Ask A Cop!!! Post Your Questions Here!

[ShallowDiverDave]

I belong to many different forums (not just scuba ones), and I have several of these threads.
It's easy, simple and fun! So...

Go ahead, ask me any police/law enforcement related questions!

My background:
I'm a 31 year old police officer with 9+ years of experience. I also teach part-time (police acadamy, police science, advanced training, etc...). I work in SE Wisconsin, in a department that has about 100 sworn officers. Just finished 2005 with about 37,000 calls for service.
My disclaimer:
I'm not an attorney and this is for fun and informational purposes only. If you are in a situation that may require council, please seek an attorney.

OK, ASK AWAY!!!

How would you react if I walked up to you in public and asked if I could test out your bullet proof vest, and of course I would need your firearm...when I was younger my friends would always dare eachother to do it

 

[TJcop]

Best Way to Fight A Parking Ticket?

oh, excuse me...a parking crime as I have to go to court and pay bail or some trash. Illiegally parking at a state harbor evidently is a crime punishment by prison, according to the Hawaii web site.

What a cash grab..... no sign, took picture. I am quickly getting aliegnated from my government. That is bad for them, as I see it since I have never had a moving violation EVER and pay taxes. The govenment and the people should be a partnership!

Meanwhile, break into any care you like in Waeinea, no problem. Ice, no problem. Park mistakenly....we want your cash.

Catherine....breathe...inhale....exhale....in...out....there, feel better? :huh:
Anyways....
I guess parking at a state harbor is a crime because of the security issues. Also, state offenses can only be crimes and not municipal violations. That is why state violations can carry incarceration and fines. But, do you honestly think they are going to send you to prison for a parking violation? I doubt it.
As far as not having a sign...it may not need to be posted. Not all rules are closely posted along the roadway, yet we are still responsible to know them. I'm sure you have a great driving record, but how are they supposed to know that? And what does a moving violation have to do with a parking issue?
Finally, we ALL pay taxes. Just about everyone I arrest pays taxes in one form or another; property tax, income tax, sales tax....should we let them go? I love it when people tell me that they pay my salary. Yes, they do...but I also pay their salary. No matter where you work, we are all connected. If you work at a retail store, I pay your salary by purchasing items. Nobody is safe from that argument.
Yes, government and people are supposed to work together. If you are unhappy about certain laws/regulations in your area, tell your coucilman, alderman, congressman, etc...they are the government and YOU are the people. There's another group of people that you pay their salaries....and you get to hire and fire them too!

 

[TJcop]

How would you react if I walked up to you in public and asked if I could test out your bullet proof vest, and of course I would need your firearm...when I was younger my friends would always dare eachother to do it

What kind of reaction would you expect if someone threatened to kill you?

 

[Cacia]

What I mean is that the selective enforcement is a cash grab.

If I cannot figure out how to park, then that is a problem.

If I get fed up, that is a problem. If law abiding citizens feel screwed and not protected (I don't) that is bad for society.

Maybe it is different in other places, I think it is. The police here are very lazy from what I see. Everytime I see one, he is just eating. Sitting and eating. Ask anybody who lives here.

So...sorry for the rant.

I like the police, I give to their programs...support them.

But sometimes citizens need to say enough with attempts to target easy revenue.

Who directs them to go there and give tickets? The politicians?

Meanwhile these scooters are going to kill me all over the bike lanes.

I wish the LAPD could take this place over and fix it for a month.

I just want to fight this ticket and not add to the roll-over inertia.

 

[TJcop]

Catherine: If that really is the level of enforcement that your are getting...then I fully support your efforts. I wouldn't put up with my fellow officers sitting around all day, stuffing their faces. Again, the only way to get any type of response is to make honest, valid complaints to the proper people. I would suggest starting at the local PD and just sitting and talking with a supervisor. See what their side is, and calmly explain your observations. You never know until you try!

 

[Cacia]

I might just do that.

Hawaii is a mess in some ways.

thanks.

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

What kind of reaction would you expect if someone threatened to kill you?

haha...yeah, I know, but I had to ask it...but hopefully it wouldnt kill you, because after all, we are trying to test the validity of the vest here

 

[Cacia]

A guy like you should probably keep your hands visible, high on the wheel if you get pulled.

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

A guy like you should probably keep your hands visible, high on the wheel if you get pulled.

I'm as safe as they come...just a bit silly sometimes

 

[TJcop]

Unfortunately, sometimes silly=stupid