683 replies to this topic

[VikingGuitar]

With the shizz really being much, much more than a just music or video game forum, I have decided to expand it a bit more by offering myself as an information source regarding my job. I am a police officer in California.

First off, let me say that no one has to worry about anything that they post on here. I am not a secret set of eyes monitoring what you guys do and post throughout this forum. I troll around and post on here because I'm also a video game guy and a musician. I don't want anyone feeling uncomfortable being who they've always been on here.

What I am here to do is answer questions that anyone may have about law enforcement stuff, from any angle. Think that cops are inherently distrustful and cruel people? Let's talk about it. Had an experience with getting pulled over or something like that and want to bounce it off someone with some experience? Let's talk about it. Interested in becoming a cop and have questions about the hiring process/what the job's actually like? Let's talk about it. Nothing on here is meant to be "legal advice" per se, but more of just an educated opinion.

Also, let me say that I promise to be honest with you. I have no reason not to be. If you're one of those people that will simply not trust me because of what I do for a living, than I'm probably not going to change your mind.

That's my long winded explanation. GO!

[raubhimself]

[Ryan8bit]

This is vague, but I would like to know what rights you have when being pulled over. Can they search your car, confiscate things, pull you over for questionable reason, etc.

I'd also like to know who polices the police. Very often I see cops breaking traffic laws that they normally would pull people over for (and give them a hard time about). The minimal offenders are speeding without their cherries on, but things that seem worse are when they turn their cherries on just to go through a red light.

[Jace]

Neat thread idea. It's cool for you to be forthcoming about this.

The first question that popped into my mind also involves traffic law and regulation: I need to know once and for all (although I suppose it's the kind of thing that could vary greatly among states/cities/counties) what the deal is with this whole "quota" thing regarding pulling people over/giving tickets/etc. I've always assumed that it's probably just anti-cop bs from people who are bitter about that 2nd speeding ticket or whatever. Do such quotas, in general, exist in law enforcement?

[Wizwars]

Right on. Despite my "hate all authority" punk rock mentally from my teenage years that has somewhat carried over into my adult mind, I have quite a bit of respect for the police. Yes, some of them are assholes, but I also acknowledge that it's a fucking difficult job and they have to deal with a lot of bullshit, especially where I live (Los Angeles metro area).

BUT, one thing that really bothers me...

Very often I see cops breaking traffic laws that they normally would pull people over for (and give them a hard time about). The minimal offenders are speeding without their cherries on, but things that seem worse are when they turn their cherries on just to go through a red light.

YES. I see this shit all the time and every time it makes me think "Well who the fuck is going to pull you over, asshole?". I wonder if there are any statistics as to how many cops actually cause accidents, because I see so many of them drive like total fucking idiots.

[Ken Oh]

I've always had friends bitching about cops being assholes to them, but every time I've run on the wrong end of the law (partying w/ alcohol w/ minors, lighting fireworks within city limits, and general speeding/collisions), I've just cooperated and used a lot of "sir"s and have gotten away scott free all of the time. The alcohol w/ minors one was epic. The cops bust in on a noise complaint (2nd one in the same night) and say "Is everyone 21 here?" One friend replies, "Well, I'm not." First cop says, "Is everyone 21 here?..........Is everyone 21 here?" From the party, "....yes, yes."

Rent-a-cops, on the other hand (especially campus security), is where I've seen maximum asshole and stupidity.

So, I don't have too much to pose, but I like the thread. If I think of something, I'll be sure to find+bump.

[weener]

I don't know if I've EVER seen a police cruiser go the speed limit. I even saw one get flashed by the speed cameras outside of Tucson. Do they have to pay those tickets? And one almost read ended me when I stopped at a red light that I probably could have squeaked through.

I used to hate cops more, though, before they arrested my dad. That earned them some goodwill in my eyes.

[zyko]

/me runs

[Klatrymadon]

[Disposable Hero]

I've always had friends bitching about cops being assholes to them, but every time I've run on the wrong end of the law (partying w/ alcohol w/ minors, lighting fireworks within city limits, and general speeding/collisions), I've just cooperated and used a lot of "sir"s and have gotten away scott free all of the time. The alcohol w/ minors one was epic. The cops bust in on a noise complaint (2nd one in the same night) and say "Is everyone 21 here?" One friend replies, "Well, I'm not." First cop says, "Is everyone 21 here?..........Is everyone 21 here?" From the party, "....yes, yes."

Rent-a-cops, on the other hand (especially campus security), is where I've seen maximum asshole and stupidity.

So, I don't have too much to pose, but I like the thread. If I think of something, I'll be sure to find+bump.

Awesome thread idea dude. I'm interested to see where it could go. And I had no idea that anyone on this board would be a cop. Also, I agree with most of what Ken said here. I've rarely been shit on by the police. Most of the time, just cooperate and chill, and they are not bad to deal with at all. And let's face it, more often than not, you did something to get their attention in the first place. Luckily for me, playing the military card has saved my ass on several occasions where I could have gone to jail.

Also, +1 on the rent-a-cops. Fuck 'em.


EDIT: How can a thread have 9 replies and 0 views? THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME

[Dennis]

you might be a cop, but are you a Kindergarten Cop?????

[Zio Oxview]

FUCK YEAH!

EDIT: Desktop wallpaper. 'd.

[Demonstray]

you might be a cop, but are you a Kindergarten Cop?????

IT'S NAHT A TUMAH.

[Paragon]

What's the best way to get away with three murders?

A very prompt reply would be appreciated.

[mrtame]

How much pot can I get away with having on me in california? Also, if I was warned to update the info on my drivers license, and 2 years later I still havnt, will I be chapped when I get pulled over the next time? Also, are you more lenient at different hours? I work @ 5am every day so at 4:30 when im on my way to work Im usually speeding or "california"-rolling through stop signs cause no one else is on the road...