'Camo Cops' Patrol for Speeders on Freeway

Star Tribune ^ | 06.03.04

[SoothingDave]

I'm constantly amazed that Americans in the "Land of the Free" put up with this sort of imposition on freedom. Highly regulated Germany is much freer regarding driving than the US is.

Germany has sections of highway without limits, and sections that do have them. Do you think it reasonable to fine people only after their negligent speed has resulted in an accident?

SD

[J. Semper Paratus]

"Speeding Tickets are a modern day form of Highway Robbery."

Motoring in an unsafe manner is the cause of many injuries and deaths. The people have representative government. Traffic laws are created by the legislature and imposed by the executive branch. Speeding citations are issued in compliance with statutory law enacted by the people.

If one doesn't like it vote for change, and don't speed.

Speeding ticket revenue in California, for instance doesn't go to the Highway Patrol, it goes to the county in which the citation originated.

And, there are NO QUOTAS in California.That is a fallacy that is verbally continued by those who are ticketed.

Some officers are sticklers for the Vehicle code and issue a lot of tickets due to the public's lax driving and upkeep of their cars but that does not make it a quota.

[GrandEagle]

Do you think it reasonable to fine people only after their negligent speed has resulted in an accident?
Beat me to it.

[J. Semper Paratus]

"...BUT, that makes it even less likely that they will listen when they really have made a mistake."

This can happen sometimes as some officers become jaded in their job. A grouchy officer harms the image of his/her whole department. The reality is that a vast majority are good about their handling of the public.

[ikka]

Police at the Rockview Barracks near State College began using so-called ``camo cops'' patrols after a 44-vechicle crash on Interstate 80 that killed six people in January.

Caused by speeding? No, caused by whiteout conditions. How does speeding in the middle of summer have anything to do with icy winter driving?

[GrandEagle]

The reality is that a vast majority are good about their handling of the public.
I would absolutely agree with you here. Just like most professions, the good guys have bad days and there are some "bad apples". There job is a bit more high profile so they stand out a bit more I guess.
I have to chuckle a bit though, when folks get together to discuss the problems with our City force we can always say "at least it is not as bad as New Orleans!"

[Hermann the Cherusker]

Germany has sections of highway without limits, and sections that do have them. Do you think it reasonable to fine people only after their negligent speed has resulted in an accident?

Yes. Or something like the Montana law of "safe and prudent".

We treat "speeders" far too harshly, and punish people who cause accidents and even kill people far too lightly.

[silverdog]

Where is the "documentation" to which you refer? I can personally affirm, from 25 years experience, that there are no quotas. One gal I worked with would respond to the quota question: There are no quotas. I'm allowed to write as many as I want!!

[Pyro7480]

We treat "speeders" far too harshly, and punish people who cause accidents and even kill people far too lightly.

Amen!

[CDHart]

"Any suggestions on how to keep yourself safe without drawing the wrath (and the gun) of a real cop?"

Good question. I can tell you I wouldn't automatically pull over because some unidentified driver told me to. They say you should drive to the nearest public place and then stop, but in the meantime, the cop's probably getting madder and madder. This is not a good idea, IMO.

Carolyn

[mattdono]

"GEEGAAGEEE! Come on, Flash, let's get those Duke boys!"

[motzman]

Then a cop CAN'T pull you over. If they do they are inviolation of department policy, and state law... and may be in violation of federal law.

Fascist: "You were weaving"
People's Poet: "No I wasn't, officer"
Fascist:"You were weaving"
People's Poet: "But I wasn't weaving, sir"

Fascist goes back to fascistmobile, let's People's Poet cool heels.

Fascist: "This is a ticket for creating a traffic hazard, you can mail in the fine or you can follow the instructions if you wish to contest the ticket"
People's Poet: "What kind of traffic hazard did I create?"
Fascist: "You are parked here on a residential street illegally"
People's Poet: "I'm not parked, you ordered me to stop here!"
Fascist: "Get a haircut and have a nice day"

[mcshot]

I concur Joe! The mission has definitely changed form "protect and serve" to revenue collection. There are more LEOs driving around then ever and they appear to be thirsting for revenue - seatbelts being the big issue this week.
I remember our local sheriff turning down the Clinton offer for more cops because the funding was only short term as he was against revenue collecting to meet payroll.
The desire to present a positive image and gain the respect of the law-abiding public seems a thing of the past now which is truly sad.
mc

[subterfuge]

Well heck silverdog, I knew you'd want a source. I don't have the time right now but I'm positive some LEA's require a certain (minimum) amount of citations be written.

And I don't have a problem with LEO's at all. They do a thankless job, plus, on the personal side, they saved my life one night.

[Petronski]

Probably caused by someone going too slow, not too fast.

It was a sudden icestorm.

[SoothingDave]

Yes. Or something like the Montana law of "safe and prudent".

You are here in PA, right? Then you should know the topography and design of our highways limits the speed. You ever go 65-70 up over a hill and see traffic backed up from an accident or construction?

We treat "speeders" far too harshly, and punish people who cause accidents and even kill people far too lightly.

Speeders are an easy target, and it is an objective "slam dunk" case. I agree more should be done on other traffic offenses, including driving too slow in the passing lane, and the lack of signals, etc. Especially on non-limited access highways. Slowing down in the left lane and then putting on your turn signal is useless. Signal first.

SD

[Petronski]

Herbal Freedom Now!

HEH HEH HEH

[kingu]

Any suggestions on how to keep yourself safe without drawing the wrath (and the gun) of a real cop?

Use your cell phone, call 911, and let the operator know that there is a vehicle behind you that is attempting to pull you over and you want to make sure that they are actually a member of law enforcement. Woe be to the cop that tries to push a failure to yield citation before a judge under those conditions.

[two23]

I would not pull over either and I have instructed my daughter never to pull over for an un-marked car, but to put on her flashers and proceed to a (well lit, if applicable) public area and call 911 on cell phone.
Anyone with a stick-on light can pull people over and rob them (or worse) and LE should know this is not a good practice..they are teaching people how to be victimized.

[Monty22]

If you try that you'll get a felony stop, and thrown in jail for evasion.