Snellville.Talk

By Fred

August 9, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this

If everyone around you is driving the same speed, maintain that speed. Or try to move over!

By The_Jeff

August 9, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

Here’s the problem though, That same police office ‘could’ pull you over for doing exactly what their doing. This morning, coming up Sandy Plains, its a 45 zone, and I keep it around 50 as its highly residential, with a high school, and lots of turn offs. Then I see a Sandy Springs Police car 068 come flying up, pass me on the right, and continue on doing 60… Now, if I did that in that area, I’d fully expect a ticket… Maybe he was heading somewhere important, maybe he was on patrol and blending in with traffic… Its not worth the risk of a ticket to not check your driving…

By harold

August 9, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

If the police dont want us to slow down when we see them, they should eliminate the risk of a ticket by setting the speed limits where they should be instead of 10 to 15 below where they should be. Then if you go over the speed limit you get a ticket. This “10 over” nonsense is just revenue padding. They get a free 10 MPH over on you when they pull you over for a ticket going 75 to 80 in a 55 that SHOULD be a 65 zone. Harold calls it blatant THEFT by THE MAN. SO anyway if they dont want the inconvenience, they should stop stealing from us and set speed limits appropriately for the roads. The roads here are insanely overengineered so you could drive 80 on all of them except neighborhood roads but then they set the limit at 45 knowing everyone drives 60 so they get 15 MPH extra on each ticket they issue to people going 65 which is 5 faster than everybody else. It’s a protection racket if Harold has ever seen one. Altanta is teh suck.

By Rod

August 9, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

At least the police officer just stayed behind you, maintaining that speed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the police officer turn on his siren/lights just to get past cars or to run a red light - then promptly turn them off.

Police officers want the courtesy of us pulling over when they really are in a hurry - so I wish they wouldn’t abuse that courtesy. And, no, I’m not a cop hater - I respect the need for them. I just don’t like people who abuse authority.

By Motorcyclist

August 9, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

So what if they are a few minutes late to their donut break. :)

Until I see them writing each other tickets for their own numerous driving offenses, I will continue to not respect them. They speed, seldom use turn signals, yes I HAVE seen them turn on the lights and siren for non-emergencies. I have two close friend in the police department. To them, it is normal to believe they are above the law.

By Speedy

August 9, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Screw ‘em! They are my employees - public servants.

The real problem is what their driving does to traffic. It backs it up. And when they sit to raise revenue, it causes people to hit the brakes and backs up traffic and potentially could cause a wreck.

By Speedy

August 9, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Screw ‘em! They are my employees - public servants.

The real problem is what their driving does to traffic. It backs it up. And when they sit to raise revenue, it causes people to hit the brakes and backs up traffic and potentially could cause a wreck.

By Speedy

August 9, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Screw ‘em! They are my employees - public servants.

The real problem is what their driving does to traffic. It backs it up. And when they sit to raise revenue, it causes people to hit the brakes and backs up traffic and potentially could cause a wreck.

By JJ

August 9, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Here we go again, whining about the police…….I’m not at all afraid of the police. I am so sick of people slamming on their brakes, which causes more accidents, when they see a cop. I myself am not afraid of them, as I have several family members in law enforcement. I kind of know how they think.

These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day, and all you can do is whine how they don’t use their turn signals. So what? Geez people, walk a mile in their shoes, then complain about turn signals.

If you obeyed the posted signs, the speed limit, and the laws, you wouldn’t hate the cops, because you wouldn’t get stopped by the cops. But everyone thinks they are the most important person in this world, and they can’t be bothered with laws, or feel the laws don’t apply to them.

Instead of complaining, why not allow them to do the job they are paid very poorly to do.

It’s not their fault you can’t obey laws.

By Lee

August 9, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

My father was a minister, and this happened to him, too. People would seperate from each other, put down their drinks at parties or stop their conversations when he wandered nearer. I am a librarian, and I found out that I, too, could strike guilt at twenty feet. Just walking down the street, people who recognized me would come up to apologize that they had the overdue book, and that they would return it tomorrow. Like I cared. But many people attach guilt to others, either cops, or preachers, or librarians. It is just human nature.

By Producer

August 9, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Well, most folks have been conditioned by years of seeing the revenue raising trooper hiding under a bridge or over the top of a hill just waiting to pounce on some poor guy who’s not hurting a dang thing. I don’t blame them for putting on brake lights. Go investigate an accident or even better, help some poor lady who’s car is pulled over into the emergency lane with mechanical problems. After all, helping the motorist in need would better fulfill their duties as public servants.

By jc_atl

August 9, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

It was years ago but in Little 5 Points on night a friend and I were walking on the sidewalk next to the Star Bar. Traffic was stopped on Moreland headed to wards Ponce de Leon and so a car had allowed a gap so that another car going south on Moreland could make a left turn. An Atlanta police cruiser came flying up the right hand lane, not sirens or lights, going about 55 in a very urban area with lots of pedestrians and traffic. Sure enough he ended up t-boning the left turning vehicle about 5 feet from where we were walking. I’ve always wondered how that situation worked out for both the cop driving hazardously and the car turning left and who was at fault.

By WTF!!

August 9, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

JJ they don’t always obey the laws either………that’s the point!!! Hellz, some of them are the biggest law breakers around, but they’re above the law, so it doesn’t matter! But we know that since you obviously have a few connections, you probably think the same way! WTF???!!!

By Officer

August 9, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I have a question for each of you. Asre any of you in the car, when the dispatcher gives an officer a call. We have different priority levels when going to a call. We sometimes go through red lights to get to the accident your little girl was in, or to make to your house before the burglar leaves. A lot of times when you see an officer speeding or going through a red light and then turn their lights off, is because we dont want the crooks to know we are near. If we rolled up to a a burglary in progress, and they hear the sirens and see the lights, then it could make it worst for you if your being held hostage, which may cause a reaction by the burglar that can get you killed. So be thankful of your protectors. If not work a month in their shoes, and see houw it really is.

By Bruce Wilcox

August 9, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Police do not run code when responding to certain calls, like home alarms, are they breaking the law by speeding and running silent as to not alert the intruders? Who knows, the house they may be rushing to could be yours.

Imagine how dangerous it is running code in Gwinnett, everyone has the air conditioning on, some on cell phones, some blasting music, it’s a wonder they’re not more accidents.

Give them a break, you never know where they’re going.

By hll1955

August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

there is a one spot on my daily commute that is a favorite for our local radar weilding motorcycle cop. I know it must be quota time when I see the flash of lights from oncoming cars warning me that he is there ready to pull over any unsuspecting driver that crests the hill doing over 35. Driving South on Old Canton Rd, approaching Roswell Rd is a large hill. The general traffic speed is 40 to 45. The posted limit is 35. When “ticket boy” (my own personal knickname for our officer) is present there is a huge line of cars backed up as far as the eye can see. At that point I just call my office to let them know I will be late.

I would just love to one day tell ticket boy that if he really wanted to make the roads safer AND make his monthly quota and then some, he really should relocate to the school zone on Roswell Rd. NO ONE slows to 25 even with the flashing lights indicating a school zone. That section would be a gold mine for the city.

By just me

August 9, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Officer,

My cousin is an officer, he is more like a brother, so I know alot of about the turning the sirens and lights off after going through a light. I also know that you guys don’t follow all the laws you are supposed to enforce and RESPECT. I will give more props to the police when I see them using their turn signals and not acting above the law. Especially in Cobb County, they are the worst….

By Justan Observer

August 9, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

As an officer, it’s just as frustrating for me, responding to a non-emergency call (residential alarm, verbal domestic disturbance, reckless driver) where policy does not call for lights and siren and I am stuck behind vehicles going 3 miles under the speed limit. I also hate being the patrol car on the interstate doing the speed limit, with lines of cars behind me afraid to pass. I’d rather give motorists a few miles over the limit to pass me than have them bunch up and increase the risk of a wreck. We hate to hear of officers using lights just to go through red light intersections, as we get tarred by the same brush for their actions. As noted above, there are rare times when it IS called for… And Susan, though I’m an officer, even I get nervous when a patrol car is behind ME. :-)

By charliejoe

August 9, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Jeff,Harold, Rod, Motorcylist: I agree with all of your points. Most of the people who are always telling us to quit whining cause they won’t pull you over if you aren’t doing anything wrong probably think the IRS is here to help you, too. And, they are probably middle-aged white men or women driving a late-model vehicle in high-priced areas mostly. Ask any young person, minority, poor person with crappy car, etc., if they believe that tripe. The very artificially low speed limits ridiculously imposed are a ruse to do one or both of two things I feel: 1.) Make money for the state/county/city in traffic ticket revenue. And, even more ominous, is 2.) Allow any cop to pull over just about anyone they want at any time because not more than 5% of drivers are foolhardy enough to actually go under 55 on 85 in Atlanta when the average speed is about 75 (and that’s about where the speed limit should be, BTW). Do you see how that sets them up to pull over just about anyone they want? And JJ, you’re an a*******hole. You’re probably law enforcement or know a bunch of law enforcement, right? They aren’t more noble, braver, and certainly not in general smarter than lots of other people in this world. They chose a job that can be dangerous, but if you want to thank someone for doing a dangerous job, try a truck driver or taxi driver, or farmer, or steel worker, or…well, see for yourself. You’ll notice not one of the top ten most dangerous professions is police officer:

http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/13/pf/dangerousjobs/

An excerpt: A Yahoo! Search on “ten most dangerous jobs” resulted in this excellent CNN Money article by Les Christie. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, timber cutters have the most perilous profession in the country, with roughly 118 fatalities per 100,000 workers.

The rest of the list goes as follows: fishers, pilots and navigators, structural metal workers, driver-sales workers, roofers, electrical power installers, farm occupations, construction laborers, and truck drivers. Pizza deliverers fall under the driver-sales workers category, so remember to tip big.

I think REAL police work would probably crack the top ten, but that would involve actual police work of protecting and serving rather than harassing, intimidating, compensating for inadequacies and revenue collecting. By the way, yes, I was pulled over by police while delivering, and in one case the officer pulled me over coming from an apt. complex, with my pizza shirt on, a stack of pizza carriers full of pizza sitting beside me in the seat and he asked me what I was doing in the complex. I just glanced up at him, over at the pizzas then back at him and said, “uh, delivering a pizza”. He then proceeded to tell me I should drive slow (which I was, as he had been following me since I got back in the car after the delivery) and that lots of kids were in the apartment complex and it’d be a shame if someone were to run them over and they’d be in a world of hurt, etc. I’m not sure if he was on drugs or semi-retarded, but it didn’t give me much confidence in his ability to protect and serve diddly-squat.

In summary, police have a sometimes difficult, sometimees thankless job, but many in their ranks make the job harder on their fellow cops by not following the laws they are enforcing. If you can’t see, JJ, the importance of a cop using a blinker, you’re part of the problem. That one is a no-brainer. Other than in a high-speed pursuit, what possible reason would a LEO possibly have for not following a simple, (not to mention helpful and courteousy-showing gesture) law about using blinkers? Other than to show that you don’t need to follow the law, cause you ARE THE LAW, Go&$ammit! Go spout your hero crap somewhere else, JJ

By Heidi

August 9, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I never slow down when I see a police car. Usually when I see a police car on the side of the road, it means they already pulled up someone and it gives me the clear to speed a little while they are busy. I do not normally look around while Im driving, but if I do see a police car, I do’t necessarily slow down. Instead I tend to “cop” a quick feel for my seat belt. I have been pulled over before for not wearing my seat belt, so I guess that’s the thing I tend to automatically do when I see a cop.

By Heidi

August 9, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

I never slow down when I see a police car. Usually when I see a police car on the side of the road, it means they already pulled up someone and it gives me the clear to speed a little while they are busy. I do not normally look around while Im driving, but if I do see a police car, I don’t necessarily slow down. Instead I tend to “cop” a quick feel for my seat belt. I have been pulled over before for not wearing my seat belt, so I guess that’s the thing I tend to automatically do when I see a cop.

By Capt

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

B*** b*** b***….I tell you what…lets get rid of all police officers and when this thug driven society falls into chaos you will wish that you had someone to give you a ticket. Do you folks wake up in the morning just to complain about how bad you have it. If so I know a lot of people in Iraq that will swap places with you.

By hmph

August 9, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Never understood it. I’ve always passed cops who are doing at-or-below the speed limit and none have ever ticketed me.

I also don’t understand eight lanes of traffic hitting the brakes on the interstate because they see a cop on the shoulder, standing beside the window of the person s/he’s pulled over, issuing a citation. That officer is PREOCCUPIED. Keep it moving…

By JJ

August 9, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

charliejoe You are a low life redneck aren’t you?

Delivering pizza a thankless and dangerous job? That’s the funniest thing I have heard all day. What’s the danger, you don’t get a good enough tip or run out of gas on the way to deliver?

You are a raving lunatic!!!

By Mark

August 9, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

WTF:

No officers are above the law. Yes, you have a few that think they might be, but we’re only human, too. There are bad apples in every barrel. Most of us aren’t like that.

just me:

Who is “you guys?” All of us? It’s not fair to lump all officers into one category. I do what the law requires, thank you.

Next time I pull you over, I’m going to treat “you guys” just like everyone else I deal with.. A worthless piece of trash. Fair, right? Since you can do it, we can too. Or?

charliejoe: Amazing how people with your attitude change their thoughts and opinions when they need a police officer. If ignorance is bliss, you’ve got to be one happy person.

To all the officers out there: Stay safe. And thank you.

By Becky

August 9, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Officer & Capt. Thank you for all that you do to protect me & my family..Most of my life, I was taught to hate cops, so growing up I did..Then when I became an adult, I realized that it wasn’t the cops that were the bad guys, it was my brothers & their friends..You can’t steal from people all the time & blame the cops..Now, that same cop hating has been passed on to my nephews & nothing that I can say or do is changing it..So again, thank you..

By I can't believe you...

August 9, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

charliejoe-you have got to be one of the dumbest people I know. Almost all of you comments are asinine!!! If you haven’t noticed the link you attached was from FOUR years ago! And in NO way is being a pizza man more dangerous than being a cop. I don’t know many pizza men who go through six months of training and are issued guns in which they have to wear every day at work. You and your cop bashing buddies are crazy! There are bad cops I am not arguing with that but that is the minority-there are bad people in all professions, but I think it is crazy you judge all cops on a couple of bad ones. My husband is a police officer for gwinnett county but I don’t use that as an excuse-if I am speeding I get a ticket-plain and simple. Same with him. Officers work an average of 10 hours each shift-mostly driving, sometimes they don’t think about it and forget to use their blinker, but it is because they are in their car so much not because they are above the law-and no it is not an excuse but it is what it is. I see the majority of cops driving the speed limit and using a blinker (when I am driving to and from work it is usually during shift change), some don’t-but there is NO way you can tell me that you always ride the speed limit and ALWAYS use your blinker… I wish you would find something else to complain about…. BTW Police officer don’t make speed limits-talk to your DOT-DUH!

By Akagi

August 9, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

JJ:

No, but it is their fault and those who employ them to use their police powers as revenue enhancement.

And officer:

Yes, you do seem to have different priorities such as finding it more important to check for seatbelt usage than running a car through my neighborhood in my lifetime. Since I was told you were all too busy and just rush from call to call—but it seems not to set up revenue producing roadbloacks. Does the term highwaymen mean anything to you?

By Jay

August 9, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

“What’s the danger, you don’t get a good enough tip or run out of gas on the way to deliver?”

I would consider driving into unfamiliar neighborhoods at all hours of the night unarmed and with lots of cash very dangerous—especially in Atlanta.

By Wake up

August 9, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

You idiots - cop are just enforcing the laws others make. They are also there to protect you from other idiots that think it is OK to buy, sell and use drugs, carry guns and don’t card AT ALL about your life.

Cops are just people - human beings. I sleep with one every night! And yes, if I am doing 55 in a 45 and see one of their cars behind me - I get that feeling in my stomach because I know I have done something wrong!

You sure would expect a cop to protect you if you were in a store at the same time and a bad guy came in to rob the place! Then he or she would be your hero!

By charliejoeisanidiot

August 9, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

To paraphrase Dan Akroyd charliejoe you ignorant slut Quick question, do our soldiers deserve praise for choosing a dangerous job? Or should I receive your scorn because I went to school and now work in an office. You know what, it actually doesn’t matter what you say.

By AV8R

August 9, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

HEY CAPT,………. Wake TFU I’ll assume you aren’t speaking of the fine officers who murdered the 92 year old Mrs. Johnson.It appears you have a short memory, a great many of the thugs that are a problem to the citizens of Atlanta are on the police payroll.I’ll bet mrs. johnson would trade places with any of them. This police dept can create enough Chaos on it’s own tokeep the FBI busy for the next 5 years. Wake up and smell the corruption you bring, you moron.

By Police Officer

August 9, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

I love it when people pull out the old “there job isn’t really dangerous” stuff. They post the age old article of the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Occupations.” They then make statements about how police don’t even rate the top 10.

However, if they had any reading comprehension at all, they would see that the title of the article is misleading. Those are the occupations with the highest FATALITY rate.

As an officer, are my odds of “dying” all that great? No. Are my odds of getting injured that great? Yes. I’ve been doing this for several years and have received many injuries. The number of fellow officers that have been permanently disabled is growing dramatically.

Also, I’d like to point out…

BTW, a little favorite saying of mine to the guy who says I’m HIS employee because he pays taxes…

I’m a taxpayer too. Therefore, the way I see it, I’m self-employed.

BTW, all this ranting and raving about how “police” lower the speed limits etc…. Police have no control over speed limits. If you’d take a little while to educate yourselves, you’d find it is your elected officials and the GDOT that set speed limits.

As far as traffic enforcement, you also ASSUME that the only reason officers go out is to generate revenue. You know what happens when you ASSUME anything. The officers that I know (and I know quite a few) do it because we truly believe if we weren’t out there doing it, the roads would get out of control and more people would be hurt or killed.

By Daytunaguy

August 9, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

As a retired officer my heart goes out to young people trying to do the job today. With the “no chase” policies I’m amazed they ever try to pull ANYONE over,since blue lights & siren are only a suggestion to stop. There is no telling how many criminals flee each day and the officer is forced to watch them drive away. Just remove the emergency lights and let society get what it deserves.

By Wake up

August 9, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

By the way - cops also remove plenty of DUIs from the roads too. You don’t know how many times a cop has saved your sorry @ss.

By Akagi

August 9, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

The police don’t make speed limits, but they do decide (with help from their paymasters) how to enforce them.

Cobb County likes to put cops on top of overpasses 50 yards from the next county line or hide in vaccant lots or in the middle of the median or in the gore less than a mile from the next county (isn’t parking in the gore illegal?). And Atlanta actually uses cops in a pickup truck hiding in the bushes along Northside Drive just over the Fulton-Cobb County line. A section of road that has a ridiclously low speed limit, so low in fact, to remain legal, if you were going under the posted speed limit, by the time you reached the cops’ ambush site, you would be going over it unless you were braking. Sandy Springs, the faux city of Fulton, basically uses its police now as roving highwaymen for the city cofers.

In my entire life I have been given four tickets—all well deserved. My problem is cops used as bandits by the governments they work for—Cobb and Sandy Springs among others are well known for doing just that. If you want respect, don’t moonlight as highwaymen, robbing the people you want to respect from.

By AV8R

August 9, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Mr. Police Officer,This is what you’re good at.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2007/08/08/mistake0809.html?cxntlid=homepagetab_newstab

By Akagi

August 9, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Wake up:

Actually Wake up, I’d expect cops to go in stores after badguys. I also expect them to put their life on the line to protect unarmed civilians in harms way—including me. I expect that because that is their job—jobs they volunteered for—no one drafted them. Same for those in Iraq—they volunteered for this job. If facing people with guns who want to kill you is not your cup of tea, then I advise you to seek employment in areas where facing people with guns that want to kill you is much less likely.

A person doing the job they are paid to do is not a hero in my book. I guess I just have higher standards in this regard.

By JJ

August 9, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

UUUUMMMM Jay Pizza delivery people do not carry tons of cash on them. Once they make a delivery, they return to the Pizza place, drop off the money, take another pizza, etc. I really doubt the Domino’s guy has more than $50 on him….

By charliejoe

August 9, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

JJ, statistics don’t lie, unless the Bureau of Labor Statistics just makes stuff up.
Here’s another more recent article:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/16/pf/2005mostdangerous_jobs/index.htm

Rank Occupation Death rate/100,000 1 Fishers and fishing workers 118.42 Logging workers 92.9 3 Aircraft pilots 66.9 4 Structural iron and steel workers 55.6 5 Refuse and recyclable material collectors 43.8 6 Farmers and ranchers 41.1 7 Electrical power line installers/repairers 32.7 8 Driver/sales workers and truck drivers 29.1 993 9 Miscelleneous agricultural workers 23.2 10 Construction laborers 22.7

This is from 2006—the latest I can find.
And JJ, I am not a redneck—I do like to fish occasionally and grew up in a rural area and can run a tractor and a chainsaw, but that doesn’t qualify as redneck. I have two college degrees, and delivered pizzas between professional jobs to pay the rent. A real redneck would just sell meth or steal copper wire out of newly constructed houses, wouldn’t he?
Are you just being obtuse, or are you unable to imagine the danger of driving many, many miles on various roads in various neighborhoods, unarmed and carrying cash, walking through dark parking lots, wearing a pizza shirt which advertises to criminals :”I have cash!”.
The most dangerous part of police work is the driving. From the article referenced:

Fifty policemen and sheriff’s patrol officers were murdered on the job, and another 81 died in traffic accidents and other incidents.

I would not be surprised if more delivery drivers and taxicab drivers, for example, are shot and killed per capita than police officers. People aren’t as quick to shoot an armed authority figure with a bullet proof vest as they are some un-armed dude with a pocket full of cash.

So let’s agree that police officer is a dangerous job compared to clerical worker, but there are many many other jobs just as dangerous where people are performing some sort of service yet don’t feel they are entitled to walk over others rights and break laws. How about that?

Capt: You win the prize for mentioning a true dangerous job. Soldier in Iraq is a very hazardous job/calling, and I have nothing but respect and thanks for our soldiers. Additionally, I have seen many good cops, but I have seen a large percentage that really should be given a pyschological test to determine their mental state before they are given a job with such awesome responsibilities. As a LEO, you have been entrusted, by your fellow citizens and taxpayers, with the duty to protect and serve. I know you don’t set the speed limits, and I know most don’t pull over somebody for 3 miles over the speed limit. The problem is, there are enough of you with a chip on your shoulder and a predilection for violence and drama to give many people a dim view of the entire force. You probably have an idea how a (law-abiding, kind) young black male walking down the street in an oversize white T shirt feels—people judging you by what other people that fit that profile might have done before you, and crossing the street to avoid you. We as citizens know that at any time, a cop who has had a bad day can usually find a reason to pull over anyone they feel like. And it isn’t always about public safety or enforcing the laws.

I can’t believe you, I am not trying to call you a liar, but if you think cops are ticketed by other cops (other more very occasionally), I have some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you. And in my community, I see cops driving several times a day, and I always look at how they drive. Most of the time, they generally drive safely, but it is the exception to the rule when they use a blinker. I know many people don’t use a blinker, but you know what? Many people have a few beers and drive, but I don’t want officers doing it (esp. on the clock). Do you see the idea that you are held to a slightly higher standard? And you should be setting an example? And I would argue that in many cases, more danger and inconvenience is caused by not using blinkers than by going five miles over the unduly slow posted speed limit to keep up with the flow of traffic. I’m just saying—police officers, use your blinkers! Fine, pull me over if I don’t use mine, but use yours! Mark, you seem to be pretty reasonable, and yes, I will be happy to see a police officer if I sometime am in danger and one could be summoned in time to help. That’s a trite argument I’ve heard a thousand times, and doesn’t negate any of my points. Just because I may be grateful for the help once or twice in my life, I don’t want to have them running wild, harassing me and other people, swinging their weight around, and breaking the law the other 99.9999999% of the time (when I DON’T need them.)

By JJ

August 9, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Charliejoe Please quit comparing apples to oranges. Based on the length of your posts, you don’t have much to do. May I suggest you get a job?

Now, the next time you have an emergency, please do not call the law breaking cops who don’t use turn signals, but instead, call a pizza delivery man. I am sure he will be willing to put his life on the line for you.

By Akagi

August 9, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

JJ:

Like I said in an earlier post—part of the job of being a police officer is putting your life on the line to protect others—if an officer has a problem with that then they need to find a new line of work.

This is another example of inane thought. “You shouldn’t complain about cops because you may need them one day and then you’ll feel differently” or the similar “If you complain about cops, then when you need one call someone else.”

We need farmers and home builders and the like too—so because we need them does that make them imune from all complaint?

And if you call the GCPD, you might just get “we can’t do that since we just rush from call to call.”

And Charliejoe, your posts are way too long. And rednecks don’t steal copper wire or use meth. rednecks and white trash aren’t the same.

By Mark

August 9, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Akagi:

“I also expect them to put their life on the line to protect unarmed civilians in harms way—including me. I expect that because that is their job—jobs they volunteered for—no one drafted them. Same for those in Iraq—they volunteered for this job.”

We do that, day in and day out, and at the end of the day, all we get is people like you whining about how all officers are bad people and law breakers and such. Funny how most people love the military but hate police.

I once loved this job. I loved the privilege of protecting and serving. After dealing with you ignorant people (yes, all of you, since I’m now allowed to make generalizations) for over 10 years, I wake up daily and wonder why I’m going to risk my life for people like you. It sure as hell doesn’t seem worth it. What do I get out of it? A sub-par paycheck and a daily headache.

When the officers that genuinely care get sick of the profession and leave, what will you be left with then? I smile when I think about it. I really hope we get there one day. For your sake. Maybe then you’ll appeciate what you have now.. heroes.

By Mark

August 9, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

One other thing I forgot..

For those of you that seem to dislike police officers for traffic reasons, answer this.. Why do you blame them? They are doing what their supervisors tell them to do (which is to prevent accidents and save lives). How can you hold that against them? No different than what you do every day, right? Go ahead, disobey your boss and see where it gets you.

If you’re following the letter of the law (regardless of what the people around you are doing) you won’t have to worry about being pulled over. Plain and simple. Those of you whining about officers doing this and that are the reasons the officer is there in the first place.

To the officers on this blog: Once again, thank you. (Since no one else will tell us that.) To the supporters: Thank you. Nice to hear every 2 or 3 months. To everyone who whines about police services: Hope you get a ticket on the way home :) (No, it’s not spite.. It’s my dry sense of humour.)

By Bill Allen

August 9, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

There goes that Susan girl, stirring things up again! :)

Back to the original point, yes, it is annoying to see people slow down when a police officer is behind them. Speed limit is ikay, a couple of miles an hour over are okay. I hate the ones who slow down 10 miles, block every one and force the rest of us to endure their paranoia with them.

The simple answer is to do what you’re supposed to do. No more, no less. If you’re not doing anything wrong, they will leave you alone. That includes wearing your seat belt, Akagi. :) There aren’t all that many Buford T. Justices or Sheriff Lobos or Roscoe P. Coltrains out there. Are there some? Sure. But all of them? Are all of you Bandits or B.J. McKays or Bo and Luke Duke? A little perspective here, friends and neighbors. :)

By JJ

August 9, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark and all other police men and women. Thank you so very much for all you do to serve and protect us citizens. I know you didn’t choose this profession for the money, but for your passion of helping others. Thank you for making me feel safe on the roads also.

Thank you for entering a dark house at night because someone thinks someone is in their house, thank you for keeping our roads safe, thank you for laying your life on the line every day for people who don’t know you or APPRECIATE you. Thank you for busting up drug rings and the other filth.

Thank you for choosing a self-less profession and helping others, whether they like you or not.

I for one, am very thankful there are still people like you out there. May God Bless you and keep you safe.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!

By Lee2

August 9, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

If counties and cities didn’t use the police force as the proverbial cash cow, handing out traffic tickets like candy in a 4th of July parade, maybe we wouldn’t get so nervous when we see a cop pull in behind us.

Yes, a lot of what passes for traffic enforcement is simply to generate revenue. Cops will deny it until they’re blue in the face, maybe that’s how they sleep at night, knowing they took food out of some kids mouth so the mayor can redecorate his office.

Here’s an eye opener, next time you’re south of Atlanta on I-75, notice how many cop cars from out of county are whizzing by you 25-30 mph over the speed limit - just so they can get to the cop training center in Forsyth. Maybe they’re in a hurry to get there before all the donuts get ate (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Today, on the way home from work, I travel a semi-rural divided 4 lane. The speed limit is 65mph until you get a couple miles out of town. It drops to 55 mph and then, less than 4/10 of mile later, it drops to 45 mph. You crest a hill and yep, there he is, my little buddy in blue. They’ve got the grass wore out they sit there so much. There is really no reason for the speed limit to drop to 45 through that stretch of road and the cop knows that it is a human tendency, after you’ve driven 20 miles at 65 mph, not to drop to 45. But, he knows he can sit there and write 4-5 tickets in a couple of hours.

You drive past that speed trap and pull into the convenience store. Yep, about 20 illegal alien day laborers getting out of the trucks going in to buy beer.

That’s the great irony and why a lot of people stay p1ssed at cops. They will write you a ticket for the least little infraction but “ILLEGAL ALIENS, what’s that? There ain’t no money in illegal aliens.”

By Russell

August 10, 2007 5:05 AM | Link to this

Akagi…..For 10 years, I served with Pershing and Lance. These missile systems were part of the Army’s nuke mission that has gone away since 1991. My job was to send nuclear watheads up to 400 kilotons down range to kill the COMMIE and protect your sorry a*. I’m not a hero by any stetch of the imagination. All I’m saying is, that before you start spewing you liberal crap, think about what my mission was and the mission of a police officer is.I was there as a safe guard to your freedom. The mission of a police officer is to prevent unwarranted death from occurring. When sombody has a weapon to your head, maybe you’ll think. GODSPEED to law enforcment and military of all branches who have served and are still serving.”Without fear nor hope of reward” is a motto that I still live by.

By POGO

August 10, 2007 5:47 AM | Link to this

What a bunch of ___!!! This generation of Americans are the biggest bunch of whining crybabies.

SHUT YOU’RE PIE HOLES AND GET BACK TO WORK MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN YOU LOOSERS!

Gotta go there’s a guy going 11 over the speed limit.

Be Safe

By BlahBlah

August 10, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Most people are frustrated with police departments using traffic enforcement as rvenue. It is NOT about making the roads SAFER. It is all about money. I decided to follow and tape officers onthe same road they gave me two tickets on, both at the end of the month btw. Speeding, running red lights, weaving in and out, to go…

TO MEET FRIENDS FOR BREAKFAST!!

4 different cops, different days, all going to meet someone at a QT or a Waffle House. HYPOCRITES!!!

By Saveurbutt

August 10, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I’d like to point out to everyone who seems to think police officers get a bonus for however many tickets they write: THEY DON’T. An officer gets paid for however many hours they work. Not how many tickets they write. And by the way, the police department doesn’t set the fine rates either. That would be the courts. So quit your b*&^%ing. It might be you that is in the wrong place at the wrong time and needs their help. If officers held a grudge against citizens they way they are held in contempt, no one would ever get helped. So thank your lucky stars there are people out there willing to do a thankless job. Everybody loves the firemen (no disrespect to them, obviously) because they run toward the burning building and don’t arrest people. What you don’t see is the police officer who storms into the home that has been takne hostage with nothing between him and the bad guy but a door and a vest.

By Akagi

August 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Russell:

First, you don’t know I am a liberal (meaning a new liberal), now do you? In fact I am anything but. I voted for Bush twice (seeing the choices I had—not much of a choice).

The defense systems you mention were in place to protect Europe from the Soviet threat and since I am not European those systems protected me not at all. And since I have had Chinese missiles fired in my general direction, I am sure I have been much closer to live fire fired in anger than you ever have.

My complaint is not with the police per se—it is the use of police by governments as legal bandits. Some communities are much worse than others in this regard—e.g. Sandy Springs, Cobb County, City of Atlanta.

And Bill Allen I am exempt from wearing seat belts, but I wear them anyway. I have no problems with wearing seat belts, I think seat belts are a good idea. I just oppose the government using force to make people wear them and using the police in that role. Just as I oppose communities using them as revenue collection agents.

And Mark if you think communities always use their police to ticket people in order to reduce accidents and save lives then you are smoking something—does your department drug test its employees?

If you believe this, then ask yourself why is APD setting up an ambush on a road to ticket drivers going over 45. The road here is no more conjested than it is in Acworth and Kennesaw where the speed limit is 55. I would argue the this part of 41 is less conjested and has fewer intersections than the Acworth section. Why does Cobb County place a cop on the Cumberland Blvd. overpass—just a few yards from the Fulton County line—so close in fact that by the time the person is pulled over that “suspect” is then inside Atlanta. Why—because of revenue.

By momofastudentdriver

August 10, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I do slow down when I see a police car. Involuntary reflex, I guess. I have been pulled over only once, about two years ago. There was no doubt about it, I was in the wrong. The cop wrote me up and I went to court. As it turned out, without even having to address anyone in court, the policeman had reduced my ticket to a warning. I was lucky, and grateful.

I don’t understand why everyone is whining about police depts enforcing traffic laws? That is in the job description, yes?…to enforce state and local codes, to issue citations for traffic violations? Is the posted speed limit merely a suggestion? I’ve driven in different parts of the country where fines and points were posted for violating the speed limit. Still, cars zipped by. So many people think the rules do not apply to them.

Today, I picked my son up from early morning practice at the high school…9 a.m. I was glad to see the police officer out there, issuing tickets to speeders as school starts up next week. The speed limit is 25, yet if there is no traffic tie up, people speed down that road, even when school is in session. There are far too many drivers out there with lax driving habits.

By Another officer

August 10, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

To everyone who supports us, thank you. To everyone else whining about the speed limits should be raised, your not Tony Stewart or Mario Andretti. The limits are not where they are because we know you are going to speed and therefore we can generate income. And for the radar wielding motorcycle cop comment, if you would obey the law, you would have nothing to fear. We do not have a quota, we can write as many tickets as we want. The facts are you have no idea what we are going to or where it might be. What if you were the victim of a robbery in Norcross, and I was coming from Duluth. Until you walk 1 foot in my shoes, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. It is not because we think we are above the law. It’s because we have so many calls for service we don’t get a break. But when we do show up, usually the question is, “what took so long.” Yes we do appreciate it when you just move over, because chances are, if you are going to get pulled over that you know it, and if we are going to, then we will let you know. We have been in your shoes, and don’t forget this. We are people too. We have families, we are human beings, not just a figure in a uniform. I will say that there are some officers who do not behave correctly all the time, I am sorry for that. But do remember that you don’t want our job otherwise you would be doing it. We’re not perfect, or superhero’s, but when was the last time that you were the person someone turned to when they were scared for their life?

By Another officer

August 10, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

To everyone who supports us, thank you. To everyone else whining about the speed limits should be raised, your not Tony Stewart or Mario Andretti. The limits are not where they are because we know you are going to speed and therefore we can generate income. And for the radar wielding motorcycle cop comment, if you would obey the law, you would have nothing to fear. We do not have a quota, we can write as many tickets as we want. The facts are you have no idea what we are going to or where it might be. What if you were the victim of a robbery in Norcross, and I was coming from Duluth. Until you walk 1 foot in my shoes, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. It is not because we think we are above the law. It’s because we have so many calls for service we don’t get a break. But when we do show up, usually the question is, “what took so long.” Yes we do appreciate it when you just move over, because chances are, if you are going to get pulled over that you know it, and if we are going to, then we will let you know. We have been in your shoes, and don’t forget this. We are people too. We have families, we are human beings, not just a figure in a uniform. I will say that there are some officers who do not behave correctly all the time, I am sorry for that. But do remember that you don’t want our job otherwise you would be doing it. We’re not perfect, or superhero’s, but when was the last time that you were the person someone turned to when they were scared for their life? P.S. If you think that I work completely for you and I am your employee, meet me sometime and I’ll give you your money back. Thats about 30 cents you pay me over the year.

By Lee2

August 10, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

No, you do not set the speed limits. And no, you do not set the dollar amount of the fines. What you do is get your marching orders from the Mayor, City Councils, County Commissioners, City Managers, et al, who look at that line item on the budget that says Revenue From Traffic Citations. Your police chief, who is a political hack, knows that in order to keep his job, he has to make his budget numbers.

Cops know where the traffic anomolies are, you know, those places where the traffic speed limits do not match up with the road conditions. Look at my example a few posts up about the drop in speed limit from 65 to 45 in less than 4/10 of a mile. Most cops call these places “honey holes.” Just like fishing has honey holes, cops know where these anomolies are and that they can go catch an unsuspecting motorist.

Another example is the 4 way stop on my street. One of the roads leading up to it is on an incline. Cops know that most people driving a straight shift will probably gear down into first and roll through it. It’s either that or have to slip your clutch to start off. I have lived on this street for 30 years and cannot think of a single wreck at that intersection. But about 4-5 times a week, I see a cop pulled off the side of the road about a block away, hid behind some bushes, waiting on someone to roll through that stop sign.

What I and most people want is for that cop to patrol our neighborhoods looking for burglars, theives, vandals, etc. The one occasion I have had to call the cops was when someone broke into my garage. The cops showed up, looked around, wrote a report, and told me that the report for my insurance would be ready in 3 days. He left my house and went directly to that Stop sign hide out.

Also, notice the alleged cops on this blog who get all riled up when someone criticizes them.

But, they are right about one thing. I couldn’t do their job - I couldn’t hide behind some bush like a thief in the night waiting on someone to roll through a stop sign at 3mph just so I could go take money out of their pocket.

When life-long, law abiding citizens like myself get fed up with the way cops are doing their job, maybe you need to take a long, hard look at the way y’all do things.

By Akagi

August 10, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

I wonder who has the thinnest skin—cops or teachers. Both heavily represented by unions too—I wonder if there is a relationship there? Even the slighest criticism of either brings out the wrath of God in them and their supporters.

Sorry officer, you aren’t God and I’ll talk and type as long as I feel like it and if you are so damn busy—then why can GCPD spare something like 5 officers and a number of patrol cars to set up a seat belt check point on the Duluth Highway? You’d think they were looking for Osama Bin Laden or something.

I thought you people just rush from call to call? If so was what I saw on Georgia 120 a few years ago a mirage?

So if it not about revenue, then why does Cobb County pull over people after they cross into another jurisdiction for speeding? Isn’t that now APD’s problem? Because if they let APD make the collar, their paymasters in Cobb County won’t get that all important revenue, that’s why.

By Lee2

August 10, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Cops vs. teachers, hmmmm….

Both work for a government bureaucracy.

Both have a certain amount of authority over people.

Both tend to have the attitude “You do what I say or else.”

Both have mighty thin skins when it comes to criticism.

Both think we mortals shouldn’t be allowed to question their authority.

Both have their head in the sand. Cops don’t think it’s about the revenue. Teachers don’t think it’s their fault for passing kids from grade to grade who can’t read.

By Larry

August 10, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

The reason cops are on your bumper, is that for some reason they think the speed limit does not apply to them even though they are not on a call. Many have shot past me, cutting in and out of traffic only to turn into a restaurant to meet up with someone, another cop, girlfiend, ect., for lunch. Wonder how that excuse for speeding would play out for me? Sometimes, when on the expressway and I see a cop coming up, mostly in the far left lane or HOV, if they don’t have on their blue lights, I like to match their speed and stay about a car length behind them, but at the same speed. I have only been pulled over once when doing this, it was by a city of Atlanta cop, and all he said, was “what the hell are you doing”, and I replied, I’m in a hurry too but didn’t want to pass you, so I simply stayed even with you. He didn’t even check my license. Just said, in a loud voice, I don’t recommend you doing that and drove off. Just who is policing the police? (As it pertains to speeding when not on a call?) Anyway, if you want to screw with them, try it out. Make sure you have a witness in the car though. A camcorder is a good idea too. Good speeding!

By russell

August 11, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Akagi…..First,I was forward deployed in Korea with a lance unit on the DMZ, please don’t spew your vitriol about having seen Chinese missiles fired in anger. Second, Police officers can stop you across county lines if the stop/chase was intiated in their jurisdiction. You may be wondering how I know this. Well lets just say I have my first hand knowledge. Let me rephrase my calling you a liberal. I think you may associated with the Libertarian Party. They think everything violates a person’s constitutional rights. Once again I will say that COPS DESERVE MUCH REPSECT FOR DOING THEIR JOB.

By RUSSELL

August 11, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Lee2……as for teachers passing those which have difficulty reading or doing basic arithmatic, it is a problem. But we must not take the repsonsibility from the parents, because they the number one teachers in a childs life. As for having thin skin, that’s really funny. Because they have to put up with people like you and fellow blogger Akagi. My question is, if you’re speeding, who do you blame? By your remarks, you blame the police officer. It’s not the police officer who was speeding, it was you. Common sense would be to blame one’s self. As we all know, common sense is not a relative commodity in our society.

By Charmaine

August 11, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I have been on the hwy as well and an officer came flying pass me like he was on a call. To see him pull into a restaurant, really P** me off. Because we were in a 55 mile zone. I know he had to be doing 80 or better. How can we be penalized for breaking the law, when the law itself is breaking the law EVERYDAY! It is absurd. When they come through speeding like that, everyone starts hitting breaks almost killing themselves and everyone around them. I just don’t understand!!

By russell

August 11, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I’m tellin my mommy, he was speeding and I can’t. People, grow up and take accountability for your actions. As it appears, it’s all about me and you don’t count. That’ the attitude most people are taking. I rue the day when y’all, the anarchists, libertarians and communist’s who feel that every time that they are stopped they feel their constutional and civil rights are violated. Here’s the code stating how much can be charged for speeding violations verbatim:40-6-1. (a) It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. (b) Unless a different maximum fine or greater minimum fine is specifically provided in this chapter for a particular violation, the maximum fine which may be imposed as punishment for a first offense of violating any lawful speed limit established by or pursuant to the provisions of Article 9 of this chapter by exceeding a maximum lawful speed limit: (1) By five miles per hour or less shall be no dollars; (2) By more than five but not more than ten miles per hour shall not exceed $25.00; (3) By more than ten but not more than 14 miles per hour shall not exceed $100.00; (4) By more than 14 but less than 19 miles per hour shall not exceed $125.00; (5) By 19 or more but less than 24 miles per hour shall not exceed $150.00; or (6) By 24 or more but less than 34 miles per hour shall not exceed $500.00. Fo all of y’all who thinks the court systems make up speeding fines as the go. Choke on that. I got this from my Ga. Laws and Ordinances manuel

By RUSSELL

August 11, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

By russell

August 11, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I’m tellin my mommy, he was speeding and I can’t. People, grow up and take accountability for your actions. As it appears, it’s all about me and you don’t count. That’ the attitude most people are taking. I rue the day when y’all, the anarchists, libertarians and communist’s who feel that every time that they are stopped they feel their constitutional and civil rights are violated. Here’s the code stating how much can be charged for speeding violations verbatim:40-6-1. (a) It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. (b) Unless a different maximum fine or greater minimum fine is specifically provided in this chapter for a particular violation, the maximum fine which may be imposed as punishment for a first offense of violating any lawful speed limit established by or pursuant to the provisions of Article 9 of this chapter by exceeding a maximum lawful speed limit: (1) By five miles per hour or less shall be no dollars; (2) By more than five but not more than ten miles per hour shall not exceed $25.00; (3) By more than ten but not more than 14 miles per hour shall not exceed $100.00; (4) By more than 14 but less than 19 miles per hour shall not exceed $125.00; (5) By 19 or more but less than 24 miles per hour shall not exceed $150.00; or (6) By 24 or more but less than 34 miles per hour shall not exceed $500.00. Fo all of y’all who think the court systems make up speeding fines as the go. Choke on that. I got this from my Ga. Laws and Ordinances manuel

By Lee2

August 11, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks for proving my point Russell. The law provides that an officer can write you a citation for 1 mph over the speed limit. But there’s no money in it for them. They can write you a ticket for 5mph over the limit, but they’re not going to waste their time on a measley $25. Now, 10 mph over, and they can get $100 on that. So, that’s pretty much become the standard cutoff point.

Like I said, thanks for proving my point Russell. It is all about the revenue.

Remember everyone:

Never get between a cop and a $100 bill. You’ll lose every time.

By Russell

August 11, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Lee2…. For you to say that that tickets are written for revenue is totally egregious. If you’re not speeding and thinking that you’re more important then anybody else on the road, you have nothing to worry about. IF YOU CAN’T PAY THE FINE, DON’T COMMIT THE CRIME and yes speeding is a crime. Police officers have othe methods then radar to judge your speed and they mathmatically accurate. You obviously have a lead foot because of your disdain for police officers. Remember, it will be the police and the paramedics who scrape your butt off the road for loosing control while speeding. I woild rather get to where I’m going in my own car then arriving in a hearse. For all of you who are wondering how I know such information, lets just say I have my ways.

By RUSSELL

August 11, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Lee2…. For you to say that that tickets are written for revenue is totally egregious. If you’re not speeding and thinking that you’re more important then anybody else on the road, you have nothing to worry about. IF YOU CAN’T PAY THE FINE, DON’T COMMIT THE CRIME and yes speeding is a crime. Police officers have other methods then radar to judge your speed and they,re mathmatically accurate. You obviously have a lead foot because of your disdain for police officers. Remember, it will be the police and the paramedics who scrape your butt off the road for loosing control while speeding. I woild rather get to where I’m going in my own car then arriving in a hearse. For all of you who are wondering how I know such information, lets just say I have my ways

By Lee2

August 11, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

OK Russell, ask yourself these two questions;

My guess is that you would see a dramatic decrease in the number of traffic citations written. Police would then focus only on the egregious violations that actually were a danger to the safety and well being of the community, such as blowing through a stop sign at 40 mph, or speeding through a school zone at 20 mph over.

My guess is that after about two days, he would start getting the third degree from his supervisor.

And you are wrong again about the speeding tickets. Last one I had was probably 25 years ago.

Since you “have your ways,” I would suggest you go down to the courthouse and get a detailed copy of your city’s budget. Look down through there and look for the revenue line item for traffic citations. Heck, some cities even have it broke down to dui’s, etc.

You put it on a budget, you create quota.

It’s really that simple.

By russell

August 12, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

Lee2……obviously everything that I write is going to be wrong in your eyes. So this is a moot point with you. With your vast knowledge of the inner workings of a city or county budget I can only offer this…..Whatever, because you know crap of what actually happens in the budget meetings. Being former military and 10 years experience as a federal officer, I guess my knowledge doesn’t count, does it? I will offer this though……Happy speeding or whatever you do when you drive. And another bit of advice, when it comes to government prcoceedings, I’m usually 99% right. Stew on that for awhile my friend

By Lee

August 12, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Russell, since you’re a FEDERAL OFFICER and all, why don’t you trot on down to the convenience store and round up a couple dozen of them ILLEGAL ALIENS thats hanging around. Yep, the federal government’s done a real good job with that one.

I mean, after all, everytime someone asks why the local police doesn’t do anything about this problem, they always say it is a federal problem.

Roll through a STOP sign, that’s about $100 in the bank. To catch and deport an ILLEGAL ALIEN CRIMINAL, they have to arrest, detain, arraign, transport, etc, etc, all of which costs money.

Just proves where their priorities are.

By russell

August 12, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Lee….you are obviously misanthropic, thats close minded in case you didn’t know. The agency that I work for doesn’t deal with Immigration, Customs and Enforcement. I’m a treasury officer that handles counterfeit cases. Just to let you know, my wife is from Brazil, so please stop with the illegal alien crap. It’s really getting old. Get out more, maybe you might get culture other than Hank Williams and your beat up truck

By RacerX

August 12, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Lee…..you sound like a complete moron. I’m no genius, but I do know that quotas, as you say they exist, are illegal. Russell seems pretty honest in his posts and I respect him for what he has done as a soldier, and what he does as an officer.

By ed jones

August 13, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

At my last place of work I was in contact with Gwinnett officers on a daily basis. Most of them were the biggest racist and hateful people I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe it! They even talked sht on their fellow minority officers. They would get a big kick out of telling stories of beating spics & n*gers up and throwing them in jail. One told me, “What other job do you get to shoot guns and beat people up without getting in trouble”. Really opened up my eyes.

By Akagi

August 13, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

russell:

Yes, I do favor much put forward by the LP, but not all. And I fully agree that it is illegitimate for the government to use force to compel you to wear seatbelts or to use its police as a form of revenue collection.

In fact my own county’s sheriff department was engaged in that this morning. A driver going the other direction warning us of his presence and the driver in front of me then alerting the cars from that direction.

A small victory in the war against legalized robbery.

By Lee

August 13, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Wow, egregious, misanthropic, you’re really working the old thesaurus overtime on this one.

Bringing up the illegal alien issue is entirely legitimate. You and other cops on this blog keep saying that if we don’t violate the law, we have nothing to worry about. I like to point out the irony that I can get nailed for a simple infraction such as rolling through a stop sign at 2mph, but our law enforcement agencies have turned a blind eye to the 20-30 MILLION ILLEGAL ALIEN LAWBREAKERS, who are the biggest threat to our national sovereignty since WWII.

BTW, nobody cares where your wife is from, unless, of course, she is here illegally. If so, then you are the biggest hypocrite ever to post on these blogs.

Racerx, I love it when you call me a moron and then turn around and say you’re no genious. LMFAO.

By Katie

August 13, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

People are idiots. If you see blue lights in your rear view mirror, here’s a thought: PULL OVER.. whether you are their target or not is not your concern, getting out of their way is. If they are going to ticket you it will happen anyway. If you are speeding and you see a cop, slamming on your brakes won’t help, chances are the cop already saw you and could bust you if he/she wanted to. It really isn’t that hard people. If you are so worried about how to prevent being pulled over, here’s another thought: follow the rules of the road, use your turn signals and take care of your vehicles tags and other maintenance requirements. What’s that saying again? Oh yeah, if you aren’t doing anything wrong then don’t worry about anything. Only worry if you are hiding something.

By Russell

August 13, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Lee….as for wife’s status….She is a citizen who immigrated here legally. One point I would like to prove to you, is that I don’t have the need for a thesaurus as you obviously do. How long did it take you to figure out the meaning of the words that I used?

By russell

August 13, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Lee….as for my wife’s status….She is a citizen who immigrated here legally. One point I would like to prove to you, is that I don’t have the need for a thesaurus as you obviously do. How long did it take you to figure out the meaning of the words that I used

By RacerX

August 13, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Lee……you actually think that you have more brain cell than I do. Dude, you’re way off base with that comment. At least when I drive, speed or whatever, I have the common sense to keep my crap straight when I see the popo. Also, maybe try concentrating on your job instead of putting your crap on this blog. If you did this, maybe you would’nt loose your job to people from south of the border. That’s the illegals you keep referring to.

By Lee

August 13, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

This is too funny. The same person is posting once as Russell and then again as RacerX.

Hint: if you’re going to do that, at least vary the times that you post and don’t start out with “Lee….” for both screen names.

By russell

August 13, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Get a life you f*** redneck. Go listen to your country music and drive your beat up truck. Choke on that s** for brains

By Tom

August 13, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Children! Children! Were you raised in a barn? Goodness, Such Language!

Russell, would you want your momma to know you wrote that?

By Angel

August 14, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Hot Fuzz dialogue:

Danny Butterman: So what made you want to become a policeman?

Nicholas Angel: Officer.

Danny Butterman: What made you want to become a policeman officer?

Nicholas Angel: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a police officer, apart from the summer of 1979 when I wanted to be Kermit the frog. It all started with my Uncle Derek. He was a Sergent in the Met. He bought me a police medal car when I was five. I rode around in it every second I was awake - arresting kids twice my size for things like littering and spitting. I got beaten up a lot when I was young, but it didn’t stop me. I wanted to be like Uncle Derek.

Danny Butterman: He sounds like a good bloke.

Nicholas Angel: Actually he was arrested for selling drugs to students.

Danny Butterman: What a c&^%.

Nicholas Angel: Probably bought the pedal car with the proceeds. Naturally, I never went near it again. I just left it there in the yard to gather rust. But I never lost the profound sense of right and wrong I felt behind the wheel of that pedal car. And I always wanted to be a police officer, from that moment on.

Danny Butterman: Oh. Shame really…

Nicholas Angel: How so?

Danny Butterman: I think you would have made a great Muppet…

By AeroNautica0909

August 14, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

Great article. People do this all over the country.

Unlike most people, I don’t slow down if I know that I am going at a moderate pace. If I know I’m going well above the speed limit, I take my feet completely off the gas and coast down to a speed that is moderate but not slow to the point where I obstruct traffic.

However, I’m not so scared of the police like so many other people. The police knows that everyone drives above the posted speed limit more than 75 percent of the time.

What annoys me is the fact that people slow down to below the speed limit, causing everyone else to slam on the brakes if they were going slightly over, which I would consider obstruction of traffic.

Just because I see a cop does not mean I’m going to slow down to exactly the speed limit. What I do is act like I do not see the cop and continue what I was doing (as long as it wasn’t 85 in a 65 zone, etc.) If I’m going 74 in a 65 zone, I’m going to continue going 74 and ignore the cop.

I’ve learned that if you look at the cop they’re more compelled to pull you over because it makes you suspicious. Ignoring the cop and driving how you were (as long as you were not 20+ over the speed limit) you should be fine.

By whatsthehype

August 14, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

charliejoe . . oh my! …you have a BIG problem and need an attitude adjustment.
I can take everything you have posted as a grain of salt except the following. “Most of the people who are always telling us to quit whining cause they won’t pull you over if you aren’t doing anything wrong probably think the IRS is here to help you, too. And, they are probably middle-aged white men or women driving a late-model vehicle in high-priced areas mostly. Ask any young person, minority, poor person with crappy car, etc., if they believe that tripe.” I am so-o-o sick and tired of people using the phrase “minority poor” … that is the most used two words you will hear on tv, in the news media and whenever a “minority” is talking about anything and everything. It’s the “poor black communities” . . the “poor minorities” …poor black kids.”
Hey, did it ever occur to you there are other races that are “poor” - - duh!!! And if the “poor black” did not do so much crime maybe, just maybe the police wouldn’t suspect them on every thing and stop them.
So you were in an apartment complex and the police stopped you . . just because you have on a pizza delivery shirt doesn’t make you not be a criminal. I’m sure lots of people pose as other people to gain access to apartments. And, let’s face it even a pizza delivery guy isn’t above the law either. I’m sure they don’t use their blinker and speed, too. Police do have a dangerous job (whether it is the most dangerous or not). With folks like you …it just makes their job tougher. Can the attitude fella! By the way, I’ll take a thin crust pizza with lots of cheese!! And be here in two minutes (don’t speed!!) so it will stll be hot!!

By charliejoe

August 14, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

In an earlier post I said: Most of the people who are always telling us to quit whining cause they won’t pull you over if you aren’t doing anything wrong probably think the IRS is here to help you, too. And, they are probably middle-aged white men or women driving a late-model vehicle in high-priced areas mostly. Ask any young person, minority, poor person with crappy car, etc., if they believe that tripe.

Which prompted whatsthehype to say:

Hey, did it ever occur to you there are other races that are “poor” - - duh!!! And if the “poor black” did not do so much crime maybe, just maybe the police wouldn’t suspect them on every thing and stop them.

Thank you for proving my point better than I could. Your racist, condescending, pedantic, elitist and hateful attitude—shared by certain of our officers—is why many people have trouble maintaining respect for police officers. Basically, you’re saying if you are young, a minority, poor, or preferably two or three of those things, you deserve to, and should (and do) get pulled over more often.

First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the sick, the so-called incurables, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t mentally ill. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me

Or this version at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C.:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.

I bet you change your tune if they ever come for YOU. Wake up, America.

By whatsthehype

August 14, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

charliejoe, you are as dumb as the day is long … yes, most blacks get pulled over duh because they are committing most of the crimes in and around Atlanta … . if whites, hispanics or any other race were the most committing the crimes in Atlanta and the metro area then they would be the most to be pulled over. (I would venture to say before Atlanta had so many blacks more whites were pulled over). The police have a job to do whether you like it or not and it is “TO PREVENT CRIME” and in order to prevent crime sometimes it requires them to pull over people who look suspicious or are doing things that are suspicious. And, to pull them over if they are breaking the law. It seems that the minorities seem to think in addition to they entitlement mentality that they are above the law, too. So if you don’t like that TOUGH!!! And, I hardly consider myself an “upper-class” white for I am living in a $170,000 house that I have been living in for 36 years . . why hell there are blacks (or maybe you’d prefer to call them “poor” minorities) living in $400,000 and up houses all around Snellville. And, I hardly consider my 4 year old chevrolet a luxury car. And, I have had one ticket in my entire life and it is because I OBEY the law.

By jm

August 14, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Thank you to the Snellville PD for teaching my daughter and all of her friends in the Explorer group how to be a policeman/woman…how to do a correct traffic stop w/out dangering yourself or the person in the car. How to do many things that she has learned and now wants to be a “cop”. Do I cringe when I see one behind me? Of course…it’s human nature. But I respect their jobs just as I respect my line of work - healthcare.

By charliejoe

August 15, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

whatsthehype says:

…yes, most blacks get pulled over duh because they are committing most of the crimes in and around Atlanta … . if whites, hispanics or any other race were the most committing the crimes in Atlanta and the metro area then they would be the most to be pulled over. (I would venture to say before Atlanta had so many blacks more whites were pulled over)…

Keep talking whatsthehype—you keep proving your bigotry. And actually, a four-year old chevy is considered a late-model car. Since you don’t specify, I guess I could assume that you drive a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette, Avalanche, or fully-loaded Suburban. Any of which is far from a hoop-dee. Also, from your attitude, I’d suspect it’s possible you paid $170,000 for your house 36 years ago when you bought it, which makes it worth 3/4 mil now probably. Anyway, I don’t care if you are a minimum wage clerk, your attitude is obviously that these coloreds are committing all the crime and therefore they should be pulled over whenever an excuse can be made to do so. Gee, that wouldn’t skew the crime statistics any, would it? If you pulled over blacks at a vastly higher rate than you and your lily-white upper-crust buddies? No, of course not. I mean, I used to think I was somewhat racist, but you make me feel like a civil rights attorney in Selma in the 60’s in comparison. Yes, blacks are more likely to be convicted of crimes. They are probably more likely to commit crimes, as well. Although, I hope you’ll appreciate the not-so-subtle difference. I’ll agree to that blanket statement because I am one of those crazy Americans who believe in equal opportunity under the law. Equal treatment. Equal scrutiny, even. I think you misunderstand the whole point. Or maybe you just don’t care about constitutional rights because so far yours haven’t been abused. You seem to miss the point entirely, although I suspect you are being intentionally obtuse. Otherwise, you are just blatantly racist. Suppose for a moment that in a fit of manic non-racial clarity you adopted a black child as an infant. Then suppose he/she was driving along as a young person on the streets. Suppose further that he/she was not doing anything wrong other than going the same speed as the vast majority of other citizens on the highway. By your f&^C^&d up logic, they should be pulled over, harassed, etc., because, statiscally, blacks commit more crimes than whites. I swear you are so G-danmed(sic) racist I think I can picture your white outfit now. Do you not see? Can you not comprehend how any other person feels? That is one of the hallmarks of sociopathy, by the way. To be harassed because of your resemblence to folks that commit more crimes per capita than others is straight up racist. Believe me, I am for law and order. I really, really am. I hate criminals. REAL criminals—not people who speed on 85, because that would make me a frickin misanthropist since EVERYBODY speeds. The point you seem to miss is that if you have a law that everyone disclaimer: everyone means the overwhelming majority, aka 90+% on average breaks, and then you encourage pulling over black people who “break the law”, which everyone does, you are basically advocating for blacks to be pulled over and harassed in anticipation of them fulfulling their predertemined destinies as scumball criminal lowlifes who should be taken behind the barn and shot. What happened to you? Did your daughter go out with a black dude or something? If so, so sorry for your Klan-related pain. Otherwise, please explain how you willingly advocate suspending our basic right to human dignity by being subject to abuse and police scrutiny due to the color of one’s skin.

Sorry everyone for going on so long, but I can’t wrap my head around this dude/dudette’s logic. Please, help me end my psychic pain by admitting you frigging hate black people, whatstheyhype. Then I will quit having to figure out your logic, since mindless hate needs no logic.

P.S. If you are just a flaming troll, you won, and I apologize to everyone for encouraging you. Good job, troll! If you are just a regular troll instead of the internet kind, I’m sorry for your life. It must have been hard, filled with a string of meaningless jobs being taken by minorities, after your sh1%$Ty attitude got you fired.

By Tom

August 15, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

Susan, Fellow ex-Columbusite here.

What in the world causes some folks to see the race card in your columns, where there is none?

I’m reading “The Big Eddy Club” book, have you read it? Did you know Columbus was as bad as all that? I haven’t seen a review of the book in the AJC. Seems like there would have been.

TF

By whatsthehype

August 15, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

charliejoe Actually, no, I didn’t pay $170,000 36 years ago. We built the house ourselves and we got a loan for $25,000 and did as much of the work ourselves, we already owned the lot which was $3200, which we had spent 3 years paying for. In the neighborhood where I live houses are selling anywhere from $160,000 to $184,000. Call me whatever you want… I’m not bothered by it!!! NO, my car isn’t anyone of the ones you named - - !!! I worked for over 30 years with one employer and worked with many races FYI, I’ve worked closely with other races and I’ve supervised other races. I’ve never been fired! And my opinions are based on my experiences and what I see and read in the news and other mediums. I have friends of many races including blacks, but they don’t make excuses like many of their race. They are sickened of those who whine all the time, too. And, are equally as alarmed at the crime being committed by their race. And, yes blacks are more likely to be convicted of crimes because they are more likely to commit crimes … if you wouldn’t spend all your time on the internet and learn more about what is going on around you . . you’d have a better sense of what is happening. And, no where have I stated that whites do not commit crime …they do. I can give you a number of instances where I’ve been mistreated by blacks as a white person . . so don’t give me that treated equal, constitutional right argument. Somehow you and folks like you think that white people aren’t mistreated. What about the two white young men (two different instances)recently that where locked up in jail BY MISTAKE; one spent one night and the other, I believe, three nights! And, would you feel better if more whites were pulled over . . is that what would make you feel better, if so, I’ll volunteer to be pulled over on a weekly bases.

By charliejoe

August 15, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

whatsthehype,

Thanks for not really addressing my points, and instead saying you’ve been mistreated by a black person. As I should have figured, you don’t really address the points I’m making, which were basically that you shouldn’t be targeted strictly because of your race. Yes, I know whites and all races are sometimes churned through the injustice machine, but that has not a whit to do with your apparent approval of harassing otherwise law-abiding citizens because they are black and since the blacks cause so much crime, you should pull over all you want.
As for you saying: And, no where have I stated that whites do not commit crime …they do.

I don’t remember saying anything about whites and crimes they commit. Hell yes, they do. But I don’t get the reference. I looked through my posts and don’t see where you are talking about?

As for your statement:

• And, would you feel better if more whites were pulled over . . is that what would make you feel better, if so, I’ll volunteer to be pulled over on a weekly bases.*

No, it wouldn’t make me “feel better” if more whites were pulled over. It would make me feel better if people were pulled over for being a danger to those around them by their driving, not picked out because they are a minority and speeding along with everyone else. I have a challenge for you: Print out all your posts from this blog entry and show them to any of your black co-workers, acquaintences, etc., and see if they think you exude racism. I doubt you’d have the courage because you’d be outed as a racist.
I would have no problem showing my coworkers or friends what I have written. Yes, even the (dangerously criminal!) black ones. And I doubt you show this side of your true self to your so-called black friends. Yeah, black folks I know condemn black crime, etc., but they don’t want to be pulled over all the time because of what members of their race do. And I suspect they’d be disgusted by your attitude if it were revealed to them in its entirety. How do you even have black friends if you think they are such criminals, etc.? Aren’t you afraid they’re gonna stab you and steal your purse? Isn’t that what they do? You know, those people.

Please, if you are going to address me in a reply try to address some of my questions instead of going so far off-topic.
And answer just this one question before anything else you say:

Do you believe it is okay, both constitutionally and morally/ethically, to target minorities for traffic stops, all else being equal? In other words, if there are four people all speeding 15 over the speed limit, and only one is black, do you think it is the best course of action to pull the black dude over? Again, given all other things being equal—same speed, no other laws broken, etc.

If your answer is anything but no, you are racist, and also not really interested in following the most important overarching law of the land—the constitution.

By anonymous

August 21, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

I may have missed it but one key point is missing. The way the speeding law works in general in Georgia is you may not get a ticket until you are going at least 10 miles over the posted speed limit. There are exceptions such as school zones and I believe construction zones. The best thing to do while a cop is present is drive following the rules whether the police do or not. Slowing down causes a driving hazard. While I’m at it for those of you who drive in the left lane going the posted speed limit - move over and let traffic going the legal limit )posted + 9.9mph) pass safely on the left.

By charliejoe

August 22, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Here is 40-6-1 *see the bottom: As you can see, while there is a fine of no dollars for 1-5 over, and max 25 under 10 over, as far as I know, there is no real protection from being pulled over even for 1 to 5 miles over. Sure, you may get out of the speeding ticket, but you have no case against improper arrest in the event of further charges, etc… any lawyers have any advice? My point isn’t really the $25 fine, although it is BS, but the fact that a cop can and will with no question pull someone over for one mile over, zero dollar ticket or not *(might want to check into actual court costs, by the way), but the fact that they can then bully folks into a car search, can stick their nose into your business in general, etc…basically that it gives you a reason, as a cop, to technically be able to pull over anyone going any amount over a ridiculous speed limit. A second point is why if the speed limit is an important rule, etc., why is 9 miles over treated as a maximum 25 dollar ticket? Man, parking tickets often cost that much. Are they really worth, by themselves, a stop by officers for fifteen minutes, running plates, asking questions, etc.? unless it is indeed a tool to be able to ensure a lawful reason to pull anyone over for anything?

*§ 40-6-1. Observance of chapter required; punishment for violations generally; maximum fines for certain offenses

(a) It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter.

(b) Unless a different maximum fine or greater minimum fine is specifically provided in this chapter for a particular violation, the maximum fine which may be imposed as punishment for a first offense of violating any lawful speed limit established by or pursuant to the provisions of Article 9 of this chapter by exceeding a maximum lawful speed limit:

(1) By five miles per hour or less shall be no dollars;

(2) By more than five but not more than ten miles per hour shall not exceed $25.00;

(3) By more than ten but not more than 14 miles per hour shall not exceed $100.00;

(4) By more than 14 but less than 19 miles per hour shall not exceed $125.00;*