Ask A Police Officer
 

I have been kicking this idea around for a while, and thought I'd give it a try. Rules for the thread:

1 - NO COP BASHING! If you want to ask a question, you will get an unbiased answer from a law enforcement professional. Any police officer may answer a question, but we are unfamiliar with rules and laws in all 50 states, but you will get the best answer we can give.

2 - All Registry rules apply. No religion, politics, foul language, nekkid girlies, etc.

3 - All answers and advice given are solely the opinion of the posting person. This is NOT to be taken as legal advice, just another point of view to help you with a particular situation. Mach1Registry.com, it's owners, moderators, operators, persons posting in this thread and members cannot be held liable for false or misleading information presented in this thread (sorry, had to). All opinions expressed in this thread are the opinions of the posting member, and may not be the opinion of the Registry or it's sponsors.

OK, waddaya think about a thread like this? Good idea? Bad idea?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I will help answer any questions I can. I think it is a good idea.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Should here from the department this fall,(finally) so anything to do with law enforcement is fine by me.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

lol nice IMU
guess ill bust the 1st question, why the newer younger cops always gotta give you a ticket, while the older cops just give you a warning unless you seriously act like an ******* or really did something stupid

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

It's not a bad idea...run it similar to the one on SVTPerformance.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Cool idea!

My questions--
Are there such things as traffic ticket quotas and is their extra compensation for those that write over a certain amount of tickets in a month? And is there a time of month you'd be less likely to write a ticket and give a warning instead?

I've only had one ticket in my life (and in my work truck) so this is just one of those "I was wondering" scenarios. :ANGEL:

Thanks! :worship:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I like the idea. :ORANGE:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I think it's an excellent idea as long as the proper respect is paid to the person or persons giving answers. Probably will need an outside moderator to "keep the peace"... :borg:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

In my experience and opinion, younger officers seem to be more "gung-ho." I got more stats than you did last month! Kind of like us....I got more mods than you did last month! Also, a few of the younger officers are still on training. They have to write everything so they get the experince of doing it right (writing reports, citations, crime scene security, setting up containments, etc.). As time goes on, they have less to prove, so they end up like me. And old patrol Sgt. I hope this answers your question!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

This is where I got the idea from. They run a smooth ship, but I wanted it to be The Reg thread, not The SVTP thread on the REG. Thanks for your input!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I like the idea.
Last night the Mach got keyed down the left side of the car. I didn't see who did it but earlier in the day at 7/11 (1 block away) there was a guy cussing at me for a good 2 minutes b/c I wouldn't give him beer money.
Question is: If I see this guy again is there anything that could be done by the police? Such as talking to the guy to see what he knew or something.
Thanks.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

No - quotas are illegal in all 50 states - they are a violation of your civil rights. There is no compensation for officers who write the most, nor putitive actions for the officers who write the least. Everything comes into play when a citation is written. The attitude of the violator, the mood of the officer, whether there is a directed patrol for that area (a lot of crashes happen at an intersection due to red light runners, etc.). And, there is no time of the month for not getting a cite or a warning instead.

Police departments do get a small cut of the fines you (and I) pay for citations. This goes back into the department for traffic education, equipment (radar, speed limit signs, DUI checkpoints, training, motorcycles, etc.). But the courts get most of the fines for court cost reimbursemeny=t
(salaries and stuff). I hope this answers your question!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Good Idea Dave.

There is actually a rule about religion and politics?? :wtf:


No kidding. I always thought Streakn fit this description. LOL ;)


My question is how much 'socializing' do you do with shop-owners and citizens in your patrol zone and is it required?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Thanks Dave! :ORANGE: Be safe. :CHEERS:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

One good idea i have is that if a cop wants to volunter for this duty he would be given a screen name like

freindly officer #45 so if he chooses he can protect his other online persona

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Since this is in the General Discussion area and I have no mod priveledges here, are you offering? I hope so....you are the MAN!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

thats what i kinda figured it was :3b:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

All we need now is for Machfelon to start a 'Ask A Felon' thread. LOL.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

This is for all police officers in states with right-to-carry laws. What has been your experience with and/or your opinion of allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

If the damage is over $5000, in Calif it is a felony vandalism. Therefore, the guy can be named as a suspect and be detained and questioned for the crime. Otherwise, it is a misdemeanor that no one saw occur, so unfortunately nothing can be done. Now, if you or some one sees him do it again, or there is video tape of the crime, he can be held to answer (for damage under $5000 - over $5K it is slam-dunk). I hope this answers your question!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

D'oh!

I'm hoping that after streakn gets back and his hangover wears off he'll participate in here, too.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Unfortunately, I'm in Commiefornia, so I can't answer this one....any one lese wanna stab at this one? Anyone? Beuller?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

:23: That's just wrong right there, funny, but wrong :23:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

In Massachusetts when a citation is issued and paid by the violator (no court proceedings held), 50% of the fine collected goes to the town that issued the citation, and the other 50% goes to the state.

I learned this info out the hard way...

:anger:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Thanks. That's pretty much what I figured.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Where I work..I love it. We do get quite a bit of violent crime in the Memphis area. I wish we had more citizens that were trained in carrying concealed weapons. Memphis is always at the top in violent crime from home invasion to rape. We would be higher on the murder chart but our hospitals get so much dang experience, it is pretty hard to die if you make to the hospital with a pulse.

What I don't want to see is Joe Schmo hearing that his girlfriend got threatened and going out and buying a gun for him and her and never learning to respect the weapon for what it is, how it works and when not to use it. Just cause some guy cuts you off, doesn mean you get to retaliate with a bullet (this happened in Huntsville, Alabama about 10 years ago.)

Everytime I goto Texas I see folks wearing their guns out in the open and it seems to work. I have been in restaurants where the waiter had his gun on his hip.

If you were going to attack someone and you knew there is a 50/50 chance they had a gun on them, you think you would do it? That is not to say all people think that rationally. If someone is out for blood, there is not much you can do to stop them.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Actually, many forum sites have very specific rules about both of those things are are pretty strict about them. My mother is a moderator (guess it runs in the family) on a sewing forum, and she often tells me about those particular items that are breeched on a regular basis...

IMachU, if you need me, you know I'm there for you...edit button at the ready!

As far as weapons in vehicles, I think he was only wanting your opinion not a legal assesment. Here in La. unless you're firing a weapon at someone, you've pretty much got carte blanche on keeping your weapon anywhere in your vehicle, as it is considered an extention of your private domain (house). :borg:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Wow....this forum took off like a shot (pardon the pun...I had to). 30 minutes and it is in the 2nd page! And I thought this kind of thread would be a flop!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Right here with you IMU :P :gears:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Do real cops eat normal sized donuts and rent-a-cops eat mini donuts?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Nah...we at the coffee shops now :)

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Dale, I have told you a dozen times (again with the puns)......we have graduated from coffee and donuts to Starbucks and croissants back in the 90's. We;ve come a long way, man!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Call 911, MODERATOR Down! :23: :CHEERS:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Now, how about special treatment?
say you, as a cop, were racing someone... could you just bust your badge out and just get a slap on the wrist? or, are there more serious penalties?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

If you are going over the speed limit a little...and you were a cop...I'd prolly cut you a break. Again though...50% of a ticket is a drivers attitude with me.

If I was racing someone, I would not expect any special treatment.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Hey like I have said I will help when I can. Oh and some of the cities here in utah have the new mustangs as police cars. I pulled up next to one in uniform and he just waved. They look cool all blue with light on top. Now I just want to see one of those nab a vette and get a picture.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I quit racing when I got my badge. :bs:

I guess I still will hit the throttle in a gear or two. :D Like you said I don't expect any special treatment though.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Sweet...get us a picture with or without the vette :)

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Exactly! In Calif, a police officer is actually treated a little more harshly, as we are expected to know the laws. If I were caught street racing, which I NEVER do, I would get the car impounded, and probably forfeited. Then after all the legal stuff is over, I'd have to deal with the ramifications of Internal Affairs....it seems street racing is "Conduct unbecoming of an officer" and will bring a bad light to my department. So, I get special treatment alright. I have it twice as bad!

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

this is one of there cars. I think they have V8's as well. :OUCH: I just saw one nab a riced out honda. The dude was doing 85 in a 55 constructions zone. Some people don't learn don't speed in construction zones. Fine double for speeding. :eyebrows: Sorry the only picture I can find is a JPG

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Hey kopako is there any jobs over there avaliable?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Another CCW question....

I have a Virginia CCW permit. I've tried to locate all the possible info I can for Virginia. But i'm still unclear on when I am legally permitted to brandish my weapon. Take for instance this situation.

I'm driving on I95. I see an Explorer in front of me driving in the fast lane. He is riding some guys @$$ and has his brights on. I do my regular I95 driving and pass him. in the center lane. I get stuck up the road b/c there are slower vehicle in a line in front of me....The exploder comes on my *** and turns on his brights. I let him know that he's number one and floor it thru the hole that was created in teh cars infront of me. I slow down b/c my exit is coming and I get in the far right lane so I can exit. He gets catches up and turns on his brights again. So I'm ready to pull over before this guy runs into the back of my prized possession or causes a situation where I might ruin my car. So he follows me off this exit.

I go to find a parking lot to pull over....he doesn't follow. But....if he did.....and he blocks my car in a parking lot from moving. Would I lawfully be able to brandish my weapon and tell this fine gentleman that I am an armed Marine and to not come any closer or I will defend myself as I walk backwards. And if this guy was to continue to charge me would I be authorized to fire. Or if he started beating on my Mach would that justify me shooting?

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

No if he is beating on your mach you will just have to sit and watch. About the only time you can pull you weapon is to protect life not property. If that happened to me I would just drive to the police station or if I had a cell phone I would call the police and tell them of my situation. Don't even get in a face to face with someone if you can avoid it. If you want further explanation feel free to ask. Don't even get me started on the home invasion stuff. I could go off all night.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Actually I believe you can protect property in VA....let me find the link

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I don't think you can here in Utah. Like the thing says it could be different in every place. Not a smart thing to do either way. It will for sure end up in court.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I think so in Florida also.

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

What CAN'T you do in Florida and Texas! :33:

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

Can't go a year in either state without a hurricane... ;)

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

I love Florida....that's why i'm moving there....They even have a "Stand your Ground" law....

Re: Ask A Police Officer
 

In Calif we do not have a Right to Carry law. However, you do have the right to carry a firearm in your place of business and your home, as long as you are not a convicted felon or have an active restraining order against you. You may use that if you believe in your heart (and any reasonable person in the same situation would as well) that your life or the life of another is in serious jeapordy, you may use deadly force against the other person to get them to stop their actions. Never shoot to kill, just make the other person stop what they are doing. Sometimes a well placed shot is needed.

Conversely, if you use deadly force for a property crime, you are in trouble. Property in Ca is insuted in most cases. You would be held criminally liable for your actions if you shoot someone trying to steal your Mach.

I hope this helps you.