Tickets??? Give this LEO some advice....

[MacGyver]

Ok so after 5 years working the streets, I got promoted to Detective (ahh thank you). This gives me alot more time to read the boards, and I have a question. The recent topic on speeding tickets/warnings/ect. got me thinking of a few things that I would appreciate some feedback on.

#1) - How fast is too fast? I know that conditions and specifics will effect the safe speeds....but an honest opinion of what deserves a ticket (10, 15, 20, 25 over)? I typically will give cagers 15 over (obviously this can change depending on roadway / traffic conditions).

#2) - Warnings (written or verbal), do they really work? My philosophy when working traffic was this....if I'm in an area (stopped for radar, watching an intersection, ect) specifically for traffic enforcement, and I see a violation, I'm gunna scratch you (the only exception was a VERIFIABLE emergency). A warning just seemed like I was wasting my time.

#3) - (For those of you that have been ticketed) How does the LEO's attitude effect your view on getting ticketed or not? I always (ALWAYS) treat people with respect. I always began and end every traffic stop the same way (ticket or not). I give some type of greeting, and end with "thank you for your time". I know that getting tickets suck (I've gotten several), and I try to be polite until I get reason not to be. I don't beat around the bush....I let people know right off the bat why I stopped them....and if they ask if they are getting a ticket....I'll tell them.

#4) - Finally....anything else (within reason) that you guys think coppers can do better while on a traffic stop? Please don't tell me about this one ####### LEO that F'ed with you 20 years ago...I'm talking about the average copper.

I'd really like to see some different opinions here. I plan on taking this to our traffic team and letting them read this stuff (by the way, about 1/4 of my department rides....most on sportbikes).

Scott

 

[FinallyGotaBusa]

I got pulled over about 3 months ago I was doing about 140 and my girlfriend was doing about 100. The state trooper was behind her so I dont think he knew exactly how fast I was going but he knew it was way too fast. when he pulled us over at first he was a real hard ass and started to chew us out about how dangerous it was and all that, we were very respectfull and apologized and he took our info went to his car and ran us....when he came back he was like a whole different person he was real nice and cordial and said that since he was a fellow rider he was just going to give us a warning. He thanked us for pulling over and said that we probably could have gotten away but he was glad we diddnt try. he also told us that he patrols that strech of highway every day and if he caught us being recless around there again he would have a stack of tickets waiting for us when he caught up. we ride through this area all the time as it is pretty close to our house and we havent sped once since the incident, I have alot of respect for the trooper for giving the warning and I also know that I only get one so now I watch my actions when I am around that area. I know that his way of dealing with us was the best possible way as I have recieved tickets before and I always speed there even now but I wont speed in this troopers area as I guess a sort of thanks that he was understanting that I do own a sportbike and they tend to go a little faster than you intend at times.

-Eric

 

[justintime2]

1 - 10 over within the city and 15 over on the freeway
2 - I think occasionally warnings work to remind a driver to pay attention to what they are doing. Sometimes we all get so busy with work/life and driving just seems like another thing we do (autopilot).
3 - Attitude / behavior are a huge factor. Just because I speed does not mean I am a criminal and I should not be treated like one. Unless your background check reveals I am. Ticketing for a newer car that has to have insurance for loan purposes/law when there current insurance card expired 3 days ago and they didn't get their new card yet? Ticketing because you didn't sign your registration? These types of infraction make you look like BS tax collectors and not public safety officer's.
4 - Polite, humble, non-aggressive, and a thank you all help. We already know you have the power, you don't have to prove it. Also, Quite letting good looking women off from getting tickets when they are pulled over. This is the most rediculous thing I have ever seen. Be fair and consistent. My soon to be X wife has been let off so many times it is laughable and this only means that more of us working smucks must pay the price for the ticket qouta.

This is more generalized for cars and bikes. I think the speeds allowed should be slightly faster for bikes.

Thanks for asking!

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[justintime2]

Sorry I forgot to add one thing.
If the individual is riding a Busa, Q's 1-4 don't apply. Just let them go!

PLEASE!



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[diesel]

BWAA HAA HA HA-HA! Thank you.....
1.First off, yes the law is the law...you risk breaking it and you risk the ticket.BUT, I think doing 65 in a 55 out in BF Egypt isn't worth getting pulled over for, or maybe a warning would do. I think tickets were designed for the a-hole speeding and weaving thru traffic, cutting us off to race to the same red light.
2. Every cop on here is like " what do you mean cops are rude and condescending? I'm shocked to hear that." Well, aside from Mayberry, they've all been a-holes to me even when I'm being cool to them.Just give me the ticket, or give me an ass-chewing but not both.
OK Revlis....your next,

 

[MacGyver]

Also, Quite letting good looking women off from getting tickets when they are pulled over. This is the most rediculous thing I have ever seen. Be fair and consistent. My soon to be X wife has been let off so many times it is laughable and this only means that more of us working smucks must pay the price for the ticket qouta.

LOL - that's so funny that you said that. I almost put a mention to that in my original post. I agree with you 100%....I almost NEVER let a good looking lady out of a ticket. Why??? Well, I have a better lookin lady at home (and she rides!!)....and like you said, they ALWAYS get let off....it's almost like they expect it. Bottom line....If you're female and driving a Jetta....I'm gunna get ya (ok it was my guilty pleasure while on the street).

Oh...and if you're a dude driving a Jetta.... (shivers)......

 

[MacGyver]

BUT, I think doing 65 in a 55 out in BF Egypt isn't worth getting pulled over for, or maybe a warning would do. I think tickets were designed for the a-hole speeding and weaving thru traffic, cutting us off to race to the same red light.

Agree 100% - I hardly ever stopped a car if I didn't think a ticket was deserved. 2 main reasons for that....

1 - wasting my time, and the driver's time. I'm not god, or mommy or daddy...I seriously doubt a "talkin to" from me really makes any difference in the world. I can say in all seriousness that most coppers I know in California don't have that high and mighty attitude. The only time I ever had that attitude was my first day in uniform. My training officer took me over to the jail, and left me in the peanut gallery with all of the drunks for about 1 hour. I got RIPPED to SHREDS!!! It was probably the most valuable thing I learned on training - Cops aren't special.

2 - if the driver turned into a complete A-hole (despite my best efforts to be nice), it's either let them off or cut a chicken S ticket. If you're a cop and you find yourself in traffic court defending a garbage ticket....your reputation with the court just took a huge drop. It's just not worth the time.

 

[MET]

Ok so after 5 years working the streets, I got promoted to Detective (ahh thank you). This gives me alot more time to read the boards, and I have a question. The recent topic on speeding tickets/warnings/ect. got me thinking of a few things that I would appreciate some feedback on.

#1) - How fast is too fast? I know that conditions and specifics will effect the safe speeds....but an honest opinion of what deserves a ticket (10, 15, 20, 25 over)? I typically will give cagers 15 over (obviously this can change depending on roadway / traffic conditions).

#2) - Warnings (written or verbal), do they really work? My philosophy when working traffic was this....if I'm in an area (stopped for radar, watching an intersection, ect) specifically for traffic enforcement, and I see a violation, I'm gunna scratch you (the only exception was a VERIFIABLE emergency). A warning just seemed like I was wasting my time.

#3) - (For those of you that have been ticketed) How does the LEO's attitude effect your view on getting ticketed or not? I always (ALWAYS) treat people with respect. I always began and end every traffic stop the same way (ticket or not). I give some type of greeting, and end with "thank you for your time". I know that getting tickets suck (I've gotten several), and I try to be polite until I get reason not to be. I don't beat around the bush....I let people know right off the bat why I stopped them....and if they ask if they are getting a ticket....I'll tell them.

#4) - Finally....anything else (within reason) that you guys think coppers can do better while on a traffic stop? Please don't tell me about this one ####### LEO that F'ed with you 20 years ago...I'm talking about the average copper.

I'd really like to see some different opinions here. I plan on taking this to our traffic team and letting them read this stuff (by the way, about 1/4 of my department rides....most on sportbikes).

Scott

#1) - How fast is too fast? I know that conditions and specifics will effect the safe speeds....but an honest opinion of what deserves a ticket (10, 15, 20, 25 over)? I typically will give cagers 15 over (obviously this can change depending on roadway / traffic conditions).

<span style='color:blue'>15 over is fair unless it is a Green hayabusa then you should allow at lease 50 over becaus of the time/speed shift.</span>

#2) - Warnings (written or verbal), do they really work? My philosophy when working traffic was this....if I'm in an area (stopped for radar, watching an intersection, ect) specifically for traffic enforcement, and I see a violation, I'm gunna scratch you (the only exception was a VERIFIABLE emergency). A warning just seemed like I was wasting my time.

<span style='color:blue'>warnings seem to work from what I ahve seen. Although also being visible to traffic works very well.</span>

#3) - (For those of you that have been ticketed) How does the LEO's attitude effect your view on getting ticketed or not? I always (ALWAYS) treat people with respect. I always began and end every traffic stop the same way (ticket or not). I give some type of greeting, and end with "thank you for your time". I know that getting tickets suck (I've gotten several), and I try to be polite until I get reason not to be. I don't beat around the bush....I let people know right off the bat why I stopped them....and if they ask if they are getting a ticket....I'll tell them.
<span style='color:blue'>RESPECT GETS RESPECT</span>

#4) - Finally....anything else (within reason) that you guys think coppers can do better while on a traffic stop? Please don't tell me about this one ####### LEO that F'ed with you 20 years ago...I'm talking about the average copper.

<span style='color:blue'>Yes pull over cars that go over the lane markers and ticket cars that ride on bikes rear ends. Far more dangerious then speeding.</span>

I'd really like to see some different opinions here. I plan on taking this to our traffic team and letting them read this stuff (by the way, about 1/4 of my department rides....most on sportbikes).

 

[MET]

Oh yhea ignor the guy who says all cops suck.

 

[jfksmith]

I think 10 over in the city is the norm and 15 over on the highway depending on traffic. I drive 95 alot and if your not going 70 your going to get run over in your car, on the bike its usually no problem.. I use 138 in R.I. coming home from work and thats at 2 -3 am cuz I worked at foxwoods... and the road is by URI... the speed limit during the day slows to 30 and some parts 25 and even at those early am hours , the police in that area will bust your nuggets for going 32... no lie, guess thats what being a police officer in a slow crime area does.. they have always been nice but rarely give breaks. knowing this from experience, ( i have 4 .. 5mph over tickets.. knocked down from 8 over.. woo hoo.. big break... but also from my ex who is a 20 year veteran from the RISP... who I think rock. The rhode island state cops are for the most part a bunch of pretty cool guys.. couple of rock heads but thats everywhere...

 

[diesel]

I'm moving to Ca! A couple months ago over here, this guy got shot at in a road rage deal. He had the balls to follow the shooter and get his tag. turns out it was a cop driving home from work!!!! True story.
I would have rather gotten the ticket.

 

[MacGyver]

i have 4 .. 5mph over tickets.. knocked down from 8 over

Wow - that's a shocker....

That kinda CS makes cops look bad.

 

[diesel]

It should be legal for you guys to shoot the f-ers in the face that don't pull over for ambulances and fire trucks. Also when you pull over for them, and then it's always a mad dash to get back on the road. Kill those bastards!

 

[vincent]

Generally I say on a bike to go about 5-10 above the flow of traffic. It just seems safer for me since the cages all around don't really have much time or chance to get "comfortable" with me being next to them.

If I'm gonna get a ticket, just give me the ticket. That is enough. Once I know I'm getting a ticket I usually stop listening to what the LEO is saying anyhow so the lecture is a waste of your time and mine. However, a well worded warning before the ticket or in place of can have a better effect most times, all depends on circumstances.

I realize that cops have power, trying to prove that to me just makes them look like a bunch of asses. No one likes arrogance. If people don't want to listen when your being respectful, keeping calm usually pisses them off more. Then hand them the ticket!

 

[PacerX]

#1 - Honestly, depends on traffic conditions and the street you're on. 15 over on a freeway is nothing to get concerned about in my opinion. Neither is 20 over. I hit the end of the onramp onto I-75 on the way to work at an indicated 90mph... Why? Because I HAVE TO, the SLOW LANE is turning over 80mph and the fast lane is pushing 100mph (70mph speed limit). On busy roads with traffic entering constantly, write and pull over for +10 mph over. 5 mph over is just silly, I'll gain 5 mph coming down a hill.

#2 - Warnings work, at least for a while. Understand that if I'm winding the thing up on a clear stretch of road, it's a willful act and I know I'm violating the limit. I also happen to be VERY choosy about when and where I do this. All in all, driving a very powerful, very very RED bike, I know I'm high visibility - so I tend to stay at the limit.

#3 - Hmmm... respect begets respect. I'm a nice guy with cops, even though I consider those that make a living writing speeding tickets on par with lawyers and pawn shop owners. On the other hand, some folks are just sugarbritches and there's nothing that can be done. That being said, some of your comrades are positively asshats... just like some of the general public is.

#4 - What cops can do...

First, quit writing speeding tickets. There is positively ZERO correlation between deaths per million miles driven and speed. None. Cars are so much better now than 20 years ago that speed limits could be categorically raised with little to no effect on deaths.

Cops need to be parked AT INTERSECTIONS, writing tickets for people who run red and yellow lights. THAT's where the accidents happen. The fact of the matter is that working an intersection resembles work too much so the cops become "Ramp Roosters" and hang out on the freeways.

Second, concerning bikes...

I use speed to keep myself alive. I intentionally quickly accelerate away from blind spots on trucks and cars. You may catch me at 30 mph over in one of those cases if you hit me with the radar at the right time, and all I'm really doing is trying to find the safest place on the road.

Third, listen...

If I'm speeding, it's for one of four reasons:

1) I lost track of the speed limit for the area. Bad move on my part, but let's be honest, we all do it.

2) I'm protecting myself by getting clear of traffic concentrations. No apologies there. Where my safety is concerned, the speed limit is of no consideration whatsoever.

3) I'm willfully breaking the law because speed is fun. This will be a short burst up to a serious speed, and then backing down and going with the flow, not a continuous 120mph...

4) I'm late for something. Sorry, but that's a valid reason at times. The choice is either to be late and take the repurcussions of that (sometimes VERY bad), or violate and make some time up. In the final analysis, I have 20 years of driving experience that says 20 over isn't going to kill anybody, but my boss is going to be highly pissed if I'm late.

 

[cache]

why do bars have parking lots?

 

[Deuces]

I believe warnings do work... Sometimes the driver is distracted or not paying attention to their speed when nobody is around. Also, it sends the message of "I am watching". I also think driver's attitude plays a lot into the LEO's attitude. I always treat LEOs with respect because they are just doing their job. As for how fast is too fast? Depends on the situation. I mean in a school zone with hundreds of little kids around or after a fresh snow.. the speed limit might be too fast... on the otherhand... at 7:00am on a saturday in the boonies with not another car in sight... a little more is acceptable.

 

[VaBusa]

Congrats on the promotion MacGyver!!!

I've been warned more than ticketed, so I'm voting for WARNINGS! Keep 'em coming!

Seriously, the BEST (and only) standing ticket I ever got was from a VA Trooper...he had a sense of humor and found my reason for speeding to be quite amusing, so he played along...we had a few laughs, I signed my ticket and went on with life...it made all the difference in the world that he didn't walk up to my car like he was the Terminator or something; his ego and attitude were in check...he was just a guy doing his job and seemed to be having fun with me while doing it...

The guys that do have attitude are the ones that I laugh at...they're certainly overcompensating for something!

 

[jfksmith]

And whats the point of writing 33 in little numbers at the top in case you fight it when it got knocked down to 25 and the fine is the same in rhode island for between 5 - 10 over.. so the fine for 33 in a 25 is 60 bucks... and the fine for 30 in a 25 is 60... plus if you fight it, its another 25 in court costs.. so why bother with the hey judge i knocked it down to 5 over cuz he had a good attitude..  some cops really think the general public is stoopid... signed darrell and my other brother darrell.....<span style='font-size:15pt;line-height:100%'></span> EDIT>>> CONGRATS BY THE WAY ON YOUR PROMOTION, HOPE YOUR ONE OF THE GOOD ONES..



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[1127 TO 1299]

i've been warned a couple of times and it worked.
but my problem is that I was always cut when doing 120 in a 100 zone (i'm talking kilometers) while following the traffic and of course the cops would pick the motorcycle out of the pack.

well that is how i felt.
When I was caught for seriously speeding while there was no one on the road I would only get a warning. The cops would mentioned that I could have fled but since i stopped they would give me a break. That was greatly appreciated.
I used to get a lot pf speeding ticket when I was in school (and had no money)
Now that I graduated and have a job, never got a ticket. Go figure. But I like it that way.
Back to the 120km/h ticket in a 100km/h zone. That would piss me off so much that I would get back home by going even faster that I would normally do. At least it would be worth it if I get caught.