Dealing with the po-po

If you are sincere about wanting advice about getting along with cops here is a novel idea to try, OBEY THE LAW! I'm not saying I don't speed, we all do at times, but you act as if the laws don't apply to you. If you still want more interaction with some "PO PO" come to East TN, its not that far, and I introduce to all you care to meet and we can show you what we have learned about dealing with those who think they are above the law. I'd leave the arrogant, conceded attitude in Georgia though, our jails aren't all that nice!

 

I asked you NOT to post any photos of me!

 

Reminds me, I found some new riding gear for you:


You can punch me in the nuts later for that one.

 

Real advice for dealing with Police Officers

Since this post has been viewed so many times, its apparent that there's an intrest in the subject. I thought I would give my advice. This may be a little wordy and if you don't want a cops perspective, don't read any further.
As a Police Officer, I deal with 10% of the people 90% of the time. The times I deal with the 90% (average citizens) is often on traffic stops or as a victim, neither a pleasant event. We all occaisionally violate a traffic law.
First and foremost, there is no magic phrase, sticker or secret handshake that will get you out of a ticket. Thats at the officer's descretion. Personally I give 15 mph before I stop an offender ( I work local urban/city streets) on the few highway areas in my town I give 20mph. That's my forgiveness zone, and they are subject to change if I'm working traffic in response to a neighborhood complaint or in a school zone , ect. If I stop you, you're probably getting a citation, although I always give the offender a chance to explain why they were speeding. 99% of the time, they are late or not paying attention. Keep in mind those are my standards and each officer has their own, it may be 5 mph over in your area.
Rule 1: Pull into a parking lot or off the roadway as far as possible.Each year several officers are struck and injured or killed while performing a traffic stop. Show the officer you are concerned for his safety.
Rule 2: Stay in the car or on your bike unless the officer tells you otherwise.
Rule 3: Be courteous. Do not address the officer as "PO-PO" or "pig".If you have an attitude or the officer perceives and attitude, he will respond accordingly.
Rule 4on't argue. If you feel the officer has mistaken, ask if you can explain, if he says no then argue the case in court. You may explain your way out of a citation but you will never argue you way out.
As I said earlier, most average citizens don't have contact with police in any other situation than a traffic stop. I wish I could say that contact will alway be a pleasant experience but I can't. Some officers slip through the system that shouldn't be there, just like any other profession but most departments do a good job to quickly rid those out. If you are stopped by an officer that you perceive to be rude or anything less than professional, keep in mind you don't know what type of situation he just left moments before he stopped you. It may have been the abuse of a 3 year old little girl or the rape of a 96 year old ederly lady, I've had the misfortune of working both. We aren't suppose to let emotions carry over but some situations you carry with you not just to the next call, but for months, even years later. Forgive us for not being perfect.
Finally, realize this job is life or death to us, literally. We don't know who we stop or make contact with. Don't be offended if I don't shake your hand, its really nothing personal, but I won't give my gun hand to be restrained so I can be attacked or killed.That may never happen in a thousand times but the first time it does, my kids grow up without a dad .
I apoligize for this being so long but I thought some real world advice should be presented. Stay safe.

 

Joey- Good information. I call this common sense sport riding. We all want to go out and wind through a couple gears every now and then. Knowing when and where to do this is very important. I hardly ever go over 80, and never go above normal speeds when other vehicles/pedestrians are around. I stick to the back roads that I know most of the time and always enjoy my rides. One more piece of advice- when "sport riding" don't act a fool close to your home...your neighbors are watching and know where you live...act stupid enough and the enforcement will be there to get you. Also, be mindful of people outside their homes doing yardwork, children playing, etc. Go by their house enough on that sweet road, and the enforcement will be there.

I too have a thin blue line sticker on my helmet, however mine is actually a blue sticker with a thin black line in remembrance of a good friend who was killed while responding to a serious accident in his cruiser. If you aren't a cop, or have a relative that is, have some respect for the people that put their lives on the line every day and take it off. It's not gonna save you if you can't back it up. I think it would actually do more harm than good.

I consider you in the top 10 percent of squids. Most squids speed everywhere they go, no matter what road it is, day or night, residential or construction zone cause they got a gixxer and it looks good. Put them in a turn and they crash.
Speed limits are sometimes set fairly low, but they are designed for all the motorists on the road. From inexperienced 16 yo's to granny in her boat that she can barely see over the bow. Any decent rider can safely excceed these limits most of the time and handle their vehicle accordingly, but it's the one time that there is that drunk driver, or inattentive driver, or child chasing their ball in the street that will change your life forever. Think when you ride (which you obviously have started to do) and never get in over your head.

 

That's pretty cool of you to offer some of your perspective. I realize that you are just doing your job and it's not personal. If you note my 1st post I said that if the cop lights up just pull over to a safe area and if there are guardrails just keep going and look for a break or turn into a street. I know that you are truly there for everyone's safety.

However, I don't quite agree with how the law has set up the speed limits and how we must follow them no matter if you're a granny in a caddy or a dude in a 100hp motorcycle. I don't feel like I should be punished just for enjoying a spirited ride. Especially on an empty road in the middle of nowhere.

As for other laws like the DUIs I am 100% in favor of them. Anyone stupid enough to ride drunk needs to be punished severely. Too many deaths have been caused by drunk drivers.

I have NEVER ridden after a drink. There was one time I was pretty wasted (could barely walk, slurry speech) and I had a craving for some ice cream. I didn't have any and I ended up walking to the nearby grocery store instead of driving. It would have been a disaster if I drove and I knew better than that. I got to say it was pretty hard walking to the store, I could barely walk straight.

And with that I respect that you are just doing your job issuing speeding citations and likewise I'm just going to court and get them thrown out. It's nothing personal against you and the entire police force at all.

 

That's a really good tip! That or maybe I should move into a neighborhood full of sportbikers ha ha!

Good point, I'll just take it off.

Ha ha thanks! I guess you haven't lived until you've been called a squid ha ha!

 

Good luck, That may have worked frequently a few years ago and may occasionaly still work. But I don't know any Police Department that doesn't have their radar units certified yearly with papers in hand. How many citations have you actually used this on to win your case? Sounds like a good sales pitch but I doubt its real world success. I hope that book didn't cost to much$$$$.

 

Joey-Dude.

Seems you demeanor is starting to lighten up a bit once you saw that your points were not absolutely accepted. This is good. A few police may get pissed that you dispute their tickets. Oh well. Life sometimes sucks. But those same police do what they can to ensure you right to dispute that ticket is protected. If they get pissed at these sort of things, they will eventually get over it or move on. As far as different speed limits for bikes, cars, trucks, RV's, bicylces, 2 door cars, red PU trucks low riders high boys. Get the picture here? Sit and think about that a minute. No need to reply in defense or agreement to it. Actually this is why police have discretion, a wonderful working tool.

I was astounded several months back when I got pulled over on the freeway at 3am doing just shy of 100 in a 65. Pulled over immediately. Answered the questions asked of me, and just about fell over backwards when the cop came up to me with a wrtitten warning. And he had the goods on me as I observed him pacing me for a good 10 count. I remember thinking OOOOH F#$K.

I have never met you and probably never will. Never even knew you exsisted until this thread. Should something happen to you it would not affect me in any way, but it would still be nice to keep you around, only if to have the opportunity to have a difference of opinion with you here.

Ride safe

 

Someone call KC-10FE I,m waiting. My advice is there is a time and place for everything. If I may I would suggest track days, you will get your need for speed taking care of in a safe environment for all.

 

I'm not gonna pretend to speak for KC, but I must admit one of the first images that came to mind when I read Joey's first post was the kid trying pull in behind KCs house to hide from the cops. That would be fun to watch.

 

And I'll bet KC has just been waiting for something like that to happen. :biggrin:

 

Well it worked for me twice. Last one was 89 in 55, other was like 75 in 55 I don't remember the exact speed. And both were in the dark around 2-4 am. Learned the hard way to be a good boy at night-time. It was fun going to court and getting away with it but I'd rather have just gone 55 without all that hassle of going to court and all...

 

Shhhhh!!!! I couldn't help myself but go 180 by the police department and now they're all out to get me!!! KC's helping put my bike on his truck as we speak so he'll get back to this when he's done!!!

:sportbikesmile:

 

Hey Joey, Dude, R U Serious? Where should I send my condolences? Sounds like it is just a matter of time before you hurt or kill someone.

 

Ha ha ha no way. The VFR can't even go that fast!

 

Hello, is this thing on?

What makes you think I would get involved with this? This is a really, really stupid thread & I'm only replying since I was asked for by name.

I don't like, make that hate, squids but on the other hand, I'm not too fond of the Police.

1) Squids (speaking generally, not directed at a specific individual)
After completing the course I just did, I now no longer have even the slightest tollerance for squids & what they do. I'm sick & tired of being lumped into a stereo-type just because my bike is bright yellow & doesn't say HD on the side of it.
So, what goes around, comes around. One day, if you're a squid-tard, you'll get what you deserve & you can bank on the fact that no one other than your family & the family of the victims you're sure to create will care even the slightest. If you're laying in a hospital bed with road-rash from head to toe since you were rockin out in your shorts & t shirt, rest assured, I don't care. I only care that you made me look bad just because my bike resembles yours.

2) Police
Most of this is to do with the BS attitude the cops around my home have. I've been pulled over just because they got a call about a "I saw this yellow bike speeding around". I was the 1st yellow bike the cops saw after they received the call. I get pulled over less than 1/2 mile from my front door in my own development. After listening to the officer's tirade for about 15 minutes, it took a threat of a lawsuit against Pemberton Township for them to not issue a citation. It didn't matter to them that I was not the individual they were looking for, it only mattered that I was on a yellow bike.
The police in East TN in the vicinity of the Dragon make me want to vomit. I was PARKED on an overlook on the Cherohala Skyway & was "pulled over" & lectured about how reckless sportbikes are. It didn't matter to him that I was parked taking pics, it only mattered that I was on a plastic covered motorcycle. I told him I've never been issued a legit traffic citation in my life but that didn't matter. This tool followed me 12 miles to the gas station in Tellico Plains before rolling off.

Since most of us only deal with the Police during traffic stops, it should be really easy to understand why most people hate cops. My general belief is, why on earth is there a single cop sitting on the side of the road with a ticket book if there is ONE SINGLE UN-SOLVED CRIME in that jurisdiction? It is stated very clearly in many places that the Police ARE NOT responsible to ensure your day to day safety. I sure as hell know they don't in my town. Until I can feel safe enough at night to NOT sleep with a loaded 357Mag next to my bed, I will never give traffic police the respect they think they deserve.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2: