Bogus Web ad is invitation to steal MANSFIELD — Sherry Johnson Huwitt recently woke up to see what looked like robbers in her yard.
"These two guys were loading up my basketball goal," she said. "I went outside and started yelling, 'What are you doing with my things?' And they said, 'It was on craigslist.'"
The men showed Huwitt the ad from the popular Internet classifieds Web site which invited readers to collect outdoor sports equipment from her address. "Do not knock," the ad instructed. "It is placed out there for you to come and get."
Huwitt hadn't posted the invitation; she didn't know anything about it.
The ad appeared to have been posted around 4 a.m., so Huwitt thought the person who did it must work the night shift. She heard that a neighbor, Chad Hickey, had been asking about her things, so she confronted him.
Hickey initially denied having anything to do with the ad, but Huwitt kept pushing, e-mailing craigslist to learn the identity of the person who placed the notice.
An hour later, a name came back: Chad Hickey — her neighbor who is also an Arlington police officer.
"I just don't understand it," Huwitt said. "He brought strangers to my house. I could have gotten myself killed; I could have killed somebody."
In a letter to their homeowners' association, Hickey explained his action this way:
"Due to the items needing to be rmoved since they were not properly taken care of, I thought of a solution that was wrong to a valid issue. I regret my decision and wish I could take it back ... I feel horrible about what has transpired and have just been sick over it." Arlington police don't know whether a crime was committed, but Hickey is still on the job until they figure it all out.
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11:45 PM
May 4th, 2009
pokeyfiero Member
Posts: 16203 From: Free America! Registered: Dec 2003
I've met some good ones and some that shouldn't have a badge at all. In my area the state troopers are the best. If your not doing anything too stupid and your honest with them, they will usually let you go with a warning. As for the locals.... HA! i know a bunch of these turds. Not all of them are bad. just about 85% of them are. Our old D.A.R.E. officer got caught selling drugs! He's no longer a dare officer but he is a sergeant now with the same police force!
I've met some good ones and some that shouldn't have a badge at all. In my area the state troopers are the best. If your not doing anything too stupid and your honest with them, they will usually let you go with a warning. As for the locals.... HA! i know a bunch of these turds. Not all of them are bad. just about 85% of them are. Our old D.A.R.E. officer got caught selling drugs! He's no longer a dare officer but he is a sergeant now with the same police force!
Deleted
Brad
[This message has been edited by twofatguys (edited 08-06-2009).]
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12:10 PM
82-T/A [At Work] Member
Posts: 24126 From: Florida USA Registered: Aug 2002
Well I was out tonight, probably when I shouldn't have been. I had a few drinks and probably should have gone straight home. Well when I was on my way home I saw a patrol car behind me, I went out of the way and a around a few blocks to determine if he was really going to follow me and he did. He decided to pull me over about 1-2 blocks before I could get on the highway and head home ( be out of town in 2mins).
He hit the lights and I pulled over, I shut the car down, and got out my paperwork. When he asked for it I gave it to him, and asked why I was pulled over, he said my rear license plate was unclear (nonsense) and that I was going to fast. (which I wasn't because I saw him, and made sure I obeyed the speed limit). I said ok, and let it go. He came back and said I had 55 pts. (which I do) but all from years ago. I told him this, he agreed and decided to let me go home. When I was about to pull away another officer showed up. I asked what was going on, and the 1st officer said that the other officer must have wanted me for something else. The second officer says he saw me "driving like a maniac" past the police station (all the way across town). I told him I wasn't even in that part of town. He said " So your calling me a F'in liar" I realized there was no upside to this, so I said, no I am not going to argue with you. He said your F'in right your not. and they walked away. A few mins later the first officer came up and told me, its ok just go home.
Yes, things could have been a lot worse, I was wrong for driving when I was. But this just really annoys me that the 2nd officer came along and tried that BS. I am so glad that the first officer was decent and some what honest.
I was completely polite/honest and I hate to say it but (caucasian). I hate to think what would have happened to someone else.
I'm sure this has been hashed several times on here, but you have good and bad cops.
The GOOD cops are obviously the ones who join the force because they want to help their country and improve their town. The reasons they do this can be many, maybe because they experienced injustice when they were younger, or simply patriotism. These are the good cops, and usually, unless they're on a ticketing detail, they won't pull you over unless you appear to be a danger to society (IE: drunk) or you clearly break the law in front of them.
Then you've got the OTHER kind of cop, and these are the BAD cops. They join the force often times because they lack self esteem in one fashion or another. This can be because they were made fun of when they were younger and simply just never got over it, or they view their position as an officer to make them feel important. These are the guys you want to stay away from. It's hard to tell really who you'll end up getting if you get pulled over, and unfortunately you really have no idea.
These bad cops are the ones who often pull people over in many instances simply because they it gives them that "high" of having POWER. The various police departments usually have psychological evaluation tests to weed out these kinds of people, but it doesn't always work. I know of one guy who wanted to join the force and failed the psych exam like 5 times at various departments, only to finally pass at another department. The unfortunate problem of course being that he eventually learned how to manipulate the test. I would pretty much guarantee this guy is going to be a total dick.
The BAD cops unfortunately are also the ones who often take money under the table, and end up getting involved in scandals. IE: unnecessary beatings, unprofessional conduct, God complex, etc.
The GOOD news... is that these guys USUALLY never make it to higher positions simply because they lack the fortitude, honesty, and work ethic that would otherwise show the upper brass that they are worthy of promotion. Then of course, you have people in between... you have good cops which get burnt out because of years on the force. Then you also get cops who are burnt out because of their shifts, and after dealing with tons of low-lifes all day, they often (temporarily) lose their ability to reasonably judge a person. Like for example, that 2nd officer in your story might have just been on a call where there were a bunch of punks who gave him a hard time, maybe he had to arrest them, whatever. It's no excuse, but it might give some insight as to why he was being a dick.
The one thing to remember too though, is that all officers are expected to put their lives on the line for civilians, so they all deserve credit for that.
Often times, I've been in situations where I've been pulled over for totally BS stuff. Some arrogant police officers light to make sure they're the FIRST ones to speed away from the light. When I was in my Solstice, I outaccelerated a police officer (not by choice, I was just driving normal) and the cop (in a Dodge Intrepid) then got RIGHT on my tail. There was a big mound of dirt / SOD that had fallen off a truck that I then had to avoid, so I swerved a little bit to avoid it (didn't actually change lanes) and the cop pulled me over for swerving. It's worth noting of course that the police officer totally nailed this dirt pile and it got in her grill and everything.
So she pulled me over and gave me an attitude. In MANY cases like this, people would automatically get defensive and angry. So... in this case, I gave her a little bit of an attitude. She said... "Why did you swerve back there.", so I told her that it was to avoid the dirt pile which she nailed, then she said... "I didn't see a signal", so I told her that normally you don't use your turn signal in emergency maneuvers.
She gave me some more attitude and ended up letting me go.
But that's a perfect example of a police officer that is on the force for alterior motives rather than the best interest of the community. She was clearly just "showing me" who's in charge. I had another example where I called the police because someone had backed into my parked car at the bank. When the cops came, it appeared to me as if they KNEW who the drivers of the other car were. So the cop comes over and immediately says to me "Hey, I smell marijuana in your car, have you been smoking?" Now, I said no, and the truth is, I've never smoked pot in my life (seriously). So he proceeded to search my car. He found nothing obviously, but he basically trashed the interior of my car (not damage, but just emptied the center glove box, and took everything out of the trunk and put it on the ground in the parking lot).
The guy really gave me an attitude the entire time. Then, when he found a Pontiac 6000 STE steering wheel with radio controls in the trunk, he asked if I had stolen any cars. At this time in my life, I was 19. But I was well dressed, a 3-button polo, shorts, and converse.
The guy was simply being a jerk and trying to get his friends off from a ticket. The other police officer was eating an apple and cutting it with some huge 9" long knife (all dramatic).
Never the less, the other guy was cited and his insurance company paid. However, there have been times where I have called the police and they've been really professional. I have two neighbors who are officers, and they're both pretty friendly.
It's a shame, but I think there needs to be a standardized psych exam for the country and I think you should only get a certain number of chances (per 5 year period) to take it. If that was the case, we probably wouldn't have many of the misconduct charges that we have now.
It's a shame, but I think there needs to be a standardized psych exam for the country and I think you should only get a certain number of chances (per 5 year period) to take it. If that was the case, we probably wouldn't have many of the misconduct charges that we have now.
And that number of chances should be ONE. And permanently noted on a FEDERAL record that is publicly accessible if they ever become officers.
They should also (not sure if they do now or not) be forced to retake the test every few years after hire.
I'll admit that not all Cops are A* Holes, but enough are to keep me on edge.
Brad
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01:08 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
Two Police Chiefs Arrested in SJP Surrogate Case July 30th, 2009 11:54 am / Author: Mary Beth Quirk Two police chiefs who allegedly planned a break-in at the home of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s surrogate in Ohio last month have been arrested, according to local news station WTOV. Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter and Bridgeport Police Chief Chad Dojack were booked into Belmont County jail last night, but it’s unclear what the exact charges against them are. A third man was also arrested, and he’s the son of the Bridgeport mayor. Police claim that the men were trying to get info from the surrogate’s home — including SJP voice mails — in order to sell what they gathered to a tabloid.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 08-06-2009).]
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05:59 PM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
PORT HOPE -- A driver who flipped a cop a ‘one-fingered salute’ after he was issued a speeding ticket got more than he bargained for.
On Aug. 3, at 11 a.m., Northumberland OPP stopped a driver travelling east on Hwy. 401, east of Wesleyville Road. The vehicle was clocked by the traffic airplane at 135 km/hr in a 100. The driver was issued a ticket and sent on his way.
As he was leaving, the driver gave the officer the finger and was stopped a second time and issued a ticket for an improper hand signal, police said.
-----------------
There "might" be a little-teeny-tiny underground movement afoot to fax about a kazzilion one-fingered salutes to their various offices. Might. Maybe. Possibly
My friend and I got stopped while walking down the street the other day. I assume because of the town I was in, and that I am Caucasian, the cops insisted I/we were buying drugs. So I am completely polite the whole time, they search me and my friend, find absolutely nothing bad/drug related etc...on us, and keep telling us that if we admit to doing something they will just let us go, but not to try and bs them. We weren't do anything wrong, didn't admit to anything. (that would have been just stupid).
Then they start asking where our car is. We were on foot, and neither of us had a car. another bunch of time wasted asking where the car was, and threatening to tow it if they find it. (don't know what for). Eventually I told them nicely, to take another look at my keychain ring. NO CAR KEYS, Then they told us since we wouldn't admit to something they would just arrest us for loitering. Again I didn't argue, but kept thinking to myself, don't you have to be broke, or just standing around aimlessly for this? We both had money, and were walking down the main street towards the local shopping district.. Doesn't seem like loitering. Eventually they let us go.
They could have been much worse, but still it's just annoying.
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10:56 PM
Finally_Mine_86_GT Member
Posts: 4809 From: Hyde Park, New York Registered: Sep 2006
My honda broke down a few months ago and of course i found myself on foot going to the parts store down the road. One of the a-hole cops stopped me and gave the third degree too. Even though he had to of passed my car to find me he was still a douche. He kept me there for about a half an hour. Finally i just asked him if i was under arrest. When he said no... i just walked away. he followed me all the way to the parts store and then again all the way back. He sat in his car watching me the entire time. As soon as i started to leave with my car he pulled me over and asked to search my car. I just told him i wanted to speak to his superior officer and he can't search my car till they show up. 2 hours later another one showed up. He tried doing the same thing the first cop did. I opened my cell phone and while i was calling the state troopers office the cop grabbed my phone told the trooper "this is the poughkeepsie police department who am i speaking with?" I don't think he liked the answer cause he gave my phone back and they both left while i was explaining what happened to the trooper on the phone. I told the trooper i wanted to press harassment charges and them their car numbers. Never heard back from that ordeal.
Heck... 6 months ago same town clowns "searched" a diablo and destroyed the interior. Guy was the son of a senator. I think it was because he was a minority. Yeah.... that didn't go over well. I know those cops got fired. It was in the local paper here.
Legally they can't keep you if your not under arrest. If you walk away they have to either arrest you or take you in for questioning. They are entitled to hold you for 24 hours but not the whole time interrogating. If they do what those a-holes did it's harassment.
My honda broke down a few months ago and of course i found myself on foot going to the parts store down the road. One of the a-hole cops stopped me and gave the third degree too. Even though he had to of passed my car to find me he was still a douche.
Well you were driving a honda. If it's not already a crime it should be LOL
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11:32 PM
Aug 7th, 2009
Finally_Mine_86_GT Member
Posts: 4809 From: Hyde Park, New York Registered: Sep 2006
Cops behaving badly. I saw this video a few months ago while in southern CA. I shows the city's finest acting like the typical guy, but the officers are on duty and in the police department. Just goes to show that those wearing a badge are no different than anybody else.
Here's another video that was caught on video. The under cover copes wasen't aware of the taping, but the news station was. They break the man's front two teeth.
i only read the first post but no i do not agree all cops are bad but the ones who abuse their authority are. about 3-4 months ago i was with a buddy and went with him to do something i wish i didnt. he went to go buy something(you get the idea) and things went south quickly and we were pepper sprayed and robbed and i finally made it home 2 blocks basiclly blind i walked in and my parents flipped and call the cops and i was honestly scared of my buddy and the kid,2 girls who sprayed us and fearing them i lied about who i was with and about knowing who did it well the detective told me basiclly the case is closed only to find out weds night that he has really asked around so i came clean and told him the whole story. he was told i sold drugs and that we tryed to rob the other people and it was hard to beleave me about what im saying because i lied i told him i had no reason to lie not that my parents arent right next to me(im 18 but still live at home). he tells me im the only one that could be charged. it would be filing a false police report which would ruin my record i was shakeing so bad while on the phone i could bearly talk but it felt good to get it out since i feel into another DEEP depression because of this. i apoligized many times and told him why i lied and he said im not going to throw you under the bus if i didnt want to pursue charges agaisnt the other people but if my parents call to find out the status he would have to tell them(wont happen) so all in all he was very cool and gave me a chance on this so im not at risk,fighting with parents,or jepradize me going into job core for school so they do have a heart when they arent abuseive of their power
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11:30 AM
kyunderdawg Member
Posts: 4373 From: Bowling Green, KY. USA Registered: Aug 2008
This right here sickens me. All too often police officers abuse authority and unfortunitely give the good ones a bad name. I have ridden with officers and talked with them about the job and incedents they've delt with so I can understand that things can go south quick and they have to be ready. I believe it takes a special kind of person to become an officer. One that can make rational desissions to deal with all kinds of humanity.....drunks, people high on controlled substance, are unpredictable. These types of cops are looking for some 'action' and got more than they barganned for.
I've run into some officers that have wanted to fight or start an arguement and I have run into some really respectful ones that will talk to you as they should. All too often the bad out weigh the good and it's a constant struggle for the ones having the integrity and honor for the badge to keep good relations with the community.
I'm still debating getting into law enforcement myself. I've always wanted to be a cop, but never persued it. The few good officers that I have delt with have inspired me to, if I get into that line of work, be the best that I can be.....as it should be.
Believe me, cops do have a rough job. I have family members and friends of the family that are cops/deputies and I here a lot of stories....good and bad.
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12:53 PM
Aug 16th, 2009
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
Here we go again. This time mom is tasered while the kids are watching. I guess somehow the officer was threatened....please! What next? You guessed it... lawsuit.
How does a law-abiding mom driving home with two kids end up being Tasered, handcuffed and arrested — while her children are left alone for 40 minutes in the car, waiting for someone to come get them?
That’s a question that Audra Harmon hopes will be answered by a lawsuit she has filed against the Onondaga County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department. In the process, she and her attorney told TODAY’s Meredith Vieira Friday in New York, they hope to spur a debate over whether police should be carrying Tasers at all.
The suit, seeking unspecified monetary damages on an array of charges including false arrest and police brutality, has been filed, said attorney Terrance Hoffman, “to bring awareness not only that anybody can be a potential victim, but also awareness to the police officers who have the Tasers to be a little more judicious and think it out a little more before they use this kind of device. Then the overall picture is whether or not Tasers should be used in law enforcement.”
Quick on the draw? Nowadays the Web seems awash with videos of police using Tasers on people for reasons that are not always immediately clear. The most famous is the 2007 video of a student screaming, “Don’t Tase me, bro!” as police repeatedly shock him at a political event.
To the list, add the video of Harmon being yanked from her car by a deputy and then shocked to her knees on a rural road for reasons Harmon still doesn’t understand.
A 38-year-old mother of three who has been driving school buses for 11 years, Harmon has said that she didn’t even know exactly what a Taser was until one was used on her after a routine traffic stop last Jan. 31 in the upstate New York county outside of Syracuse.
Harmon had been driving home with her 15-year-old son, whom she had just picked up from wrestling practice, and 5-year-old daughter. She said she was resting her right hand on her cheek as she pulled behind a sheriff’s deputy to make a right turn onto the road where she lived. After she made the turn, the deputy pulled off the road to let her pass, then pulled out behind her with his lights flashing and siren blaring.
No radar The deputy, Sean Andrews, who has been taken off patrol duty while his department conducts an internal investigation, told her he was ticketing her for talking on her cell phone.
“I was driving with my hand on my cheek, and I think that’s what he saw,” Harmon told Vieira. “After I had given him the chance to look in my purse, check for a cell phone, then he manufactured the ticket with speeding. Again, I told him that he was wrong; I wasn’t speeding, either. Then we went back and forth.”
The speeding charge Andrews cited was doing 50 in a 45 mph zone. The officer said he didn’t use radar, but had paced her car at that speed for several seconds.
The standard advice to motorists during traffic stops is not to get out of the car unless instructed to by police. But Harmon wasn’t thinking of that. She wanted to see the evidence that she was speeding, so she left her white van and began walking back to Andrews’ cruiser.
“I wanted to see the tape. I knew that he was lying. I knew that I wasn’t speeding. I knew that I wasn’t on the cell phone. I wanted him to show me the tape,” she told Vieira.
The dash-cam video shows the officer turning and advancing on Harmon. She says he told her to get back in the van, and she hesitated while she demanded to see the evidence that she was speeding. Her son, alarmed at what he was seeing, yelled, “Mom, get back in!”
At some point, Andrews told her she was under arrest, but Harmon said she doesn’t remember if it was then or later.
“He wanted to arrest me. So after I got in, he wanted me back out again instead of just leaving me get back in my car,” Harmon said.
“It should have been over right there. I wouldn’t have reacted like I did if I had been on my cell phone or I was speeding.”
‘I posed no threat’ Harmon sat in the car hanging onto the steering wheel as the deputy grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the vehicle. As she was standing on the road talking to him, he pulled his Taser. She tried to get back in the van and he fired.
At no time in the dash-cam footage does Harmon appear to be acting belligerent. “I never swore. My hands were not flailing away. I posed no threat to him,” Harmon said.
Nevertheless, Andrews fired his Taser, despite Harmon begging him not to do it in front of her children. The first shot hit her heavy winter jacket and gave her a mild shock. The officer is seen turning her to face him, then firing another shot that stuck in her chest. Harmon falls to her knees and is pushed face-first onto the pavement and handcuffed.
“My daughter was crying. I heard her saying, ‘Mommy,’ ” Harmon said. “Afterward, my son said that she was really crying hysterically, wanting to know what happened to Mommy. And then of course she wanted her daddy, because she’s Daddy’s girl. She knew that I wasn’t going to be able to come to her, so she wanted Dad.”
After the arrest, more officers arrived — Harmon isn’t sure how many, but thinks there were at least six — along with an ambulance. The EMT technicians removed the Taser barb from her chest and asked if she wanted to be taken to the hospital. Harmon said she did.
A deputy removed her handcuffs in the ambulance and Andrews came to the hospital to give her an envelope with four tickets in it: for speeding, talking on her cell phone, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
All charges dismissed After watching the dash-cam video, local prosecutors dismissed all charges. The Onondaga Sheriff is conducting an internal investigation into the incident and has declined to comment on Harmon’s lawsuit.
Although there were multiple deputies on the scene, Harmon says that her children were left in the car, even though they were within easy walking distance of their home. Harmon’s husband works nights and had to be awoken by deputies banging on his door to get him to come and get his children.
“The disturbing part is that they were left in that car for almost 40 minutes,” Harmon said. “For periods of times they were alone. I was in the back of Andrews’ patrol car. Handcuffed.”
In April, Harmon filed her civil suit alleging numerous violations of state and federal law, including violating Harmon’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure and unauthorized and excessive use of force. The suit also alleges intentionally inflicting emotional distress, false arrest, assault and battery and malicious prosecution.
But Hoffman, Harmon’s attorney, said that bigger issues are involved.
“The issue here really is much broader than Audra’s case,” he told Vieira. “The reason why we’re here is because Tasering has become a problem not only locally. I found out a man in Onondaga County was killed by a Taser within the last year.”
Neither Hoffman nor Harmon hold a grudge against police in general, and both have said that most officers do their jobs well under great pressure. As for Andrews, Harmon said: “I knew that either he was having a bad day or whatever. He knew that I wasn’t doing those things.” The video is posted on YouTube
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 08-16-2009).]
even though im a rapper (myspace.com/vallabillz) and have made anti-police songs and have even trashed cops on this forum
I actually like and respect the majority of them. Many are very active in our community and our youth groups and are a postivie influence. But the few bad ones are worse than the criminals who only commit crimes to feed their families.
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03:54 AM
Sep 10th, 2009
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
Woman Uses 'Because I'm Pretty' Sign To Deter Police Stops Posted: 7:34 am PDT September 9, 2009 Updated: 9:16 am PDT September 9, 2009
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- A woman is using a sign written on the back window of her car to stop what she said are unwarranted traffic stops made because she is attractive. KIRO 7 reporter Deborah Horne was eating dinner with her photographer in Bellevue last night when she saw the message, "Attention police, do not pull me over just because I'm pretty" on a car parked near Bellevue Square. Horne approached the woman, who asked to be identified only as Dasha. She said police have stopped her more than 30 times in Bellevue, Kirkland and Seattle and she has received only two citations, both of which were dismissed. Dasha said the message was her friends' idea. Dasha said after the sign was put on her window a month ago, she has not been stopped by officers. Dasha said now, officers just read the message and smile.
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04:29 PM
jstricker Member
Posts: 12956 From: Russell, KS USA Registered: Apr 2002
Woman Uses 'Because I'm Pretty' Sign To Deter Police Stops Posted: 7:34 am PDT September 9, 2009 Updated: 9:16 am PDT September 9, 2009
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- A woman is using a sign written on the back window of her car to stop what she said are unwarranted traffic stops made because she is attractive. KIRO 7 reporter Deborah Horne was eating dinner with her photographer in Bellevue last night when she saw the message, "Attention police, do not pull me over just because I'm pretty" on a car parked near Bellevue Square. Horne approached the woman, who asked to be identified only as Dasha. She said police have stopped her more than 30 times in Bellevue, Kirkland and Seattle and she has received only two citations, both of which were dismissed. Dasha said the message was her friends' idea. Dasha said after the sign was put on her window a month ago, she has not been stopped by officers. Dasha said now, officers just read the message and smile.
[This message has been edited by jstricker (edited 09-23-2009).]
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09:36 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
I've known a fair amount of "small dick/former HS stud" cops. They have issues, they were used to being the stud in HS or picked on and now want to "enjoy" power. Areas that have real academys "CHP" and others come to mind tend to at least knock a bit of this attitude off. In states like MN where you go get a 2 yr criminal justice degree and then apply to a police force not so much. Metro cops mellow out pretty quick on minor crap (they've got enough to deal with, with gangs, shootings, robberies, domestics etc) The ones that end up on suburb forces.. not so much.. they're trying to prove they're as bad ass as metro cops. (basically by hassling soccer moms who had an extra glass of wine with the girls) In MN I've been pulled over by state troopers (who tend to recruit on different standards) and dealt with rational guys just dealing with a situation. I've been pulled over by locals who jumped and screamed because I was going 5 over. (if you're going to give me a ticket just write it and lets move on)
I will say this.. From knowing cops that I've hung out with.. Vets are far more likely to be normal and relaxed.
I guess I've just lived a charmed life. Must be from living out here in "the sticks" and being some kind of backroads hick, I guess.
Probably doesn't matter that I've also spent a goodly amount of time in places like Wichita, KC, Omaha, Dallas, some in CA, northern and southern, and quite a few more places than the majority of people posting in this thread.
You know, I just haven't had any trouble with the police. I don't kow how my life can be so, well, odd compared to what's going on here. Let's see, I don't, and never have, used any illegal drugs. I don't drink and drive. I actually have a job and keep current insurance and tags on my vehicles. I don't speed exhorbitantly and try to obey the traffic laws and even drive courteously. I drive tractor/trailer trucks, light duty trucks with and without trailers, cars, some of them race cars, custom cars that tend to catch a person's eye, even farm equipment. I haul oversize loads that I have to be permitted for and hold a CDL. I drive around 80,000 miles a year and have been doing that for, oh, the last 30 years or more.
Not to say there aren't bad cops out there. After all, they're all people and given any finite population not all of them are going to be good people, but they're the exception, just like in every other population.
Sure, I've been stopped and you know what? Every time but two I was doing something wrong. Once, I'm still convinced, the trooper's radar clocked the truck behind me and not my pickup (larger target, old radar, they tend to lock on the strongest reflection and this was over 20 years ago) and once it wasn't even a "cop", but a KS Dept. of Transportation officer that decided he wanted to check my permits when I was hauling a 13 foot wide combine home from western KS on Interstate. He was not nice, but he wasn't particularly rude either.
I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong to be treated so fairly when, according to most in this thread, so many cops, if not the majority, are complete asses. Maybe I should quit being polite when/if I'm stopped? Maybe when I pass a cop I should start looking at him like he just kicked my dog and raped my wife? Maybe I shouldn't call the officers "sir" or "ma'am" anymore when I interact with them? I don't know. It's just something I'll have to ponder a while I guess.
John Stricker
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10:54 PM
Sep 27th, 2009
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
The cost of acting "stupidly" is costing BART. In Jan the cost to investigate the Fruitvale incident was $98,000. Now the firm investigating wants $150,000 more. Maybe reaching $250,000
Difficult case: The cost of a probe into a fatal Jan. 1 shooting by a BART police officer has ballooned to more than twice the original estimate. (Courtesy Photo) SAN FRANCISCO — The cost of an investigation into the fatal shooting of a passenger by a BART police officer has more than doubled in recent weeks.
Early Jan. 1, a BART train was stopped at the Fruitvale station in Oakland after reports of a fight onboard. BART police, including then-officer Johannes Mehserle, responded to the chaotic scene. At one point during the melee on the station platform, Mehserle fatally shot Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Hayward man, who was laying face down.
In the wake of the shooting, BART hired the Oakland-based law firm Meyers Nave on Feb. 11 to conduct an independent probe. BART began seeking outside investigative help following public allegations that it had mishandled its own investigation into the incident.
The transit agency initially agreed to pay Meyers Nave $99,000 to conduct the three-month investigation, but the firm’s attorneys are now requesting an additional $151,000, because the “volume of information and breadth of the necessary investigation is greater than anticipated,” according to a BART document recommending its board of directors approve the added funding. The board will consider the request to the more than 150 percent price increase — which brings the total to $250,000 — at its meeting Thursday. BART spokesman Linton Johnson said the initial estimate only accounted for the cost of interviewing the 40 witnesses who had already spoken to authorities during Mehserle’s criminal investigation.
“[The firm is] discovering there are a lot more witnesses that they have to interview,” he said.
Meyers Nave’s investigation will involve as many as 100 interviews, the firm’s head attorney, Jayne Williams, told The Examiner on Tuesday.
“We are in the process of scheduling [more interviews],” Williams said, adding that the firm officially began its investigation March 1 and is about “a third of the way through.”
The firm will not only explore Mehserle’s involvement, but also the actions of the other six police officers who were on the platform at the time of the shooting, along with those of their supervisors.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 09-27-2009).]
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02:09 AM
Nov 2nd, 2009
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
See The OP story is a perfect example of a "cop" and a "police officer"
A cop puts on a badge and goes on a huge power trip (officer #2 in the OP story) they think there above the law and get to enforce it to the fulles extent to others and that the law bends to them. This is an example of a "cop".
A police officer puts on a badge and goes out everyday to do his job (this is officer #1 in the OP's story) They know they are not above the law and know they have been givin the responsability to enforce it when needed to be enforced. They also know that like the people they are citing that they are human beings to and people make mistakes.
When I was younger. (16 to 19) whenever i would get pulled over I would pop off at the officer "eff this eff that this ticket is BS you need a real job" and I found that doing that got me absoluteley nowhere. If you talk to the officer like you would talk to any normal person your encounter treat them with respect they 9 times out of 10 will show you the same courtsey back. The last ticket I ever got involving points was about 3 years ago and I only got them because I got into an argument with the arresting officer at the time of the pullover. Im not going to say I havent been pulled over since than but I learned if you show an officer respect most likeley you will not see a ticket. One of my mose recent pull overs (bout a year ago in my firebird) 90 MPH in a 30MPH zone It was 3 oclock in the morning I always wanted to push it on this road it was a big industrial park and a cop clocked me at 90 And I had to have been going over that because it took him about 1/2 mile to catch up to me. So he pulled me over I respectuley told him I have no excuse for how fast I was going , I just wanted to open the car up on that road. During the whole pullover I was respectful towards the officer, I what honest with the officer, I had my interior light on the whole time and had my hands on the steering wheel so that he knew I wasent going to pull any stunts, and geuss what no ticket. Not all police officers are bad people if you respect them depending on the situation it will go a long way for you.
Thankfuly the above story was my last time ever getting pulled over for a moving violation. I only get stoped for blown taillights and such now.
This dosent mean im gona be nice when pass my civil service exam. to become a state trooper. Ill ticket all of you....... J/K
[This message has been edited by pontiackid86 (edited 11-02-2009).]
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03:02 AM
ghost187x Member
Posts: 1026 From: El Paso, TX Registered: Oct 2008
do you guys think bad cops originate from low standards in the recruiting process? everywhere I go there are police stations that needs cops.
from my experience, most cops i meet are dicks. One motorcycle cop was riding at 80mph on the 210 in california. I decided to drive his speed limit. If he can do it, why can't i? then he slows down and i slow down.. then he pulls me over asking what the hell I am doing. I replied with yes sir and no sir yada yada and he threatened to call my unit (yeah right) . i got a warning, but that situation was lame. i did not ask him why he was allowed to speed and the rest of us regular citizens cant... i didnt want to get a ticket.
do you guys think bad cops originate from low standards in the recruiting process? everywhere I go there are police stations that needs cops.
from my experience, most cops i meet are dicks. One motorcycle cop was riding at 80mph on the 210 in california. I decided to drive his speed limit. If he can do it, why can't i? then he slows down and i slow down.. then he pulls me over asking what the hell I am doing. I replied with yes sir and no sir yada yada and he threatened to call my unit (yeah right) . i got a warning, but that situation was lame. i did not ask him why he was allowed to speed and the rest of us regular citizens cant... i didnt want to get a ticket.
Two wrongs don't make a right. He was wrong for speeding and so were you. He had the authority to pull you over and decided to use it.
On the other hand you should have told him to lead by example. Do as I say not as I do mentality perhaps.......?
nope - generally speaking - if you are caucasian - cops aint so bad. I know white folk dont like to hear this - but it is very true. africans NEVER get to just "move along". in fact, they dont even get to meet the officer until ANOTHER patrol car shows up for backup. at least around here. it even has a violation name now: DWB - driving while black.
you can call it BS all ya like - but just come by, and sit on the corner and watch it happen. yes, young drivers will get some hassle too, but nothing like negros. pulled over wholesale. especially if there is more than one in the car.
but, anyways - nope - I be a white boy, and cops are grand.
Funny. I have pulled over MANY black people, and gasp! I let them go!. Hmmmm.
One morning I was patrolling, and a car passed me doing 65 in a 30 mph zone. I did a U-turn and began to come up on him. He saw me U-turn and immediately pulled over for me. He didn't even have to wait for my lights to come on. I asked him why hes was in such a hurry, he told me he was late for work, and knew he was speeding. I gave him a warning and let him go. The reason? there are two.
#1 he was completely honest with me and didn't bs me.
#2, this is the main reason. He had enough respect to pull over for me, and I didn't even have to chase him.
Guess what else....I'm a white Officer, and he was black. How about that.......must be the twilight zone. The race card is played out people.
Never forget there is good and bad in the law enforcement arena,,always cooperate, smile honey works best to prevent a ticket or a night in Jail.. My problem was I hated Judges..attorneys.parole officers, cost me jail time a lot of jail time,,yes sir,, no sir in the cop/judicial system..see how much you feel like a man if you go in with the hard case guys..AVOID IT.. thought I might need a cork to slow,em down...and, I was a tough guy
So many tough guys,, do not temp faith..every smart azzz need a thump on the head . Now its hands on the wheel untill told different ..YES sir.. NO sir..the past ten years ?? 3 stops,,,2 In Fiero, skated with verbal warning on 2 ,,seat belt violation on one (doing 60 in 35)
[This message has been edited by uhlanstan (edited 11-02-2009).]
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10:07 PM
Nov 3rd, 2009
Derek_85GT Member
Posts: 1623 From: Flipadelphia, PA Registered: Mar 2005
My friend and I got stopped while walking down the street the other day. I assume because of the town I was in, and that I am Caucasian, the cops insisted I/we were buying drugs. So I am completely polite the whole time, they search me and my friend, find absolutely nothing bad/drug related etc...on us, and keep telling us that if we admit to doing something they will just let us go, but not to try and bs them. We weren't do anything wrong, didn't admit to anything. (that would have been just stupid).
Then they start asking where our car is. We were on foot, and neither of us had a car. another bunch of time wasted asking where the car was, and threatening to tow it if they find it. (don't know what for). Eventually I told them nicely, to take another look at my keychain ring. NO CAR KEYS, Then they told us since we wouldn't admit to something they would just arrest us for loitering. Again I didn't argue, but kept thinking to myself, don't you have to be broke, or just standing around aimlessly for this? We both had money, and were walking down the main street towards the local shopping district.. Doesn't seem like loitering. Eventually they let us go.
They could have been much worse, but still it's just annoying.
Holy Rights Violations Batman!
How could that have been any worse?
Honestly...from the PRNJ, it doesn't surprise me.
~ Derek
[This message has been edited by Derek_85GT (edited 11-03-2009).]
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09:09 AM
Derek_85GT Member
Posts: 1623 From: Flipadelphia, PA Registered: Mar 2005
The seat belt in no way permits a vehicle search. EVER.
Nick, I think your an alright guy, but around here they stop you for not wearing a seatbelt (I still think it should be my right to wear or not to wear), and initiate a search with consent, every time. If you do not consent to a search (who on here refuses except me?) they either bring in the drug dogs, and tie you up for a long period of time, or "suspect" something and therefore have reasonable cause.
I'd venture to say that 90% around here are dirty, or just power hungry wastes of a body.
I consider myself a fairly level headed guy. I consider a lot of things before I make a choice. I made my mind up on this a few years ago.
I am not scared of these "cops" either, they are already harassing me. I don't scare, (I get pissed) I am not a drug user/dealer. I am not saying I never break a law, but come on, 5 over on the speed limit is slower than flow of traffic around here, and sitting in a private parking lot eating dinner is not breaking the law. The worse thing they can do to me is kill me, and all that would do is set my wife up for the rest of her life. (If I was the crazy type I would be hunting for a clock tower already)
Brad
P.S. I may be in Tempe some time this winter, I'll let you know when so you can harass me there . (cause I'll be missing it from here.)
All too often police officers abuse authority and unfortunitely give the good ones a bad name. I have ridden with officers and talked with them about the job and incedents they've delt with so I can understand that things can go south quick and they have to be ready. I believe it takes a special kind of person to become an officer. One that can make rational desissions to deal with all kinds of humanity.....drunks, people high on controlled substance, are unpredictable. These types of cops are looking for some 'action' and got more than they barganned for. 
