IMPORTANT LASER QUESTION

[DarkneSS]

Originally Posted by 68RS

I have to say, I originally wasn't going to get a radar detector. As stated by the OH officer, it would make it part of the game and I would most likely be given a ticket. However, for the past two years I have been given two tickets, for 12 mph, and 16 mph over the speed limit, both when trying to pass someone. I was very courteous and didn't argue, and the ticket wasn't knocked down at all, nor have a been given any warnings. I think here in TX it is simply another form of revenue generation, so if you get pulled over, you are getting the ticket.

I'm rethinking my decision on buying a radar detector...

Tickets generate a lot of money.

No offense to the most respect deserving cops that have posted in this thread but from what Ive experienced traffic law/enforcement in general is more concerned with revenue rather than your safety.

[Ten33]

68RS, if it gives u peace of mind then get it! Just don't rely completely on it... I used to keep mine off until I visually observed a single car that appeared to be speeding, then I would quickly release the hold button. If u had a detector, then it was too late at that point. Basically, detectors rely on a constant radar that is bouncing off other cars ahead of you, which gives u the pre warning before your vehicle is locked on. Be safe out there, I need my fellow Camaro drivers around for advice !!

[Ten33]

Darkness, I certainly don't see the revenue in my pocket, so I could care less....

[DarkneSS]

Originally Posted by Ten33

Darkness, I certainly don't see the revenue in my pocket, so I could care less....

Speak honestly as your identity is secure here.

Have you ever, or would you say that youve ever been pressured in anyway to ticket "X" number of people per month by your superiors?

Many cops I know personally, names will never be stated, have attested to the existence of quotas in NY.

Its pretty simple imo. State needs money, mayor calls his police commissioner(s) and tells them to "unleash their hounds." Money eventually starts flowing.

A cop in NY only has to pull over one "speeder" a day to more than pay their salary. From a business perspective its perfect...

[Tiberious]

I think some people need to take a good hard look at actual police states before thinking that they live in one. That said, individual liberties are taking quite a beating with the idea that political correctness and the possibility of offending someone takes precidence over freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. I think that the thought police are a bigger problem than those who might zing you for going a bit too fast. That said and to remain on topic, I plan to get the best radar/laser detector and diffuser I can afford....combined with common sense, I hope to avoid those unnecessary tickets they like to hand out around the military bases I've worked in. And while I can see where it might appear to be a game to some, to me it's just one more protection for me for when I don't notice my speed.

Tib

[Ten33]

Believe me, of course the cities want the revenue, it's a no brainer. I cannot speak for other cities, but a portion of the citations written here is sent to a regional training fund, which allows officers to attend job related training and specialized schools without cost to the agencies or general tax payers in the state. Then there is the fact that federal government grants are given to the agencies which allows for free equipment including vehicles etc when it is shown that the vehicles are specifically used for traffic enforcement purposes. For example, we received unmarked Chargers and Yukons for traffic enforcement, but we were required to submit monthly statistics in order to keep these grants. If these guidelines aren't followed, then we will not receive future federal considerations for the free equipment, which also included camera and computer systems, radars and lasers. It's kinda hard for agencies to afford all if this state of the art equipment on their own, so if course they ask that we at least get the minimum required stats to continue the grants. This, again, is at no cost to the tax payers/residents. It's simple when u consider that it is a business unfortunately. But, I personally still have integrity and my discretion, and nothing says that I cannot write a warning versus a citation, because it still shows "enforcement". Sometimes educating the public on how speed, aggressive driving, distracted drivers and red light runners contribute to crashes which costs us all in insurance rates, is a hidden fact that most don't consider. Next time you are involved in a crash that's not your fault due to an idiotic driver, u may reconsider your position on traffic enforcement.

I take nothing personal, but if u get the chance to do a ride along it would be a great experience! I do feel some officers go a little to far when given the opportunity, but the best way to avoid that situation is to simply to obey the traffic laws. Yes, I do speed also, no doubt about it, I'm a Camaro owner!! Lol. This is why I use my discretion on each and every traffic stop.

[Ten33]

Sorry for rambling and my grammar, it's hard to type so much on the small screen of my iPhone.

[djmikehop]

Originally Posted by Ten33

I would also like to add that I give a 15 mph cushion before I consider pulling someone over for the most part, obviously school zones and neighborhoods are different. I'm pretty laid back, and the driver's attitude can dictate alot on how the stop goes. I'm human also, and being a Camaro driver I can certainly understand how quickly you can lose the reality of how fast you are going! I know there are some officers who can be hard asses, but every profession has them......try not to judge all based upon a bad experience with one. Now let's ride!!!

we thank All of our LEO's for their service, and as I said b4 BE NICE 2 THEM!

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by DarkneSS

Dude hollywood youre the man!

But seriously folks, the best radar jammer, radar detector, is your MIND!

Using intelligence you can avoid any ticket.

If you see a bunch of cars stopping in front of you there is probably a cop.

Dont speed in any area that you cant perfectly see a clear route ahead of you.

Watch out around exits, over passes, foliage, and curves.

If you cant see perfectly ahead that there are no cops then dont speed until you get through that area.

The list goes on and anytime Ive been actively paying attention and using this deductive reasoning Ive been able to speed my ass off and not have any trouble. All the tickets Ive gotten involved me not really paying attention.

[Hollywood2010]

Radar detectors come in handy for another purpose as well. Here because we do so much work on the highway, anytime we stop someone for whatever we activate our rear radar so that those coming up on us with them might slow down and move over. it is a law in our state to 1st move over or 2nd if you cannot move over then slow down anytime there is an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with its overhead lights activated. Now I have to admit I have written quite a few citations to people that do not follow this law. I mean seriously, how'd you like me to buzz within a couple feet of you at 65+ mph?

[djmikehop]

We got pulled over for that law in DE. coming back from Dover NASCAR few years back, We had a Des. Driver, I was in rear of my avalanche, I fly all the fop, firefighters, Officer down mem. page badges, The guy driving had no clue about the "failure to move over"" law. We were all very nice, he wrote the warning we left with no hard feelings, officer asked me to let my brother (Philly cop) know that Smyrna De givs courtesy, I did and now he knows the philly owes him one! Thanks again for your service

[SILVERHAWK]

Originally Posted by djmikehop

We got pulled over for that law in DE. coming back from Dover NASCAR few years back, We had a Des. Driver, I was in rear of my avalanche, I fly all the fop, firefighters, Officer down mem. page badges, The guy driving had no clue about the "failure to move over"" law. We were all very nice, he wrote the warning we left with no hard feelings, officer asked me to let my brother (Philly cop) know that Smyrna De givs courtesy, I did and now he knows the philly owes him one! Thanks again for your service

ALOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT LAW EXISTS. BTW I AM DOVER PD. Thanks for visiting the Monster Mile. Those weekends are killer for us. I will be working both race weekends all night shift Fri Sat and Sun by sun night I am totally spent...

[Lightrider]

Originally Posted by SILVERHAWK

At least when I lived in PA, the State Police were the only ones that could use RADAR and now LIDAR for speed enforcement. Townships were using other methods like VASCAR and pacing to enforce speed.

By the way, I almost got a police job in Clinton, NJ. My wife is originally from Hopewell, NJ and one of our best friends is the assistant Chief of Police there.

PA's still the same, State police only allowed to use Radar. Every few years it comes up in Legislature to change but never makes it through.

If you're driving through backroads in PA, and see 2 big white painted stripes across the road, they're set-up for speed enforcement, be smart...

That area of central NJ is very nice.

[SILVERHAWK]

Funny one just happened here on shift.... for those of you with radar detectors. '07 Lifted Silverado with 3in duals. He takes off (stomps it) from a light and never sees me approaching from the right to merge onto the hwy. Long story short I finally catch up to him and start pacing behind him at 70 in a 40 zone. He started to pull away from me so I light him up. Polite young man with a fancy detector in the windshield. I say "That thing doesn't work to good when I am pacing along behind you does it?" reply--- No Sir guess everyone else at the light saw you but me. He could have lost his license for 30 days min mandatory. So for being respectful, he got 5 over. Just remember detectors aren't always going to save you.
I know a few of you have said they wished they would get a warning because you were respectful---- sorry guys but we have to have our limits its not always going to be a warning but at least for this guy above--- he got the min I could give him.

Let me also answer quotas. we don't have them and aren't forced to write any certain amount. We get no extra money from any ticket we write. Quotas--Has it happened in other places----yes as a matter of fact in CA I think 2 officers sued and won a million each for being disciplined or forced to write tickets or at least a certain amount.
I will say this.... if you work a 12 hr shift and don't answer that many complaints at the end of the shift your supervisor is going to be looking for some sort of production to show you did something to earn your salary??? You end up with nothing to show for all those hours on the road someone above you is going to ask questions? You can't close your eyes to everything. Those small towns officers are pressured alot by their admins to show them what they did if nothing criminal/ complaint wise was going on. Sometimes its not the officers fault if he picks on seemingly small violations. I am lucky I have alot of work here in my City, so most of the small stuff can or has to be overlooked Hope you get the point I am trying to make.