Police Officer Complaint-Need Advice
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Police Officer Complaint-Need Advice
| Tue, 10-09-2007 - 8:58am |
OK, please bear with me. I've had a hard time letting this go, and I don't know if I should compain or not.
Last month I got pulled over. It was rush hour on a Friday evening. It was on a city street, and I tried pulling off to the side, but there were cars lining the street on both side. I was frazzled when the Officer told me to instead pull into the lot of a car repair shop. When the Police Officer came to my window, I was pulling out my license. He asked if had a good reason for being on my cell phone (we have a cell phone law here in NY). So I started to tell him that I was just coming back from a doctor's appointment, and was late arranging a pickup for Ally, my DSD. I was on the phone with her. (If any of you are in a "blended" family, you can understand how important it is to be on time for your weekends and so on) So I was about to continue, and tell him that I have a hands free kit, but I lost it during the move to our new house and the sale of my truck - I always kept it in the truck. It seemed foolish (especially now that we are on one income and the budget is tight) to purchase another when I knew I had one at home somewhere. He interrupted and asked for the rest of my information (insurance/registration). I, of course, was hoping he would let me off with a warning. I wasn't driving erraticly. I wasn't speeding. The cops in our area are ALWAYS on their phones without using head sets. I see about 50% of the other drivers not using head sets as well. It's like speeding - it's up to the cops' discretion to ticket or not. If you run a red light or stop sign - they are ususally less lenient...
Last month I got pulled over. It was rush hour on a Friday evening. It was on a city street, and I tried pulling off to the side, but there were cars lining the street on both side. I was frazzled when the Officer told me to instead pull into the lot of a car repair shop. When the Police Officer came to my window, I was pulling out my license. He asked if had a good reason for being on my cell phone (we have a cell phone law here in NY). So I started to tell him that I was just coming back from a doctor's appointment, and was late arranging a pickup for Ally, my DSD. I was on the phone with her. (If any of you are in a "blended" family, you can understand how important it is to be on time for your weekends and so on) So I was about to continue, and tell him that I have a hands free kit, but I lost it during the move to our new house and the sale of my truck - I always kept it in the truck. It seemed foolish (especially now that we are on one income and the budget is tight) to purchase another when I knew I had one at home somewhere. He interrupted and asked for the rest of my information (insurance/registration). I, of course, was hoping he would let me off with a warning. I wasn't driving erraticly. I wasn't speeding. The cops in our area are ALWAYS on their phones without using head sets. I see about 50% of the other drivers not using head sets as well. It's like speeding - it's up to the cops' discretion to ticket or not. If you run a red light or stop sign - they are ususally less lenient...
He takes my info back to the police car. At this point, I hear "blech", and then crying. Jordan has vomitted -


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Shannon,
One thing I do know is how NY cops are. I lived in Rochester for 5 years. They pick and choose when to pull you over. I was on the Thruway on the way to Indiana for a visit and I was in the middle of 3 cars (we all were going the same speed) and I was the one who got picked to get the freaking ticket. They are the state that it's do as I say and not as I do. But I can tell you this, if you go to court to pay the ticket instead of just sending it in, they sometimes reduce the charges or the amount that you have to pay, especially if the complaining cop doesn't show up to dispute your word. I would tell the judge what was going on and see what happens. Your not out anything anyway that you weren't planning on being in the first place. GL and let us know how it goes!
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you." Jeremiah1:5
I have my own views about police officers thinking that they don't have to follow the rules, and I have some friends that are cops.....
But I won't get started.
OMG, I'm so sorry Shannon. ((hugs to you)))
I can also say I know NY cops, I lived in LI for awhile. I'm also an ex Police officer for NJ State. They (we) are not all like that.
If I were you, I would write an email to the department. Keep all the extra stuff out of it, like don't tell them your whole conversation, just the important stuff, like you had come back from the Doctor, etc. You were on the phone to make childcare arrangements etc. Make sure you tell them about you asking the officer about getting out of the car before you got out. (The officer will try and make it seem as though you jumped out of the car and made him nervous.) Also, make sure you tell them, you knew you were wrong and you aren't fighting the ticket, you just want to remind them that Police Officers are there to help, not ignore you when you need help. I hate to say this, but you probably won't get a response. They just don't care. But, hey you may get a surprise. If anything writing the email will help you let off some steam.
Officers are there to help you, I can promise you that. I would have been a completely different situation if it had been a female officer. I'm so sorry that you had such a bad experience. Please don't lose faith in our Law enforcement officers just yet.
Hugs sweetie, I hope you get this issue resolved.
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I would write a letter to the police chief letting him know that you know about your experience - including the officer's name from the ticket.
That cop sounds like a real jerk Shannon.
Jessie, thanks for the kind thoughts! I added you to my MSN messenger (I think!) I'm j0rdangirl@hotmail.com
Joey, I definitely will remember to mention I asked for permission to leave the vehicle. Thanks for looking out for me!
Everyone, I'm still wondering if I should send a letter.
Shannon,
I am glad that this is all behind you now and I'm glad that they reduced it! They won't take personal checks or CC's because they can have a stop payment put on them. They insure they get their money. Most courts are this way, but as you pointed out, they don't bother telling you how much to bring either. I am glad to hear that this guy is just a real piece of work and not anything that you did. Hopefully the remainder of the 2 wks will fly by and be uneventful!
BIG HUGS!
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you." Jeremiah1:5
Oh man, that's dreadful. Fortunately, I have never been subjected to consistent bad behavior by officers. DH has a stack of "get out of jail free" cards in his wallet because he works with so many sheriffs, troopers, and local enforcement at the AirForce Base. Of course, that doesn't help me!!!
Anyway, back to you - after 6 years, I'm sure there is nothing I could suggest that you have not already tried. Unless for Christmas one year you give them a box of candy. Get it? Candy in the pocket? LOL You can write on the card:
"I had candy in my pocket
my hand was holding it tight.
I didn't realize then,
but it gave you such a fright.
So after all this time,
You guys have given us hard knocks, (this line could also read: "you guys have acted like real (rhymes with knocks - but I don't ever say that word because it's inappropriate!)
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