slam on the brakes. But, at this point it is too late, the speed is already displayed.

As far as warnings go, I give about as many warnings as I do citations. Honestly, the driver's attitude DOES play a small part in making that decision. Someone who argues and starts the attitude is almost guaranteed to get a ticket. Warnings normally do not work. I found after working the same area for a while, I was catching the same people over and over.

The "real criminal" thing was brought up once again........let me ask you this, do you think more people are killed or seriously injured in homicides/etc or traffic related accidents?? In MOST cities, it is traffic related things. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we all do daily. I worry MUCH more about being hurt in a crash than being shot on duty.

Beating tickets...I have not lost one single laser/radar ticket in court yet. Radar is going to be a thing of the past soon. Laser is much more accurate and is target specific. Here in FL, we are only required to prove that the offense occured and we are certified to operate the laser/radar. In court, it comes down to the officers sworn testimony against the violators.

Traffic enforcement is one of those things that most citizens don't like because everyone is fair game, not just the "criminals". But from a law enforcement view, we have to do it to keep the accident rates down and the roads safe. Many officers don't like doing it, some of us do. I can't change anyone's opinion of the police, and really don't care what they think or say. I have a job to do, and if that upsets some people, oh well. It is not anything personal, police officers are required to follow state laws, department policies, etc and this is not a job where you make many friends while doing your job.

 

I can't believe this topic is still OPEN! please, its time to close out this stuff....