[Commissar]

Originally Posted by SMillard

speed limit laws are a "selective enforcement" law with the exception of school zones and "should be, but not always" construction zones. So the whole argument "go the speed limit" isn't as black and white as you think. I don't know what part of Georgia this is, but when I was in the army there were towns that would have double signs. One would say 55 mph and less than 50 feet away the speed limit would be 35 mph with a cop waiting right at the 35 sign which was usually obstructed by bushes or other objects so you only saw it last second. The cops LOVED to bust GI's, especially black GI's.

Why don't we stop letting cops take their patrol cars home if the price of gas is such a problem. Who is paying for the gas for that commute?

I don't know about the USA, but in Canada, cops don't take their cars home. They are used by the next shift.

[KrazyKanadian]

Originally Posted by Maximinus Thrax

Not true. Most drivers tend to exceed the speed limit by 1-5mph at all times as a thing of habit, and believe that going even 1 over will get them stopped and slapped with a ticket.

I drive far more than 5 over on average, and I'm not worried when cops are behind me. Unless there's open liquor in the car.

[SMillard]

Originally Posted by Commissar

I don't know about the USA, but in Canada, cops don't take their cars home. They are used by the next shift.

It depends on the city or police force. Down here is South Florida almost all of them area drive their cars home. I live about 25 miles north of Miami and I have Miami police living in my neighborhood that commute every day (I work in Miami as well and see them during the commute). I also see these guys using their police cars to go to the grocery store, gym and any other number of places.

I like how Canada does it better, fewer vehicles because they are shared and not using tax payer bought fuel to drive around.

[salboski]

At this point, it is more about money than about actually enforcing laws. Individual police officers wouldn't see this. Instead of patrolling less (saving gas) or cutting their force a little (too many to begin with) they decide to make us pay for their gas. I believe this to be against the law as this is just another form of taxation without a council or citizen vote.

[SMillard]

Originally Posted by salboski

At this point, it is more about money than about actually enforcing laws. Individual police officers wouldn't see this. Instead of patrolling less (saving gas) or cutting their force a little (too many to begin with) they decide to make us pay for their gas. I believe this to be against the law as this is just another form of taxation without a council or citizen vote.

I agree, if you read the article the Police chief said "other departments are contacting me about our program" In other words "how did you circumvent the system to generate this revenue without government approval".

[Death March]

Originally Posted by nhbbear

Out of the 85 on my department, only a small few were the nerds that got picked on. And I can assure you, it's not to get revenge, it's because they read too many comic books growing up and being a cop is a little easier than being a mutant superhero.

You get a fairly good mix, but I would say that in my experience, most cops are the jocks from highschool. And as far as personality, there is every type as well. There are some of the nicest, friendliest Mayberry cops ever on my department, and there are some complete assholes that I wouldn't trust with a sharp pencil, let alone a gun. So your broad, sweeping comments about most cops is inaccurate, so don't try and make yourself feel better by imagining the cops were pciked on too. The guy that used to throw you in the garbage can is probably now a cop, so I understand your dislike, just know that not all of us are like that.

As to the question about gas. Prices are going up. Cops patrol the city, which costs money. Since cities and counties have to pay the bills and can't collect a check from the government, they have to find ways to generate funds. Now they could raise the tax on everyone, or just impose stiffer fines on those that break the law. They have already reduced jail sentances to save money, but that doesn't work because the many of the parolees commit more crimes and collect welfare, so it is almost as cheap to keep them in jail. I think this is a good idea. And most cops will give you a certain buffer zone on speeding. And if you go faster than the buffer, you deserve a ticket. My personal buffer is 15 mph over the limit, and you will get stopped, but your attitude usually determines the outcome.

As for the cops speeding. Not every call warrants lights and sirens, but still require a quick response. Maybe a call requires stealth, or the cops are tying to get a patrol area more quickly. So if you really want to speed so fucking bad, become a cop. Then you can speed, drink shitty but free coffee, and risk your life for some of the biggest scum on earth.

should be stickied as the definitive response when any of these lame cop threads come up.
nicely done.

[FingerBang]

Originally Posted by CenterMass

Again, as a cop, this one actually is funny.

I hate speeders, just as a Sheriff's Deputy, unless flagrant? That's the Chippy's jobs.

But this is funny.

There's a reason why there are speed limits folks. You jackasses can't drive for crap to begin with, and if you saw what we SEE? As our job everyday?

I think they shouldve charged 30 bucks, but that's just me.

DRIVE THE FREAKIN SPEED LIMIT!

How hard is that?

Or are all of you in such a hurry to go nowhere?

Ask yourself..... I speed, to get to my shitty job I hate. But I got there fast.

or..

I speed, to get to my wife/husband I can't stand.

Or...

I speed, to get to that movie, I just cant be late for even though they show the same movie 6 times a day, and I just had to have a hard- on for the 1 o clock movie

or...

I speed 20 MPH over the limit in heavy traffic, now I klled someone because I had to pick up that dress for my wedding or it'd be a 50 dollar charge if I didnt get there by 3pm.

Now a father/mother/2 kids are dead.

For a wedding dress.

Damn you're a cop? I would of guessed a future high school dropout after reading that.

Holy fuck that's depressing.