View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2007 > October > 05 > Entry
Good cop vs. non-cop
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every once in a while you see a news story of someone impersonating a police officer. A young woman was robbed by a man who followed her and then pulled her over while she was on her way home. He asked for her license, walked back to his car, and then returned and took the contents from her wallet. She said he had a large knife in his belt.
This method is well documented all over the country. Years ago, Cherokee County authorities arrested a man who used a blue light to pull over and then sexually assault women. He placed a blue light in the dash of the car.
The term “Blue Light Rapist” has been used in cases throughout the country to describe this particular method of trickery used by sex offenders or robbers. Fortunately, In the case of the woman stopped in Barrow County this past week, all the man wanted was her money and credit cards.
What do you do when you’re being pulled over?
Police vehicles are required to have blue lights and at least six-inch letters that say “POLICE” on the car. Some traffic cars are black or dark and have red or dark gray lettering but they must have the departmental ID on the car.
Some departments still use a number of ‘slick-tops’ but most have mounted strobes on the top and all over the car. They light up like a Christmas tree. Police uniforms vary but will display the patch of the department as well as the badge of the department, whether cloth sewn on or a metal badge. The badge and patch show the name of the department. The uniform will display the name of the officer, usually the last name or initials and last name.
Unfortunately, real badges are out there. Badges can be purchased at Goober conventions and are probably traded around more than we know. Patch collecting is done by both civilians and police officers. The fact is that someone could stop you and be wearing a real badge.
Being pulled over by the cops is not on the Top 10 list of things that give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a rather stressful situation, even more so if you’re just leaving the “Most Beers Drunk in an Hour” contest with a blue ribbon.
But there are things you can do that are considered acceptable when pulled over.
For instance, you are on a remote area at night and the blue lights come on behind you, if you want to drive a short distance to an area that is lighted, it should be okay if you’re not intending to drive fifty miles or do so at 80 mph. We call that a chase. Don’t do that. Turn on your flashers while you change locations.
Cops call out on the radio when making a traffic stop. You can dial 911 and verify this with the call-taker and/or dispatcher if you feel that something isn’t right.
Officers carry a gun belt with all the goodies that go with it. Radio, baton, weapon, cuffs and if you’re me, two sets of reading glasses and a portable GPS so I can find my way back to the main road. If you’re pulled over and the “officer” walks up wearing noticeably little on the belt, that should trigger you to be aware. The girl who was stopped this week said she saw a large knife. Cops don’t wear large knives out in the open. That would get in the way of the gun. They wear knives but most are concealed. We call wearing a large knife where the gun should be a poor substitution during a gunfight.
Police use blue lights. Some departments, usually sheriff’s departments, will use blue and red lights. They don’t use red lights exclusively here in Georgia. Being stopped by a red light usually means a fire truck, ambulance, or other response fire vehicle is behind you.
I guess the point here is that fire truck sirens are loud and even at night you’ll know exactly who they are. By the way, what is the purpose of that light, sticking out in front of the fire truck that rotates round and round? With all of the other 75 lights and sirens going on, it seems that rotating light is rather insignificant. I think they bought those at Spencers? Can I get one for my pickup truck?
So, I suggest this: know your options. Police officers wear the appropriate uniforms and they will identify themselves to those whom they pull over. You can use 911 to call and verify the car is a legitimate police or sheriff’s car pulling you over if you are afraid that you’re being set up. Officers will be patient if you want to acknowledge, put on the flashers, and pull over in a more public area.
Keep in mind that common sense comes into play here. That alone will eliminate some of you. Don’t use this as an excuse to not pull over until the beer you just spilled on your lap dries or drive around long enough to air the car out after you just finished off a big ol’ fatty of cheap domestic stink-weed.
Chances are this will never happen to you but verifying facts is OK.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Tray
October 5, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
I’ve always wondered, and maybe someone will reply to this to let me know, if undercovers in ‘unmarked’ cars can pull you over. I’ve hears rumors that if an unmarked unit tries to pull you over, you can keep driving at a safe speed until a mrked car arrives. Is that true? Also, do undercovers take time out of their day to pull you over for traffic violations and such (do they even have that equipment in their car?)?
By Sen. Larry Craig /(R) Idaho
October 5, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
But how would any of this information have helped me? Perhaps Officers of the Law should have ‘POLICE’ imprinted in large letters on the tips of their shoes.
I know that would have been helpful for me, but look where I am now?
By WEverything You Need To Know
October 5, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
http://www.ifilm.com/video/2458063
By Everything You Need To Know
October 5, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
I nearly had an aneurism when I watched the above linked video clip from The Chris Rock Show! It is soooooo true.
By Everything You Need To Know
October 5, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Better Copy of Chris Rock clip
Is the beligerent friend in the clip ‘Crab Man’ from My Name is Earl?
By How Not to Get Your A** Kicked By The Po-Po
October 5, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Yes It Is The Crab Man!
Yo, Crab Man! Turn off dat NWA!
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
There used to be a truck with a camper top on it that I used to see pulling people over ALL THE TIME off of 400….I was told my many people that he was a legitimate cop, but I’m sorry, if someone with a camper top and one little blue light tries and pulls me over, then they’s better expect to follow me to the closest police station!
Is it true that person is a real cop? If so, WHY in the world does he not have a REAL police car?????
By Good Question
October 5, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
If so, WHY in the world does he not have a REAL police car?????
The same could be said for the use of, presumably, confiscated vehicles dolled up to look like police car. From the Cobb County Camaro, to the Merceds, Humvees and Cadillacs with the same application of vinly lettering and lights. It all seems to taint the image of Police Officers as, quite frankly, buffoons.
I know I digress to continue, but is there any police force around that has not adopted the paramilitary garb of fatigues, combat boots, and baseball caps? I long for the patent leather brim caps and shoes with a pressed uniform that, even on a man with a falstaffian frame, makes them more more authorative.
Seriously, the three-hundred pound Butts County sheriif looks like a National Guard reject when they try to take on the military profile.
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
GOOD RESPONSE, GOOD QUESTION! Hee, hee……..And you are correct, I have also seen Camaro’s and Mustangs that are driven by cops……but I still refuse to be pulled over by someone that is NOT in a true marked police vehicle….you know, the kind with all the crazy disco lights. Also, if you are not dressed properly for a policeman, then you might see me leave the scene QUICKLY. There are just TOO MANY PSYCHOS out there, and being a woman, why do we constantly get told to NOT to pull over to strangers or if we feel uncomfortable, but then let police drive around in whatever they please and not wear the proper uniforms? Sounds like entrapment to me if one gets pulled over, but does not want to immediately comply or get out of their vehicle when they don’t think the situation looks normal.
By Good Question
October 5, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Everything You Need To Know
That clip is hilarious! I did not know that ‘Darnell’ was on The Chris Rock Show. I can attest to the not driving with a mad woman…..
By Stacey
October 5, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Tray…That is also my question. I often see cars with no lights on top but they have “POLICE” on the door. If the car comes up behind you, there’s no way of knowing it’s a police car.
By neil
October 5, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Bite me…..You is ignant
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Neil…..You are Keith!
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
PS - For those who don’t know good ole Keith is, check out blog about Chocolate cravings. He seems to make an appearance in EVERY blog.
By Tray
October 5, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Stacey, so I’m not the only one, huh? I wish someone could give me the real, legal, answer to my question (first post of the blog). I would love to comment on the video, but my work bans videos, so i can’t view them. Anyways, can anyone answer that at all? How about the cop that started this blog? Anyone?? Bueller? Bueller?
By Tray
October 5, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Oh, so he switches blogs and suddenly becomes intelligent? Cool, welcome to the educated world!!
By Sen. Larry Craig /(R) Idaho
October 5, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Another thing is Police Officers should use separate restrooms from civilians, politicians and celebrities. I find it to be a blight uponn the honour of badge to be stalking about in Mens restrooms harassing nice people.
Unless. that is really what you want to do…. I cannot confirm or deny that I have a profile a www.stallcallfreeforall, nor that I do or do not have a page set up therein under the name ‘feetsofflame8932’.
But if you are interested, boys in blue [LOL], I will be in Atlanta next week for fundraiser for my dear friend, Mr. Giuliani. We could meet in my office at Hartsfield, if you catch my drift.
By Tray
October 5, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Oh, so he switches blogs and suddenly becomes intelligent? Cool, welcome to the educated world!!
By Tray
October 5, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Oh, so he switches blogs and suddenly becomes intelligent? Cool, welcome to the educated world!!
By julie
October 5, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
could you adhd-ers please stick to the subject?
By Mr. John C. Hubbs
October 5, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Tray & Stacey
I cannot speak for what the standard operating procedure is for law enforcement. But my nineteen years of training and service as mall security at Lenox Mall has given me some advice that may answer you problem.
When I pull behind a vehicle that for whatever reason needs to be stoppped and the driver questioned or given a warning, I expect them to stop. Wheteher I am in my golf cart or my my Toyota truck, each one has an orange light and that should tell everyone that I am the authority and you will stop for me.
I am no longer able to carry a firearm, visible one at least. But I do have a radio and a large flashlight which I can use at my discretion. I am trained at a master level how to use each one.
I hope this helps and happy shopping to each of you.
JCH
By Tray
October 5, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks JCH
It helped some…I still do know what to do about an unmarked police car, but if i ever get pulled over by one, I’m not stopping until i see a marked unit!
By Mr. John C. Hubbs
October 5, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
BiteMe
Your story reminds me of a peccadillo I experienced in ‘87 working here at Lenox Mall. This skateboarding fad was all the rage and all these kids started coming around here and scaring our custmoers, making a bunch of noise, roughing up our curbs, and just all around looking wierd.
I was in between othotic fittings and my feet were hurting something awful. I spent most of my on-duty hours catching the easy catches putting slugs in the machines at the Timeout arcade.
I got a call on my dispatch radio that there were a pack of them skateboarders inside the mall and they were riding up and down the walkways scaring the bejeezus out of the old ladies trying to get inside Lord & Taylor. It may not seem like a long distance to some being on the basement floor to go up two escalators and walk halfway down the mall to go bust some skulls. But my feet were hurting so darn fiercely I contemplated making an excusee why I could not intercept the perps.
I told one of the kids we had in the office for placing slugs in the machines and told him that I am an security officer and that I would have to comandeer his skateboard.
I have never been on a skateboard, mind you…
uh, er… BiteMe I am startinbg to realize this story has NOTHING to do with your question. I apologize sir. I get confused a lot these days and find myself wandering here and there. Good luck finding your answer.
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. John C. Hubbs - I saw your response earlier about how you expect people to stop for you when you pull them over, regardless of what vehicle you are driving at the time - But as a WOMAN (not a sir!), don’t you feel that it’s scary for some of us that are alone and driving to have a man expect you to pull over that you do NOT recognize immediately to be an actual police officer? Now, if I were screaming through a parking lot in my car at a mall, I would expect the security to pull me over, and of course would oblige….but my main point is being on the main road and having someone stop me that is NOT in an appropriate government official vehicle - Us woman hear TIME after TIME about men pretending to be officers, and we still do what we are supposed to do, which is pull over……and then something bad happens! So if we have to keep being warned about not stopping for anyone that is NOT in an official police car and for us to watch our backs, then what will happen if we deny pulling over for someone that we do not recognize as an official government vehicle?
I just think it’s contradictory, and was wondering what is a woman supposed to do? If we tell the “cop” that we won’t get out of the car or do what they say until we verify that they are an ACTUAL police officer, what will happen if we get a cop that is NOT patient, as Officer Steve stated they will be? Although I very much respect police officers, both male and female, not ALL cops have patience for people making phonecalls after they’ve been pulled over!
By Buck From Tucker
October 5, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You know what gets me riled up is these stupid graphics on these new Atlanta cop cars. I have to tell you that I was quite fond of the red stripe. It was simple, cool and didn’t look like some twerpy tenagers chopped down sport truck with frikkin laser beams, Japanese writing, and mirrored silver vinyl all over their vehicle.
Another thing I hate about these new Atlanta cop cars is that they are too dang hard to see. I could spot a white Crown Victoria a mile a way. Nowadays, I’ll be tootlin down the road sippin on a cold one and darned if there ain’t a dang police man right behind me.
That ain’t right. You should at least give a good ole boy a reasonable chance to slow down and tuck the beer under my seat before you sneak up on a feller like that.
I wish police cars glowed in the dark, then I could really watch how I’m drivin. If you see the snake first it ain’t quite as scary as when you find yourself face to face with one of those scary buggers all of a sudden.
Woo-hoooo! Tony Stewart #20!! Git er done boy!
By john
October 5, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
This guy is an idiot! Typical response for a middle aged white man.
By john
October 5, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
This guy is an idiot! Typical response for a middle aged white man.
By john
October 5, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
This guy is an idiot! Typical response for a middle aged white man.
By Mr. John C. Hubbs
October 5, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
BiteMe I mentioned before that I am a security officer and cannot presume to know the standard protocol of an actual Police Officer, but when it come to my duty the answer is simple.
If you see an embroidered badge that says, ‘SECURITY’, a flashlight on my belt and a radio on my hand – even without the orange lights on my security vehicles. You know that I am an official authority of The Simon Group Properties and that I am highly trained in the use of all the resources I have at my disposal.
I don’t have to say that I am a security officer, but I am a little bit different then the colleagues in my profession. I do extend the courtesy of stating that I am in fact a Security Officer. If that does not work, then I simply point to the badge, flashlight and radio to reempasize my authority.
At Lenox Mall, I am the LAW.
By Calling BS on Mr. John C. (Fife) Hubbs
October 5, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
“Wheteher I am in my golf cart or my my Toyota truck, each one has an orange light and that should tell everyone that I am the authority and you will stop for me.”
Mall security, and other “rent-a-cops” need to remember that they are there to provide a deterrent to certain acts of violence, i.e. robbery, assault, abduction, etc. Even then, you have no authority to arrest anyone, only detain them until the real police show up. You are not a sworn officer of the law, only an hourly employee paid to make the general population feel a little more safe and secure while frequenting a given establishment. You have no authority to write a speeding, parking or any sort of moving citation because Lenox mall is considered private property. Even the REAL police cannot enforce speed limits on private property (can you say Atlanta Motor Speedway???).
If you pull up behind me with your little flashing orange light, I will continue to drive, even knowing the potential danger posed by your golf cart and flashlight. You are not a sworn officer of the law, only an hourly employee paid to make the general population feel a little more safe and secure while frequenting a given establishment. Your “Rambo” mentality is all too common and totally unacceptable. The little bit of authority and power that you have in the parking lot of a mall does not compensate for the obvious inferiority issues you are facing for other reasons. Please seek some psychiatric help and remember your true place in the food chain.
By Buck From Tucker
October 5, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Aw come on John I don’t know who jammed a tater up your tail pipe, but I ain’t here to get anyone riled up. Just passin time until 4PM, so I can stop off at Buddy’s for a cold 16 ouncer and drag my old wreck back to Tucker.
I might be middle aged, but I do think of myself as being a bit of a ‘savant’, you might say. I just got my patent and am looking for investors to support my new invention – carbonated gravy.
That’s right boy! Just in time for next year’s Thanksgiving if all goes well. It’ll be the only gravy out there that effervesces when you stir it into a pile of mashed taters or sop it up with a biscuit.
Tickles your nose and curls your toes – Dang That’s Good! Buck’s carbonated gravy….
By Calling BS on Mr. John C. (Fife) Hubbs
October 5, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
“Wheteher I am in my golf cart or my my Toyota truck, each one has an orange light and that should tell everyone that I am the authority and you will stop for me.”
Mall security, and other “rent-a-cops” need to remember that they are there to provide a deterrent to certain acts of violence, i.e. robbery, assault, abduction, etc. Even then, you have no authority to arrest anyone, only detain them until the real police show up. You are not a sworn officer of the law, only an hourly employee paid to make the general population feel a little more safe and secure while frequenting a given establishment. You have no authority to write a speeding, parking or any sort of moving citation because Lenox mall is considered private property. Even the REAL police cannot enforce speed limits on private property (can you say Atlanta Motor Speedway???).
If you pull up behind me with your little flashing orange light, I will continue to drive, even knowing the potential danger posed by your golf cart and flashlight. You are not a sworn officer of the law, only an hourly employee paid to make the general population feel a little more safe and secure while frequenting a given establishment. Your “Rambo” mentality is all too common and totally unacceptable. The little bit of authority and power that you have in the parking lot of a mall does not compensate for the obvious inferiority issues you are facing for other reasons. Please seek some psychiatric help and remember your true place in the food chain.
By Brian
October 5, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Wow…it’s amazing people don’t understand the satrical nature of some of these posts.
Just scarry.
By BiteMe
October 5, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Hello again, MR. JOHN!
I of course respect any security guard or officer as much as I would a policeman. But even if you are security, there’d BETTER be darn good proof of it (as you mentioned, you are quick to point to your badge and state who you are) and a good reason for pulling me over.
I once had a young punk jump DIRECTLY in FRONT of my car while I was leaving a gas station. He IMMEDIATELY screamed at me to stop and demanded my driver’s license. He was wearing a simple blue uniform, and I could tell he was basically an off duty “rent a cop”. He claimed that I was breaking the law by honking my car horn while in public (which I did ‘cause someone was pulling out and didn’t see me!) When I challenged his claim, he became verbally abusive, calling me every name in the book. We had it out in the parking lot big time! I told him I didn’t appreciate him leaping in front of my car (literally), and found it very unprofessional with his “bully” behavior in trying to put me in my place. I even pointed out to him that it seemed to me that he was just showing off for his friends, as a group of people were hanging out by their cars and playing music, and he was there with him before jumping out at me. He tried to tell me that I could go to jail for honking my horn. I challenged him again on it, and he just threw my license at me and told me to “go away”.
This is why I am very wary of people who claim to be officer’s when they clearly are NOT. I did not respect this young punk and his “let be me macho in front of my friends!” attitude.
I do appreciate your response though…..I’ll be sure to stay outta your way at Lenox! :)
By Buck From Tucker
October 5, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
HEY Mr. Calling BS That’s no way to talk to an officer of the mall. My daddy served as the Tucker Landfill security officer for thirty one years before he passed away. He was proud of that job and he loved it so much we buried him in his security officer uniform.
A few of the councilmen from Tucker gave him a nice funeral with full honors normally bestowed upon a police man or fire man. He may not have been able to arrest no one but he was respected as a man of authority around here.
By Calling BS
October 5, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
First, why on earth would you need a security guard at a landfill??? Are people in Tucker that interested in stealing trash?
By the way, I meant no disrespect to your father or any other security officer that does not believe they are GOD. The deterrant that they serve is a great thing, particularly in the crazy society that we live in today. However, those like Captain Hobbs above are way to zealous and very dangerous in their own special way.
By straight and narrow
October 5, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I’d just like to take a second to personally thank John C. Hubbs. I was one of those punks that he set straight. After doing whippets —stolen from the Cup and Chaucer — all day, me and my skate buddies would invariably end up at Lenox, putting slugs in Dragon’s Lair and generally causing a ruckus. We thought we were cool, but we were no match for Officer Hubbs. He grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and hauled me into the security office, where he worked me over pretty good. I was none to happy about it at the time, but it set me on the right path, and I am grateful to him to this day. So, next time you bleeding hearts start questioning his authority, maybe you’ll remember my story and realize that he’s in control and probably knows what’s best.
By Kornfeld
October 5, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
BiteMe, you should’ve sicked Hubby Rick on that guy!
By El Bubba
October 5, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
ANYTIME someone in a position of authority tells you to do ANYTHING you should just do it, and quickly, otherwise you will be TASED!
Those TASER weapons are no joke, and the SS Police Force has a bunch of them (donated). They also have a bunch of brand new Glock .45s that they got for free. So, if the TASER doesn’t work you know what’s coming next!
Note; If you have a Bill O’Reilly “DON’T TASE ME BRO” bumper sticker, it ain’t gonna help. Note; If you have a SS Glock Poster on the wall of your appartment, it ain’t gonna help.
How come people here don’t seem to realize you only need to hit the “post” button on this blog once? Have they been TASED?
By Calling BS
October 5, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Straight and Narrow - Glad to hear that you are off the whippits and back on the path to righteousness. Just a little illegal beating from good old security guard was the medicine you needed. If your whipped-ravaged brain can still manage a coherent thought, try and understand that this is not a “bleeding heart.” This is calling out an idiot trying to over exploit an authority HE DOES NOT EVEN HAVE. Even in cases of police brutality, the officers are at least permitted by law to even make an arrest, but are restricted by the laws that govern us all. You might as well get back on the whippit wagon and forget about the rest of your civil liberties we enjoy in America.
By kia
October 5, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
I have never been pulled over but I have been in cars that have been and I know some cops. The REAL cops aren’t out there to give you a hard time. If you acknowledge by a wave of the hand or blinkers/flashers, they’ll let you find a safe place to pull over and stop. Like Lt. Steve said, just don’t hit the gas and squeal the tires and they’ll follow quietly behind you. Be respectful to them and their job, they’ll be respectful to you.
I don’t always comment Lt. Steve, but I’m a regular reader. Thanks!
By Kornfeld
October 5, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
I’m with Straight and Narrow, if there were more John C. Hubbses, this world would be a better place. ByCallingBS, you can hide behind all that fancy legalese book learning, but you ain’t foolin noone.
By Jeff
October 5, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
JCH,
When was there a Lord & Taylor at Lenox?
By El Bubba
October 5, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
What’s a Lord & Taylor?
Do either of them have TASERS?
By daughter9moons
October 5, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bubba, That taser must have made a big impression on you. You gonna be all right?
By El Bubba
October 5, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
9moons,
I still get these funny feelings whenever I see blue lights, like sombody ticklin’ me where it ain’t appropriate. The truth is that I’m trying to get Officer Steve to join my crusade against the terrible science-fiction reality I find us all a part of. I’m an old man and it bugs me that cops can just shoot you with a Darth Vader type weapon. I miss the good old days, when they just beat us sensless, like Rodney King.
By R jones
October 5, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Can’t we all just get a beer?
By El Bubba
October 5, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Get a beer, get TASED! That’s how the system works. Are you up for it, “Mr R Jones”? The things we believe to be true and real become true and real in their consequences.
By Ole Man Bourbon
October 5, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
What happens when a plain-clothes officer pulls you over? It happens. Should you dash away?
By Lt. Steve
October 5, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
I have had an unmarked car since 1988. I have gotten behind drunks and suspicious cars but never had to pull them over. I radio have a uniform do it. I have no bubba-cowboy-goober left in me so I see a lot of stuff go by me, especially in traffic where it gets crazy. To me it’s better to have the uniform stop them. If it’s bad, bad serious, that’s another matter but unless it’s deadly serious, most of the time you can get a uniform. I wouldn’t dash away. I’d ask for ID and make sure i had the 911 punched on the phone just in case. It’s easy to second-guess that poor girl who gave that suspect the contents of the wallet but it seemed that when she saw the knife and figured it out, maybe that was the time to hit the gas.
By InsectInside
October 5, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Tray-
I believe the law says that a vehicle regularly used in traffic enforcement must be marked acording to the law and that a motorist must be given a visual and audible signal to stop. As a retired officer, I have issued tickets from an unmarked car, but only in the most serious of traffic violations and a marked car was not close. Also some officers can be their own worst enemy by failing to clearly identify themselves (uniform or not) at the initial contact and clearly state the reason for the stop.
By InsectInside
October 5, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Tray -
Look up this code section and it will answer most of your questions.
OCGA 40-8-91.
By InsectInside
October 5, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Tray -
Look up this code section and it will answer most of your questions.
OCGA 40-8-91.
By InsectInside
October 5, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Tray -
Look up this code section and it will answer most of your questions.
OCGA 40-8-91.
By Mike
October 5, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Trey, to answer your question state law requires certain markings on a car used, like someone said before, for regular traffic enforcement. However nothing in the law REQUIRES these markings for the pull over to be legal. Meaning that if you violated a law an unmarked can pull you over. Matter of fact Federal law contridicts the state law in that it states that the car does not have to even be marked. Most Departments have policy which governs their officers and most highly discourage pull overs in unmarked cars. However it is NOT against the law to do it. Like it was said it’s better to call a marked car but it’s not required.
By Jason
October 6, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
In order for an officer to make traffic arrests, he has to be in a marked car. Officers in unmarked cars can make traffic stops or stop vehicles for criminal violations.
When I was a detective, I got in a car chase with some burglary perps. We tried to stop them before the marked units could get up to us.
As I recall, it totally violated our department’s policy, but no one seemed to care.
By Jason
October 6, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
I suppose I should clarify. An officer in an unmarked car can stop someone for a traffic violation, but he should call a marked unit to issue a citation if it’s needed.
By Lee
October 6, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
Some of these posts are too funny. What’d they do, put wireless internet in the comedy club?
The bottom line is that even “unmarked” police cars usually have enough blue lights in the grill etc, to light up like the 4th of July.
Now, if someone trys to pull you over with one of those magnetic lights that stick to the hood like they had on Starsky & Hutch, you might want to keep driving until you find a well lit convenience store.
By Dr. Feel Good
October 6, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
I usually look for the box of Dunkin’ Donuts on the cruiser’s dashboard.
What?????
Someone had to make the bad “cop/donut” joke.
Don’t let ‘em shoot your dog too!!
By JSC
October 6, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
You know, it’s the “LEO” using the term “civilians” to describe the CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES, AS HE IS - YOU’RE NOT IN THE MILITARY, and also the “LEO” wannabe at Lenox Mall (“at Lenox Mall I am the LAW”) that make a lot of us despise what “LEOs” have become.
You are no better than the other CITIZENS out here and you sure as hell need to be treating us with more respect. You want respect? EARN IT.
The majority of “LEOs” are nothing but Rambo wannabe thugs with a badge.
Killed any 92 year old ladies on trumped up charges today?
By Marina
October 6, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
In most states it is illegal for an unmarked police car to pull you over for a minor traffic violation. Check the laws regarding this in your state! Unmarked would include a blue flashing light on the dashboard, but nothing else to identify the car as a police issue. The reasons for this dates back to serial killer Ted Bundy who used flashing blue lights set up on his dashboard, owned various police uniforms and badges, handcuffs etc. where he lured his victims when they let down their guard believing he was indeed a policeman. Then he proceeded to handcuff them to the inside of his car where they couldn’t escape. Took them to isolated locations where he brutally tortured, raped and murdered them. Furthermore, there’s been instances where REAL cops used their positions of authority to stop women on isolated roads and sexually assault them. One, years ago, in Florida as murdered a woman returning home from a church conventions. He brutally raped and murdered her execution style to avoid been indentified. So you really can’t trust the real, bonified cops either!
By Jason
October 6, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
The funny thing about the marked cars, is that if an officer is pulling you over, you can’t see any of the markings.
If you’re in doubt, call 911. Then find a safe place to pull over.
Keep in mind, dispatch might not be familiar with every officer who has the legal authority to stop someone. GSP and DPS don’t use the city and county dispatchers who would be answering 911 calls. All officers in Georgia have authority to make traffic arrests throughout the state.
Also, a lot of officers don’t call out with pullovers until they stop.
However, if you do call 911, and the dispatcher isn’t familiar with an officer making a pull over, then they can dispatch an officer out to the pullover location to investigate.
By Police Officer
October 6, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
JSC,
I usually try and avoid calling people names but I’m going to make an exception in your case. You are an idiot.
There are 650,000+ cops actively employed in law enforcement in the United States. You and people who think like you use a handful of incidents to try and smear all cops because you don’t like authority.
Do you realize even if you COULD find 6,000 documented incidents of police officer misconduct, you’d be talking about ONE percent of police officers? Even if you found 30,000 cases, you’d still be talking less than five percent of police officers?
By Marina
October 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Jason, believe it or not, even in this day and age there are people who do NOT own cell phones. So they may not be able to make that 911 call to a dispatcher to determine if the officer is real or make-believe. Like I say, Each person should check to laws of their states regarding this matter. In many states it IS illegal for an unmarked police car to pull someone over for a minor traffic violation. This law, again, began as a result of serial killer Ted Bundy who used fake lights, badges, uniforms etc. to lure his victims. However and again, there have been cases where REAL cops used their positions of authority to commit crimes against citizens, sexual assaults and even murder. I’d rather turn on my flashing lights and proceed to the nearest lighted area. If it turns out to be a REAL cop in an unmark car in a state where it’s illegal to pull someone over for a minor traffic violations, then we’ll just both have to appear in court and I assure you, there will be a possible lawsuit pending in my favor. There are rogue, crooked and corrupt real cops out there too who would use their positions of authority to harm the average citizen. Just because someone puts on a badge and uniform and passes a psych test to get into law enforcement, doesn’t means they on the job to serve and protect. In fact in a study done years ago at FBI headquarters called COPS ‘N ROBBERS, the study revealed disturbing similarities between the two. That many who gravitate towards the profession of police have the same basic and general mindset as your most criminal minded criminal. On up to serial killers, mass murderers and serial rapists.
By Police Officer
October 6, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Marina,
Please do post a link to your study. I’d like to see it because:
I’d like to take the time to read it if it does exist.
I’ve googled every possible combination of FBI, Cops, and Robbers that I can think of and see no record of your supposed study.
By JSC
October 6, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Police Officer, Of COURSE an “LEO” thinks I’m an “idiot”. You just proved my point, idiot. That’s the problem. Your attitude toward other Americans.
SURPRISE! You DON’T walk on water, and we’ve seen enough PROOF of “LEO” abuse via videocams to know it exists. Go back to someone who gives a damn. Oh - I bet you have a shaved head too, don’tcha? Does that make you feel more menacing? Get a life.
By CopsRpeople2
October 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
do we have the right to make a citizen’s arrest of a phony cop who pulls us over? Sometimes I pray ten rosaries for a moment like that to happen to me. Please, phony cop, pull me over.
Begging here.
By Marina
October 6, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Police officer. If you’re really a police officer then you should already know of the study. It took place over a decade or so ago at Quantico Va. Furthermore, you quote numbers to justify only a small precentage of cops are corrupt, do a disservice to and shame their profession. That small precentage only show the ones who get caught. There’s perhaps hundreds if not thousands more incidents that go unreported. Are covered up by local LE. There are sometimes intimidations, threats and harrassments to disway individuals from reporting. Dear police officer, it’s like the abused spouse or molested child attempting to report someone in a higher authority or considered an upstanding pillar of the community. As a cop once told stated, “Go ahead and report me! They’re going to believe me, the officer, over you the citizen!” Power with little or no accountability is too big a responsibility for some to handle.
By Police Officer
October 6, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Yes. You can make a citizen’s arrest of someone impersonating an officer and pulling you over. However, I recommend against it unless you are absolutely prepared to accept the responsibility. Keep in mind you are dealing with someone who is already committing a felony. Most likely, they will be armed and will not come along willingly.
JSC, that is where you are wrong. Just because I think you’re an idiot, I don’t treat the rest of the public that way. I am actually respectful of the public that I serve. Unlike you, I realize that you can’t judge an entire group of people based on the actions of a small percentage. Even if we were talking about 20% of police officers, which in case you’re math challenged would be over 100,000 police officers, you still can’t judge the other 80% of us. To do so is prejudiced and uninformed.
By bubba brown
October 6, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
you can’t drive in the Metro Atlanta area without having contact with a Cop via traffic stop every 12 to 18 months on average. That’s a police state.
By And
October 6, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Remember: “The first robber in a bank is always the banker!” ;-)
By CopsRpeople2
October 6, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
Can we taser a phony cop who pulls us over after we make a citizen’s arrest, and then, if he resists can we use the handcuffs, gag, and leg shackles? And if he still has some punk left in him, can we then use our numbchucks to bludgeon him into submission, and if that fails, are we allowed to grab a nearby water cannon and hose him down with such force that his clothes tear off and he’s naked, and if that fails, can we resort to the often criticized but secretly admired method of rubbing pepperoni all over his naked body and setting Vick’s trained bulldogs on him and if even that fails can we turn him over to the Blackwater Mercenaries?
Just wondering how far I can legally go to maintain the peace and still not be considered a sadist, cause I dont want no trouble. I believe in law and order right down the middle, yessirree.
I think we should double all police officer salaries and make public awareness of their heroism priority one!!!
By pogo
October 6, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
Allright, folks, we need to lighten up on Mr. John C. Hubbs. After I read his post outlining his authority I drove immediately to the nearest Big City and procured a copy of “The Authorative Handbook for Security Guards and other Rent-A-Cops” and upon returning home, went immediately to the chapter “Mastering The Big Flashlight”.
It’s quite complex; besides the part that deals with removing and replacing the fuel cells (most of us still call them “batteries”) there are things like:
“To illuminate an object or area:
Press switch on side of barrel of flashlight.
point end of flashlight at object or area to be illuminated.
2a. If object or area remains in darkness, point other end of flashlight in that direction”
There were other chapters, of course, but though I’ve not had the time to read the whole 32 pages today, Mr John C. Hubbs’ authority and ability has risen in my estimation.
By Rick
October 6, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Got to be careful, the cops supplement their income by stealing drugs and cash . There are far more crooked cops than good ones. what kind of loser is going to do that job for the money they make with out making a little on the side, Just pick up a newspaper. It is full of stories of theses thieves crooks with badges. I have raised my kids to never trust anyone especially someone in a police uniform.
By JSC
October 6, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Well, Police Officer, In reading other people’s opinions, it looks like I’m certainly not alone. Too bad the “LEOs” won’t give a damn.
By Police Officer
October 6, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
I would post my favorite line about “opinions” JCH but I don’t think it is appropriate in this forum. However, as you eloquently stated, why would I give a damn about an opinion that I know to be wrong?
I know why I put the uniform on everyday. I know why most of my brothers and sisters in blue put on the uniform everyday. Why would I rely on a prejudiced and uninformed person to tell me why I do what I do?
I’m a police officer. I put people in jail. I take people’s freedom away. There will naturally always be people that dislike me. There will be people, not unlike yourself, that trash my profession to make themselves feel better.
I do not expect to be liked by all. I have the satisfaction of knowing that I put bad people in jail. I know that I make the community I serve a better place for not only me but my family and other people’s families. I know that if you ever need me, whether you want to admit you might or not, that I will be there and gladly fulfill my duties no matter how you feel about me.
I realize that the world is full of close-minded ignorant people that think it is wrong to judge but sit and cast stones themselves even though they are not perfect. I know that I’m not perfect.
I will continue to serve. I will continue to make a difference. I will continue to recognize that you, and others, have the right to throw baseless accusations and insults towards me. It is what makes this country great even if I don’t agree with you.
By Greg Leathers
October 6, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
I had a question about cops setting up a bogus citation. I was driving and a cop slows down in front of me flashing his lights on and off. So I pull over with him thinking he is pulling me over. He does not pull all the way off the road, but pulls half way off for about 2,000 feet. As this keeps going and he turns his lights off, I pull back into the right lane of a 4 lane divded highway still behind him. As soon as I do that. He turns on his lights again and pulls all the way of stopping and as I go by he pulls me over. He gave me a citation for failure to yield for emergency vehicle. Is that not total entrapment. I made an effort to pull over with him and still stayed behind him and he had to trick me and suddenly pull over and stop while I was behind him. Is that not the most bogus abuse of authority to make money for the county so taxes don’t have to be raised ever?
By CopsRpeople2
October 6, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
It’s funny that Greg Leathers mentioned that. Once, I was drafting off of a fire engine when suddenly I noticed a phony cop giving chase and signaling me to pull over, and then I realized I was behind phony firemen so I purposely drove in the HOV lane to show the phony cop that I had a phony passenger, but every other car was also solo, so I called in a phony amber alert and text messaged a phony traffic report to all the local news stations and my wife didn’t believe a word of it so no more bowling nite for me…..(real bummer).
By John
October 7, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I went out with a phony hooker once. This chick walks up to me and asks if I want a date, I said yes, how much, and we agreed on 50 bucks so we went into my van. I got an around the world, a ball-socket joint grease, a two-finger twilly-whisp and a thumb. So I goes to pay the lady and she goes,”Sucker! I’m not a hooker, it’s free, I’m just an ordinary girl. you fell for it. Bwa. What a fall guy! I love it.”
Dont worry, I called the phony cops on her. Nobody phonies up nothing when I’m around, capiche?
By El Bubba
October 7, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Man, this just gets better and better. I’m going to come here every weekend, sit down and have a beer with the cops and criminals.
DON’T TASE ME BRO’!!!
By Brock
October 7, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
As stated earlier, the Ga law says vehicles must be marked w/ Police, State Patrol, Sheriff, etc to make a traffic stop. I’m a lawyer and was curious about the legality of unmarked stops. I found a case where an unmarked car made a stop and the defendant opposed the charge on the basis of it having been made in an unmarked vehicle. The Court of Appeals ruled that if the defendant voluntarily stops, then the arrest was still legal. So I read the marked car statute and this ruling to mean you have no obligation to stop for an unmarked car. Now, the officer can still radio ahead for a marked vehicle.
By Joel
October 7, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Good to know about unmarked cars! Good info!