The official "Ask a cop/deputy anything!" thread

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I mean, you have to admire the audacity of stealing a patrol car. I mean the nerve,

Hope you catch him fast with no harm done,

Her!!!

It was only a joy ride

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Her!!!

It was only a joy ride

OK was it an actual him with she/her pronouns or........

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

OK was it an actual him with she/her pronouns or........

Just repeating what was on local news last night.

Helicopter video resembled a female, but who am I to judge

[Fly320s]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

One of our patrol cars was stolen today; CHP patrol car theft copy cat. Pursuit ongoing as we speak.

How does that happen? Officer leave it running and unlocked?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Fly320s

How does that happen? Officer leave it running and unlocked?

Running, yes! Unlocked? I'm not sure (..but I would wager the Deputy left the car unlocked; I didn't see a smashed out window in the video). I don't know the circumstances. It didn't occur at my station. Stealing a patrol car is easy. Like I mentioned in a prior post, patrol cars are generally left running at all times.

[Fly320s]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Running, yes! Unlocked? I'm not sure (..but I would wager the Deputy left the car unlocked; I didn't see a smashed out window in the video). I don't know the circumstances. It didn't occur at my station. Stealing a patrol car is easy. Like I mentioned in a prior post, patrol cars are generally left running at all times.

Thanks for the info. Next time I'm in LA and need a car...

Any thoughts on this? Looks to me like this guy is getting singled-out and screwed.

https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/s...-assault-rifle

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Fly320s

Thanks for the info. Next time I'm in LA and need a car...

Any thoughts on this? Looks to me like this guy is getting singled-out and screwed.

https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/s...-assault-rifle

"As part of an investigation, a search warrant was served at Garmon’s home on April 8, 2020. An unregistered AR-15 assault rifle and incendiary ammunition were found in a closet."


This stood out to me, but it's also pretty vague. I'm not sure if he's talking about an unregistered lower (..e.g...self-milled 50% lower, etc.) or an AR-15 that was legally purchased/built, but not registered on the DOJ website as an assault weapon (...which wasn't mandatory if you removed a few features). I think Gascon is definitely singling this guy out and trying to make an example. I wish I knew that Deputy. I would reach out and asking what the real story is.

P.S. AR-15's aren't banned, so again, I'm not sure what Gascon is referring to.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

"As part of an investigation, a search warrant was served at Garmon’s home on April 8, 2020. An unregistered AR-15 assault rifle and incendiary ammunition were found in a closet."


This stood out to me, but it's also pretty vague. I'm not sure if he's talking about an unregistered lower (..e.g...self-milled 50% lower, etc.) or an AR-15 that was legally purchased/built, but not registered on the DOJ website as an assault weapon (...which wasn't mandatory if you removed a few features). I think Gascon is definitely singling this guy out and trying to make an example. I wish I knew that Deputy. I would reach out and asking what the real story is.

P.S. AR-15's aren't banned, so again, I'm not sure what Gascon is referring to.

...It is illegal to possess an AR-15 assault rifle in California...

I still want to know what an "assault" rifle is. They seem to think that "AR" stands for assault rifle, which it does not. Gascon is an idiot! He lets real criminals off the hook and goes after a deputy that forgot or hasn't removed the offending features from his AR. The arresting officers, IMHO, have some answering to do reference their sworn duty to defend the Constitution; not some DA or politician (governor). Flame suit on, but, IMHO, ALL laws governing firearms are un-Constitutional. I don't know what is so hard to understand about SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! I could go on, but have some practicing to do for Sunday.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I still want to know what an "assault" rifle is. They seem to think that "AR" stands for assault rifle, which it does not. Gascon is an idiot! He lets real criminals off the hook and goes after a deputy that forgot or hasn't removed the offending features from his AR. The arresting officers, IMHO, have some answering to do reference their sworn duty to defend the Constitution; not some DA or politician (governor). Flame suit on, but, IMHO, ALL laws governing firearms are un-Constitutional. I don't know what is so hard to understand about SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED! I could go on, but have some practicing to do for Sunday.

It has been the talk of the station all shift. Everybody thinks this is a witch hunt.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Running, yes! Unlocked? I'm not sure (..but I would wager the Deputy left the car unlocked; I didn't see a smashed out window in the video). I don't know the circumstances. It didn't occur at my station. Stealing a patrol car is easy. Like I mentioned in a prior post, patrol cars are generally left running at all times.

Couldn't PC's be converted to 'gear locked' stationary when left running...for instance some BMW's can be left running but can't be put in gear without key present.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Couldn't PC's be converted to 'gear locked' stationary when left running...for instance some BMW's can be left running but can't be put in gear without key present.

Patrol cars are more or less assembly line cars. No conversion takes place once they are delivered from Ford. Agencies don’t have the money to modify every car in the fleet.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Patrol cars are more or less assembly line cars. No conversion takes place once they are delivered from Ford. Agencies don’t have the money to modify every car in the fleet.

I rarely drive them, but even *I* have a key for all the Fords in the country.

[ricardofors68]

Anyone in here that could share information on Metro PD, Washington D.C.?

So I moved to the D.C. area last month, wanted to apply to local agencies, I have in my sights Fairfax County, WMATA, and MPD. Any pro/con on these would be appreciated. Already checking WMATA, but not sure about their 10 month academies. Thanks in advance.

[IndyRed128i]

As a general rule of thumb, and " I know this varies" How much over a posted speed limit will get someone pulled over on a main interstate, assuming no other rules of the road are being broken?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by ricardofors68

Anyone in here that could share information on Metro PD, Washington D.C.?

So I moved to the D.C. area last month, wanted to apply to local agencies, I have in my sights Fairfax County, WMATA, and MPD. Any pro/con on these would be appreciated. Already checking WMATA, but not sure about their 10 month academies. Thanks in advance.

Hopefully someone can chime in with helpful information for you.

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

As a general rule of thumb, and " I know this varies" How much over a posted speed limit will get someone pulled over on a main interstate, assuming no other rules of the road are being broken?

On average, 10-15 MPH should be safe…….especially when surrounding traffic is flowing at approximately the same speeds. It’s when your driving behavior stands out that you begin to attract the attention of my law enforcement partners.

[bayarea328xit]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

On average, 10-15 MPH should be safe…….especially when surrounding traffic is flowing at approximately the same speeds. It’s when your driving behavior stands out that you begin to attract the attention of my law enforcement partners.

Assume that there are 4 lanes on a freeway. The two fastest lanes are mostly empty. I'm in the fast lane going 75-78 in a 65. Assume that the officer is in the 2nd to slowest lane going 65-68. Usually, in this scenario, when I come up on the officer, I slow down to their speed and continue following them until they leave the freeway and then go back to my original 75-78 speed. Now, I suspect the office has a good idea of my speed before I fall in behind them based on the rate at which I closed in on them. I'm assuming that were I to not slow down and "blow" past them at 75-78, at least some of the time, an officer may pull me over. To avoid this unfortunate outcome, the best practice is to slow down and only continue speeding once the officer departs.

What are your thoughts about the above scenario? I imagine it plays out all the time with you on the road.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Assume that there are 4 lanes on a freeway. The two fastest lanes are mostly empty. I'm in the fast lane going 75-78 in a 65. Assume that the officer is in the 2nd to slowest lane going 65-68. Usually, in this scenario, when I come up on the officer, I slow down to their speed and continue following them until they leave the freeway and then go back to my original 75-78 speed. Now, I suspect the office has a good idea of my speed before I fall in behind them based on the rate at which I closed in on them. I'm assuming that were I to not slow down and "blow" past them at 75-78, at least some of the time, an officer may pull me over. To avoid this unfortunate outcome, the best practice is to slow down and only continue speeding once the officer departs.

What are your thoughts about the above scenario? I imagine it plays out all the time with you on the road.

the speed limit like many laws are draconian and not relevant.

it is selectively enforced, and there is no hard and fast rule.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

I'm in the fast lane going 75-78 in a 65.

What lane? I assume that you mean the left-most passing lane. That lane is reserved for speed demons and emergency vehicles, and police protect it like it's their own private turf. Plus, being completely unobstructed by surrounding traffic means that you are an easy radar/laser target. Keep right, except to pass.....

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Assume that there are 4 lanes on a freeway. The two fastest lanes are mostly empty. I'm in the fast lane going 75-78 in a 65. Assume that the officer is in the 2nd to slowest lane going 65-68. Usually, in this scenario, when I come up on the officer, I slow down to their speed and continue following them until they leave the freeway and then go back to my original 75-78 speed. Now, I suspect the office has a good idea of my speed before I fall in behind them based on the rate at which I closed in on them. I'm assuming that were I to not slow down and "blow" past them at 75-78, at least some of the time, an officer may pull me over. To avoid this unfortunate outcome, the best practice is to slow down and only continue speeding once the officer departs.

What are your thoughts about the above scenario? I imagine it plays out all the time with you on the road.

If someone were to “blow past me”, chances are I’m conducting a traffic stop. I am not concerned with the vehicle that slowly passes me. My goal isn’t to cause congestion in my wake. Erring on the side of caution is never a bad idea however.

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

the speed limit like many laws are draconian and not relevant.

it is selectively enforced, and there is no hard and fast rule.

Every law [absent most felonies] is selectively enforced. It isn’t just speed laws. Speed IS relevant when you consider distracted driving and inattention, both of which are significant issues. Injuries and property damage increase exponentially relative to speed.

Originally Posted by vreihen16

What lane? I assume that you mean the left-most passing lane. That lane is reserved for speed demons and emergency vehicles, and police protect it like it's their own private turf. Plus, being completely unobstructed by surrounding traffic means that you are an easy radar/laser target. Keep right, except to pass.....

I agree with the final point: stay out of the #1/fast lane. It’s the first place we look when seeking to nab a speeder.

[Fly320s]

Pro tip: the right lane is the new left lane.

Around here, the left lanes are usually full, but the right lane is open. I stay in the right lane and pass all the "fast" drivers.

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by Fly320s

Pro tip: the right lane is the new left lane.

Around here, the left lanes are usually full, but the right lane is open. I stay in the right lane and pass all the "fast" drivers.

Did that on my way home today. Passed countless cars in the "fast" lane.

[M5Rick]

It's against the law here to pass in the 'slow' motorway lanes.