drewgandy wrote on Fri, 24 December 2010 23:08 |
Phil LaDue wrote on Fri, 24 December 2010 11:11 | Have you contacted the commanding officer of the station the trooper works out of?
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This is one of the things that gets me about Chicago cops. I got a ticket for right-turn-on-red in a no-right-on-red intersection a few years ago. It happened late night after a downtown gig and I didn't get pulled over till several blocks after the turn so I was rather dumbfounded about whether I actually did the deed. The next day I tried to call to at least get the name of the officer to find out where they were hiding at the time and the dept couldn't tell me who it was. I had a badge # (and a 'doctor autograph') on the ticket but they acted like they had no way of correlating the # to a name. After some time on the phone I realized that I wasn't going to talk to anyone who had any details about my ticket. I decided it was just another example of the city's simple predator-prey system and chose to do the driving school. But I was really ticked for awhile that I couldn't face my accuser without going to court; which in time alone cost the face value of the ticket let alone that it's a gamble on whether you will win or lose. Then after a while I realized that there are much more important issues that society needs to fix before putting effort into the injustice of traffic stops. That said, this issue obviously still rubs me wrong.
btw, are there any issues with audio recording the interaction with an officer during a traffic stop?
btwII I'm very impressed at the prolific speeding efforts of many of the posters.
drew
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No, there are no legal issues, other than pissing off some Cop. People that have positions of power, generally do not like to have their authority challenged. Being recorded, can be perceived as a challenge to their authority, especially if the recording device is not something that they were "prepared" for.
But, if the Cop doesn't know that you're recording, he cannot over act in regards to the recording device. If you're going to record, I'd suggest you keep the whole process as low-key as possible. Start the device, and DO NOT TOUCH IT until the event is completely over, and the Cop has left the scene.
Touching this device could be perceived as a physical threat to the officer, netting you a bullet.
In regards to "interaction" with an Officer during a stop....don't say anything and don't admit to anything.
If stopped, pull to a safe location at the side of the road. Turn off your vehicle and wait for the officer to approach your vehicle with both of your hands on the steering wheel.
Bring out your license, insurance and registration, only if the officer requests them.
And, you don't not have to answer ANY questions asked by an officer...the Law states that you only have to provide identification, proof of insurance and the vehicle's registration.
If you're not under arrest, ask if you're free to go. This statement will prompt him to do SOMETHING...either arrest you, ticket you, or let you leave.
Good Luck, stay safe, and obey the traffic Laws...they're probably the most sane of our Laws.
Hammer
ps. consult your attorney for Legal advice..disclaimer.