Ask A Cop!!! Post Your Questions Here!

[Knight1989]

Tasers--KEEP EM!! I've been hit with one, trust me they work. Very effective tools.

You shouldnt need to have a permit in order to own a handgun that was handed down to you, but check with your local states rules regarding that and carring in the vehicle. Some states consider that concealed.

The best way to keep a cop at ease during a stop, which translates into an easier and more polite encounter for you, is be calm. Keep your hands on the wheel, so we can see where they are at. Turning on your interior light is good too, helps us see the inside of your car at night. Turn down your music. If you have any friends in the car, tell them to shut up and not act stupid. I've had more than one arrest come as a result of the passengers being so stupid and obnoxious that I started looking harder and found things. Just remimber if everyones calm you get to stay in the car, when people start act like *****es I'll pull you all out, so I might see that bottle under your seat, or the joint in your ashtray, you get the idea. Just use common sense.

We do go through regular training that includes refreshment on laws, but there are so many laws on federal, state, and local levels that are constantly changing, it might be a while before an officer hears about it or we can train on it. And some just fall through the cracks, we have a lot we have to train on, a lot on off duty time, so we have to be selective and chose whats going to be the most valuable.

I've always found it easy to take the crap that people throw out during stops just by remimbering one thing. No matter how big of a jerk you might be, I'm getting back in my car and going home, you might not be Seriously, it can be very difficult at times, and I know we've all slipped and said or done something that we knew we probably shouldnt have.

 

[Knight1989]

In Virginia, one trial judge refuses to honor breathalzyer results, but many, many more still do. Nothing is certain once you're in the system.

WOW, I'd be very curious to know what his reasoning is behind that.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Maybe he blew a hellacious BAC coming home from the Christmas bash?

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

What is the upper age limit to become a police officer in the US?

How do you qualify, and how long is the education/training?

 

[dherbman]

WOW, I'd be very curious to know what his reasoning is behind that.

Perhaps it is because BAC is not the last word on a persons ability to operate a motor vehicle. I've heard of BAC's over the limit where the defendant was not shown to be 'Under the influence'. I've also seen more cases where a person was under the legal BAC and was still convicted.

Other issues are proving accuracy, maintenance and calibration of the device. An operator can be called into question as well.

Definately one, all or none of the above.

 

[Knight1989]

Maybe he blew a hellacious BAC coming home from the Christmas bash?

I'm sure thats got something to do with it

 

[Goose75]

...I've always found it easy to take the crap that people throw out during stops just by remimbering one thing. No matter how big of a jerk you might be, I'm getting back in my car and going home, you might not be Seriously, it can be very difficult at times, and I know we've all slipped and said or done something that we knew we probably shouldnt have.

On my side of the driver side window I've always found politeness to be the most entertaining response to rudeness. I've had rude officers respond with increasing the rudeness (which is the entertainment part) until they realize what they are doing and then it results in an apology. Should the tactic fail you have the satisfaction of making him look like a jerk in front of his buddies. Everybody has a bad day, the trick is recovering from it.

 

[TJcop]

Wow, this thread has taken off!!! Thanks to Knight for assisting while I was at work this morning!...Now to answer some of the 7 pages of questions...

Tasers: One of the greatest tools to come along in law enforcement. Instant results (when applied correctly) and instant release once the trigger is let go.

Badging Out: Agreed on situation dependent.

Lawyers: They don't bother me.

Do I get beat in court? : If you mean have people been found not guilty...then yes. But that doesn't bother me. True offenders will truly offend again!

Speeding: I usually won't stop people until they are about 15mph over the limit. I'm pretty easy on speeding...since I teach emergency driving, I'm kind of biased.

Age Limit: None in Wisconsin. My department hired a 50ish ex-marine...he lasted less than a week. But we have hired and retained people in their early 40's.

 

[TJcop]

Breathalyzers: We don't use them anymore. We use the more reliable Intoximeters, which is very accurate since it uses an infrared detection system.

Training: In Wisconsin we are required to have a minimum of 24hr of training a year. At my department, we train monthly on the tactics of firearms, DAAT (defense and arrest tactics), driving and vehicle contacts (traffic stops). We also do other advanced training.

Dealing with five-oh! : Just be respectful. I treat people the way they deserve to be treated. Nice and honest goes a looooong way with me. I'm less likely to cite someone when they are upfront and honest.

Example: New years eve this year, I responded to a hotel party (shocking!), with 19-20 year olds drinking (shocking!). I could have arrested the entire room, but that doesn't seem right to me. Who hasn't done something like this? I told them that they 1) had to quiet down and 2) more importantly nobody was leaving this room tonight. They were extremely nice about it, understood the "deal" and had a positive experience with the police.

 

[El Orans]

Perhaps it is because BAC is not the last word on a persons ability to operate a motor vehicle. I've heard of BAC's over the limit where the defendant was not shown to be 'Under the influence'. I've also seen more cases where a person was under the legal BAC and was still convicted.

Other issues are proving accuracy, maintenance and calibration of the device. An operator can be called into question as well.

Definately one, all or none of the above.

What´s a BAC?