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Can a cop car drive as fast as they want, whenever they want?
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Posted by: johnmoorejohn
My other thread made me curious.
It seems like they don't need to follow any traffic laws?
Posted by: Damian
Yes, they do. There are many circumstances in which they don't, of course, even without lights & siren. But in the course of routine driving around, they definitely should be. But...who's going to give them a ticket?
Posted by: keefer37
quote:
Originally posted by johnmoorejohn
It seems like they don't need to follow any traffic laws?
That's been my experience:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...&threadid=89671
Posted by: bigray327
In Texas, emergency vehicles can go the speed limit plus ten miles per hour, I think, with lights and sirens. Do they? Hell no. Not the ones I'm driving, anyway, and for good reason. :)
Why do cops speed? Because cops suck, plain and simple. No smiley.
Posted by: walters
quote:
Originally posted by bigray327
Why do cops speed?
The same reason dogs lick themselves where they do. Because they can.
Posted by: Fish Man
For several years I lived in Kenner, LA, a suburb of New Orleans. I live in New Orleans proper now.
The Kenner, LA cops had a driving habit that used to irk the poo out of me:
They would never, ever, ever wait their turn at a 4-way stop! :mad:
If you saw a Kenner cop car at a 4-way stop, you could guarantee that he would follow right on the bumper of the car in front of him, rather than wait his turn.
Of course, if anyone else did that, the same cop would surely give them a ticket. And, if the cop caused an accident by this behavior, surely the person who hit him (even though the accident would have been the cop's fault) would be issued the ticket (and have their insurance rate go up)! :mad:
Interestingly, New Orleans (NOPD) cops do tend to wait their turn at 4-way stops.
Posted by: knuckles
In Pennsylvania the vehicle code states that they can do just about anything as long as it is safe, and doesn't pose a hazzard, and that the lights and siren are on. At all other times they are supposed to follow all normal traffic laws. Do they always follow the law? No.
Posted by: RickStrobel
I have a friend who was seriously injured by a cop flying through a red light without lights or sirens. It happened when she was 16, a few years before I knew her. By seriously injured I mean almost unable to walk.
The trauma was more than physical too. About a year ago she was killed crossing the street (as a pedestrian). Not sure it was accidental on her part.
So yes, they do drive as fast as they want. And there are consequences.
Posted by: Raj
Cops and other emergency vehicles are not supposed to break the traffic lights, speed and use their sirens unless they are responding to a call. If they're going back tp the station or going to get donuts they shouldn't speed or break the lights. IIRC, here in NYC I think it's against the law to use your siren for non emergency purposes.
Posted by: Raj
quote:
Originally posted by RickStrobel
I have a friend who was seriously injured by a cop flying through a red light without lights or sirens. It happened when she was 16, a few years before I knew her. By seriously injured I mean almost unable to walk.
The trauma was more than physical too. About a year ago she was killed crossing the street (as a pedestrian). Not sure it was accidental on her part.
So yes, they do drive as fast as they want. And there are consequences.
I heard a few months ago in Brooklyn that there were a couple people killed by fire trucks driving the wrong way down a one way street in the middle of the night at full speed. I am not sure, but I don't think they were responding to a call. I don't know what came out of it.
Posted by: cnshough
quote:
Originally posted by johnmoorejohn
Can a cop car drive as fast as they want, whenever they want?
I don't think cop cars have a mind of their own, DO they? :D Sorry, but somebody had to do it!
Posted by: Xaa
This is part of why I hate the cops. They have a brotherhood of turning their backs on their own transgressions.
If they need to drive to an emergency, they have a way of notifying the public of that by using their lights. For them to do whatever the hell they please and then pull you over for something much less sucks. but they do it and get away with it all the time. If traffic offenses were the only laws they were breaking and covering up, we'd be much better than the reality of it.
F'n Cops!!
Xaa
Posted by: Robin
In VA (can't speak for other states, but I've taken EVOC here) emergency vehicles (or rather, their drivers. ;)) are never exempt from traffic laws *even* when they have their lights and sirens on.
That means that unless you drive the speed limit responding to a call, technically, you can be ticketed. You won't be, but you could. I find this absolutely ridiculous.
Posted by: Combat Medic
In NE where I took EVOC all of the traffic laws say 'except for emergency vehicles responding to an emergency'. Our rules say that I can't go faster then 15 over the limit except in emergent circumstances.
-Mike
Posted by: Bradc314
And police officers wonder why they have a hard time garnering respect from the community. If they (cops) don't respect the law, why should Average Joe respect the law?
What really irks me (partly because I can't do it anymore) is how off duty cops will flash their shield to get away with just about anything.
Remember, the Blue Line is indeed very fine.
Posted by: HTH
Is that NE as in Nebraska or New England?
I've seen police cars turn on their lights just to go through a red light, then turn off their lights as soon as they're through.
Posted by: Kylep
quote:
Originally posted by rsanborn
In VA (can't speak for other states, but I've taken EVOC here) emergency vehicles (or rather, their drivers. ;)) are never exempt from traffic laws *even* when they have their lights and sirens on.
That means that unless you drive the speed limit responding to a call, technically, you can be ticketed. You won't be, but you could. I find this absolutely ridiculous.
So really, when you see a long line of cops chasing someone, it could really just be the first cop chasing the bad guy, and the rest of the cops chasing the cop in front of them. One incident could lead to a lot of arrests.
Posted by: Convert
Re cops speeding - on Interstates, my experience is that they go 5-10mph BELOW the limit, and dare you to pass them.
Re EVOC - in Wisconsin, you may ignore some traffic codes with both lights and siren, but 10,000 pounds of ambulance is awfully hard to stop. The trick is to go quickly without going fast.
Re EVOC and cop cars - when I took EVOC, we used an old squad car, and it was a GAS at 45mph. Handled much much better than I would have suspected.
Posted by: Bryanmc
I always got busted in Police Quest for breaking the driving laws without my siren on.
I think that means something.
Posted by: Kylep
quote:
Originally posted by Bryanmc
I always got busted in Police Quest for breaking the driving laws without my siren on.
I think that means something.
LOL, good call... That used to drive me nuts!
Posted by: geko29
Two of my fiancee's friends (actually one friend and a fof) were killed over the weekend by a police cruiser. The accident was ruled their fault. They had no business being in the crosswalk.
Posted by: InigoMontoya
quote:
Originally posted by Bradc314
And police officers wonder why they have a hard time garnering respect from the community. If they (cops) don't respect the law, why should Average Joe respect the law?
What really irks me (partly because I can't do it anymore) is how off duty cops will flash their shield to get away with just about anything.
Remember, the Blue Line is indeed very fine.
Oh, it's worse than that.
Once upon a time (read: when I was 16) I got caught doing donuts in my truck with a passenger in the truck bed!
When I got out of the car I reached for my wallet and.... OOPS, I left it at home.
So there I am getting ripped for wreckless driving, tresspassing (did I mention I was on US Gov't property?), and driving without a license when the lead cop partner all the sudden asks....
"Where did you get this truck?"
"I bought it off my brother in law."
"Does he work for us?"
"Yes."
"Get in your truck. Stop screwing around. Get out of here."
Granted, I came out on the sweet end of the deal, but really, I shouldn't have.....
Posted by: keefer37
Near the new mall down the street, it's right next to an Interstate (I-40). The light for cars making lefts onto both directions of the highway turns yellow and then red. A cop wants to make that left onto the highway, turns his lights and siren on just long enough to get through the intesection and then just cruises onto the highway... made my gf and me sick.
Posted by: Saturn
Well, remember that most cops have only made it through high school and a year of police academy. In my high school, that would've put them right around, or below average.
I always imagine it is the bullies in school that "straighten up" and go off to police academy and end up on the other side of the law. Remember that guy who thought it was funny to put gum on the lock of your locker? Yea. now he's carrying a badge. I guess someone has to do it though.
Posted by: rimler
It's always refreshing to be reminded that cops aren't the only ones spewing stereotypes.
quote:
Originally posted by Saturn49
Well, remember that most cops have only made it through high school and a year of police academy. In my high school, that would've put them right around, or below average.
I always imagine it is the bullies in school that "straighten up" and go off to police academy and end up on the other side of the law. Remember that guy who thought it was funny to put gum on the lock of your locker? Yea. now he's carrying a badge. I guess someone has to do it though.
Posted by: Bradc314
quote:
Originally posted by Saturn49
Well, remember that most cops have only made it through high school and a year of police academy. In my high school, that would've put them right around, or below average.
While that used to be the case, and may still be in some parts, I think you will find that most police departments (especially suburban) require at least a bachelor's degree to make the list.
Posted by: johnmoorejohn
quote:
Originally posted by keefer37
Near the new mall down the street, it's right next to an Interstate (I-40). The light for cars making lefts onto both directions of the highway turns yellow and then red. A cop wants to make that left onto the highway, turns his lights and siren on just long enough to get through the intesection and then just cruises onto the highway... made my gf and me sick.
Ha! Is that the souper salad intersection!
btw, that is the best mall I've seen ever....
Posted by: keefer37
quote:
Originally posted by johnmoorejohn
Ha! Is that the souper salad intersection!
btw, that is the best mall I've seen ever....
No, not the 54 / Fayetteville intersection, but right up from there. The lights on Fayetteville to get on I-40.
I like that mall... right down the street from me. I like the fact there's an Apple Store and EB. :)
Posted by: johnmoorejohn
quote:
Originally posted by keefer37
No, not the 54 / Fayetteville intersection, but right up from there. The lights on Fayetteville to get on I-40.
I like that mall... right down the street from me. I like the fact there's an Apple Store and EB. :)
Ok, the intersection that looks like the cingular character?
That has got to be the wierdest intersection ever designed...
I keep wondering if outside lane turners are gunna hit each other.
btw, this intersection is your typical on-off ramp to a highway overpass. Except, instead of two intersections on each side of the highway, they scrunched them together into one huge intersection.
Posted by: keefer37
quote:
Originally posted by johnmoorejohn
Ok, the intersection that looks like the cingular character?
That has got to be the wierdest intersection ever designed...
I keep wondering if outside lane turners are gunna hit each other.
btw, this intersection is your typical on-off ramp to a highway overpass. Except, instead of two intersections on each side of the highway, they scrunched them together into one huge intersection.
Yeah, that's the one.... confused a lot of people when it first was changed too.
hehe Yeah it really does look like the Cingular character. It's a HUGE intersection and only like 400 feet from the next fairly big intersection (54/Fayetteville).
With the light cycle as it is, the cop thought it was an emergency to make it through that cycle, eh?
Posted by: martinp13
quote:
Originally posted by rimler
It's always refreshing to be reminded that cops aren't the only ones spewing stereotypes.
Stereotypes tend to exist for a reason. And I don't know where you're from, but here in Texas, 90% of the cops are exactly as portrayed on TV. :) Some are cool folks, but most are total jerks. As someone stated above, it's amazing they're surprised that they get no respect. :(
Posted by: Convert
Okay, you in the TiVo Community car. Pull over. Pull over NOW.
Everyone out of the car, get down on your knees, and put your hands behind your head. You, stupid, BEHIND your head.
You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney....
Posted by: Bradc314
"...you have the right to sing the blues...."
Posted by: Corey140
Anyone know why cops like to ride your bumper? I've had my license for about 8 months now. Anyway, their is a 2 lane road to get where I live. The state troopers and sheriffs love to ride my bumper to get me to go over the speed limit. It is so annoying.
Posted by: Combat Medic
quote:
Originally posted by Corey140
Anyone know why cops like to ride your bumper? I've had my license for about 8 months now. Anyway, their is a 2 lane road to get where I live. The state troopers and sheriffs love to ride my bumper to get me to go over the speed limit. It is so annoying.
Lock-up your brakes, they'll stop doing it. Or call 911 from a cell-phone and report him as driving dangerously.
-Mike
Posted by: Corey140
Can't I get pulled over for that? I don't want to start probational period over again for my license. I'm just waiting until November for my 18th birthday when the restrictions drop.
Posted by: Combat Medic
I never said it was a good idea. But, it's an idea
-Mike
Posted by: Xaa
Corey, they are probably doing it so they can be close enough to get your plate number and run it while they are behind you. If they are making you uncomfortable, do what you would do if it were any other vehicle and just slow down a little, tap your brakes, or even pull over. That kind of stuff.
Xaa
Posted by: DanT
Yeah, most jurisdictions there's a law against slamming on your brakes for no reason. And if there isn't, they can always write you for reckless driving.
And you were exactly right as to why they do it. They're egging you to speed up so they can write you a ticket for speeding, and then go back and joke with their buddies about how stupid you were to speed with a cop right behind you.
In all fairness, there's one other possibility. What's your definition of "riding my bumper"? If it's anything less than "1 car length for every 10 mph" that they teach you in Driver's Ed., then forget about that rule. No one follows it. That may be what's safest, but nobody actually does it. But if he's actually within a car length, then yeah, he's trying to get you to speed or do something stupid. If you can, pull over and let him pass. Just don't pull over on the side of the road unless you have an emergency, because they'll write you for that, too.
Posted by: StanSimmons
You could slam on your brakes, then tell the cop that you were watching out for the squirrel in front of you, not the nut behind you!
:D
Posted by: Corey140
quote:
Originally posted by Xaa
Corey, they are probably doing it so they can be close enough to get your plate number and run it while they are behind you. If they are making you uncomfortable, do what you would do if it were any other vehicle and just slow down a little, tap your brakes, or even pull over. That kind of stuff.
Xaa
When I feel uncomfortable, I either slow down so they can pass me or I just speed up and leave them in the dust.
quote:
In all fairness, there's one other possibility. What's your definition of "riding my bumper"? If it's anything less than "1 car length for every 10 mph" that they teach you in Driver's Ed., then forget about that rule. No one follows it. That may be what's safest, but nobody actually does it. But if he's actually within a car length, then yeah, he's trying to get you to speed or do something stupid. If you can, pull over and let him pass. Just don't pull over on the side of the road unless you have an emergency, because they'll write you for that, too.
The speed limit is 25 mph in front of the 3 schools, the sheriffs will come almost all the way down on my bumper. I would say its is as close as when you are parking your car on the street and you can't walk in between the 2 cars. They aren't many places to pull over but I'm not going to let them intidimate me. When no one is in front of them, they will do about 50-60 mph down this road and disappear in a matter of seconds. I wouldn't be surprised if they were hitting 70 mph around here.
Drivers Ed was a waste of $325. They didn't teach me anything, my mom hadn't told me from when I was younger.
Posted by: JayAndSilentBob
You better believe they can!
And in Apple Valley, Minnesota, if your a 28 year old officer trying to impress that hot little 17 year old high school girl who is taking a "ride-along" and your high speed pursuit of a traffic violator happens to get an innocent pregnant woman killed and her husband and son maimed, your biggest worries are a couple of misdemeanors and getting fired from your job.
Officer involved in crash that killed pregnant woman is fired
quote:
An Apple Valley police officer was fired Thursday for causing an accident that fatally injured a pregnant woman.
The City Council voted 4 to 0 to fire officer Shane Mikkelson, 28, who had been on administrative leave since the Oct. 26 crash.
A Dakota County grand jury indicted Mikkelson in February for the misdemeanors of reckless, careless and inattentive driving. He was speeding after a traffic violator with lights and siren on when he ran a red light and hit a car carrying Katie Burg, 28, who delivered a son before she died six days later. Her husband, Russell Burg, of Apple Valley, and their son, Jackson, are still recovering.
Mikkelson will appeal the decision to an arbitrator, said Marylee Abrams, general counsel for his union, Law Enforcement Labor Services.
She said it's more common for a city to suspend, rather than fire, an officer involved in a fatal crash. She said the city refused Mikkelson's offer to accept a long unpaid suspension before the council fired him Thursday.
Mikkelson wants to offer condolences to Russell Burg, Abrams said. But she said the officer has been ordered not to talk about the crash.
Burg said it is unfortunate that Mikkelson lost his job, but that the city must have had good reasons for its decision.
"I don't wish Mr. Mikkelson any ill will," Burg said Thursday. "I wish none of it had happened."
Burg said that he and Jackson are improving and that he has returned half-time to his operations manager job with Wells Fargo. He said he took his first steps without crutches in the past week. He said his crushed pelvis and hip have been rebuilt and are held together with screws and plates. Jackson's eyes are misaligned and may need surgery if they don't improve, he added.
Mikkelson, a four-year officer, was working a special Operation NightCap program to stop impaired drivers the night of the crash. He had a 17-year-old girl riding along as part of his department's mentor program.
The girl's mother said Thursday she had no comment on Mikkelson's firing.
Abrams said that Mikkelson will be filing a grievance over the firing. That will undoubtedly lead to a labor arbitration hearing, probably this summer, to decide whether the discipline was excessive, she said.
She noted a 1998 Minneapolis case in which officer Douglas Leiter's squad car crashed into a vehicle, killing two men. He received an unpaid suspension for six weeks, she said.
Abrams said Mikkelson has done a good job for Apple Valley and had about 30 supporters at Thursday's council meeting. She said he also leads a police Explorers scouting post.
About 2 months ago I read another article about this that said the officer was devastated/distraught over the incident. All I could say was "HE SHOULD BE - SOMEONE IS FU^&ING DEAD BECAUSE OF HIM!!!!"
Posted by: Corey140
It seems anytime a cops does an crime they get a slap on the wrist, get fired but they can begin all over again in another town, state, county or whatever. If an regular person was to do the same crap that this idiot did, they would probably be looking at 10-20 years in prison.
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