My concern when I hear stories like this (and it may be the cynic in me) is that it's more about revenue than protecting the public or saving lives. Sure hope I'm wrong.

Even at that over 24 years the amount that he's brought into the department as their share of the fine (about $20 per) is about enough to pay his salary and maybe another officer and a half each year. So by focusing on traffic enforcement he frees up other officers to serve the public and also is able to generate enough funds to pay for him self and maybe another officer or so...it's not like LMPD is getting rich because of this guy.

I can't think of a more boring job.

There are tons of more boring jobs...go on a ride along with a traffic enforcement policeman, I think you'd change your mind.

 

FWIW give me a Mustang and a Ticket book and I'd just about do that job for free. I get sick and tired of seeing how people drive and would love to be in a position to do something about it.

Even at that over 24 years the amount that he's brought into the department as their share of the fine (about $20 per) is about enough to pay his salary and maybe another officer and a half each year. So by focusing on traffic enforcement he frees up other officers to serve the public and also is able to generate enough funds to pay for him self and maybe another officer or so...it's not like LMPD is getting rich because of this guy.

 

I didn't know city departments got any money from their own speeding citations.

I think I may have inadvertently met him when my wife got rear ended by an RV in March. The officer there was in a mustang. He actually told me he reprimanded the officer that unintentionally caused the accident. Gicen the type of guy he sounds like it wouldn't surprise me if that was him.

What does the law say about having to pull over for blue lights? I've always thought it was strange, especially for unmarked cars, that people are expected to assume its legit. How do I know who is behind me is really a cop. I personally think unmarked cars should be against the law when enforcing traffic laws.

What does the law say about having to pull over for blue lights? I've always thought it was strange, especially for unmarked cars, that people are expected to assume its legit. How do I know who is behind me is really a cop. I personally think unmarked cars should be against the law when enforcing traffic laws.

 

I would never stop in a "shady" area for an unmarked car. I could put red and blues in my car and pull somebody over if I wanted. That's simply because of the variety of cars they use.

I didn't know city departments got any money from their own speeding citations.

 

The ones I familiar with get a very small amount could be even less than $20, most of the fine I think just goes to the court system.

What does the law say about having to pull over for blue lights? I've always thought it was strange, especially for unmarked cars, that people are expected to assume its legit. How do I know who is behind me is really a cop. I personally think unmarked cars should be against the law when enforcing traffic laws.

 

I don't think that some of your concerns are unusual when you really get down to it.

 

Probably varies from state to state, but I read a news article in Texas recently where a man was impersonating an officer and using it as a way to attempt to assault women. He was discovered when he tried to pull over a driver who, while showing that she was slowing down and understood that it might be an officer pulling her over, called the local dispatch. The agency informed her that it was not an officer of the law and not to stop for him. They eventually tracked down the perpetrator and arrested him.

 

I think that if you are showing that you are not trying to evade (i.e., slowing down and putting on a signal), call the dispatch center to confirm that it is in fact a legal stop (I would be very clear with them about the fact that I was worried about an illegal stop and feared for my safety), and then stop at the first available "safe" (i.e., public, well-lit) place, that you would probably be good if you acted reasonably given the totality of the circumstances. Even so, that's not really a guarantee that the officer couldn't interpret your actions differently and put you in a sticky "my word versus theirs" situation.

 

There are probably online resources where you can find the answer to your question, so please, do not use my post as legal advice because I am definitely not a lawyer.

What does the law say about having to pull over for blue lights? I've always thought it was strange, especially for unmarked cars, that people are expected to assume its legit. How do I know who is behind me is really a cop. I personally think unmarked cars should be against the law when enforcing traffic laws.

 

Most departments I saw discuss this say that if your not sure call 911 to verify or just drive slowly to a safe area and then stop...if your not sure. Most frauds will only have a signal light and not be lit up as much as that Mustang and all other legit unmarked cars are.

Here's a story from Bowling Green that may be useful for those who feel concerned that they are being "pulled over" by someone impersonating an officer.

Edited November 12, 201312 yr by JokersWild24

What does the law say about having to pull over for blue lights? I've always thought it was strange' date=' especially for unmarked cars, that people are expected to assume its legit. How do I know who is behind me is really a cop. I personally think unmarked cars should be against the law when enforcing traffic laws.[/quote']

 

If you feel like it might not be legit, I'd call 911. Let them know where you are and they can find out if there are any officers trying to stop you.

If you feel like it might not be legit, I'd call 911. Let them know where you are and they can find out if there are any officers trying to stop you.

 

What if the driver doesn't have a phone?

What if the driver doesn't have a phone?

 

Then I'd suggest putting on blinkers, driving slow and going to the nearest police station/populated area.

Got me in 2004 on I-71 going north between Watterson and Gene Snyder in Jefferson Co.. Going 70 in a 55 zone. I never saw him until the lights appeared behind me.